The vernal equinox, also known as Ostara, is an important time for Wiccans to celebrate the arrival of spring and the balance between light and dark. During this time, Wiccans engage in various practices and rituals to honor the changing seasons and harness the energy of this transitional period. One common practice during the vernal equinox is the creation of an altar or sacred space dedicated to the celebration of Ostara. Wiccans may decorate their altars with symbols of spring such as flowers, eggs, and sprouting plants. The altar is a focal point for rituals and serves as a reminder of the abundance and renewal that comes with the arrival of spring. Another important aspect of Wiccan practices during the vernal equinox is the recognition and celebration of the balance between light and dark.
For dining, the Cocina Restaurant is open-air with contemporary rattan chairs and amorphous wood tables. Silver chafing dishes, placed on a long counter, provide a formal touch in the more casual space. All-day dining (and cocktails) are offered at Las Olas Restaurant and Bar, but the atmosphere is prettiest at night when the pool lights create an azure glow and candles wink from tables and niches in the poolside masonry wall. In 2016, the hotel added Fuego Restaurante y Cantina, which serves locally-sourced Mexican cuisine in a beachfront space. A light, fun look pervades Boli's Bar, with its cobalt-blue pool tables and an orange-surface for its table tennis. And a third bar, Itzi, is a true pool bar serving drinks and light fare to guests by the infinity pool.
There are also rooms underneath bungalows that have regular ceilings, good news for guests who are light sleepers as the palapa roofing lets in noise. Recent additions to the resort include an ice cream shop and a boutique that offers exclusive Mahekal beachwear and unique, locally-made gifts and art.
Another important aspect of Wiccan practices during the vernal equinox is the recognition and celebration of the balance between light and dark. Wiccans believe in the concept of duality and understand that this balance is necessary for harmony and growth. Therefore, rituals during this time often involve acknowledging and honoring both the light and dark aspects of life.
Mahekal Beach Resort
An upper-middle range, boho-chic oceanfront resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Boutique-style rooms are open, light, airy and beachy.
Resort Details
Mahekal Beach Resort features 196 rooms with ocean or garden views, and many are thatched-roof bungalows. The décor—described by the resort itself as “Gypset style”–tastefully and seamlessly blends Mexican tradition with forward-thinking design. The beach is, of course, the main attraction, and 920 feet of soft, white sand–the longest uninterrupted beach in Playa–is just what the doctor ordered to unwind and disconnect. Recent additions to the resort include an ice cream shop and a boutique that offers exclusive Mahekal beachwear and unique, locally-made gifts and art.
Four pools are located onsite, including an infinity pool, a heated pool with a hot tub and a pool with a swim-up bar. Choose the Las Olas Pool for a gorgeous beachfront setting or the Treehouse Pool for a serene garden location; you’ll share the space with birds, iguanas and lush jungle vegetation. Additionally, many of the oceanfront casitas have their own private plunge pool.
Three bars and three restaurants are on-premises and ready to serve guests. The Cocina Restaurant is open-air and great for a breezy lunch, while Las Olas Restaurant and Bar offers a magical nighttime setting by the glow of the pool lights. Check out Boli’s Bar for drinks and a fun atmosphere, and try your skills at table tennis or at one of the cobalt-blue pool tables.
Nearby Attractions
Less than 15 miles south of Mahekal Beach Resort is Río Secreto, where you can hike and swim in a spectacular underground turquoise river. See other-worldly stalagmites and stalactites in an unusual, subterranean world.
Hitting the links couldn’t be easier, as two great golf courses are less than 15 minutes away. The Golf Club at Playacar is a par-72 Robert Von Hagge-designed course; its narrow fairways and small greens make it one of the most challenging courses in southeastern Mexico. The par-71 course at Grand Coral Riviera Maya, designed by Nick Price, winds through splendid natural jungle and overlooks beautiful blue lakes.
Among the most popular attractions in the Yucatán are the world-famous Mayan ruins, just a short drive from Mahekal. Chichén Itzá, an ancient city that flourished more than ten centuries ago, is dominated by a massive 79-foot pyramid known as El Castillo. The city of Tulum, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Americas, sits on a bluff overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Both provide a fascinating glimpse into the mighty civilization that thrived for centuries in pre-Columbian Mexico.
One common ritual that Wiccans perform during the vernal equinox is the lighting of a bonfire. This fire represents the return of the sun's warmth and light and is a symbol of transformation and new beginnings. Wiccans may gather around the bonfire to meditate, perform spells, or engage in other sacred acts to harness the transformative power of the equinox. Additionally, Wiccans may engage in activities that connect them with the natural world during the vernal equinox. This can include going for walks in nature, gardening, or participating in outdoor rituals. The equinox is a time when the earth is awakening from its winter slumber, and Wiccans seek to align themselves with this natural process. In conclusion, Wiccan practices during the vernal equinox revolve around celebrating the arrival of spring, honoring the balance between light and dark, and connecting with the natural world. Through altars, rituals, bonfires, and outdoor activities, Wiccans seek to welcome the energy of renewal and growth that the equinox brings..
Reviews for "Finding balance and harmony through Wiccan practices on the vernal equinox"
1. Mary - 2 out of 5 stars - I attended a Wiccan celebration during the vernal equinox and I was quite disappointed. The practices seemed more like a theatrical performance rather than a spiritual event. The individuals leading the ceremony were more focused on their costumes and props rather than creating a meaningful experience. I was hoping to connect with nature and tap into the energies of the equinox, but instead, I felt like I was observing a group of people playing make-believe.
2. John - 1 out of 5 stars - My experience with Wiccan practices during the vernal equinox was extremely underwhelming. The entire event felt disorganized and lacking in any real substance. The rituals performed seemed more like a mishmash of random elements rather than a cohesive spiritual practice. Furthermore, the leaders failed to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, making me feel like an outsider rather than a participant. Overall, the event left me feeling skeptical about the authenticity and effectiveness of Wiccan practices.
3. Sarah- 2 out of 5 stars - I attended a Wiccan celebration during the vernal equinox, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Wiccan practices. However, I found the event to be quite confusing and inaccessible. The leaders did not provide any explanations or context for the rituals and symbols used, leaving me feeling disconnected and out of place. Additionally, the atmosphere felt more like a New Age festival with vendors selling crystals and tarot readings, rather than a spiritually-focused ceremony. Overall, the lack of clarity and commercialization of the event left me feeling unsatisfied and unsure about the true essence of Wiccan practices.