Ah, spring. Love is in the air, we're all sneezing, the sun is shining, and the grass is greener. Spring promises flings, lots of (literally groundbreaking) florals, and a fresh, fresh start. Beginning March 20, spring is officially here—marked by the vernal equinox, when day and night are equal lengths—making it the perfect time to return to spiritual equilibrium. In pagan traditions, the spring equinox is also known as Ostara, named after the Germanic lunar goddess, and it celebrates all things earthy, fertile, and new.
Whether you’re into all things witchy or are simply observing the changing of the seasons, aka “Wheel of the Year,” tuning into the cycles of the earth is the perfect way to tap into your own sacred energy. The equinox is a return of warmer days, and it’s a time to celebrate fertility and the ripeness of Gaia and Mother Earth. This also means it’s the perfect time to grab your favorite humans, spend some time outside (yes, you can bring your mimosas), and enjoy the sun as you celebrate the return of longer days. Here are five fabulous ways to celebrate the spring equinox.
Have a picnic with your covenWhether you’re headed to your local park or hiking up a mountain, spending time basking under the sun with those you love is the perfect introduction to spring. Bring some food that celebrates the warm weather (hot cross buns are a classic), wear your favorite pastel lipstick, and pop a bottle of Champagne. Spring means celebration so go all out—bring some flowers and candles (maybe LED ones if open flames are prohibited) if you’re so inclined, and set up an altar to honor the changing of the season. Pastels hues, like yellows and blues, are a perfect indication of the majesty of the season. It’s still the waxing year, so focus on what you want to grow as it gets warmer and the days get longer. You can even meditate if you so wish.
Buy a plant and make it a homeIf you’ve been suffering from plant (or succulent) envy, don’t worry. What better excuse to adopt your own plant baby than first day of spring? Head to your local botanical nursery and see what speaks to you; don’t be afraid to ask questions and listen to your intuition. One of the most beautiful parts about the spring equinox is the abundance of faeries, and nature energies and entities that come out to play. Every part of our natural world has a spirit, and by adopting a plant and taking care of it, you’re forging a relationship with the spirit of the plant and the plant alike.
Don’t forget that different plants have different needs: If you have a perpetually black thumb, a succulent or cactus may be best. Spring is also the perfect time for creation so get yourself a little vase or planter for your new babe and decorate it. Get some acrylic paint or markers, and go all out! Feeling psychedelic? More power to you. Feeling all-encompassing? Draw eyes all over. Take time to connect with your plant as you put it in its new home. Talk to it, let it know you love it. Plants actually respond and grow better when you communicate with them so go for it. Invite the elementals and nature spirits in to take care of your plant, and feel all the love as you place it in your home (or garden, porch, or windowsill).
Collect flowers, make a feast, and celebrate Spring conjures up memories of roaming outside, collecting flowers, and singing with the birds. This sort of childhood curiosity is exactly what the season is about: creation, happiness, and light. If you’re not looking to picnic, or are just far too antsy to sit still (#NoChill), then spend some time outside finding wildflowers, butterflies, and whatever else nature may hold. Take time to roam, explore, and adventure in every nook and cranny available. Climb a tree, talk to a robin, frolic in a field of daisies—it is your day.
You can even create a wildflower bouquet if your heart is inviting you to do so. The key is to listen, observe, and appreciate. Before you begin, ask the flower if you can pick it, again, honoring the spirit of the plant and listening to your intuition for a response. If you feel like it’s appropriate to pick the flower, do so. You can use the flower in a ritual, for decoration in a vase, or you can hang it to dry. Ostara is also the perfect time for a feast, so gather your friends and family and eat. Make a green salad with a berry vinaigrette and cocktails with elderflower and rose petals. The world is your oyster, moonchild.
Dye EggsEggs are a worldwide symbol of fertility, new beginnings, and what else but spring? And even though dying eggs is traditionally an Easter activity, there’s no reason you can’t dye eggs to celebrate the equinox. Whether you’re buying a box kit or decorating eggs via your own personal supply of food coloring, take time to focus on what exactly it is that you’re doing (besides, you know, dipping eggs in food coloring).
Eggs and white hares are classically associated with spring and the equinox—there’s a myriad of folklore surrounding the two, including a Native American tale that accounts for the creation of the universe from a cracked egg. There’s also plenty of magic associated with both. Need some help in the fertility department? Place a rabbit under your bed to help you out. Rabbits are also associated with protection magic. Hello, rabbit's foot. So if you’re looking for some extra protection, maybe put a sigil on your decorated egg. The key is creativity and fun.
Make some artSpring leaves a longing to create, manifest, and really enjoy everything beautiful. It’s the perfect time to let go of what’s not serving you and to pave way for something more inviting instead. Whether you’ve picked some flowers or bought yourself a bouquet, working with flowers and crystals is an easy way to align yourself with the energies of the equinox, and make something beautiful while you’re at it.
Need some inspiration? Goddess Audrey Kitching has us reeling with flower lust, thanks to her series of altered flowers, titled #FlowersFeelToo. Whether you’re drying flowers in an artful arrangement, sewing together petals, or making a crystal grid infused with the energies of your chosen plant, you really can’t lose. Different flowers have different energies and correspondences, so figure out what it is you want to manifest, and pick some flowers (literally) that align with your intention and get creating. Nature will thank you.
