What is the Spring Equinox?
Happy Spring Equinox!
The Spring Equinox is traditionally on March 20th or 21st. This year (2023) is officially on Mon, Mar 20, 2023 5:24 PM (for EST). It is the one of two times that light and dark meet in the middle— when the length of night and ay are equal. It's counterpart is the Autumn Equinox or Mabon.
Otherwise known as Ostara, the spring equinox, is a time of rebirth, revival and reawakening. It is the fourth spoke, the last spoke, on the dark half of the wheel of the year. Temperatures being to rise and light last longer than dark as the days move onward reaching their pinnacle at the Summer solstice. The dark months are over and we are moving into the warmth of light.
This is a time of joy! Ostara is a celebration of rebirth and new growth. All around us, nature is beginning to wake back up after Winter's long rest— In the Berkshires, one of the resident bears as already emerged from hibernation (it's the talk of the town!). Everything is coming to life. and it's a promise that new life will and IS returning.
You might feel the energy all around you and within you— building, growing, reawakening. A lot of people, especially my Northeast friends, have been inside for the past several months. the winter is also a time where our focus has been on our inner worlds— I know mine has. I personally feel like I am coming out of a mini hibernation.
The winter is traditionally a time of resting, inner reflection, sleeping and dreaming a new dream. At the Spring Equinox, the energy begins to shift. your energy begins to shift from inner world to outer world. The transition at the end of winter can be a little rocky. Personally the past few weeks, I felt unsure of what comes next and where to put my energy— torn between resting and action, worrying and doing. That can be normal as the energy towards the end of winter.
If you're feeling stuck in this transitionary time, I encourage you to try some of these journal prompts from recent newsletter:
Journal Prompts for Coming Out Of Hibernation:
How do I want to FEEL in this next season of life?
What can I do to support myself in feeling this way?
What do I want to CREATE in this next season of life?
What foundations can I lay to support this creation?
After the rocky transition that can be the end of winter— a light shines through.
You might be there right now. You may be feeling lit up right now. Alive with new ideas, plans and inspiration— ready to grab life and go ahead. Or you might be craving a fresh start, the start of something new. It's time to really make strides towards you new goals, and to start new projects.
That's the energy of the Spring Equinox— encouraging you to come alive in new ways. This is a season of inspiration, hope and possibility. Over the next few weeks, our lives will be flooded with powerful growth energy.
This Spring energy is asking you to rethink re-evaluate and recommit to yourself. You are on the cusp of a new life. What do you want to create next?
Here are some ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox
spring cleaning: cleaning up, tidying, declutter of any sort will serve you well this time of year. Often times physical clutter can be a direction reflection of internal clutter. For me, it is. Spend some time this week slowing clearing out parts of your home— wipe off the dust, get rid of clothes that don't fit, get rid of objects you don't use, let the light shine in and make physical space for what comes next.
Tend to your physical body:
Dying Easter Eggs: Easter and Ostara have a lot of similarities and while they are not the same, dying Easter eggs can be a fun way to celebrate Ostara as well. Eggs traditionally symbolize fertility and potential
Open your windows: The light is lasting longer and the temperature is getting (slowly) warmer. In the Berkshires it is not quite warm enough to open all the windows but I sure did go for a beautiful walk and sit with the sun shining on my face for a bit today.
Watch the sunset: The sun is staying in the sky longer and longer each day. Take a moment out of your busy day to watch the sunset, sending gratitude to the longer days and the sun herself— a powerful goddess of energy. I plan on taking a few moments to journal as I watch the sunset today.
Plant seedlings: I AM SO EXCITED For our garden this year. Like legitimately CANNOT WAIT. We are adding 10 more beds and soo many varieties of flowers, veggies and fruit. We are in Zone 5b for gardening so we are starting things like onions and flowers today. Fruition Seeds is a great resource for what to plant when (and for seeds).
Some journal prompts for the Spring Equinox:
What have you been dreaming of all winter?
What are you excited for this spring?
What plans do you want to put into action this spring? (start small and grow from there)
what is making you feel lit up? inspired? alive ?
What is one new ritual you want to add into your life this season?
Learn more about Ostara here!
I am hosting a Spring Equinox Celebration TODAY at 6pm EST on Zoom. Join me for:
intention sretting
yoga
meditation
journaling