Here’s your guide to the Spring Equinox! Also known as the Vernal Equinox, the Spring Equinox marks the moment when day and night are in perfect balance, ushering in the season of growth, renewal, and transformation.

This is actually a really special Equinox for me. Many of you know that we recently moved from Salem, Massachusetts to the great Northern Wilds of New Hampshire. It’s been magical watching the beginning of the Spring thaw here. The snow is melting, and our land and all the creatures are starting to wake up. More about the new homestead and apothecary space soon!

So, the Spring Equinox is a celestial event that has captivated humanity for centuries, playing a significant role in many cultures’ spiritual practices, mythology, and seasonal celebrations. Today, the equinox continues to hold great metaphysical and spiritual significance.

Let’s dive into some of the lore around it.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• What the Spring Equinox is
• The historical significance of the Spring Equinox
• The metaphysical and spiritual meaning of the Spring Equinox
• Folklore and legends associated with the Spring Equinox
• Deities and spirits of the Spring Equinox
• Modern Spring Equinox practices
• 5 easy ways you can celebrate the Spring Equinox right now

What is the Spring Equinox?

The Spring Equinox, which usually occurs between March 19 and March 21, is a moment in the Earth’s orbit when the plane of the Earth’s equator passes directly through the center of the Sun. In 2025, it falls on Thursday, March 20 around 5 am EST.

As a result, both hemispheres experience equal amounts of daylight and darkness.

This balance of light and dark has made the equinox a symbolic time of equilibrium, harmony, and personal transformation.

The word “equinox” is Latin, meaning “equal night.” I know a lot of folks who flip this on its head and call it the “Equilux,” meaning “equal light,” which I actually like a lot better.

While the Spring Equinox has long been seen as the beginning of the astronomical spring, many ancient cultures and spiritual traditions also recognized it as a time of renewal, rebirth, and awakening, reflecting the changing of the seasons and the return of vitality after the stillness of winter.

Historical Significance of the Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox has been recognized and celebrated by civilizations around the world for millennia.

It’s played an important role in agricultural societies, marking the time when the earth begins to thaw, plants start to grow, and new life emerges. In these cultures, the equinox was seen as a symbol of fertility and regeneration.

• Ancient Egypt
  In Egypt, the equinox was linked to the annual flooding of the Nile, a crucial event for agriculture. The Egyptians also connected the Spring Equinox with the rising of the star Sirius, which heralded the start of the inundation. This period marked a time of renewal and agricultural prosperity.
  
• Ancient Greece
  The Greeks celebrated the Spring Equinox in honor of Persephone, the goddess of spring, fertility, and the underworld. According to Greek mythology, Persephone’s return to the earth from the underworld marked the beginning of spring. Her return from the dark, cold realm symbolized the return of light and the revival of the earth.
  
• Pre-Columbian Americas
  The Mayans and other ancient Mesoamerican cultures were also deeply attuned to the cycles of the sun. In particular, the Mayans built their iconic pyramids with precise astronomical alignment to the sun during the equinox. The Spring Equinox was seen as a time to honor the sun and the forces of life, death, and rebirth.
  
• Ancient Europe
  In ancient Europe, the Spring Equinox was a time to celebrate the fertility of the land, honoring gods and goddesses associated with spring, agriculture, and the earth’s cycles. In Celtic traditions, the equinox was tied to the celebration of Ostara (also known as Eostre), a goddess of spring and fertility.

The Metaphysical Meaning of the Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox holds profound metaphysical meaning, often seen as a time for personal and spiritual renewal.

With the balance of day and night, the equinox represents an opportunity to harmonize the opposing energies within ourselves, to release what no longer serves us, and to embrace new beginnings.

• Balance and Harmony
  The equinox is a time when the forces of light and darkness are in equilibrium, making it an ideal time for reflection and introspection. In metaphysical terms, this represents a moment when we can bring balance to our lives by harmonizing our inner masculine and feminine energies, light and shadow aspects, and conscious and subconscious selves.
  
• New Beginnings
  Much like the earth is awakening from the dormancy of winter, the Spring Equinox symbolizes new beginnings and the potential for growth. This is a time to plant seeds—both literally and figuratively—and set intentions for what we wish to cultivate in the coming months.
  
• Transformation and Renewal
  The equinox is an opportunity for personal transformation and spiritual growth. As the earth renews itself, so can we renew our commitment to our spiritual practices, goals, and desires. It is a moment of rejuvenation, offering a chance to shed old patterns and invite in new energy.
  
• Alignment with Nature
  The Spring Equinox is a time when the earth’s cycles mirror our own. As nature begins its period of rebirth, we are invited to reconnect with the natural world, to honor the rhythms of the earth, and to tap into the vital life force that flows through all living beings.

Folklore and Legends of the Spring Equinox

Throughout history, various folk traditions and legends have arisen around the Spring Equinox, many of which involve themes of rebirth, fertility, and transformation.

These stories have been passed down through generations and continue to shape the way people view and celebrate the equinox.

• The Legend of Ostara
  Ostara (also known as Eostre) is a Germanic goddess associated with the dawn, fertility, and spring.
  
  According to legend, she brought light and warmth to the world, causing flowers to bloom and animals to awaken from hibernation. The hare, a symbol of fertility, is often associated with her, and the egg, a symbol of new life, is commonly linked to her festival.
  
  One of the most well-known myths about Ostara is about a bird that was transformed into a hare. According to the story, Ostara found a small bird injured by the cold of winter. To save it, she transformed the bird into a hare so it could survive the harsh conditions.
  
  However, even as a hare, it retained the ability to lay eggs once a year. In gratitude, the hare would decorate its eggs and offer them as gifts to the goddess during the spring festival.
  
  This story is believed to be the origin of Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny in later Christian traditions. Ostara’s celebration is a reminder of the ever-present possibility of new beginnings.
  
• The Myth of Persephone
  In Greek mythology, Persephone, the daughter of Demeter (goddess of the harvest), was kidnapped by Hades, the god of the underworld. Demeter’s grief caused the earth to fall into a state of winter. Persephone’s eventual return to the earth marked the arrival of spring.
  
  This myth of the descent into and return from the underworld symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, a central theme during the Spring Equinox.
  
• The Return of the Sun
  Many ancient cultures celebrated the return of the sun at the equinox.
  
  This was seen as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness. In some traditions, the Spring Equinox is viewed as a day when the sun “reawakens” after the dark winter months, symbolizing hope and the promise of a bright future.

Gods, Goddesses, and Nature Spirits of the Spring Equinox

Various deities and nature spirits are associated with the Spring Equinox. These figures are often linked to themes of fertility, rebirth, growth, and renewal. Below are some of the most significant gods, goddesses, and spirits celebrated during the equinox.

• Persephone (Greek Mythology)
  As mentioned earlier, Persephone is one of the most prominent deities associated with the Spring Equinox. Her return from the underworld is celebrated as the renewal of life and the beginning of spring.
  
  Persephone is often depicted with pomegranates because they play a crucial role in her myth. Hades, the god of the Underworld, abducted Persephone and took her to his realm. Her mother, Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, was devastated and caused the earth to become barren.
  
  Zeus eventually intervened and ordered Hades to release Persephone.
  
  But before she left, Hades tricked her into eating pomegranate seeds—an act that bound her to the Underworld. The number of seeds she ate (often said to be six) determined how many months she would have to spend in the Underworld each year.
  
  This explains the cycle of the seasons: When Persephone is in the Underworld, Demeter grieves, and winter covers the earth; when she returns, Demeter rejoices, bringing spring and summer.
  
  That’s why the pomegranate is a symbol of Persephone’s dual existence as both the Queen of the Underworld and the goddess of spring, representing themes of life, death, and rebirth.
  
• Ostara (Germanic and Celtic Mythology)
  Ostara, or Eostre, is the goddess of spring and fertility. Her celebrations are linked to the themes of planting, growth, and renewal. The Easter egg and the hare are symbols connected to Ostara.
  
• Demeter (Greek Mythology)
  As the mother of Persephone, Demeter represents the agricultural cycles of the earth. Her grief over Persephone’s absence caused the earth to fall into winter, and her joy at Persephone’s return marks the arrival of spring. Demeter is a goddess of harvest, abundance, and fertility.
  
• Isis (Egyptian Mythology)
  Isis, the Egyptian goddess of magic, motherhood, and fertility, is often linked to the themes of rebirth and renewal. The equinox marks a time when the life-giving powers of the goddess are celebrated as the earth awakens from its winter slumber.
  
• The Green Man (European Folklore)
  The Green Man is a nature spirit often associated with the arrival of spring. Represented as a face made of leaves and vines, the Green Man embodies the spirit of growth, renewal, and the awakening of nature.

Modern Spiritual and Pagan Practices

In modern Pagan and spiritual communities, the Spring Equinox is often celebrated as a time of balance, reflection, and new beginnings.

These practices draw on the ancient traditions of honoring the earth’s cycles and celebrating the return of the sun.

• Wiccan and Neo-Pagan Celebrations
  The Spring Equinox is celebrated by Wiccans and other neo-Pagan traditions as the Sabbat known as Ostara, named after the Goddess we were just talking about.
  
  Ostara is a festival of fertility, renewal, and balance. Rituals often include the planting of seeds (symbolizing new beginnings), the lighting of candles (representing the return of the sun), and the honoring of the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. It is a time for reflecting on the balance between light and dark within ourselves and our lives.
  
• Meditation and Intentions
  The Spring Equinox is an ideal time for meditation, goal setting, and intention work. Practitioners may meditate on the themes of renewal, release, and growth, focusing on what they wish to manifest in the coming months. It is a time to plant metaphorical seeds for personal transformation.
  
• Nature Walks and Grounding
  Many spiritual practitioners spend time outdoors during the equinox, walking in nature, and reconnecting with the earth. Grounding rituals, such as walking barefoot on the earth or placing hands on a tree, are common during this time to align with the energy of renewal and vitality.
  
• Rituals and Celebrations
  Creating an altar with symbols of spring, such as flowers, eggs, and crystals (such as amethyst, rose quartz, or clear quartz), is a common practice for celebrating the equinox. Rituals may involve lighting candles to symbolize the return of the sun, offering gratitude for the balance of the earth, and making plans for the season ahead.

5 Ways to Celebrate the Spring Equinox in 2025

1. Host an Ostara Ritual
   Create an altar with flowers, eggs, and symbols of fertility and renewal. Light candles to honor the return of the sun, and offer gratitude for the balance in your life. Reflect on the past months and set intentions for what you want to manifest in the coming season.
   
2. Plant Seeds or Start a Garden
   Celebrate the equinox by planting seeds, either in a garden or in pots inside your home. As you plant, think about what you wish to nurture and grow in your life, and make a wish for abundance and prosperity.
   
   If you’ve been itching to start sprouting or growing microgreens, now’s the time! Both are fast growing and really rewarding — and can take the overwhelm out of starting a larger garden.
   
3. Create a Spring Equinox Mandala
   Gather natural materials like flowers, stones, and leaves, and create a mandala to symbolize the balance of light and dark. Do this outside, or on a tray or sheet pan, so you can move it around if you like. Use it as a focal point for meditation, reflection, and intention-setting.
   
4. Practice Gratitude and Release
   Spend time meditating on the balance of light and darkness within you. Take this opportunity to release old habits, thoughts, or energies that no longer serve you. Focus on what you want to bring into your life during the spring. Check out some of my meditation practices here.
   
5. Take Nature Walks at Sunrise or Sunset
   As the equinox marks a moment of balance between day and night, take a walk in nature to witness the beauty of the sunrise or sunset. This ritual will help you connect with the energy of the earth and honor the cycles of nature.

How will you celebrate?

The Spring Equinox is a deeply meaningful event in both the natural world and the spiritual realm. It represents balance, renewal, and the potential for new beginnings. It’s a time to reflect on our own growth and transformation.

By embracing the energy of the equinox, you can align yourself with the forces of renewal and harness the power of this celestial moment for healing, personal growth, and spiritual awakening.

Drop me a comment below!