How to celebrate the spring equinox ⋆ Andrea Claassen

Ways to celebrate the spring equinox

When is the equinox? Typically it is between March 19th-21st. This year 2020 it's on March 19th.

Plant seeds
Meditate
Soak up springs warmth
Use floral scents
Walk outside
Lay under a tree
Bird Watch
Pick flowers
Have a picnic
Dye eggs
Have a equinox feast

Ostara Crystals

Rhodochrosite
Tigers Eye
Chrysocolla
Carnelian
Apatite
Serpentine

Incense to burn at this time of year

Jasmine
Rose
Violet Petals
Orris Root

Ostara the Goddess

According to the wheel of the the spring equinox is often referred to as Ostara. Ostara is believed to be an Anglo-Saxon goddess associated with the coming of dawn and the warming of the earth and spring.

Symbols of Spring

Rabbits- Manifestation of the Goddess
Eggs- Fertility and life

Menu Ideas

Leafy Greens- Dandelion and Nettles (Nettle soup)
Lamb or game hen
Spring veggies like asparagus
Chocolate eggs
Deviled eggs
Hot Cross Buns

Herbs of the Equinox

Lily of the Valley
Lavnedar
Thyme
Tarragon
Lilac
Violets
Lemon Balm
Honeysuckle
Tulips
Rose Hips

Spring Practices

In Ayurveda we practice a few other things at this time of the year. A seasonal cleanse is one of them. I have recorded previous episodes on the podcast discussing how to do one.

Listen to that episode here

Keep on those layers- As soon as Minnesota has it’s first 50 degree day people are out in shorts & tank tops. That is not a good idea. Our bodies haven’t had time to adjust to the weather change. That actually leads to getting sick (our grandmothers were right, button up your coat & wear a hat) we need those items to help our bodies adjust to the sudden change in temperature.

Break a sweat- Now is a great time to head to the bootcamp or HIIT class. Break a sweat to keep the kapha energy from getting stagnate in the body especially the lungs.

Incorporate twists- In Ayurveda the kapha dosha is associated with the lungs. Now is the time to make sure you incorporate some twists to keep things from getting stagnant in the upper chest. A restorative twist over a bolster is a great option to keep things flowing.

Start to eat lighter foods- As the snow is melting or gone in some areas, you might notice your appetite decreasing as well. Honor that and start to incorporate those lighter foods such as seasonal veggies. I just made a cauliflower rice, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts mixture with a little Green Goddess sauce on top by primal kitchen. It's a great light lunch or dinner idea. Bone broths are great as well to enjoy, or a nettle soup in the evening.