Spring Equinox Rituals

And why anchoring into the seasons can bring us stability in a world full of change.

The equinoxes are a geographical phenomenon, the Spring or Vernal equinox we are experiencing this week in the Southern hemisphere occurs on Friday 23 September at 11:03.

It’s marked by the sun appearing directly over the equator.

The night and day are equal and the Sun will rise “due east” and set “due west”

Our ancestors celebrated the light returning and the productive summer months approaching. The scarcity and struggle of winter could be put behind us.

The balance of light and dark, masculine and feminine was revered.

Did you know that it has been a time of celebration in agricultural communities since the beginning of time?

In the northern hemisphere the Spring Equinox is around the 23rd of March where Easter has traditionally been celebrated. So should we be cracking out the Easter Bunny costumes and hiding eggs in the back yard this week?

Honestly it would make a whole lot more sense, but I will certainly not be the one to tell my nieces that we aren’t watching for the Easter Bunny with the rest of their friends come March. Easter is named after the Goddess Ostara a northern European fertility goddess honoured in the spring time.

I believe tuning into the cycles of the natural world around us can give us the stability and support so many of us are craving after the last few years.

There is certainty and comfort knowing the the sunrise and sunset are predictable that the spinning of the planet around the sun will offer us, if not predictable weather (please don’t get me started on that), at least anchor points to mark the years passing, encourage some reflection, celebration of goals, resting of our spirits and encouragement for the new season ahead.

Humans thrive when we can support ourselves with rituals.

Having lived in the northern hemisphere the dark cold of winter was full of such rituals, Halloween or All Hallows Eve again occurring in its correct seasonal place was a time to honour our ancestors as the darkness and cold continued to increase. It was also a time to eat rich warm and heart food, the opposite is true of the entry into spring.

This week while the balance of day and night are equal there has been a lot of spring like movement in my house. Perhaps yours too?

The days have been warmer, I’ve been clearing out the house, opening up the windows and doors, sorting through the pantry and clearing out old things.

Indoor plants have been repotted and there are plans to finally clear out the garden after a winter of rain.

These seasonal moments of pause are here if we want to pay attention to them.

To listen in to our own bodies and lives and seek the answer to the questions.

What is in balance here?

What am I letting go of?

What am i longing to see in the light after the long dark night?

You might want to journal these questions and see what comes up.

In Greek Mythology Persephone returns from her underworld confinement and brings with her the Spring time. Her mother Demeter rejoices to have her returned as summer unfurls her fruitful abundance upon the Earth.

Rituals can nourish our spiritual practices but they can also very practically support our sleep, and our choices of nutrient dense foods our bodies will recognise.

They can encourage us to create occasions to connect with people we love.

Our inner landscapes are nourished by these stories and the way they anchor us to the natural world within and without.

What are some of the rituals you enjoy in your life?

Here’s some things to consider working into the next few weeks to celebrate Spring.

Find foods that are in season in your area, not only with they be cheaper but also less likely to have been stored.

A fire ritual can be so cleansing, much like the one a girlfriend and I did this week.

She came over with a journal she wanted to release. I have a cauldron (of course I do) but you could use a big pot carefully in the sink or out in the garden. Maybe you have an out door fire pit? As we chatted about the situation she was releasing, I fed the fire page by page, carefully not letting the fire get too big or go out. The ashes were tipped into the garden with rain water the next morning.

Another Spring ritual I love is tenderly caring for a seedling or seed planted with an intention.

I’d love to hear how you might be marking the turning of the seasons.