A Botanical Spring Equinox

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.

If you want to share this year's spring equinox with others, here are some cool plant-centric virtual events!

References

1. Bereyl, Paul. "The Master Book of Herbalism". First Edition 1996 Pages 60-61, 79, 215, 329.
2. Grieve, M. "A Modern Herbal. Volumes I & II". Second Edition 1982 Pages 73, 179, 261, 409, 790, 835.
3. Neal, Carl F. "Incense Magick". First Edition 2012 Pages 266-268

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.