Ostara

All equinoxes are created equal! Although, the Spring Equinox/Ostara(March 20-23) has always felt particularly exciting to me.

It could be because I am a Spring baby!

At Spring Equinox, we celebrate a great balance and harmony, where the Nights and Days are of equal length, we begin to awake from the restful darkness Winter gifts us. Not to sound dreary, Winter is necessary and during that time of rest, the Earth heals and prepares for Spring. Now, we get to feel the warmth of the sun longer, wildflowers blossom, we begin work in our gardens, we come alive and it feels new. A Rebirth if you will.

I want to share a few personal ways I celebrate Ostara:

I try to honor transitions of any kind by reflecting and writing a gratitude list. You can reflect through meditation, journaling, or nature walks, however you sit with yourself is great. I’ll think about what new challenges I was presented with(if any), how I overcame, or what I need to do to overcome, what did the stillness of Winter teach me, what seeds do I want to plant literally and metaphysically for Spring. Through this you will also find what and whom you’re grateful for.

Then, I decorate my altar with offerings like flowers, herbs and fruit. Usually tulips, basil, oranges and strawberries. Whatever you desire that symbolizes the Spring season to you!

Purging is a big one! I really enjoy doing this. Pick a designated cluttered area that might have been overlooked for some time(we all have one!) I will go through it and throw out/donate what no longer serves me. Feels soooo good This could be a closet, your dresser, kitchen cabinets, anything that may be weighing you down. You got this!

In a couple of weeks when the snow is completely gone, I will help my mother plant fruits and vegetables in my families garden upstate. This is something I have always cherished and finally i’ll be a bigger part of the process! Watching my grandparents prepare the garden every year was so symbolic of abundance and rebirth, it always felt special. When my grandmother died a few years ago, my grandfather started preparing a smaller garden, with help from my uncle or mother. It’s a pretty big garden, enough for tomatoes, different kind of beans, potatoes, eggplant, lettuce, herbs and more! Last year, I was able to help my grandfather with it, turning over the soil, planting seeds, but this year he will only be able to watch— although i’m sure he’ll tell us what to do! As the next generation, it’s really important to me to continue this tradition and I am looking forward to the connection to my grandmother and Earth.

I live in NYC, while I have loads of plants that aid in my general well being, having my own garden is a dream. For now, my ‘garden’ here is a windowsill (I don’t even have a fire escape!) Since I get great light , I like to plant a few easy to grow herbs like basil, rosemary or lavender.

Lastly, If you like to get creative, it may be fun to make a Flower Garland 

You can wear it, put it on your altar, or hang it for decoration, the act of making it is quite soothing in itself. Flowers have been strung into garlands for centuries, especially in Asia. There they’ve been used in many ways, some to decorate oxcarts and altars that are dedicated to religious images and people. The liveliest and most intricate flower garlands continue to be made in the string of islands in the pacific ocean, like Hawaii, where leis are globally known as a symbol of love and welcome. You will find leis made from more durable materials like hair, nuts, seeds and shells but most popular are the fragrant and temporary flowers.

First, Cleanse your space with Sage, Palo Santo, Frankincense, or Sound

Protection Flower Garland recipe:

50-200 flowers

Needle

Strong cotton thread

Flat Pan

You can use carnations, keep in mind the bigger the flower the less you will need. First you will prepare them by separating them from stems and branches. Once they’re separated, Set them aside in the pan, this is where you will set your intention. Once all flowers are placed into the pan, you will place your hands over the flowers and charge them with protective energies. 

Say the Intention 3x:

“I call on the highest and greatest good, in perfect alignment, my intention is to charge these flowers with the healing fields of Archangel Michael. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.”

(you can alter the intention to what suits you but it's important to be clear)

Now it's time to thread the flowers! Carefully positioning the needle through the center of the flower one at a time. Leave two inches of bare thread at each end( later to be knotted)

Push the flowers gently, but closely together so that there aren't any gaps. When you've completed the garland, knot the two ends together saying:

This knot I tie, 

This knot I bind

I’m protected

in this time

Wear it at least a half hour or while you meditate, you can place it on your altar, hang it for decoration.

I <3 You