Today, as I stepped outside, there was something different in the air. The temperature was slightly warmer, and the sun's rays seemed to have more vitality. There was a certain buzz of excitement all around, as if nature itself was preparing for something extraordinary. As I walked through the park, I noticed clusters of flowers beginning to bloom in vibrant colors. The cherry blossom trees, in particular, were enchanting. Their delicate pink petals danced in the gentle breeze, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Egg balancing is no different on the vernal equinox as it is on any other day.
Some examples of intentions include Today I will be patient, Today I intend to forgive others and myself, Today I intend to organize my work, Today I will speak kindly to myself, and Today I intend to be productive. And, as the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun, the Southern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, bringing less sunlight and colder temperatures.
Their delicate pink petals danced in the gentle breeze, creating a mesmerizing sight. **It was the magical first day of spring.** The world around me had transformed overnight.
How to Welcome Spring Equinox Like a Real Witch
In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust lays out a witch's guide for spring equinox, from intention setting to altars. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.
Spring will start in the Northern Hemisphere on March 20 at 4:25 PM E.T., giving us longer days and sunlight. We know flowers will bloom and warmer weather will arrive, finally. The spring equinox symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, as well as the onset of the Aries season, Ostara, and the astrological new year.
But scientifically, what is actually happening? According to Merriam-Webster, the word "equinox" comes from the Latin words aequi, meaning "equal," and nox, meaning "night." During the spring equinox, the length of daytime and nighttime are equal in all areas of the world. The Earth's hemispheres aren't tilted towards or away from the sun, and both hemispheres get equal amounts of sunlight. At the moment of the equinox, the ecliptic (the sun's path across the sky) and the celestial equator (the imaginary line extending from the Earth's equator into the celestial sphere) intersect. Thus, during the spring equinox, the length of daytime and nighttime are equal in all areas of the world. Directly after, however, the Northern Hemisphere tilts more towards the sun, giving us more sunlight and warmer temperatures. And, as the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun, the Southern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, bringing less sunlight and colder temperatures.
There is no wonder why the change from winter to spring brings us joy. It's a magical time, causing spring fever, and boosting our moods and energy.
In our hectic everyday lives, it's easy to check things off a to-do list without thinking about the purpose behind our rushing. In truth, this could make us feel down. Intention setting allows us to pause and think about our aim. It's a powerful practice, enabling us to go about our days with a focus. An intention acts as a personal compass, guiding you down the right path. You can set an intention in any area of your life, from work to relationships and health. It's about a quality you want to develop, such as compassion for others.
What does it mean to set intentions, though? Simply, it's about taking a moment and asking oneself, "What do I want to get out of my day?" It's a way to be more mindful, and connect to your goals, wants, and needs. You want to commit to an intention, and it's an aim or purpose. For example, if you want to address something you've been nervous about or have been putting off, set an intention to be “courageous.”
Intentions are about who you want to be. Clearly stating how you intend to feel today, instead of wishing you feel better, puts the power of change in your hands. Many of us think that intentions are the same as goals, but they aren't. They are similar, but the intention doesn't have a specific end result. The intention may be to feel healthier, and the goal may be to walk two miles several days a week. An intention helps you connect to yourself on a deeper level. So many times, we struggle to set goals because we do not know what we truly want. However, you can better understand the end goal if you have clear intentions. It serves as the foundation for the actions you need to take to reach your goal. Some examples of intentions include: "Today I will be patient," "Today I intend to forgive others and myself," "Today I intend to organize my work," "Today I will speak kindly to myself," and "Today I intend to be productive."
Ostara is a Wiccan holiday that celebrates the spring equinox. Modern-day Wiccans may go outside to meditate and perform rituals to welcome spring, and they may plant seeds to grow new things.
The word Ostara comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, and she represents spring, rebirth, and renewal. Many symbols of Ostara include rabbits and hares. In medieval Europe, the March hare was seen as a fertility symbol. During March, the hare begins its mating season. It was believed that females of this species could get pregnant with a second litter while pregnant with the first. This explains why they were used as a symbol of fertility.
So, how can I build an altar to attain self-confidence this season? An altar creates a sacred space in one's home, which reflects beliefs, personality, hopes, and dreams in a powerful way. It's a special place to connect to your higher self and your highest good. An altar is meant to nurture you and relight the path to your desired life. Simply put, an altar is your safe place where we can let our rawness show.
The dull and gray landscape of winter had given way to a kaleidoscope of hues and life. Birds chirped their joyful melodies, as if celebrating the arrival of this new season. People seemed happier too. Smiles adorned their faces, and laughter filled the air. The cozy cafes spilled over with friends reconnecting after months of hibernation. Children ran around with boundless energy, eager to explore the outdoors once more. **Spring had breathed new life into everything and everyone.** As I strolled along, the scent of fresh grass and blossoms filled my senses. It was as if the very essence of nature was rejuvenating my soul. I couldn't help but feel a surge of inspiration and a renewed sense of possibility. I found myself stopping every few steps to admire the intricate beauty of the flowers and the tranquil scene unfolding around me. Time seemed to stand still, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the wonder of this magical first day of spring. **In that moment, I felt a profound connection to the world and a deep gratitude for the ever-changing cycles of nature.** As the day drew to a close, and the sun dipped below the horizon, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of melancholy. The first day of spring had been an enchanting experience, and I knew that it would be a long wait until its return. But I also knew that the magic of spring would live on in my memories, reminding me of the beauty and possibility that each new season brings. And so, I bid farewell to this extraordinary day, eagerly awaiting the next chance to witness the ethereal enchantment of spring..
Reviews for "The Magic of Renewal: Celebrating the First Day of Spring with Purpose"
- John - 2 stars - The Magical first day of spring was a disappointment for me. The plot was predictable and the characters lacked depth. I found myself uninterested and waiting for the story to end. The magic in the book felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the world the author was trying to create. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it.
- Sarah - 1 star - I did not enjoy the Magical first day of spring at all. The writing style was confusing and hard to follow. The author jumped from one scene to another without any clear transitions, making it difficult to understand what was happening. The characters were also very one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The magical elements felt forced and out of place, adding nothing to the story. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed with this book.
- Emma - 2 stars - The Magical first day of spring did not live up to the hype for me. The story was slow-paced and lacked any real excitement. The magical elements felt tacked on and didn't contribute much to the overall plot. The characters were forgettable and their actions often didn't make sense. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to others.