Saturday, 23rd September 2023,
Ostara and the Spring Equinox: Rebirth, Renewal, and Fertility
Happy Spring Equinox,
What is Spring Equinox?
In the Southern Hemisphere, it will occur on September 23, 2023, at 06:50.
In astronomy, the vernal equinox marks the first day of spring (as the name suggests). So the beginning of a new season is celebrated worldwide with various spring traditions, holidays, and festivals. Spring equinox also signals the return of sunshine, warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and other seasonal effects that are noticeable to everyone.
Equinoxes occur when the Earth’s hemispheres aren’t tilted towards or away from the Sun. As a result, the Sun is located directly above the equator, and both hemispheres receive an almost equal amount of sunlight. After the spring equinox, the relevant hemisphere (northern one in March and southern one in September) tilts closer to the Sun, resulting in more hours of daylight, with earlier sunrises and later sunsets.
What is the Spiritual Connection & Energy with Spring Equinox?
Ostara is a pagan celebration that celebrates the Spring Equinox. It is a time of rebirth, renewal, and fertility, as the earth awakens from winter slumber and life begins to bloom again.
The name Ostara comes from the Germanic goddess of the same name, who was associated with the dawn, springtime, and new beginnings. We celebrate the return of the sun's warmth and light. The Spring Equinox is the point of the year when night and day are of equal length, the balance of light and dark, at this time we have the chance to invite balance into our lives.
Add this to the energy of Spring, and as we see in our gardens, we also have the opportunity for new growth, fresh starts and new beginnings.
Trees have come back to life, blossoms are blooming, the grass is growing, the sprouts are ‘taking off’, growth is everywhere!
During Spring, everywhere in nature, we see and feel and hear, the energy, the pulse, the sound of new growth. So we too have the opportunity to consciously align with this energy and ‘use’ it to whatever new beginnings we are creating in our lives.
You are part of the Earth, part of the cycle of the seasons, you too will be influenced by this energy whether you’re paying attention to it or not. If you pay some attention, you will feel it, and you can be in flow with it.
Spring Spiritual Practice
Just as the gardener, its your time to align with the Earths energy, contemplate the growth that has taken hold in your life and around you…
What are you growing, is that what you want?
Do you need to get out the ‘fertiliser’ to help what’s growing to be stronger?
Do you need to do some ‘weeding’? What do you need to bring into your life to create balance?
At the Equinox, with the equal light and dark, we have the opportunity to give thanks for, and focus with gratitude (which helps us grow more) on that which is growing and developing in ourselves and our lives and also to let go of that which ‘no longer serves’ or what stands in the way of your growth and development, this could be ‘bad’ habits and restricting beliefs (the weeds!) …
In a moving meditation, feel yourself to be like a tree, as your blossoms are blooming and your leaves are starting to unfurl, move as the wind would move you, strong in your roots and able to shift lightly and easily from a grounded position, swaying from side to side and round and round… notice what wants to fall away as you do this, remnants of old, no longer needed. Make the sounds of spring that rise up from within you… so much will grow from now, headed toward full bloom at the Summer Solstice in three moons.
Crystals for the Spring Equinox...
Amethyst: This crystal channels the planet’s divine energy, and it promotes happiness, courage, and calm. Amethyst helps you fully embrace the warmth and color of spring. When you work with this crystal, you see everything with the clarity of a bright, sunny day, and everything is possible.
Carnelian: Carnelian’s powerful vibrations harmonize with the Spring Equinox’s fertility. It inspires creativity and gives you the vitality to follow through on your ideas. This crystal also cleanses you so that you can move forward with ease and confidence.
Citrine: Citrine’s vibrant color radiates solar energy. Just like the returning sun, this crystal welcomes positivity and abundance. Its attractive properties help you manifest your intentions so that you can harvest happiness in the coming year.
Clear Quartz: Clear Quartz emits powerful, cleansing vibrations. If you are ready to forge a better life for yourself this spring, this crystal is for you! Clear Quartz doesn’t just release toxic influences; it transforms negativity into positivity. This process will make you feel lighter and more energized, while also making it easier for you to discover your higher purpose.
Fluorite: This crystal helps you see everything clearly. Fluorite prepares you for action and realigns you with the universal plan. It draws out your suppressed negative feelings so that you can process them. Once you have made peace with these emotions, Fluorite absorbs them. This purification allows you to move forward with a spring in your step.
Jade: Jade’s gorgeous green color mirrors the hues of spring. This abundance crystal helps you reach your highest potential through luck, introspection, and calm. It cleanses you and reconnects you with the purity and joy of your Inner Child. Jade resonates powerfully with nature and encourages you to grow into your best self.
Jasper: This crystal embodies the Spring Equinox’s fertility. Jasper boosts your vitality and creativity. It gives you the drive to accomplish all of your goals, so that you can transform your intentions into action.
Moonstone: We associate the Vernal Equinox with the Sun, but it is actually the point when the Sun and the Moon are perfectly balanced. Moonstone’s divine feminine energy nurtures your development. It attunes you to the moon’s cycles and prepares you for new beginnings.
Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz combines Clear Quartz’s cleansing energy with the most nurturing elements of the Spring Equinox. This crystal gently heals your heart, encouraging compassion and kindness. It inspires you to act from a place of universal love. Once you have achieved this emotional renewal, Rose Quartz opens your heart you to receive abundance.
Unakite: Unakite connects your Heart Chakra to the Earth. It cleanses your emotional body, allowing you to release deep-seated grief and negativity. Once you reach this balanced state, Unakite channels the planet’s creative energy to you. With Unakite, you are inspired to act for the highest good.
As the ground thaws and the flowers start to bloom, work with your crystals to accept all of spring’s blessings. Now is the time to act, manifesting your best life and self.
Spring Equinox Journal Prompts
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How do you feel about a new season?
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What personal growth can you invite in?
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Where can you find joy in this moment?