In the Northern Hemisphere, spring starts when the Sun arrives at zero degrees of Aries. 

This happens around the 20th of March. 

Ostara is the name of the Wiccan celebration of the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. When the Sun arrives at zero degrees of Aries, the duration of the day and the night is equal. Slowly, the light will gain more power.  

Through this text, I want to offer insights about Ostara and the specific characteristics of the Aries season. I’ll also provide information about International Astrology Day, which is observed on the Spring Equinox. 

I have used my experience and two Scott Cunningham books to guide myself. One of them is Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. The other is The Magical Household: Spells and Rituals for the Home, written with David Harrington.

This is the table of contents: 

1. Facts About Aries Season and the Beginning of the Spring
2. Rituals to Celebrate Ostara or the Spring Equinox
3. International Astrology Day and the Spring Equinox 

Ready? Let’s go. 

Facts About Aries Season and the Beginning of the Spring

• Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. It’s related to sparks, new beginnings, being courageous, initiating projects fiercely, and adopting a trailblazing mystique.  
• It’s a cardinal sign. This means it’s located at the beginning of a season and is linked with being a pioneer. 
• It’s a Fire sign. This element is associated with vitality, extroversion, brightness, exploration, independence, and risk-taking. 
• Its season marks the beginning of the astrological year. It suggests embarking on new ventures and moving towards the future with bravery.     
• Dynamism, impulse, leadership, passion, assertiveness, and agility are part of its realm. 

Related: Autumn Equinox and Mabon Celebration

Rituals to Celebrate Ostara or the Spring Equinox

Buy yourself flowers: Just like Mrs. Dalloway and Miley Cyrus, you can buy yourself flowers, and you should do it this Spring Equinox, too. This small yet powerful ritual will help invite the renaissance of life into your home. Besides, since this is Aries season and you are a strong, independent person, you can get the gifts you thought you needed from someone else. Take a million selfies after placing the flowers in a beautiful vase or glass jar. The flowers you’ve chosen reveal your emotions and thoughts. You can explore the magical meanings of the flowers online or in some old Wiccan books. Do these meanings resonate? Journal about it.   

Walk in nature: This activity is also encouraged during Mabon, the Wiccan celebration of the Autumn Equinox. The purpose of this practice is not to exercise. Instead, the aim is to appreciate the presence of the God and Goddess as they manifest in nature. Engage your five senses during this walk. Notice the changing light and colors. Can you touch grass or a tree? Do you smell the fragrance of flowers? What sounds can you hear? Perhaps birds? Is the wind rustling the branches of the trees? Take a deep breath and reflect on the changing seasons. Absorb the renewed life emerging from the ground and spreading throughout. 

Plant some seeds: Ideally, you should plant seeds in a tangible way. Get your hands dirty by working in your garden. As you do this, visualize your plants growing strong and healthy. You can protect them with pentagrams painted on stones. Position the pentagrams facing the soil to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. If you don’t have a personal garden, consider joining a community one. If that’s not an option, you can nurture herbal plants in small pots. Basil, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, and rosemary are excellent choices for the spring. If you can’t engage in this physically, you can plant seeds metaphorically. Write down five projects you wish to cultivate during the spring. Water them consistently with time and dedication. 

Fix your house: Spring is the best season to renew the home’s energy. It’s an appropriate time to repair, paint and re-decorate. Why not add some florals this spring? I know, groundbreaking, but nice nonetheless! Before remodeling, channel your inner Marie Kondo. Thank the house for all she has done for you and your loved ones. Then, inform the house about the changes you’re implementing. Saging it before the work is done is also a good ritual to move the stagnant energy.  

Paint eggs: This age-old custom has endured through the years, particularly in certain countries like Germany. Eggs symbolize life. In the past, they were exchanged as gifts or used in rituals honoring the Sun and fertility deities. If you have children, you can spend an entire afternoon with them enjoying this activity. Perhaps boiling the eggs first would be a good idea before painting them! You can choose natural dyes such as beet, blueberry, or grape juice. Alternative options include onion skin or turmeric. If you purchase paint, ensure it’s edible. 

Clean, baby, clean: The famous spring cleaning carries magical connotations. During this season, the Earth awakens after its sleepy winter. It’s the perfect time to clean the house to welcome the fresh beginnings of the new season. Spring cleaning is more than just a physical act. It involves freeing yourself from the problems and negativity of previous months. At the same time, you must prepare for the light and air of renewal. Besides physically cleaning, you should also cleanse your mind by focusing on positive thoughts. If you need a small ritual before starting, open every window in the house and light a candle. Watch the flame for a few minutes. Visualize yourself purifying the home. Then, get to work! Place all the belongings you no longer use inside a box. But don’t throw them away. Donate them to someone in need. 

Related: Imbolc or the Middle of the Winter

Which ritual did you like the most? Let me know in the comments! 

International Astrology Day and the Spring Equinox 

International Astrology Day was first asserted by the Association for Astrological Networking in 1993. After doing some research, I realized that AFAN is no longer active. The latest activity I could find occurred in 2022. 

Nonetheless, International Astrology Day is still celebrated by astrology enthusiasts each year when the Sun reaches zero degrees of Aries. 

Related: Epiphany: January 6th in Astrology

In addition to coinciding with Ostara, this holiday occurs simultaneously with the Iranian New Year, Nowruz. Nowruz is celebrated in various locations across the Middle East and Central Asia. 

The Spring Equinox also marks the beginning of the Baháʼí calendar, which is celebrated as Baháʼí Naw-Rúz. In China, people celebrate Chunfen. 

The Catholic Spanish-speaking world celebrates the Day of the Astrologer on January 6th in honor of the three Magi. I celebrate this profession on that date and again on the Northern Spring Equinox when International Astrology Day occurs. Cheers to me and all the astrology enthusiasts around the universe!

I hope the new season and the start of the astrological year bring you exciting projects and joy! See you next week.