How to Celebrate the Spring Equinox 2023: Rituals to Try (2023)

BeginningSpring, also known as the vernal equinox (or vernal equinox), is cause for great celebration. The season means warmer weather, more time outdoors andi haven, and for many people a new beginning. "Spring has different meanings in many traditions and cultures," says Ryan Trinh,Intuition hushealer and home tarot reader. "Similarly, the vernal equinox, in a spiritual and metaphysical sense, is associated with rebirth and renewal. As the cold of the winter months begins to wane, space is opened for the resumption of spring, signifying not only worldly renewal but also personal renewal. Like the budding of a seed, this is a great time for our personal growth and intention-setting."

Time for growth and new beginnings? It can be an attractive concept for many people. And if you want to welcome spring with some rituals or want to find out how to set some intentions for the new season, read on for tips.

What is vernal equinox?

Yes, it's the first day of spring (for us in the northern hemisphere), but it's also so much more. On March 20 (the day of the year's vernal equinox), day and night are equal – 12 hours each. "For us, the equinox is a time to reflect and a time to set intentions, influenced by the powerful, shifting seasonal energy of spring," the team fromCanyon of the Moonhe says. “It's time to look back and pay tribute to what you composted in the wilderness of winter. And time to nurture what you have begun to hatch. Winter, though more subtle in its energetic presentation, gives us the rest and fuel needed to nurture the new birth seen in spring. This day, the vernal equinox, when we find balance and transition from darkness to days of increasing light, we can hold both the wealth of lessons from our past and the potential of our future in each hand."

What does vernal equinox mean in astrology?

If you follow alongastrologersor you are interested in it, you should know that the vernal equinox is also an important date - it is the first day of the zodiac and the beginning of the astrological new year. "The dividing line between Pisces and Aries, the Ascendant, is this equinox and represents infinity," explains Issa Marcantoni onHomecoming Astrology. "It is said that we are born through this portal to incarnate in form. In the land of Pisces we are infinite. We in all our state swim in cosmic unity. When we are born through the Ascendant we begin the process of individuation and come in separate form in Aries.”

Marcantoni adds that the map of the equinox (or how the sky is positioned on March 20) will set the tone for the summer solstice. They shared some interesting transits and attitudes during this day:

• This spring equinox is a big one, as Pluto will not only be in its final degree of Capricorn after entering 15 years ago, but it will also be in its final minutes before moving into Aquarius on March 23rd. The final degree, 29°, is the dissolution time. Tests may appear as it goes through the transformation process into the next sign (archetype).
• Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, will just enter Pisces two weeks before, which is also a resolution energy. Saturn and Capricorn rule society, institutions, government and the status quo. This may be the moment we see a power shift between nations. This may be a time when losers rise!
• We also have Venus, the sign of values ​​and self-esteem, conjunct the North Node, our destiny. We are committed to aligning the way we appear in the world in a way that respects our values, sees ourselves as valuable, and therefore brings deeper stability to our lives and livelihoods. Money can be exchanged here and who has it.
• Jupiter, Chiron and Mercury will also be in Aries. These are the three "teacher" planets. This can be a time when we begin to heal internal ideologies of smallness or playing smallness in the world. Where we can wake up with a new perspective on ourselves and reconnect with our inner spark of inspiration. You can also meet a teacher who will help you with this.

Not all signs can feel the above. This year's spring equinox will affect fire, earth and water signs the most. “I would say if you have a planet from 0-3° Aries, 14-18° Aries, 2-6° Taurus, 27-29° Capricorn or 0-3° Pisces, you will feel it the most because of the equinox chart will aspect your birth chart," Marcantoni explains.

Spring Equinox Rituals to Try

There are many rituals you can do to celebrate the spring equinox, and experts have shared some of their favorites below. It is also important to note that you can prepare a lot in advance if you think you will be very busy on the day. "It might be a good idea to start certain things before the spring equinox, like spring cleaning or burning sage for cleansing!" says Trinh. "Gathering ingredients for rituals and cooking in advance is simply time efficient."

1. Plant seeds

Both literally and figuratively. In a proverbial sense, you can plant "seeds" or intentions that you hope to harvest in the future. And literally, it's the beginninggrowing season. It's time to go out. "Time spent in the garden on the spring equinox reminds us of our ability to grow and create. And that we are in a reciprocal relationship with the Earth", say people from Moon Canyon. "What we invest, we get back. What we give , enables us to receive. Take time to feel your body and listen. What foods are you craving this year? What flowers would you like to see blooming around you? What else are you looking for in your days? And what do you have to let go of to make room for it? We often have to pull out the 'weeds' to make room for the seeds we sow. This can be done with respect and recognition that what served us here once has served us, but that there is a time for everything, and even for letting go.”

2. Set intentions

As mentioned above, the spring equinox is the best time to set new intentions. "Like planting seeds, setting intentions is a spiritual form of planting seeds for what we want to grow in our year," says Trinh. “We recommend that you turn on ourThe magical light of the vernal equinoxto help you manifest your intentions.”

3. Generate movement

You may have been sitting around a bit more during the winter, but spring is the perfect time to get started. "Many of the earliest spring vegetables to make their way above ground are plants that encourage the movement and cleansing of lymphatic fluid. Bringing these plants into our days through food and herbal medicine can help us be healthy throughout the cycle of the year, " explains the Moon Canyon team. “The lymphatic system also requires physical movement to get going because it has no pump other than our breathing and our muscles. That's why exercises like walking, deep breathing, dry brushing, salt scrubs, and gua sha are perfect habits to start developing at the spring equinox and carry throughout the year." They recommend buying or making aSalt timesand spend some time on the morning of the equinox to take advantage of it and "honor the flow of your inner water." Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to cleanse and replenish.

4. Try a renewal ritual

Marcantoni recommends a renewal ritual where you gather two pieces of paper, a pen, a bowl, some water, a lighter, incense/palo santo/sage, a wand and a place to plant something. Then follow these steps:

• Make a threshold using a stick. This line will act as an "Ascendant" line indicating the past on one side and the future on the other.
• Stand to one side with a bowl of water, pen and paper. Keep sage and a lighter handy. Write on a piece of paper a belief, an emotional pattern, or a tendency that you are ready to resolve. Fold it over and bring it to your lips. Thank the pattern for the care it has given you in the past. Let it know you no longer need this to be okay. Allow it to leave your mind and body. Kiss it and place the bill in the water, let it dissolve from your being. Place the bowl on the side of the line that is your past.
• Grab the sage and light one end until it starts to smoke. Facing the line, face in front of you as if it were a portal or door you are blessing. Send your prayers for your life in this space. When you feel complete, step over the peg into your future.
• Take your second piece of paper and write a belief, emotional pattern, or tendency that would replace the old belief.
• Dig the ground and plant yourself in the ground. Bless this seed with all your love and believe in its fruit. Thank the country for its support in your event. When you're done planting, say, "That's it."
• In a few hours or days you will see that what you wrote has disappeared. Feel free to compost it or even flush it down the toilet for a final farewell ceremony!
• Return to this place as often as possible to care for the earth and send constant love to your seed. If you live in an urban environment and don't have access to soil, you can find a flower pot and soil and plant your "seeds" instead.

5. Smear with vinegar

The Moon Canyon Collective believes that vinegar is a "medicine" with many beneficial properties for your body's well-being, such as restoring the microbiome, helping to boost metabolism and balancing the nervous system. "We like to infuse vinegar with dry herbs in the spring, especially plants that offer food and promote detoxification, like alternatives," they say. "Start the spring equinox in the morning by drinking 2 tablespoons of vinegar (preferablymedicinal vinegar) in a large glass of water. Notice the activation and liveliness of your digestive system and how it affects your mood and presence. You might even consider making your own herbal vinegar for the equinox. To do this, fill a quart glass jar about halfway with the dried herbs of your choice. Fill the glass to the top with vinegar. If using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper under the lid to prevent corrosion. Leave for three weeks, shaking daily. Then strain the herbs using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, leaving the medicinal vinegar. Store in the fridge and enjoy every day! In the spring, we like to use nutrient-rich cleansing herbs such as nettle, dandelion leaves and roots, burdock root, oat straw and red clover, but you can use any herb you have or that calls to you.”

6. Salutation to the sun

"If you're a night owl, this can be a bit difficult, but many people like to wake up to greet the rising sun as a way to represent the renewed power of the sun and the start of longer days," says Trinh. "You can also see this as a way to harmonize with the natural world!"

7. Drive up

"We hear the expression"spring cleaning' a lot! For some, they can do it on the vernal equinox, although some prefer to do it a little before that date,” explains Trinh. "This can be seen as a symbolic way of clearing away the old to make room for new things to grow. The autumnal equinox can also be used as another important date to clear and cleanse old energies."

8. Wake up to sour and bitter food

"Sour and bitter tastes are our greatest allies during spring because they create movement and flow in the body," says the Moon Canyon team. "They awaken our system, stimulate digestion, stimulate the secretion of enzymes and restore energy to the body to welcome the days of increasing light and increasing activity." They suggest incorporating some kind of bitter and/or food into each equinox meal, such as endive, dandelion greens, cucumber peel, citrus peel, sauerkraut, kimchi, and cranberries. If you think it feels good, consider doing it after the equinox.

9. Detoxification with herbal alternatives

The Moon Canyon Collective explains that in Western herbal medicine, herbal alternatives are plants and foods that open the body's channels of elimination, encourage the natural detoxification process, and gradually restore optimal function to the body. Consider adding them to your equinox routine (and beyond if that's convenient for you). Some examples of alternatives include nettle, dandelion leaf and root, burdock root, violet, calendula and red clover. It's important to do your own research on these ingredients (and any others mentioned in this article) to see if they fit your particular dietary needs.

10. Gather outdoors

"For many, the vernal equinox also heralds a change in temperature, so many like to celebrate outdoors as a way to enjoy the new weather, but it's also a way to come together and welcome spring," says Trinh. "Eating outdoors, hiking, anything related to nature is a great way to celebrate the equinox but also align with the movement of the seasons."

11. Take care of your soil

Sure, you can literally do this in your backyard, but figuratively speaking, the Moon Canyon collective recommends groundingmeditationspraksisand rest to avoid burnout. Reason? Spring can be a time that brings a flurry of social activities and can drain a lot of your energy. "Engage in a short foundational meditation practice to block out the vernal equinox," they suggest. “As day recedes and gives way to night, recognize the power of stillness and rest. Let the grounded presence you gain from sitting carry you through the season with a sense of posture. Consider applying a daily grounding to stay engaged and firmly grounded throughout the season. On our website we offer free12 minute guided trainingmeant to connect your breath with the breath of the plants, grounding you in their respective presence. To enjoy!"

12. Encourage creativity

Let creativity flow with the onset of spring. The people of Moon Canyon say the day can be a day of inspiration and calling. "On the equinox, if the weather permits and you feel safe, take some time to sit outside and tune all your senses to your surroundings," they recommend. "Welcome to a state of receptivity and openness. Create a space for true listening. Not only with ears, but also with nose, eyes, skin. What plants are around you? What birds? What bugs? Is the wind cold, wet, fresh or gentle? Does the sun warm your face? Just be and listen. And then silently notice what's coming. Because it's yours. Meant for you, only you and your body in this moment, straight from Earth. What do you want do with what you are given? What action/reaction will occur? This is a co-creative expression."

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