March 20 marks the Spring Equinox, and for many Indigenous peoples, this is the start of the new year. It’s a time when the death of winter gives way to the new life of spring. We watch as the Earth returns to life, plush with foliage, flowers, and a palpable active energy rising inside us. Indigenous rituals around the spring equinox have been practiced for generations. It’s a celebration of the cycle of life. The death and decay of winter end with the first blossom of spring. Longer days and shorter nights mean the sun shines more, and the intensity of the moon cycles is amplified. Communing with Mother Earth during this time was not only considered a show of respect for the land, water, and air, but it also sparked the fire within our ancestors to continue leaning into their faith and trusting in their sacred journey with Spirit.
There were many ways to celebrate the spring equinox, and various Indigenous traditions had rituals that coincided with the start of this new season. One thing that is consistent within the different traditions is the inclusion of the elements – earth, water, air, and fire. Some rituals included all elements equally, while others focused more on one or two. For example, the fire element is symbolic of transformation. With the arrival of spring, you can write a list of everything you want to bury and lay to rest from the winter, then carefully burn the paper and discard it, symbolizing the shed or purge of anything that may have been weighing you down. This is a way to communicate with Spirit that you trust in the cycles of the seasons, as they represent the cycle within.
Plant Seeds
If you have a green thumb and get excited about gardening in the spring, you may not know that you’re actually practicing an Indigenous spiritual ritual, which was done to connect with the land and honor our life’s cycle. As a community, groups would gather to nourish the seeds by planting them in soil that was prayed upon and celebrated. After the seeds were planted, a celebration would follow that included dance, storytelling, and food. As the seeds become one with the earth and begin to sprout from underneath the surface, Indigenous groups honor their new growth by praising it and thanking what they’ve grown for its nourishment and spiritual healing properties. Today, we can re-create this spiritual ritual by planting seeds with intention. Whether that means having flower baskets that hang from your window in a city skyscraper or basking in a full-blown garden in your backyard, it doesn’t matter. The most important thing is the intention around the act. Thank the seeds as you plant them. Thank the soil for being a healthy environment for the seeds to thrive and grow. Recognize how parallel this is to our life.
Create an Altar
If you’ve never had a spiritual altar at home, spring equinox is a great time to create one. Remember that intention? It holds the same importance in this ritual. As you gather the items you’d like to include on your altar, be mindful of what each represents and do something that shows gratitude. This could be simply saying “Thank you” to each item you choose. You could also clean each piece with a spiritual cologne like Florida Water (Agua de Florida) or Rue Water (Agua de Ruda). Another option is cleansing the pieces with some sage, Palo Santo, or copal before intuitively placing the pieces on your altar, representing the four elements. Adding flowers or a plant will bring in the Earth element, while the water in the vase or pot can symbolize that element. Burning a candle represents fire, and the smoke from the flame is air. After you’ve created your altar, spend some time with it. Sit in front of it and pray, meditate, or journal. You can also chant, sing, or even dance around your altar. If you feel called, add photos of ancestors or items that represent their lives, bringing you closer to them.
Sunrise Gathering
Remember that Indigenous spiritual rituals for spring equinox were rarely done alone. Oftentimes, these events were held in union with others. So, grab a group of your friends willing to brave the early morning hours and gather at a place that means something to you or is calling to you. A beach or a body of water is powerful, but this can also be done in a park or the mountains. Arrive before the sun rises and set up your space, typically in a circular arrangement. You and your friends can create a spring equinox altar in the middle of the circle. Place flowers and other mementos like photos or symbols of ancestors. Light candles, but only if it is safe for the Earth and those involved in the ritual. Otherwise, opt for flameless candles.
Gather in a circle and commune together in song, meditation, prayer, or a combination of all three. Hold hands to ignite the collective energy that begins to blend with the altar and the earth beneath your seat. Thank the Universe for another completion of winter and the start of spring. Celebrate the day when the light and darkness are equal. Marvel at the pure magic of being alive and rejoice in the presence of your people and the gathering of like-minded souls. As the sun begins to rise, you rise, too. Stand in a circle and do sun salutations by raising your hands into the air and gently diving down into a forward fold with your hands meeting the earth, if you can. With a slight bend in your knees, use the power to push yourself upright slowly as you imagine yourself like a flower pushing and prodding through soil, roots, worms, and other obstacles before breaking through the surface to find the sun. Repeat as many times as you’d like before exchanging embraces with the people who have gathered with you for this beautiful celebration of renewal and rebirth.
Zayda Rivera is a PS contributor. She has been a professional writer for more than 20 years. Z is a certified Reiki Master-Teacher, yoga and Zumba instructor, mindfulness and meditation guide, tarot reader, and spiritual mentor.
