Today is the Spring Equinox, which is considered by many to be the first day of Spring, and is one of only two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator and, as a result, day and night are of equal length. After this day, the brightness of daylight begins to overtake the dark hours in the sky as the days continue to longer and longer, and the nights shorter and shorter. This transition is the basis within the celebration of the holiday itself, as we celebrate the warming and awakening of the earth as she prepares to share her abundance and generosity with us all.
Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are sure to be some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of the upcoming Beltane at the beginning of May.
Theme of the Season – Ostara, Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), Last Quarter Moon
Ostara is a time of rebirth, with nature awakening from the slumber of the winter months as the days become longer and warmer. There is a promise of fertility and abundance in the air as the world warms and thaws from the cold of winter’s grip, breaking free with renewed energy and new beginnings.
Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) is used in various countries as an astringent, laxative, diuretic, mild tonic, blood cleanser, for easing spasms and convulsions, and bile production agent. Metaphysically, it is often used to assist in releasing emotions that are tied to the past and anxiety those emotions can cause. It can also be used to clear boundaries between inner and outer spaces.
The Last Quarter Moon is a time for reflection on what has been accomplished (and what hasn’t) over the past moon cycle, identifying and releasing those things that it’s time to let go of, and forgiveness of self and others.
When looking at these three cards together there is a prevailing theme of allowing emotions to move through you and onward past you rather than holding onto them or letting them bog you down. This time of year is invigorating and filled with fresh energies that you can only take advantage of by letting go of and leaving behind those things that don’t serve you. Process… and release.
Earth – Ten of Cups – Your cup runneth over when it comes to stability and the anchoring in your life needed to follow your path. You know what you are good at, you know what you want to do, and you know where your strengths lie. This creates a sense of pleasure and emotional security that you’re happy to share with others through those practices that intersect with others in your life.
Air – King of Wands – You are on track in your spiritual path, with a comfortable and stable balance between your past experiences and your future growth. Your plans and ideas are falling into place, and you are finally learning that growth and progress doesn’t always have to be made in leaps and bounds.
Water – Ten of Pentacles – You have reached a point where emotional stability is the reward for awareness of not just yourself and what’s going on with you, but what’s going on around you as well. This awareness allows you to react generously, but without going overboard and giving too much of yourself in the process (which would then disrupt that stability).
Fire – Ace of Pentacles Rx – Now is a time of rest and enjoyment. Don’t worry about your progress, nor about new projects or opportunities. Let yourself enjoy the stability you are experiencing in this moment. Nothing lasts forever, and savoring the moment is important.
Waning – The Guardian and Thaw – There is no need to be at the “head of the pack” at this time. Take a step back and allow others to leap forward to fill that empty space you leave behind. You can still enjoy the journey while remaining in the eaves.
Waxing – The Reconciler and Teeth – Allow yourself to experience moments of pain and anger, and seek out how to process them instead of pushing them away. Look for the boon in the situation instead of reacting by lashing out or burying away what’s bothering you.
Take Away – This spring is a time to savor and enjoy. No pushing needed, you’re on the right path for your practice and spirituality, and just need to stay aware of what’s going on around you and protect your peace of mind and sense of stability with awareness… as well as stepping back when needed instead of forward into the fray.
Twisting the Leaf 