Welcome to the latest episode of Unlocking Your Greatness with Wendy Bjork. As an international bestselling author, inspirational speaker and founder of heartsofwellness.com, it is her mission to empower women to take charge of their health holistically so they can feel confident, have clarity and be inspired to find joy and simplicity.
Why Is the Spring Equinox Important?
Twice a year—at the solstices and equinoxes—the Sun sits vertically above the Earth’s celestial equator, and day and night are roughly equal around the planet. It’s a beautiful thing, and it gives rise to many of the world’s seasonal celebrations.
This year, the spring equinox (also known as vernal equinox) happens around March 19th or 20th (depending on your time zone). This celestial event—marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. In the Northern Hemisphere, this means the days start getting longer and the flowers begin to bloom. But it also marks a shift in energy from cool and dark to bright and warm.
Astrologically, the spring equinox marks the start of the zodiac sign Aries. Aries is a cardinal fire sign, which means it brings the energy of new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s an adventurous, confident and bold energy—a call to action that wants to take charge of its own destiny and push forward into the world with vigor.
It’s a time to plant seeds, both literally and metaphorically. Traditionally, spring has been the season for planting, a ritual that symbolizes the coming of new life and the renewal of our own potential. It’s a time to set intentions for the future and to nourish them through the rest of the year.
The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal” and “night.” On equinoxes, the Sun sits directly over the celestial equator as it moves north. This is the only day of the year when the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere receive nearly equal amounts of sunlight. The equinox is also the only time of year when the days and nights are equally long everywhere on Earth.
The spring equinox is a turning point in our annual cycle, and it’s a time for growth and new beginnings. It’s also the perfect moment to do some intention-setting with yourself and/or a group. This ritual can be done on your own or as a group and can be as simple or complex as you want.
Historically, spring was considered a time of fertility and rebirth. In fact, in ancient agricultural societies, this was the point at which farmers would start planting their crops. Today, we are much less tied to the cycles of nature and still celebrate the equinox by growing our own vegetables and herbs in the garden or starting seeds inside for outdoor plants like tomatoes and peppers.
This is a time of year to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and flowers. With birds chirping and trees blooming, taking a long walk or visiting the botanical gardens is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the season.
Another popular activity to celebrate the equinox is having a picnic with family and friends. Whether you choose to go to the park, bring a blanket and chairs and have a picnic in your own backyard or rent a local pavilion, this is an opportunity to welcome the spring with loved ones and create a special bonding experience.
For some, meditating or practicing yoga on the equinox is a powerful practice. This is because the balancing act of day and night, light and dark is at its peak on this special day. It’s a perfect time to find inner harmony, peace and balance.
Many cultures around the world have celebrated the equinox for millennia, including many famous sites like England’s Stonehenge and Mexico’s Chichen Itza. A widely celebrated spring equinox tradition is when Indigenous Peoples honor their sacred items in traditional smudging ceremonies. It’s an occasion for renewal, rebirth and signifies a renewal of the ancestral and natural patterns of the universe.
It’s also a good time to give back. This can be as simple as donating to a green charity, plant some seeds in the garden and nurture them or feeding the local birds. This is an energetic exchange that helps to rebalance our planetary biosphere and help all living things thrive.
Listen to your intuition or your “gut feeling,” and do something good for your community. When we all pitch in, progress can be tremendous!
If there is any support I can offer in living your best life, feel free to send a message to media@heartsofwellness.com. You may also download your copy of my 30-Day Journal + Blueprint Bundle Towards Living Your Best Life at heartsofwellness.com/you . Discovering and living by your personalized playbook are important steps we can create together!
If you feel a self-paced approach with Wendy’s support would be helpful in reaching your goals, you can head over to the Hearts of Wellness Membership Collective and begin your journey back to simplicity, freedom and wholeness!
As a pioneer in advocacy and mentorship, Wendy is leading a global revolution of women walking in purpose and peace as she illumines their path ahead with the light of HOPE: Harmony, Options, Peace & Empowerment.
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