The Spring Equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, marks a time of balance, renewal, and fresh energy. As the day and night come into equal balance, it offers an opportunity to jump into the new season with active intention. Astrologically speaking, it is also the start of Aries season and the new zodiac year, adding a bold and passionate energy to the mix. Furthermore, this year’s equinox arrives on the heels of a potent full moon lunar eclipse, making it a prime time for fresh starts and new beginnings!
Historically, the Spring equinox also aligns with the Wiccan holiday of Ostara, a celebration of fertility, rebirth, and the nurturing of seeds—both literal and metaphorical. Now, you don’t need to be Wiccan to celebrate this turning of the wheel, and this holiday isn’t necessarily religious. Ostara simply reminds us to honor growth and transformation, and celebrate the beauty of new beginnings.
Honoring the turning of the wheel of the year doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 7 simple rituals for a Spring Equinox celebration that will help you embrace the changing season with intention and mindfulness while also honoring ancient traditions. Whether you’re looking to create space for personal growth or simply reconnect with nature, these Spring Equinox rituals are the perfect way to align your energy with the season’s themes of renewal and balance.
1. Refresh Your Space with Spring Cleaning
One of the easiest ways to invite fresh energy into your life is through spring cleaning. This ritual aligns with the spirit of the Spring Equinox by symbolizing the clearing away of the old to make room for new growth. Clearing out clutter doesn’t just create physical space—it creates emotional and energetic space for new possibilities. As you go through your home, let go of items that no longer serve you, whether it’s old clothes, outdated papers, or even digital clutter.
When you clean, open the windows to let in fresh air and cleanse the space with a favorite essential oil or sage. As you declutter, set an intention to invite new, positive energy into your life.
You can also perform a little energetic spring cleaning. Make a list of everything you want to leave behind and write it on a piece of paper. Take a moment to visualize yourself acknowledging the role these habits, patterns, and mindsets played in your life and then bid them goodbye. When you’re ready, burn the list—SAFELY! Fire safety is not joke! Afterwards, move your body in a way that feels fun to you: you can dance, go for a run, play hopscotch, take hike—whatever feels good to you!
2. Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to celebrate Spring Equinox. Whether it’s going for a hike, taking a quiet walk in the park, sitting by a river, or simply breathing in fresh air, being outdoors allows you to connect deeply with the present moment. Feel the earth beneath you. Take notice of the subtle shifts of the season—the birds chirping, fresh leaves budding on the trees, and flowers beginning to bloom.
This time spent in nature is not only refreshing for your mind and body but also a sacred way to honor the rebirth that is happening all around you. It reminds us that we, too, are part of a larger cycle. As nature transitions into a season of growth and abundance, we, too, can align ourselves with that energy, opening ourselves to new opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
3. Wake Up Early to Watch the Sunrise
The Spring Equinox is all about balance and new beginnings. Watching the sunrise is a beautiful ritual that aligns with the themes of renewal and transformation. Set an intention to rise early on the Equinox (the morning of Thursday, March 20, 2025) and watch as the sun slowly rises over the horizon, filling the sky with light.
As you watch the sunrise, take this time to reflect on the fresh energy you want to invite into your own life. Write down your intentions or simply be present. The sunrise symbolizes new beginnings, making it the perfect time to set your intentions for the season ahead.
4. Plant a Garden (Even a Small One!)
Planting seeds is a powerful, traditional ritual for the Spring Equinox that invites growth and transformation. It symbolizes your personal growth and the nurturing of new opportunities. Luckily, you don’t need a big backyard or even a green thumb to enjoy this ritual. Instead, you could create a small, counter-top herb garden, freshen up your garden beds, or even sprinkle wildflower seeds into your lawn!
As you plant each seed, take a moment to set an intention. What would you like to cultivate this season, in your life and within yourself? The act of planting serves as a reminder that growth takes time and care, and that you’re capable of nurturing new beginnings.
5. Use Nature to Create an Artwork
If you are still feeling a little stuck in winter rest mode, light your creative fire by collecting natural items such as flowers, stones, and leaves from outside to create a simple art project. This could be a temporary nature mandala or something a little more permanent that you can frame and keep somewhere to remind you of the energy you want to cultivate this year. The end result doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s the act of self-expression that’s important!
Gather items that speak to you from outside, such as leaves, fresh flowers, pretty stones, interesting twigs, etc. Use these found objects to craft interesting sculptures, press or dry flowers, make a collage, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
6. Light a Candle & Take Action Towards Your Goals
Candles are a powerful symbol of transformation. Lighting a candle during the Spring Equinox ritualizes your intentions and illuminates the path ahead. It serves as a reminder of the growth and light you wish to bring into your life and aligns with the natural energy of the season, which invites us to step into the light of new opportunities.
To start, sit in a quiet space, light a candle, and reflect on what you want to manifest this coming year. Write down your goals—they don’t have to be big or complicated, but they should be specific—and think of just one thing you can do right now to take a step towards them. For example, if your goal is to save up $20,000, you can set up an automatic transfer to a high yield savings account that is a set percentage of your paycheck each month. Or, if you want to eat healthier, more nutritious foods, make a meal plan for the coming week and write out your grocery list.
As you do this, allow the candle to burn as a visual representation of your desires coming into being.
7. Refresh Your Daily Routine
The Spring Equinox is a perfect time to shake things up and refresh your daily routine so that it can support and nourish you this year. Now, this doesn’t have to be monumental. In fact, even small adjustments can add up to make a big impact! Have you always wanted to wake up earlier? Change your alarm now. Do you want to start your day with a glass of water before reaching for coffee? Set a glass out on the counter the night before as your reminder. Ready to spend less time doom-scrolling? Set limits on your social media apps.
Taking care of your body and mind in simple ways will help you feel more connected to the energy of the season. Whether it’s cooking at home or changing up your exercise routine, these small but impactful rituals will make your day feel more aligned with the season’s natural flow.
Final Thoughts
The Spring Equinox is a pivotal moment in the Wheel of the Year. It’s a time to celebrate balance, growth, and new beginnings. By incorporating rituals like spring cleaning, spending time in nature, and planting a garden, you can honor the energy of this season and create a solid foundation for the months ahead.
As you celebrate this moment of renewal, remember that the Spring Equinox is about embracing the shift of energy—allowing yourself to be open to new possibilities, grounding your intentions, and nurturing your growth. May these rituals support you as you walk this path of renewal and transformation, honoring both the Earth’s natural cycles and your own.
Which of these Spring Equinox rituals are you most excited to try this season? Share in the comments and let me know how you plan to step into the energy of spring with intention!