The Spring Equinox Witch is a mythical figure associated with the changing of seasons. In various cultures and folklore, the equinox is seen as a time of balance and transition, where day and night are of equal length. This mystical character is believed to have magical powers and is said to bring about the arrival of spring. The Spring Equinox Witch is often portrayed as a wise and enchanting being, in tune with the natural rhythms of the Earth. She is said to possess the ability to control the elements and manipulate the forces of nature. It is believed that she uses her powers to awaken and promote growth in the natural world during this time of renewal.
Marcantoni recommends a renewal ritual where you gather two pieces of paper, a pencil, a bowl, some water, a lighter, incense/palo santo/sage, a stick, and a spot to plant something. Then, follow these steps:
So practices like walking, deep breathing, dry brushing, salt scrubs, and gua sha are perfect habits to begin building on the spring equinox and carry throughout the year. Align with the earth s rhythm this Spring Equinox and welcome in renewal, new beginnings, and awaken the higher vibrational field within your authentic nature is ready for a reset.
It is believed that she uses her powers to awaken and promote growth in the natural world during this time of renewal. In some traditions, the Spring Equinox Witch is seen as a bringer of fertility and abundance. She is associated with the blossoming of flowers, the return of wildlife from hibernation, and the awakening of the earth after a long winter's slumber.
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.
Ostara, or the Spring Equinox, marks the first official day of spring, when night and day are of equal length. The return of spring is celebrated all over the world – from the Christian Easter to Jewish Passover to the Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz. For witches, the Spring Equinox is known as Ostara, named after the Germanic lunar goddess, an embodiment of the great Goddess who gave birth to the Sun God at the Winter Solstice. As an Equinox, Ostara is a time of balance and equilibrium.
It is believed that she spreads her magic across the land, revitalizing dormant seeds and helping them germinate. The Spring Equinox Witch is also associated with rituals and celebrations that mark the arrival of spring. In many cultures, people gather to honor the changing season and seek the blessings of the witch. They may perform rituals, dances, or ceremonies to invoke her presence and ask for her guidance and protection. Some legends depict the Spring Equinox Witch as a guardian of the balance between light and darkness. She is believed to ensure that the power of light gradually overtakes the darkness, leading to longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. It is said that she plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony in the natural world. Overall, the Spring Equinox Witch is a magical and revered figure that is closely linked to the arrival of spring. She symbolizes the awakening of nature, the balance between light and darkness, and the cyclical rhythms of the Earth. Her mythical presence adds a touch of enchantment to the changing of seasons, reminding us of the powerful forces at play in the natural world..
Reviews for "Celebrating Growth and Transformation: Witchcraft Traditions on the Equinox"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "Spring Equinox Witch" as I am a fan of the fantasy genre, but unfortunately, this book fell short for me. The storyline was predictable and the characters felt one-dimensional. The writing style also left much to be desired, with awkward dialogue and weak descriptions. Overall, it was a disappointment and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Mike - 1 star - I found "Spring Equinox Witch" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The plot was cliché and uninspired, and the characters lacked depth or any compelling development. The writing seemed amateurish, with repetitive phrases and poor pacing. I couldn't connect with the story or the world the author tried to create. It's definitely a book I regret purchasing.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Spring Equinox Witch" had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it was poorly executed. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening and then rushed, confusing action. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and I couldn't relate to or invest in any of the characters. The lack of proper world-building made it difficult to imagine or understand the setting. Overall, it was a letdown and not worth the time.