A Ritual for the Spring Equinox
““Well, who doesn’t want the sun after the long winter?””
The Spring Equinox is also known as the Vernal Equinox, with the word vernal itself meaning spring-like, fresh or even youthful. Certainly, we are in the earliest days of the newest season.
Today, the light of day and darkness of night each take the stage in equal parts. The last few months have seen darkness with a larger share, but as of today, the daylight lengthens.
What does that mean for you? You might feel a bit more energy with a stronger dose of sunlight. There may also be a naturally turning outward towards the world (community, friends and the gatherings), compared to the more insular quality of winter.
Today (and the rest of the week, really) qualifies as a perfect time to prepare to receive more light. Literally, as sunlight enhances our moods and energizes us. And metaphorically, too, as we embark upon a fresh start of a new season.
Find a comfortable amount of time to set aside. This could be ten minutes or an hour - what works for YOU? Remember that although this ritual works very well with the Spring Equinox, we could do with practicing receiving regularly.
Because of life, life-ing us, we’ve all built up some barricades and other protective measures. That armor probably served you well at a particular point in your life, keeping you safe and preventing harm. But those barriers to pain can also be barriers to joy, connection and vibrancy. It’s worthwhile, occasionally, to take stock of what is still needed and what can be let go.
the ritual of receiving
To prepare:
Brew a cup of tea or prepare the beverage of your choice. Gather your pen and journal.
Gather a candle and for bonus points, add an object or activity that brings you comfort and makes you feel a bit pampered (a face mask, cozy socks, eye pillow, favorite mug, luxe hand cream).
Bring along a bolster or rolled up blanket.
Restorative supported savasana
Honor the lengthening day, igniting a candle to welcome the light.
Find a comfortable space to lie down and place the bolster or blanket longways (vertically) behind you.
Sit right up to the edge of the blanket or bolster so that the short end meets the bottom of your spine.
Slowly roll back so that the bolster or blanket supports the length of your spine. If you run out of support under your head, add a pillow or another rolled blanket. Allow your arms to rest beside you and feel the way your heart space is expanded and lifted. Legs can stretch out in front of you -or- bend your knees and with feet flat on the floor if that feels better for your lower back
Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Then, picture a great source of immense light above you. It can be any color or texture you’d like. As you lie beneath the brightness, imagine that all of your cells are opening up to receive the light, illuminating every corner of your body.
When your mind wanders, return to the experience of breathing and continue to bask in the vibrant illumination. Remember that you don’t need to use this time to plan anything, to figure something out or to ruminate on what went wrong in the past. You are simply practicing opening up to receive the goodness of the next season.
Sip your tea and journal
After a length of time that seems right to you, slowly roll over and out of the restorative posture. Enjoy your tea while you spend a few moments doodling, bullet journaling or free-writing on the journal prompt below:
Spring is a time for new habits and intentions to take root. In your journal, spend some time writing down what you wish to receive. Use as many details as possible and describe in depth the ways they’ll make you feel.
To end the ritual, blow out your candle.