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Spring Equinox Rituals

The Spring (Vernal) Equinox is a wonderful time to engage in purifying, renewing, and refreshing rituals— as well as honour the passage of time— because it is literally the start of the New Year Astrologically and in the natural world!

Many cultures around the world observed the Spring Equinox as the start of the new year. Up until Ancient Roman times it was in the “West” too— March was called Martius, for Mars, ruler of Aries (whose Season begins when the Sun crosses the Vernal Equinox); as this was the first month, this is why it’s called September (seventh), October (eighth) etc.!

What are the Equinoxes?

The Equinox (Vernal/Spring and Autumnal) is a celestial event when the Sun is exactly on the equator visually, making the night and day of equal length— equi = equal and nox = night in Latin. This is the time of year when the Sun rises exactly due East! They are the only times of year when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun.

For this reason, just like the Solstices (Summer and Winter, which represent the longest and shortest day), foraging and gathering herbs and plants on this day, as well as rising with the Sun and absorbing its rays was perceived as particularly auspicious!

The Signs that fall on the Solstices and Equinoxes are known as Cardinal Signs because they initiate the Seasons. These are Aries and the Vernal Equinox, Cancer and the Summer Solstice, Libra aligning with the Autumnal Equinox, and Capricorn with the Winter Solstice.

These are days of the year when many ancient historical sacred sites align with the Sun, for example Stonehenge, Macchu Picchu (Winter), the Pyramids of Giza, Chaco Canyon, Newgrange (Winter) etc.

The Equinoxes and Solstices are also a part of the Celtic and Pagan Wheel of the Year, called quarter holidays. The Spring Equinox is known as Ostara and is related to fertility, renewal, and abundance. Many believe this is connected to ancient Anglo-Saxon Goddess of Spring and fertility, Ēostre.

The Spring Equinox

As “Western” Astrology is created on the passage of time in the Northern Hemisphere, the Spring Equinox marks the start of Aries Season, when the Sun enters Aries, initiating the start of the Astrological New Year. As the Sun moves roughly 1º per day, 30 days after that it will be Taurus Season and so on (it’s not a constellational system as is often thought)!

The exact dates of the Solstices and Equinoxes will vary slightly year to year, but the Spring Equinox in the North falls somewhere between 19th - 21st March.

This is when we can literally see the land springing back to new life and whispers of new growth coming. The grass thaws, vibrant colors return, and the birds begin to sing. We have made it through the Winter to witness another natural year begin anew.

Spring Equinox Rituals

As mentioned, working with the energy of the Sun on the Spring Equinox can be a powerful way to harness its energy, vibrancy, and power. Many Spring Equinox rituals focus on fertility and creation rites, as well as purification to initiate the new year. Most consist of nature-based and outdoor activities, as well as engaging with fire or solar activities (such as dancing), and with plants and seeds.

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Here are 9 Spring Equinox/Astro New Year ritual ideas to honour the changing seasons:

1. Rise with the Sun - This is my number one favourite ritual because it is simple yet effective. Simply wake up at sunrise and get that first potent sunlight into your eyes (not through a window, safely). Greet the Sun, thank it for its life-giving energy, and set an intention for what you wish to call in this new year. To complete the ritual, watching the sunset is also a beautiful way to close out this simple practice (as well as safely sunbathing in the midday Sun to activate all types)! Bonus points for doing sun salutations!

2. Create Sun tea - Again, another simple yet effective ritual. Simply brew some tea (with freshly picked herbs if possible!) and leave it to brew in the Sun, allowing it to soak up the golden (some people like to make a cold infusion directly). Stir in your intentions and mindfully sip your tea, envisioning your dreams coming to fruition. Sun related herbs include dandelion, calendula, marigold, and St John’s Wort.

3. Cleanse your crystals, jewellery, divination tools + space - Leave any Sun-safe objects you wish to charge with the energy of the Sun outside for a while and program them with an intention when you bring them in. Bonus points for gold jewellery! Use herbal smoke wands to cleanse and reinvigorate your sacred space.

4. Do a burning ritual - If you’re a part of my Spirit Subscription you’ll know how much I love a burning ritual! And there’s no other day as powerful as the Vernal Equinox on which to release what no longer serves you using fire. Light a candle, write down what you wish to let go of, and safely burn it using tweezers— I like to keep a bowl of saltwater nearby to drop the ash in. Flush it down the toilet and thank the Elements for their assistance.

You can also quickly (and carefully) “sain” any firesafe objects to purify them (moving them backwards and forwards through the flame). You can also try a flame-gazing meditation (tataka) and see what visions come to you. Or, have a full-on bonfire!

5. Forage - Many traditions believed that any herbs, plants, fruits, flowers, and vegetables picked on the Spring Equinox were imbued with potent energy— any balms, potions, or concoctions you also make with them are said to be supercharged! You can also cook a meal with loved ones using seasonal vegetables (such as leek), perhaps eating by the light of candles and discussing what new beginnings you want to call in.

6. Make a flower crown + leave offerings - Mindfully pick flowers that call to you, asking for permission first, and assemble a flower crown. Wear it throughout your rituals and leave it as an offering to the land when you’re done. Bonus points for making flower essences!

7. Paint eggs - As eggs are a universal symbol of fertility, many rituals involve using them. Painting eggs with symbols and sigils that represent your intentions are a fun way to decorate a Spring altar. You can also do an egg limpia to cleanse any residual energy.

8. Plant your seeds - Literally and figuratively! Write on a piece of paper what you wish to call in and plant it with a seed and any other relevant objects. Water your intention and visualise its roots growing and flowers blossoming.

9. Spring clean! - The perfect time of year to release what no longer sparks joy and to clear out the cobwebs of your house with a purifying deep-clean (make sure to keep your windows open)! When you are done, you can meditate on any old habits or thought patterns that feel “unbalanced” and what would help bring the health of your body back into balance. Where are you on your spiritual journey and what personal growth would you like to see over the coming year?

So those are Spring Season Equinox rituals you can do to harness its power and honour this passage of time, I hope it’s insightful for you! Let me know in the comments section below if you have anything else to add or any questions.

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