Spring breathes new life into the world around us.
Take a deep breath. Smell that? Spring has Sprung!
Springtime warming soils and fresh breezes welcome the longed-for aroma of flowering bulbs and flowers that have laid dormant in the past many months. As we welcome spring in the northern hemisphere, we experience joy and optimism for the warming earth and of hope and possibility that greater daylight hours bring.
For the Romans, the new year began on the “Ides of March” (15th) but for most of the ancients, the astrological year started on the Vernal Equinox when the sun moves into the astrological sign of Aries.
In pre-Christian Europe, the Anglo-Saxon maiden Goddess of spring was known as Ostara or Eostre, meaning to “shine” as the bringer of new light. She is another version of ‘mother nature’ and the ‘awakening of the feminine’ principle behind the Sun’s light. She oversees the budding plants and expanding fertility of the earth.
The ancient fertility rites of spring celebrated Ostara on the Vernal Equinox. Throughout the northern hemisphere, March festivals acknowledged the great Mother Goddesses who’s return symbolizes the abundance of the new buds blossoming in flowers and the leaves on the trees, sprouting of seeds, the return of songbirds, and the mating and birth of animals. Indeed, life on earth comes alive in the spring!
It is interesting to note that Eostre’s name also lends itself to the direction “East,” and for “estrus” and “estrogen,” and adapted as the word asteroid, all having the root meaning of awakening, dawning light, new life, renewal, and rebirth. As such, the goddess of spring is associated with the fertility symbols of babies, eggs, rabbits or hares, and flowers.
The derivation of The celebration of Easter now familiarizes Eostre’s name. Today we may celebrate Easter with chocolate, bunnies and egg hunts and family gatherings. Although the Christian Church chose the pagan holiday to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, the current date for Easter is still determined by the old pagan moon cycle. It is always the first Sunday on or after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
However you choose to celebrate the return of spring, it is a feel good and happy season. Any time new beginnings and creation are in focus, I find it a perfect reason to celebrate.
Springtime Ritual
I love rituals, gardens, and fragrant flowers. Now is the time to bring beauty into your life. Whether you have room for a pot on your porch, a full garden in your yard, take a bit of time to think about choosing the seeds, bulbs or plants which represent the things you want to grow during the new year—love, wisdom, kindness, understanding, patience, etc.
As you plant your seeds or flowers in your garden, visualize those qualities coming into full bloom. Be mindful that as you plant your garden, you have connected with your heart intention and ask yourself, “what am I co-creating at this time, this season, this year in my life.”
As your flowers grow, talk to them and ask them to help you develop through strengthening your roots connected and stable in the earth. They will show that as you are being drawn upward by the light and warmth of the sun that your creations bloom with beauty and delight. With conscious intention and mindful attention, you will manifest your blooming gifts.
