It is easy to take life and its natural processes for granted. The changing seasons, the rising and setting of the sun, and the alternation of rain and sunshine – all demonstrate the constant flow and transformation of life. Change is so visible and tangible, yet imperceptible to our minds and bodies, which are constantly preoccupied with habitual routine and survival, or finding success in today’s world. We sometimes tend to forget that apart from social beings, we are also beings of nature and the universe.
Reconnecting with the natural rhythms and cycles can bring transformation in the way we relate to life and our existence, energizing our bodies and giving more meaning to our daily reality. For this reason, many cultures and traditions celebrate the position of the sun, the phases of the moon, and the change of seasons through rituals. By aligning us with the natural world, these rituals promote our sense of belonging to the vast universe, its processes, and the consciousness it entails.
Gathering to honor the spring equinox, people prepare for the coming of spring together. As they unite their energies towards a common purpose, their intentions for the new season can manifest more easily. Celebrating the coming of spring is also a way to slow down and appreciate the beauty of existence, the beauty of the world around us, thus feeling at one with it.
Ostara
The idea of celebrating the Spring Equinox originates in ancient pagan traditions and was originally celebrated by Germanic and Celtic peoples. The holiday is named after the Germanic goddess Ostara or Eostre, associated with the dawn and the spring.
According to legend, Ostara found a bird with broken wings and turned it into a hare so that it could survive the winter. The hare then laid eggs, which Ostara gifted to children as a symbol of new life and fertility. This is said to be the origin of the Easter egg tradition.
Other symbols of Ostara include flowers, particularly daffodils and tulips, which are some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Additionally, rabbits and hares are associated with the holiday because they are known for their fertility and reproduction.
Celebrating Ostara can be a way to promote personal growth and renewal, as the spring equinox is a time of new beginnings. It’s a great opportunity to set intentions for the months ahead, whether focusing on personal growth, career goals, relationships, or health and wellness.
Shamanism and the Equinox
For shamans, the equinoxes are significant celestial events that mark the change of seasons and symbolize balance and harmony between opposing forces of light and darkness. The equinox represents a time of transformation, a time to let go of the old and welcome the new. It is seen as a potent moment for spiritual work when the veil between worlds is thin, and energy flows freely. It is considered an auspicious time for shamanic journeying and vision quests, as it can help individuals gain clarity and insight into their life path and purpose.
Shamans often use equinoxes as an opportunity to perform rituals and ceremonies that honor the cycles of nature and the natural world, including practices such as journeying, prayer, chanting, dance, and the burning of herbs.
How You Can Honor the Spring Equinox
To honor the spring equinox, consider being out in nature and doing activities that bring joy to your being. Surround yourself with colorful flowers and open your curtains to draw in the light.
Creating a sacred space and performing a ritual can also be a powerful way to honor the wisdom of the equinox. You can dance, chant, sing, draw, play music, beat the drum, expressing your creativity with joy and inspiration. Visualizing how your intentions and projects are manifesting with the coming of spring can help you connect with the energy of renewal.
If you live in Belgium and wish to join our Spring Equinox Ritual, you can find more details and info here: https://justinspiring.org/equinox-self-expression-ritual/
May you find endless joy, abundant light in your soul, and a swift manifestation of your intentions this spring!