HAPPY SPRING EQUINOX – March 20, 2014

Ostara

‘Tis the season of the Spring Equinox, the festival of the greening of the earth, when the hours of night and day stand in equilibrium. 

 

At 12:57 PM, Eastern Daylight Time, as the sun passes over the equator, the earth’s gravity is balanced in such a way that you can stand a raw egg straight up on end ~ or so I’ve been told. I have never actually done it myself, but I know people who have. If you want to try it, you only have a few moments to make it work, the moments just before the exact time of Equinox. Here’s how: you find a reasonably level outdoor surface, like a sidewalk or driveway; you place a raw egg on the groundwith the wider end down; and it stands up by itself! The people who told me they did this did it as an activity with their kids, and the kids loved it. Even at my age I know I would love it [if only I could remember not to schedule clients . . .].

‘Eggs’ and ‘balance’ are the keynotes of this seasonal marker. The Vernal Equinox indicates the exact midpoint between the Winter and Summer  Solstices ~ the perfect balance of dark and light, night and day, feminine and masculine, yin and yang. Of course, perfect balance lasts for just a moment (as is borne out with the egg). The light already begins to grow stronger, and Nature’s ability to renew and rebirth herself strengthens as well. And that’s where the egg comes into play.

  Spring is all about Nature’s fertility – new growth and new beginnings – the greening of the earth. It is the time to plan your gardens, start your seedlings, and ready the earth for later spring plantings. It is also the season of mating, which is why the rabbit is another symbol of the season. March hares are famous for their fecundity.  Females can actually conceive their next litter while still pregnant with the first. 

Bunny rabbits, candy, colored eggs and new clothes are all ancient traditions from Ostara celebrations that have carried through into our Easter customs. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that follows the Vernal Equinox. Ostara (OH-star-a) is the word for the Vernal Equinox from the old Celtic and Germanic languages. It comes from the same root as “east.” The direction ‘east’ is another symbol of new beginnings, as it is the direction of the rising sun.

Whether you call it Ostara, the Vernal Equinox or just Springtime, this is the season of rebirth, renewal and rejuvenation. Celebrate this change of seasons by taking a walk in a park or forest. Notice the new growth that is beginning, and feel how its sweet freshness has a power to it. Try eating fresh spring foods like dandelion greens and nettles.  Or . . . consider a cleansing fast or diet. In Asian medicine, early spring is the perfect time for cleansing the liver and gall bladder.

 

Across the globe, Spring is the time for cleaning.  After clearing out the cobwebs and opening the windows to air out any staleness, you can add another dimension by smudging the house with incense to purify it. Sage and sandalwood are appropriate and very popular, but I don’t find their aromas particularly pleasing. I prefer other purification incenses, like copal, lavendar, cedar or lemon. Walk throughout the house fanning, waving or blowing the smoke from the incense all around the rooms. Intention is everything, so feel free to say prayers as you do this, or voice your needs and wants for the environment.  Don’t neglect the corners and unused areas.  Energy collects and stagnates there, just like dust does. I think you will notice a clear difference after you have completed your purification.  

 

  Renewal is the theme, and renewing ourselves can be done on more levels than the physical realm. We can think in terms of renewing our thoughts, dreams and aspirations, too. A lovely way to do this is with a simple, childlike ritual. Can you remember how at-purpose children with their activities? 




  Choose something you would like to see grow in your mind (gratitude, patience, etc.) or in your life (a project, promotion, etc.) and plant it as a seed. Literally. Hold the seed in your hand, empty your mind of everything but your desire for your goal, and pour that desire into the seed. When you feel complete, focus all your intention into that seed as you plant it. Then focus on the pot of soil after you have planted it. Keep the seed alive and grow it to maturity with love and caring. Every time you take care of it, put yourself in that same concentrated mindset as when you planted it and feel the happiness of your heart’s enthusiasm and purpose.

Happy Ostara as you welcome in the newness of Spring with inspiration!