The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, is a magical time of year. It marks the transition from winter to spring, when the days and nights are equal in length. This celestial event occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere. During the spring equinox, there is a surge of energy in the natural world. This energy can be harnessed and utilized for various forms of magic. Many different cultures and spiritual traditions have rituals and practices that take place during this time.
What personal practices that keep you attuned to your own self and spirit can you commit for this season of spring?
We are being asked to make adjustments to how we show up in the world in a way that honors our values, sees our own self as valuable, and therefore brings deeper stability to our life and livelihood. If you re a night owl, this may be a little difficult, but many people like to wake up to greet the rising sun as a way to represent the sun s renewed strength and the beginning of longer days, Trinh says.
Many different cultures and spiritual traditions have rituals and practices that take place during this time. One of the main themes associated with the spring equinox is new beginnings. As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, there is a sense of renewal and rebirth.
Springing From One Mood into Another: Is the Sun at Fault?
The blizzard arrived two weeks before the official start of spring, but people interviewed on the local TV news channel were stoic and relatively calm. “Spring is coming,” many of them said, as they lugged their bags of groceries to the car along with bags of de-icer. “It will be all over soon.”
They were referring to the discomfort of a major snowstorm followed inevitably by icy winds and slippery sidewalks, but they also may have been referring to the winter mood that descends around mid-November along with the first heating bill. And it is true. Even though visible spring with its flowers, magnolia blossoms, and ducklings usually arrives at least four to six weeks after calendar spring, there is a perceptible lightening of mood by mid-March, in part due to longer daylight hours. Indeed, in my city, where people rarely spontaneously start conversations with strangers? A small amount of chitchat with a passing pedestrian over an emerging crocus, or newly arrived songbird indicates a positive Spring-like mood.
The warmer weather (that will arrive even if much delayed) is partly responsible. But the longer hours of sunlight may be a more potent force in getting rid of the winter doldrums. Many have suffered from the winter blues, or in its more severe manifestation Seasonal Affective Disorder ("SAD"), since the fall. Fatigue, loss of interest in social activities, increased food intake, increased sleep and irritability have been unwelcome symptoms associated with the long hours of darkness. These symptoms lessen by the arrival of the vernal equinox, i.e. Spring, and are often gone by the beginning of summer.
The mood replacing SAD, or the Winter blues, almost seems like mania-lite. Long hours of sleep are replaced by earlier awakenings and energy replaces lethargy. Mental fog vanishes along with the excessive food cravings, and enthusiasm for new activities gets people out of bed and out of the house. Interestingly, people who manage to go south for a couple of weeks during the winter report the same almost instantaneous change in mood after exposure to longer bouts of sunshine.
Weight loss is one of the positive effects of the disappearance of the winter blues. It is much easier to follow a diet in the spring only because seasonal fruits and vegetables seem so much more appetizing than the dull root vegetables and apples of the late fall. The absence of Seasonal Affective Disorder removes the insistent cravings for sweet junk food, and salads and strawberries become more attractive than Twinkies.
Exercise seems easier to do as well, due to an increase in vigor and maybe the realization that sweaters will have to be removed in a month or so.
So springtime is much to be desired. Right? Well, not for everyone.
The good mood that most anticipate along with the snowmelt may be too much of a good thing for some. Hypomania or mania often appears in the Spring; symptoms can include poor appetite, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, poor impulse control, and lack of focus. The early symptoms are enticing as described by those who experience them: increased self-esteem, being more talkative than usual, a mind filled with creative ideas, and energy-driven ambitious goals. Unfortunately, the lack of sleep, as well as poor eating habits coupled with agitation and irritability become obstacles to normal functioning.
And if they are severe, these symptoms of hypomania can require medication and/or hospitalization. The hypomania or mania may be one component of bipolar disorder, and appears cyclically along with bouts of depression. But Spring can elicit these mania-like symptoms without the accompanying depression at some later interval.
Suicide seems to peak in the spring, according to a review by Woo, Okusaga and Postoache (Int J Environ Res Public Health), although some studies have shown this to occur later in the season, when the days are much longer than calendar spring. But even though the rise of suicides is predicted with the coming of Spring, very little is understood about why this should be so. Scientists have proposed an increase in depression because of the high pollen counts and allergies, the discomfort to some of warmer weather, and even the contrast between the many public celebratory events of the spring such as graduations, weddings, and/or reunions, that may be coupled with personal feelings of despair and depression.
Anecdotal reports confirm the disparity between sunny skies, warm weather, the beauty of air filled with floating fruit tree blossoms with an inner darkness, with a sense of despair, and retreat from the world. Some clinicians have begun to call this negative Spring mood, “reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder.” But naming the condition doesn’t explain it. Some have suggested increasing exposure to darkness as a means of alleviating the symptoms. Making the bedroom as dark as possible to prevent early morning light from causing awakening too early, avoiding mid-day sun when it is the strongest, and always wearing sunglasses outside are methods offered to prevent this spring depression. Does it work? There really aren’t any studies to say whether it works better than being exposed to normal amounts of light.
A wise friend who was extolling the benefits of daylight saving time because he loves coming home in daylight, was surprised when I mentioned that some people become more depressed in the Spring. “Maybe it is hard for people who carry their depressed mood with them into Spring to be around others who throw off their grumpiness and bad mood like their winter coats when spring comes. " he theorized. Depression is isolating and may seem even more so when suddenly the outside world is full of people enjoying the balmy temperatures and feel of the sun on their faces, and you are too depressed to leave your home.
6. Accept that everything in life is cyclical. What seeds are you ready to plant in your life now? Visualize those seeds being planted within your own body now, like light beams, or stars, can you fully receive them? These seeds may come like visions, images, words, and simply by taking deep breaths. Be prepared to surprise yourself as to what comes. Our intuitive nature often comes in a flash, and has no previous story attached to it. It feels right, and good and clear inside the body. Journal your experience.
It is a time to let go of the old and embrace the new. This energy can be utilized in spells and rituals focused on personal growth and transformation. The balance between day and night during the equinox also symbolizes balance in our own lives. It is a time to reflect on the areas in our lives that may be out of balance and make adjustments as needed. This can be done through meditation, journaling, or even through specific rituals designed to restore balance and harmony. Another aspect of equinox magic during the springtime is fertility. As nature comes alive with blossoming flowers and trees, there is a potent energy of fertility and abundance in the air. This can be harnessed for fertility spells, whether you are seeking to conceive a child or looking to bring forth new ideas and projects. Equinox magic during the springtime is also associated with cleansing and purification. Just as nature cleanses itself during this time, we too can cleanse ourselves of any lingering negativity or stagnant energy. This can be done through smudging, bathing rituals, or even through energetic practices such as Reiki or energy healing. In conclusion, the spring equinox is a magical time of year that marks the transition into a new season. It is a time of new beginnings, balance, fertility, and cleansing. By tapping into the energy of the equinox, we can harness its magic for personal growth, transformation, and manifestation. Whether through spells, rituals, or simply spending time in nature, the spring equinox offers countless opportunities for magical practice..
Reviews for "Embrace Spring with Equinox Magic: Celebrate the Rebirth of Nature"
1. Amanda - 2/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "Equinox magic during the springtime". The event was hyped to be a magical experience, but all I witnessed were a few mediocre performances and a lackluster atmosphere. The organizers did not put enough effort into creating an enchanting ambiance, and it felt more like a regular gathering rather than a special event. Additionally, the ticket prices were exorbitant for what was offered. Overall, I would not recommend attending this event if you are seeking a truly magical and memorable experience.
2. Robert - 1/5 stars - I regret going to "Equinox magic during the springtime". It was a complete waste of time and money. The event had nothing to do with magic or the equinox. The activities were uninteresting, and the performers seemed unenthusiastic. The event lacked organization, and there were long queues for everything. Not to mention, the food served was overpriced and mediocre in quality. Save your money and find a better event to attend during the springtime.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Equinox magic during the springtime" was not what I anticipated. The performances were uninspiring and did not live up to the magic theme. The event grounds were overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy any of the activities comfortably. Moreover, the staff was unhelpful and disorganized, resulting in a frustrating experience. In my opinion, there are much better events to attend during the springtime that offer a true sense of magic and wonder. Hence, I would not recommend this event to anyone looking for a truly enchanting experience.