Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, for both plants and people. This year’s spring equinox feels like a more special transition than in previous years. Over human history, many cultures have marked this transition, in some way, with ritual.
For me, I always use botanicals as a tool for marking astrological or seasonal changes through ritual. Whether it’s a full moon or a major astrological transition, I love to burn plant resins. Burning plant materials, or smudging, is a great way to clear energy and mark a moment with intention. Marking these transitions as an opportunity to channel that intention of the moment, or to manifest change.
I’m curious though, what specific plants have been used to mark the spring equinox? What are people doing to mark this upcoming equinox!? Let’s explore!
Avens
The book, Ortus Santatis, written in the fifteenth century, noted the use is Avens. In lore, Geum urbanum was used as a protector against negative energy. The roots are harvested at the beginning of spring and placed in the home or pocket, for their protective qualities. The root exudes a clove-like aroma.
Celandine
Known as the “spring ephemeral” with its prolific yellow flower blankets.
Dogwood
The flowers appear at the beginning of spring. The picked flower can be used to create a flower mandala and the bark can be dried, ground, and added to a loose incense blend.
Honeysuckle
The wonderfully aromatic flowers are another gift in early spring. The flowers can be sued to create a flower mandala to celebrate the beginning of spring.
Tansy
The name Tansy is derived from the Greek word, Athanaton or immortal. Going back some time, Tansy cakes were made to mark the transition to spring.
Violet
This is one of the first flowers to peek through the earth in early spring. These little purple flowers are delicately fragranced. My personal ritual is to gather these flowers and infuse them in honey. You can spread the highly flavorful honey on toast.
Photo Credit: Enchantedlivingarts
In Carl Neal’s, Incense Magick, the following aromatic plants can be used to mark spring either through burning the plant materials or diffusing the essential oils.
|
Common Name |
Latin Name |
Element |
Purposes |
|
Anise (seed) |
Pimpinella anisum |
Air |
Cleansing, Youth |
|
Chamomile |
Matricaria Chamomilla |
Water |
Sleep, Love, Cleansing |
|
Gum Arabic |
Acacia senegal |
Air |
Protection |
|
Guar Gum |
Cyamopsis tetragonolobus |
Fire |
Devotion |
|
Hyssop |
Hyssopus officinalis |
Fire |
Purification, Protection, Sanctification |
|
Lemongrass |
Cymbopogon citratis |
Air |
Separation, Purity |
|
Marjoram |
Origanum majorana |
Air |
Love, Happiness, Protection |
|
Myrtle (leaf) |
Myrtus communis |
Water |
Fertility, Love, Long Life |
|
Palo Santo |
Bursera graveolens |
Air |
Cleansing, Luck, Strength |
|
Parsley (leaf) |
Petroselinum sativum |
Air |
Protection, Cleansing, Fertility |
|
Pennyroyal |
Mentha pulegium |
Fire |
Strength, Protection, Peace |
|
Rosemary |
Rosmarinus officinalis |
Fire |
Sleep, Healing, Cleansing |
|
Sage (leaf) |
Salvia officinalis |
Air |
Immortality, Longevity, Wishes |
|
Sage (white) |
Salvia apiana |
Air |
Divination, Cleansing, Purification |
|
Spikenarrd |
Aralia racemosa |
Air |
Health, Fidelity |
|
Star Anise |
Illicium anisatum |
Air |
Luck, Power |
|
Wild Lettuce |
Lactuca virosa |
Earth |
Divination, Visions, Revelation |
If you want to share this year’s spring equinox with others, here are some cool plant-centric virtual events!
Events
Spring Equinox Ritual Ceremony with Robin Rose Bennett
Friday, March 19, 2021
https://www.opencenter.org/spring-equinox-ritual-ceremony/
Spring Equinox Earth Medicine & Fire Ritual
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Rebirth: Spring Equinox Cacao Ceremony
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Global Equinox Ceremony
Sunday, March 21, 2021
SpringEquinox Herbal Online Workshop
Monday, March 22, 2021
https://www.boundaryway.co.uk/event/spring-equinox-herbal-online-workshop/
Sindy Wise is an Herbalist and Artisan Incense Crafter, having studied at the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies and Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine. She is currently studying to be a Certified International Aromatherapist through Aromahead Institute. Sindy is currently the Vice President of Business Development at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.
Resources
The Spring Equinox: Opening to Ostara (image) https://brooklynherborium.com/2019/03/15/the-spring-equinox/ 2 March 2021
Flower Mandala (image) https://www.enchantedlivingarts.com/mandala/ 3 March, 2021
Bereyl, Paul. “The Master Book of Herbalism”. First Edition 1996 Pages 60-61, 79, 215, 329.
Grieve, M. “A Modern Herbal. Volumes I & II”. Second Edition 1982 Pages 73, 179, 261, 409, 790, 835.
Neal, Carl F. “Incense Magick”. First Edition 2012 Pages 266-268
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