New Beginnings, Radiant Renewal: Spring Equinox 2021
Spring Equinox 2021 is here! Officially marking the transition from winter to spring, and signifying a perfect balance between the hours of day and night, the vernal equinox has long been held sacred by many traditions. Any projects or intentions can be invigorated with fresh impulses now. It’s also an ideal moment to start something new.
Astrologically speaking, Spring Equinox in the Northern hemisphere signifies the start of a new cycle as the Sun arrives in the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. Named for Ares, the Roman god of War, his Greek counterpart gives his name to March (Mars). Aries is associated with innocence, directness, advancement and the self. The incubation work of this winter will have made clear exactly which opportunities and projects to pursue, and any intriguing new hobbies, positions, communities or relationships calling to you are worth investigating. Symbolically, now is the time to learn a new skill, begin a creative practice or hobby, and assert yourself courageously.
As you move forward, it may be wise to keep situations on a flexible footing. The Sun’s ruler is Mars, which is currently transiting through Gemini, as is the Moon at the Equinox. Giving yourself permission to explore things on a theoretical level, with plenty of curiosity but minimal commitment, is the ideal arrangement for this period. Switching between opposites is Gemini’s speciality. The trick to ending up wise rather than confused is to resist being rushed into premature balance or certainty. Holding and understanding contradictory perspectives enables you to reach compromises and agreements with grace.
Gemini blesses learning and exploration on the mental plane, but also urges us to find ways to incorporate the body. What practices create more freedom and facilitate intellectual openness in your body and soul?
The Spring Equinox has a fascinating cultural history. It has been traditionally recognised since Babylonian times as a pivotal moment of emergence of the sacred feminine, when the goddess Inanna returned from the Underworld to unite with her masculine counterpart. The pagan festival of Oestre/ Ostara is now known as Easter, but culturally we retain the associations with new life, fertility and warmth.
The earth is awakening, buds are opening and we celebrate the re-emergence of vitality.
Clearing, cleansing and letting go of the old are simple ways to honour and create space for the new season. Feasts, celebrations, blessings and prayers are especially auspicious. Allow yourself to soak in the vitalising rays of the reborn Sun!
How Luna Rhythms Yoga can support you during the Spring Equinox:
At Luna Rhythms, our unique system of yoga integrated with the lunar cycles and solar seasons teaches techniques from the ancient yogic practices of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha and mantra in alignment with the energies of the day, season and cycle. This Spring Equinox is the perfect time to pursue your goals, start new projects and celebrate the renewal of nature.
Celebrating Ostara
As the weather grows warmer, Ostara is a particularly lovely time to get outdoors and take in the seasonal changes all around you.
Choose a place to visit regularly and study the transformation of the trees and other plant life. Greet the bees and other insects with joy as they begin to appear, and thank them for their roles in sustaining life. Take every opportunity you can to watch the sunset just a little later each evening and if you don't have a garden to prepare, consider starting one, even if you only have a windowsill for a few herbs.
Painting eggs is a fun activity to do with fellow witches, and you can create beautiful eggs to have as ornaments on your altar or for spell work. Natural objects are always a welcome part of the ritual on any altar. Flowers, buds and blossoms are readily available to be gathered. Sprinkle petals around your altar, float them on water in your cauldron, and wear them in your hair if you like, but be mindful to harvest spring wildflowers responsibly, as they serve as food sources for our much-needed pollinators!
Luna Rhythms Yoga is based on a range of different techniques from the yogic tradition that enable you to embody and integrate the monthly and daily rhythms of the lunar cycle, ensuring that your practice is always in alignment with exactly what you need when you need it.
Much love & alignment,
Diana x
Luna Rhythms Wisdom is our online membership group, where we get to go deeper in our practice with the five phases of the moon each month: New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, Waning Moon and Dark Moon. Click here to find out more and join us!