Spring Equinox 2023

My word of the year is Altruism, but perhaps it should have been forgiveness. I’ll separate those thoughts into a blog post so as not to bog down this entry, but suffice it to say this Eostre, I’m blending the concepts of forgiveness and altruism with Spring’s themes of rebirth and fertility.

If you’re following me on other platforms, you’ll know I’ve spent a lot of time recently in my garden, putting in this summer’s crops (such as they are in the city) and just feeling the joy that is sunshine, dirt, and occasional success. The only things I’ve grown so far this year are lettuce, radishes, and confidence but you know what? I’m pretty happy with that. Still, there’s room for one more pot, so I’m going to grow the flower of forgetting: Daylily.

Daylilies are not actually lilies, but if you have pets, make sure these are safe flowers to grow, as you would any other plant.

Most of the time when we want to remove something from our lives or break a bad habit, the advice is to replace the thing we’re removing with something else. But my life is full. Too full. I could deal with de-cluttering my mind (and planner). Not wanting to focus on hurtful memories doesn’t mean I should (or even can) deliberately create new memories to replace them. Sometimes the land lies fallow a while before something new takes root. There’s a period of rest.

That’s what I’m going for here. Time. Time to heal and rest and forget and for nature to do what it does when given freedom.

Following the themes of fertility and altruism, I’m also going to grow something to donate. I’m choosing basil because it’s a useful, edible plant that I find super easy to keep alive, and is associated with friendship. Whatever you go with, make sure it’s something you can give away.

You’ll need:

• Daylily bulbs, a pot and potting mix.
• The seeds or cutting of another plant.
• Bubbly wine (can be fake, mine will be) or Sprite, and your favourite glass.
• Strawberries, washed and leaves removed.
• Freshly washed sheets to fall into later

Optional:

• Journaling supplies
• Scones and jam

Cast a circle if that’s your jam, or just settle into your planting space and state your intent. Something like this should do the job:

The wheel turns, unveiling the glory of spring. My home is clean(ish), the windows and shutters thrown wide. Energy flows through my veins, glowing bright on the inside to match the awakened land. I kneel/stand/whatever at your altar today in reverence, feeling this hope and sending it out into the world.

Take your strawberries and as you move them into your wine glass, reflect on strawberry’s symbolism. Whilst strawberries are youthful and fun, they’re also dedicated to production and can be a symbol of resilience. Strawberries sustain themselves from the inside until the world around them can nourish them. Lean into that energy as you prepare for the season ahead.

Pour the bubbly over the strawberries and let them sit while you prepare your pot/s.

Plant your daylily. Say:

Little bulb, bless me with your forgetfulness so that past hurts no-longer intrude on my peace. As you grow, so to do I, up and away from the pain of the past. Bring me the peace and quiet of the mind. Only beauty grows here.

Next plant your gift. Say:

Little seeds, grow strong for me. You are love and kindness, health and happiness; all the things I want to send out into the world. May who we are support and inspire our community.

If you have the time and inclination, make an entry in your Book of Shadows or journal. Draw or paint strawberries, flowers, wine – whatever you desire. Record your thoughts, feelings and hopes. These activities have a similar effect on our brains as meditation, but can be more accessible (and in my opinion, more enjoyable).

Enjoy your wine (and scones if you have them), and give thanks.

Here’s a re-centring statement you can use to end your ritual (before closing your circle if you cast one.)

The kindness I show myself enables me to flourish. Love and care answers many of my problems. Today/tonight I’ve taken time for myself and my faith to reconnect to nature. I continue to forgive and heal and I know that I’m worth the investment. May the Goddess/God/Universe bless me and my efforts, allowing me to bathe unashamed in their light.
So mote it be.