Spring Equinox Rituals
The universe has given me quite the assignment the last few years, and I feel like I’ve inadvertently enrolled in Masters-level classes.
Every hiccup, every struggle, every frustration lately has had the same underlying message:
Connect more deeply with your intuition and power.
I’ve also been restless the last few weeks, feeling a shedding, a release, big ready for what’s next energy. (It's starting to come into focus and I can't wait to share some new programs with you in the coming weeks.)
This all makes sense:
On Monday, March 20, we celebrate the spring equinox and the start of Aries season, and the next day we have a new moon in Aries.
This is a time ripe for fresh beginnings. It’s not a coincidence that Passover, Easter, Nowruz (Persian new year), and the astrological new year are all celebrated within days of one another.
So today, I’m offering you a range of practices to help you help you welcome this new season and connect more deeply with your intuition.
A reminder that this can be hard, messy work. Spring brings bright pops of green and fresh blooms, but it also brings muddy boots and dirt under your fingernails. I promise it's worth it.
7 practices for the Spring Equinox
1. Journal on the change of seasons.
What areas of your life are calling for more light?
Where are you noticing shadows?
What lessons can you glean from each?
Where are you in balance and where do things feel out of whack?
What is rooting below the surface, waiting to emerge?
2. Spring clean with intention.
As you clean, reflect on what you’re readying your space for. More gatherings with friends? A clean slate for big ideas? More play?
Get rid of what’s no longer serving you and make space to welcome in what you’re longing for. Post to your local Buy Nothing Group or take donations to a thrift store. If you have clothes that aren’t salvageable, make rags or take them to H&M. (I called the corporate office and they confirmed all stores accept fabric recylcing.)
3. Get your hands dirty.
Plant seeds or get a new houseplant, and again take the opportunity to imbue it with intention. What are you cultivating? Let these seedlings be a reminder of your goals.
Bonus: the microbes in soil have been shown to improve concentration and increase the release of serotonin.
4. Eat seasonally.
I am so ready for spring vegetables! To mark the equinox, I plan to make a spring risotto with asparagus, peas, and lemon. (I know it’s a little early for those to be showing up at markets, but I’m giving my taste buds a preview.)
5. Wash away the old.
If it rains where you are on Monday, take advantage and step outside, letting the rain metaphorically wash away any winter dreck.
Or set out a vessel to collect the equinox rain water. Use it to water plants or sprinkle some around your home where you could use some fresh energy.
You could also take a bath and float some flowers in the water.
6. Refresh your altar.
I have an altar in my home office, and the start of spring is the perfect time to give it a freshening up. I’ll clear it off, wipe it down, and then arrange items that reflect the season: fresh flowers, floral incense, and brighter colors.
I’ve also been wanting to honor my ancestors at my altar, and am spending the next few days collecting the items that feel right to do so.
7. Go outside!
Visit your sit spot or explore somewhere new. Engage as many of your senses as possible.
If you have little ones, bring them along and ask them to show you their discoveries. Are there tadpoles in vernal pools? Redbuds on the trees? Eggs in that bird’s nest?
Let me know how you're welcoming spring. If you post about it on Instragram, please tag me (@OliviaBowenCoach) – I’d love to see your altars, meals, and outdoor explorations.
