Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara, falls around 20 March. It is such an enchanting time of year. The fruit trees are blossoming with confettis of petals, warmth is gathering in the sun's rays, and signs of new life abound after a long, dark winter. At Spring Equinox, day and night are equal. We are teetering on the brink between winter and summer, so this festival is all about balance. From here on in, the days grow longer and lighter, so this festival is also about light. Let's celebrate with these balancing and enlightening Spring Equinox rituals to welcome in the new season!
The origin of our Spring Equinox rituals
Our ancestors worshipped a goddess named Eostre or Ostara. She was associated with fertility, dawn, and the rising sun. Consequently, celebrations of Ostara were intertwined with the changing seasons and agricultural cycles. As winter waned and spring arrived, our ancestors celebrated with rituals to welcome the return of longer days, warmer weather, and the rebirth of the land. These celebrations often involved rituals around planting seeds, blessing crops, and honouring animals that symbolised fertility, like rabbits.
The traditions associated with Ostara were later incorporated into Christian Easter celebrations, particularly the symbols of eggs and rabbits, adapted from our Pagan fertility symbols. However, in modern times, Ostara has been reclaimed by contemporary Pagan and Wiccan communities as a holiday distinct from Easter, focusing on the Pagan roots and symbolism associated with the Spring Equinox.
Spring Equinox rituals to celebrate in your own way
Today, Ostara is celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans around the world as a time to honour the balance of light and dark, the awakening of nature, and the renewal of life. Just as our ancestors did, we continue to observe Spring Equinox through rituals, feasts, and activities that embrace the themes of fertility, growth, and new beginnings. Here are 10 inspiring ways to celebrate this day in your own way:
- Create a Spring Equinox altar: Set up an Ostara altar with flowers, seeds, eggs, and representations of the elements. Use spring colours like green, yellow, and pastels to honour the awakening of nature.
- Watch the sunrise and/or sunset: Set your intention to witness the sun rise and/or set on the day of the Spring Equinox. It's a powerful time to connect with the changing energies of the Earth and the sun.
- Do a Spring Equinox blitz: Let the spring cleaning begin! Use this time to physically and energetically cleanse your space. Declutter your home and clear out any stagnant energy from the winter months. You can also smudge your home with sage or other cleansing herbs.
- Plant seeds: Spring is all about new life, so plant seeds in pots or in a garden if you have the space. The act of planting seeds symbolises new growth and the potential for abundance in the coming months.
- Make an offering to nature: A powerful Spring Equinox ritual is to make offerings to Mother Earth in gratitude for the abundance she provides. This can be as simple as leaving some food out for animals, pouring out water on the earth as a libation, or simply spending time in nature appreciating its beauty.
- Spring Equinox ritual for cleansing and renewal: On Spring Equinox, enjoy a ritual bath or shower to cleanse yourself of any lingering winter energies. Visualise yourself being cleansed and renewed, ready to embrace the energy of spring.
- Feast with seasonal foods: Prepare a Spring Equinox feast using seasonal foods such as fresh fruits, spring vegetables, and herbs. Tuck in with friends or family, giving thanks for the nourishment provided by the Earth.
- Divine your spring: Use divination tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying to gain insight into the energies surrounding you during this time of transition.
- Crafts and creativity: The land is not the only thing that is fertile at Spring Equinox - our imagination is too! Engage in creative activities such as painting, crafting, or writing poetry that reflect the themes of spring and renewal.
- Meditate: Take time to meditate and reflect on your intentions for the coming season. At Spring Equinox, set goals and aspirations for growth and personal development.
Happy Spring Equinox! We wish you an abundant season ahead.
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