In the northern hemisphere, March 20th marks the Spring or Vernal Equinox.
Twice a year the earth’s equator crosses the center of the sun creating a day where daylight and night are approximately the same duration. Hence the term “equi,” which means equal in Latin. Those two days of “equal” night and day are called: 1) the spring or vernal equinox and 2) the fall or autumnal equinox.
For the northern hemisphere, March 20th marks the coming of spring and a transition to warmer, more fecund climatic conditions. In contrast, the southern hemisphere is moving into a period of relative dormancy or “winter.” So, when it’s the spring equinox in the north, it’s the fall equinox in the south and vice versa.
Planting the Seed for Change – New Activities, Ideas, and Behaviors
The spring equinox is a time to clear and refresh much like “spring cleaning” a house or apartment. Some say it is a time of rebirth (e.g., Pagan and Wiccan) and reawakening because of the natural seasonal cycles of life. It’s a time of fertility, reproduction, and growth. In nature, there are physical signs everywhere: the proliferation of wildflowers, the unfolding of winter buds into canopies of bright green, the songs of returning and transmigratory birds, the buzzing of bees, and the renewed activity of all kinds of animals – humans included. Many cultures welcome the spring equinox with music, dance, and other forms of celebration. For some it is a sacred, but still joyful, time. For all, it represents new beginnings.
How to Clear and Refresh – Physically and Energetically
Two ways to clear and refresh are smudging (energetic clearing) and detoxing. Smudging and detoxing are preparatory practices that precede many forms of spiritual practice and vision work. For example, religious clergy passes smoldering incense urns through the aisles of the church, and many yogis and shamans detox and fast in preparation for more intensive meditation and journeying.
Spring detoxification regimes are ancient practices, although, there has been a recent surge in interest in detoxing: one might even call it “trendy.” The idea is to rid the body (and mind and spirit) of accumulated toxins stemming from heavier diets and a more sedentary existence typically associated with the winter months.
Below are links to other Starchaser blogs on smudging and detoxing using essential oils and hydrosols, both all-natural and highly therapeutic and energetic aromatic plant products.
Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Rebirth, and Beginning Something New
The idea that certain times of the year are particularly favorable or auspicious for cleansing, reassessment, reawakening, and creativity is not something new nor unique to the spring equinox. The new and waxing moon phases and the New Year are also times when people take stock, reassess their lives, and shepherd transformation and change. Therefore, the same essential oils are relevant to all of these situations. (See our other blog posts for more information on aromatherapy and essential oils for New Year’s resolutions and for the New Moon and Waxing Moon.)
Essential Oils For Starting Something New
- Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
- Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
- Galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua)
- Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum)
- Nutmeg (Myristica fragans)
Galbanum releases old ideas and behaviors sheds light on life’s purpose and offers a new perspective. Cardamon, jasmine, and nutmeg increase openness and enthusiasm for new things and all kinds of change. In addition, nutmeg releases old energetic, emotional, and mental patterns. Cypress is cleansing and grounding, creating a constructive atmosphere for evaluating choices. It can offer inner strength and confidence when faced with more challenging change. Cypress also calms the mind and emotions and reduces anxiety.
Essential oils support spring’s reawakening and change, but how depends on individual beliefs and spiritual practices. Diffuse a blend of these essential oils during spring equinox celebrations and ceremonies. Just a few drops of the blend are all that is needed because less is more when it comes to subtle aromatherapy (the energetic or vibrational attributes of essential oils and aromatherapy).
Alternatively, one can simply set an intention for the spring equinox and use the diffuser oils during this process, during the day (March 20th), and for a few additional days. The blend can be diffused a couple of days before March 20th in preparation and a couple of days after for continuity. Always set a clear positive intention. Perhaps write the intention down and place it in a special place (e.g., under a crystal grid or in some other special box or dish). It doesn’t actually matter where the intentions are placed so long as it is treated as a special or sacred place for that specific purpose.
Additional Information and Resources
See my blogs on energetic clearing (smudging):
See my blog on detoxing
