Tag Archives: spring equinox

spiritual, witchcraft

Spring Equinox – March 21, 2023

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(So, I drafted this yesterday. It’s winter again today. But I’m still posting it in hopes you have better weather!)

Spring has sprung! It’s finally Spring Equinox and I am enjoying the sun that is shining through my balcony window. While it’s a bit chilly to sit outside for very long – the days are even longer, and soon, I’ll be able to enjoy quiet evenings out on the balcony again.

The birds have returned and I’ve seen numerous gulls, magpies, crows and am waiting to hear the robins again. There are buds already in the maple tree outside my window and I can’t for it to bloom.

Snow is melting fast and the sun feels warm when it is out. And today, is Ostara, which I am most excited to celebrate after what seemed like a very long and dark winter.

It is also Spring Equinox where there are equal parts day and night in the northern hemisphere.

Ostara Celebration

I’m coming out of a bad arthritic pain flare and my original plans to celebrate Ostara all week long failed.

My meal plans have changed and I think I will stick with a nice chicken, broccoli and pasta bake. It’s easy to make, relatively healthy and I have all the ingredients on hand. There’s just one thing I’m missing – and that’s something sweet to finish dinner with.

I’ve been watching a few videos by other witches and one mentioned hot cross buns. I haven’t had those in years! I think tonight, I might need to stop off at Safeway and pick up some buns, maybe some vanilla cake, and — I want to treat myself to some flowers. Perhaps a bouquet of daisies, daffodils or tulips.

For after dinner, I think I will finish the night off with a hot bath, soaking in rose and lavender. Maybe I will some rose wine. And perhaps, I’ll sit outside and watch the new moon if it’s warm enough.

Ostara Blessings and Intentions

Ostara and spring are about new adventures, reawakening, and rebirth. It’s about hope and cleaning out clutter – both in body and mind. One of my goals it to start meeting online friends in person and go for coffee with, have a meal, or maybe just explore local trails with. I need to get out of the house more, and spring fever has definitely caught up to me.

I’m letting go of relationships that fell apart or no longer serve me well. And focusing on new friendships, current connections and those that are important to me. Not necessarily forgiveness for hurt, but letting go and moving on. Something I’ve talked a lot about. And this time – without anger. I’m letting go of the anger too.

Crafting Projects

The pain has been too much to craft like I wanted to. But I have some crystal beads I’d like to use up and make a sun catcher that I can hang in my window. That seems like a project for later in the week.

I’ve already started my spring cleaning and have taken out most of the recycling. The parking lot has all melted and it’s safe to walk on without falling. I cannot wait, for warmer weather so I can walk without a cane or winter coat.

Pagan and Wiccan Celebrations

Thank you for reading. Do you celebrate Ostara? How do you welcome spring? I’d love to know your stories in the comments.

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Ostara (Spring Equinox) – March 20-21

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Excitement is in the air, as one of my favorite of the eight Pagan Sabbats to celebrate is coming up fast. March 20-21 marks the beginning of Spring Equinox which means winter will soon be over! The days are already longer here thanks to Daylights Savings Time and the sun doesn’t set until after 7 pm now. I can’t tell you what a different this makes for where I live.

What is Spring Equinox?

For those that live in the Northern Hemisphere, Spring Equinox (or vernal equinox) occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator going from south to north. The world celestial is used because the equator, is basically an imaginary line above the Earth’s equator. The word Equinox, simply means “equal night”.

What makes this day special, is that both hemispheres will receive approximately the same amounts of sunlight. Summer solstice in June marks the longest day of sunlight in the year. Spring Equinox tells us that the days will continue to get longer from here on out.

Celebrate Spring

With the longer days and eventually, warmer weather, I find this time of year my energy levels are a lot better than during winter months. What this means for me -is that March and April is the perfect time to “spring clean” and declutter my home.

With the warmer days, make sure to go outside for a walk. Explore the nature trails. Spend some time in your gardens. Connect with animals. Leave an offering for your ancestors or guides somewhere outside your home (that is safe to do so).

Worm Moon has already passed, and I gave a lot of ideas in my Mindful March post as well – I will link both below for you. So, what else can you do for Ostara?

Ways to Celebrate Ostara

Ostara officially begins on March 19th and many Pagans or fellow Witches start their preparations on the 19th or even find ways to honor Ostara all week long.

For Ostara, we honor the German goddess Eostre and the origins of the Christian celebration that we know as Easter.

If you’re a gardener and the climate is appropriate, now is the time to start planning your gardens or planting seeds.

It is also a good time to declutter your home and give it a good sweep – clean out the old, and welcome the new. Open your balcony doors, windows and curtains and let in the fresh spring air, to rid your home of the musty smells of winter.

Does your life need some refreshing? Think about your current relationships, what might need improvement, or maybe you need to work on upping your communication skills. Now is the time to let go of emotional baggage that clutters your mind as well.

Meal Preparations

  • Eggs – quiches, omelettes, or other egg dishes
  • Cheese – goat cheese, or really any kind of cheese!
  • Bread – Freshly baked sourdough bread
  • Ham -casseroles, honey glazed ham, or soup or white chicken
  • Fruits – lemon, banana, lime, berries
  • Vegetables – potatoes, spinach, green onions, spaghetti squash, leek, kale, any leafy greens

Example meal for March 21:

  • Honey glazed ham
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Baked asparagus
  • Maybe a nice side salad
  • A glass or two of white wine

Magical Correspondences

  • Colors: pastels (blues, pinks, yellows, green)
  • Gems: aquamarine, amethyst or rose quartz
  • Flowers: clover, tulips, daffodils
  • Herbs: lemon, rose, clove, sandalwood, rosemary
  • Oils: lavender, rosemary, lemon, clove, rose
Photo by Mike on Pexels.com

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spiritual, witchcraft

Pagan Celebrations: February 01-02: Imbolc (Candlemas)

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On February 01 to sundown on February 02, Pagans celebrate what is known as Imbolc or Candlemas. Imbolc, which is based on Celtic traditions, was used as a marker of the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox.

This holiday isn’t just limited to Pagans, it is also widely appreciated by Wiccans, Witches and other spiritual folk around the world. More commonly so in European countries.

For many, they honor the longer days. Gone are the short days of winter. The sun arrives a little earlier in the morning and tends to last a little longer too. Here in Alberta, it’s no longer dark at 5 pm which is a nice change.

Imbolc Origins

There are many legends of what are thought to be the origins of Imbolc. The Celts of Britain and Ireland honor Pagan Goddess Brigid, who was one of the most powerful of Gods. She had two sisters of the same name, though some speculate that the three sisters symbolize different aspects of Brigid.

There are myths about Brigid as well. Some say that she was born with a flame in hand and drank the milk of a mystical cow from the astral world.

Keening is associated with Brigid which is traditional wailing that is practiced at Irish and Scottish funerals.

Imbolc Traditions

Imbolc begins on Feb 01 and ends at sundown on Feb 02. People worshipped and showed devotion to Brigid by decorating their homes with a hand crafted effigy using oats and rushes which was then placed in a dress and basket overnight. Burning lamps, candles and/or bonfires were also used for tributes to Brigid.

In modern times, Imbolc is pretty low key. I know in the Lutheran Churches, they celebrate what is known as Candlemas. Some Wiccans opt to celebrate at a later date when weather is more appropriate.

Modern day rituals might include a bonfire to celebrate Brigid, or fire rituals. If you don’t have access to a bonfire, you may wish to light candles instead.

February 02 is also known as Groundhog Day which if you’ve seen the movie with Bill Murray, you know what it means.

Imbolc Intentions

The word Imbolc is defined as a new stirring of life or as I say often, a new beginning. Goddess Brigid is known for fertility, guardian of home and hearth, and fire.

Since Imbolc marks the halfway point between Winter and Spring, this may be a good time to work an indoor garden or plant herbs. Some herbs that grow well indoors include sage, mint, chives, and my favorite, spring onions.

If you are trying to become pregnant, Goddess Brigid is associated with fertility and Imbolc would be the perfect time to be intimate with your partner.

Image credit: https://images.theabcdn.com/i/38882996/600×600/c

Other ideas for Imbolc

  • Spring cleaning, decluttering, reorganizing home
  • Do a Tarot or Rune reading, or have someone do one for you
  • Get crafty and work with organic items like wheat, or wood, parchment paper, wool or anything you can get your hands on.
  • Start a new project or revisit something you’ve been working on
  • Cook a light dinner that involves breads, cheese, fruit and vegetables
  • Plan some intimacy with your partner – Frigid can bring fertility if you’re trying to have a baby.

Candles, herbs and other tools

  • Flowers or herbs: Chamomile, Lavender, Snowdrop, Iris, Heather
  • Herbs: Bay, Angelica, Vanilla, Basil, Rosemary
  • Herbal tea: Chamomile, Rosemary, Lavender
  • Essential oils: Lavender, Rose
  • Incense: Lavender, Rose, Vanilla
  • Crystals: Amethyst, Onyx, Turquoise
  • Foods: Bread, Cake, White Meats (chicken ,pork), Seeds
  • Candles: green, pink or yellow and rub with oil

Prayer for Imbolc

I wrote this on a whim today after watching another witch on YouTube. I love this idea and I think I will do this for every Sabbat that comes up.

Blessed be!

Thank you for reading. What are your plans for Imbolc? Make sure to check my “Spiritual” page for more Sabbat ideas & rituals.

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Correction: Imbolc is on Wednesday. This post was scheduled, and listed a day early.