6 Rituals To Kick Off The Spring Season & The Astrological New Year

The Earth is shrugging off the last vestige of winter as we move into the spring equinox. This is a time of year when people around the world celebrate the possibility of new growth and fresh beginnings, and as the beginning of the astrological year, many consider this the true start to the new year.

It's a time to celebrate rites of passage by doing special rituals to welcome in the vernal equinox—another name for the spring equinox—which comes from the Latin word vernare, "to bloom."

One of my favorite legends says that if you bathe your face in the early-morning dew of spring, you will have beauty all year long. Get up early one morning and try it! 

Take a bath or a shower with sea salt. Symbolically wash your hands, feet, and body three times to represent clearing the mind, body, and soul. Call in the power of water and make a prayer to release anything you are holding on to that is creating lack or limitations of any kind.

When you are finished, dry yourself off and tie a red string around your wrist. Wear until it falls off, symbolizing your new path of balance, joy, love, and health.

Aries is the first sign of the astrological year and begins our spring season, so why not create a magical bowl of scented gemstones to strengthen these qualities in your life? Think of essences associated with spring: enterprising, spontaneous, daring, active, courageous, and energetic.

We are moving into the spring equinox, Passover, and Easter—all of which represent renewal and rebirth. And each one, in its own way, talks about freedom. Ask yourself, Where am I still held in bondage? Is it your own critical voice? Financial debt? Need for outside approval? Addictions to intensity including your cellphone, social media, and email? Now is the time to make changes.

Make a paper airplane. Now think of what holds you back and keeps you stuck. Symbolically place everything on this plane—you can write words, paste on stickers, or paint signs and symbols on the plane. Take your time.

Then go outside and let it go…freely releasing it to source. Say out loud, "I release and let go," and know that it is done.

Sit quietly holding some edible seeds (i.e., sunflower or pumpkin).

Become aware that each seed between your hands holds potential life. Imagine that within each seed is the resource you require to create a life of health, wealth, and love. 

Visualize your dreams and goals being nourished blessed and protected by the elemental powers of the goddess of spring and know that new life will begin.