Spring Equinox, or Ostara, is one of the four pagan Sabbats of the year. Sabbats are based on solar events, and during the Spring Equinox – which occurs between March 19 – 22 – we take stock of the movement of life. On equinoxes, day and night are equal as the equator aligns with the sun. These are times when we work on themes centered around balance.
It is during Ostara that the sun passes over the celestial equator in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring Equinox signals the first day of spring, and has typically been a time of year marked by festivities in ancient European cultures as well as by neopagans.
At this time when light and dark are equal, we bring the elements within us towards harmony. We look to the cardinal direction East (symbolizing the element of Air) for the mind, South (symbolizing the element Fire) for the spirit, West (whose symbol is Water) for emotions, and North (whose element is Earth) representing the body. We take this time to break new ground, and awaken our senses to new possibilities and fresh beginnings.
Activities such as planting seeds, and starting a magical herb garden are great ways to make the most of this time of year. Taking a long walk in nature with no intent other than reflecting on the magic of nature and its bounty when spring has sprung can inspire us to discover new opportunities on the horizon.
Below is a Spring Equinox ritual to tap into what is holding you back, and sourcing your wells of inspiration.
A Simple Solitary Spring Equinox Balancing Ritual
Materials:
Paper, pen
Incense: jasmine, rose, strawberry, florals
Candles: white, pink, yellow, light blue, light purple
Gemstone: Jasper
Flowers: daffodils, jonquils, woodruff, violet, gorse, olive, peony, iris, narcissus and any spring flowers in bloom locally
Foods: leafy greens, dairy, nuts (pumpkin, sunflower, pine), sprouts
Themes: bunnies, eggs
Decorate your altar with any/all of the suggested materials to gain inspiration. Feel free to make it personal for yourself. Use this as an opportunity to let your imagination run free. Focus on what inspires you.
Once finished decorating your altar to your liking, sit before it, light incense and candles and call on the elements to assist you. East for the mind, South for the spirit, West for emotions, and North representing the body.
Center yourself, meditating on aligning your being to the four elements that exist both within and outside of yourself.
Consider what binds you to old fears, habits and toxic patterns that hold you back from doing what you want to do. What you need to do.
Visualize you are encased in a wispy web. Cobwebs cover you, holding you tethered to the past. Envision a pair of shiny metal scissors in your hand. Making a scissor motion with your hands, begin from the top of your head cutting the imaginary webs that hold you back. Name that which is holding you back, and as you cut say: “I cut away the ties binding me to… (name of what is holding you back).”
Now, make a list of four things you wish to bring into your life: one for the mind (East), one for the spirit (South), one for emotions (West) and one for the body (North).
Say: “By the power of the four directions, may… (list each one) come to pass. I will it so, so mote it be.”
Place the list on your altar. In a month’s time, pull the list back up and meditate on the changes you have made in order for your wishes to come to fruition. If you still feel held back, repeat the ritual.
Finally break the binding joyfully, thanking the elements for their assistance.