A DEEP DIVE INTO THE SPRING EQUINOX AND ITS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE AROUND THE WORLD
Author: Wood, T.E.
The Spring Equinox is approaching this Saturday on 21 March. Personally, I know it is a significant moment in the astrological community but I wanted to create a more in-depth break down of what it is exactly, its history, its esoteric significance and how it can be celebrated. I hope you enjoy :)
A Brief Introduction
I have know the Spring Equinox to be a moment of great transformation. It stands as a pivotal moment where the internal processings of human beings follow the ways of nature. As nature begins to be born again, so do individuals. For some it is even recognised as the true New Years, rather than the one celebrated in January. Before, diving deep into a topic, it is fun to look into the etymology.
The word Equinox is derived from both Old French and Medieval Latin. The Old French word is equinoce meaning ‘the point at which the Sun crosses from from the Earth’s equator, making day and night of equal length everywhere’, and similarly the Medieval Latin’s equinoxium means ‘equality of day and night’ (Etymoline, 2026). And it becomes obvious why this pattern in nature was given this name.
But What is Actually Happening in the Sky? The Astronomical Perspective
I found a detailed description of what astronomically the Spring Equinox is by Wóblewska-Cwiek (2024). The author writes that during these equinoxes if we were to stand at Earth’s equator, the Sun would be directly above our heads, while an equal amount of sunlight shines over both the north and south hemispheres. Other than this astronomical description, I found the jargon of Wóblewska-Cwiek (2024) hard to understand. This highlights my ignorance in the subject, while also giving me the opportunity to break it down into more digestible pieces.
I found a YouTube video created by Be Smart (2012) helpful during my brief research session. Here, it is argued that from an astronomical standpoint the equinoxes are not truly the point when day and night are of equal length. However, it seems they should be equal because centre point of the Sun is exactly perpendicular to the Earth, splitting the night and day into equal portions. However, Be Smart (2012) showcases three reasons of why are not.
First, the allocated time for the daytime is always longer time than the nighttime based on how humans categorise each. As a collective, sunrise is the moment where the first ray of light peaks out from the horizon, whereas, sunset ends the moment all the the rays have disappeared. Be Smart (2012) argues that such issue could be solved if we viewed the Sun as a point in the sky (similar to the stars), rather than as a disk. Yet, this is not reality.
Second, our atmosphere acts as a lens to the Sun, meaning for a brief moment, the Sun remains visible to our eyes despite the rays dipping below the horizon. This ultimately influences why day and night cannot be considered equal during the days of the equinoxes.
Third, due to the Earth’s elliptical orbit around the Sun, the four quarters marked by both equinoxes and solstices, are not equal. Gravity also influences the speed of the Earth in its orbit, as it moves faster when its closer to the Sun, meaning there are more days from the June Solstice to the Winter Solstice, compared to the other way around. Additionally, an equilux is the true moment when day and night are equal from an astronomical perspective, and these happens a few days before the Spring Equinox and a few days after the Autumn Equinox. Be Smart (2012) offers helpful visuals to understanding this, if confusion is still felt.
During my research session, I was also introduced to the concept of Earth’s precessions and how this effect both astrology and the equinoxes. I did not fully grasp it yet, but to me, it seem like an interesting subject, and I leave here as a future area of research.
Now, despite the arguments made by Be Smart (2012), the influence of the equinoxes on many cultures around the world remain the same. The intricacies of astronomy may claim that the equinoxes are not actually of a moment of equal day and night, however its significance throughout history persists.
The Historical Significance
Both the Autumn and Spring Equinoxes marked important turning points in the seasons, and were crucial for survival during pre-industrial times. Additionally, it is argued that during the Middle Ages its significance was so large, all previous calendars started in late March or April. It was only the introduction of the Gregorian calendar that switched the New Years to January. Interestingly, it is also argued the origins of April Fool’s Day comes from this implementation. The joke is on the users of the Gregorian Calendar since they become disconnected from the intuitive cycles of nature (Wald, 2017). Even so there are many holidays and celebrations around the world that align with the Spring Equinox. I have summarised the majority in the following section.
The Spring Equinox for Different Cultures
Nowruz is a Spring Equinox festival, also known as the Persian New Year. It is particularly celebrated in Iran, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East (Gaines, 2017). This celebration symbolises the renewal of nature and the victory of light over darkness. It is common for families to deep clean their homes, set up a ceremonial table, and visit loved-ones. The culmination of the festival is a fire-jumping ritual which is meant to burn away negativity (Barnes, 2025).
Holi also a Spring Equinox festival, also known as the Festival of Colours which is celebrated in India and Nepal. This festival also symbolises the arrival of spring the triumph of good over evil. It is common for people to throw brightly coloured powders, dance, and enjoy food together (Barnes, 2025).
Ostara is the Spring Equinox celebration for the Pagan and the Wiccan. The name Ostara comes from the Germanic goddess of dawn and fertility. Gaines (2017) adds the root of the goddess’ name is the same as the word ‘Easter’. This festival symbolised rebirth, fertility, and balance. It common to see eggs, rabbits, and blooming flowers used in celebration. There is also a tradition of painting eggs, which shows the similarities to how Easter is celebrated in the West (Barnes, 2025).
Higan is practiced in Japan where the equinoxes, both Spring and Autumn, is seen as a moment when the boundary between the living and the dead is the thinnest. This Buddhist practice is a time for reflection, gratitude and honouring ancestors. Many visits graveyards and tidy the tombstones and offer flowers to those they love (Barnes, 2025).
Hanami mean ‘flower viewing’ and this practice comes from Japan. It typically aligns with the blooming of the cherry blossoms or sakura and the Spring Equinox. During this time, people gather in parks and gardens for picnics and socialising to appreciate the beauty of nature. Appreciating cherry blossoms is particularly significant because they represent the transient nature of life and the impermanence of beauty (Gaines, 2017). For me personally, I connect this to Hanami from Jujitsu Kaisen and how this demon was creating due to the destructive behaviour of humans on the environment. Or something like that, when I remember it correctly.
Chichen Itza Equinox originates from the Mayan culture of Mexico. This celebration happens at the Mayan Pyramid of El Castillo. When the sun sets, both the light and the shadows align which creates an illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps of the pyramid. This phenomenon symbolises the return of Kukulkna who is said to bring prosperity and abundance for the upcoming spring (Barnes, 2025). Gaines (2017) adds that the architects who built the temple had advanced knowledge of astronomy and celestial cycles which shows the intentionality of this phenomenon.
Shunbun no Hi is a national holiday in Japan dedicated to appreciating nature and familial bonds. It is common to take the day to enjoy the beauty of Spring, engage in gardening, or perhaps visiting a shrine. This holiday symbolises renewal and transition and asks people to reflect on the connection between humans and nature (Barnes, 2025).
Nyepi the name for the Balinese New Year and is around the time of the Spring Equinox. Nyepi is a day of complete silence, meditation, and self-reflection, which is unique compared to the other Spring Equinox celebrations. During this day, there is no work, travel, and even entertainment. Before Nyepi, a parade takes place which is meant to ward off evil spirits (Barnes, 2025).
Stonehedge Gatherings take place in the United Kingdom. This practice originated with Druids, Pagans, and other spiritual seekers, who sought to see the sunrise on the equinox. Stonehedge is said to align with celestial movements and many believe that it was built to show seasonal changes (Barnes, 2025). Gaines (2017) adds that the sun aligns perfectly with the Heel Stone which is an upright stone just outside the main circle. This alignment floods sunlight into the centre of the monuments which illuminates the central altar stone. Gaines (2017) also highlights how archeologists think that Stonehedge served as a ceremonial and astronomical site and its alignments may mark significant events is both the solar and lunar calendars.
Passover in Judaism celebrates the Jews escaping from slavery in Egypt. Gaines (2017) adds how Jews gather for Seder where they retell the story of Exodus and this is a time to reflect on the values that bind us or keep us small, and encourage optimism towards freedom and renewal. This celebration falls around the first moon after the Spring Equinox (Wald, 2017).
Easter in Christianity celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucification. This holiday also takes place on the first Sunday after the Spring Equinox (Wald, 2017;Gaines, 2017).
The Great Sphinx of Egypt looks directly at the sunrise during the spring equinox. This monument is connected with the resurrection of the Egyptian god Osiris, that being 1,000 years before the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Sakro Sawel, 2017).
The Temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia which is the worlds largest religious structure, has the spring equinox sun resting momentarily on its peak (Sakro Sawel, 2017).
As you can see, the significance of the Spring Equinox is prominent within many cultures around the world. But what is the common theme in all of these celebrations?
The Spiritual Perspective
Celebrating the Spring Equinox, implies that individuals are worshipping the Sun. Exoterically or in the material plane, the Sun is recognised as an entity that gives our world life and vital energy while also stimulating reproduction, physical growth and development. And esoterically or in the internal plane, the Sun allows for consciousness, illumination, enlightenment, wisdom, insight, inspiration - all things which are derived from the warmth of divine Love (Wóblewska-Cwiek, 2024).
Worshipping the Sun and its cycles means individuals are placing importance on the seasonal changes and when the Sun’s prominence increases and decreases. This is viewed as a lifecycle, one of death and rebirth. Here, the Sun is born during the Spring Equinox, growing each day until it peaks during the Summer Solstice, from which the Sun begins to die, reaching its death during the Winter Solstice, and stays dormant until again reaching the point of the Spring Equinox. This dying and resurrection cycle has birthed many myths and stories which either explained why there were differences in the seasons, provided hope that we are born again after our physical body has died, and also provided truths around freeing the Soul from the earthly cycle of birth and death. These three perspectives address human existence in different ways: (1) the physical, (2) the pyschical, and (3) the spiritual (Wóblewska-Cwiek, 2024).
Physically, humans could not survive without the Sun, and the moment the Sun is born again in Spring is the moment the land becomes fertilised to eventually produce food to sustain all life forms on Earth. Including our existence, highlighting our interconnectedness with the world around us. And it is this transition from dormancy of Winter that is celebrated by many cultures (Wóblewska-Cwiek, 2024; Gaines, 2017).
Pyschically, perhaps, it can be argued the patterns of Mother Nature and the Sun cannot justify whether there is life beyond our physical death, since the Sun never fully disappears. Even as its presence dims, it still rises everyday. It does not ever fully die or disappear. However, it is still a symbolic death. One that effect all other life forms. In Winter it seems as all life forms have died. The animals hibernate, the trees lose their foliage, and seeds remain dormant underground. The life seems to be missing, but it is still there. And in Spring, everything is born again. Flowers begin to sprout from the ground, green foliage begins to appear on the barren trees, and animals come out and mingle again. As humans, since we too, are a part of Nature, our actions are similar. Yes, we still go to work in the Winter and socialise on occasion, but the majority stay inside the comfort of our homes. It is only Spring and warmer weather that speak life into us once again. It is still the transformation in between the seasonal changes that remind us that we are capable of symbolic death and rebirth.
Spiritually, the Spring Equinox is a moment to remind us to balance the light and darkness within ourselves. It reminds us that neutrality is an option. We can choose neutrality in the face of the lightness and darkness that we encounter everyday. Wóblewska-Cwiek (2024) explains that reaching this level of neutrality can only be achieved through our awareness, but specifically the awareness that our understanding of reality is entirely limited.
How is Astrology Connected?
First, it is importance to understand that under esotericism, the archetype of the Sun represents human consciousness. While the Sun travels through each constellation of the Zodiac Wheel, our consciousness does the same. It is these 12 constellations that offer 12 main lessons that human consciousness must learn and master. You can learn these lessons by undertaking the study of astrology, but you can also find these lessons incorporated into other mediums as well. For instance, the 12 Labours of Hercules written by Bailey (1974). Wóblewska-Cwiek (2024) even argues that individuals mastering these lessons from the Zodiac allows the Soul to become free from the cycles of death and rebirth.
During the Spring Equinox, Pisces transitions into Aries. This is also a moment of death and rebirth since this moment marks the beginning of a new astrological year. It is Aries who calls for adventure, courage, and passion. It is a fire sign, but more specifically a cardinal fire sign, meaning there is an added initiation energy. This times encourages new beginnings, potentiality, renewed energy, and inspiration. It is a time of awakening and rejuvenation as nature sprouts with new life (Gaines, 2017).
Aries also represents the birth of consciousness. It is when humans understood ‘I AM’ and gained sovereignty and independence. It the moment babies understood that they are separate from their mothers. Overtime, man became more aware of his own individuality which consequently freed himself from the influence of group consciousness. During this development, man was still primitive and had spiritual ignorance, as he was just beginning to learn who he was. Symbolically the body part assigned to Aries is the head as it is the seat of the human, egocentric consciousness which is separated from the Spirit (Wóblewska-Cwiek, 2024). My next article will go more into the depth around the energies of Aries season, so stay tuned :)
The Importance of Celebration
Ambrose (2019) speaks about the significant transformational power of the three day window during the equinoxes. If one can understand the energy during this time, then each individual can make tremendous change in their life. Ambrose (2019) speaks on the importance of reflecting on the lessons learned during the Fall Equinox. We planted seed in ourselves during the autumn, and now it is a time where these can bloom into a new life for each of us. A moment where we can awaken and begin anew.
Ambrose (2019) argues understanding the energies of the Spring Equinox has the power to change our future. Only by focusing our attention on what we desire, in combination with actively creating the right environment and attitude, can these manifest. The Spring Equinox reminds us of our ability to be reborn. To realise this is a gift. The Universe and Earth is constantly flowing with abundant, creative, and transforming energy, and we have the power to realise this is within us. We are allowed to use it.
How to Celebrate the Spring Equinox?
If one of the holidays dedicated to the Spring Equinox resonate with you, then feel free to continue the practice, and even incorporate new one if they are calling out to. But below, I offer some more inspiration on how you can honour this Spring Equinox.
1 - Exploring Nature: You can take some paper or a journal of your choice and document that changes occurring in nature. This may look like noticing new leaves, blooming flowers, or recognising which bird live in your neighbourhood. You can also meditate in nature, as this allows you to slow down and become aware of new things in your surroundings. It is important to remember the world is waiting for you to explore it. During the previous Winter months, the majority of us stay inside the comfort of our own homes and offices, so do remind yourself the world extends past the walls of these spaces. Lastly, it might be fun to look into local botanical gartens or nature reserves. You can even take this a step forward and by taking a camera and documenting the beauty you see around you (Gaines, 2017).
2 - Spring Cleaning: You can begin by reflecting on what areas of your life are need renewal or decluttering. Perhaps through journaling or simply thinking about it. Or you can physically deep clean your home. Maybe you declutter and donate any belongings that are no longer serving you. This will create space for new opportunities and experiences. Then deep cleaning will create a sense of freshness and vitality in your home. Furthermore, you could use a sage or palo smudge to cleanse the areas in your home that feel stagnant or heavy. Then lastly, make sure to open your windows to allow the fresh air and positive energy to enter your home (Gaines, 2017).
3 - Plant Seeds: You can research which seeds thrive in your local environment, but also ones that resonate with your intentions. For examples, herbs for culinary creativity, flowers for beauty, or vegetables for nourishment and sustainability. Perhaps you create a space for gardening and cultivate a daily gardening practice of tending to your plants with care and attention. Make sure to take the time to observe the miracle of growth and transformation as your seeds sprout and thrive (Gaines, 2017).
4 - Connect with Community: Maybe a spring gathering, celebration, or potluck with those you love resonates more. Perhaps you choose a theme that honours renewal and connection, such as a garden party or picnics. Include rituals that deepen the bond with your loved ones such as storytelling circles, gratitude circles, or meditation sessions. Invite those around you to share their intention or aspirations for the season ahead. Practice open dialogue, active listening, and creating a space of mutual respect and understanding. Additionally, you can connect further with the natural world through volunteering for restoration projects. All these activities deepen the connection to nature, yourself, your community which aid towards fostering growth, renewal and restorations (Gaines, 2017).
Ambrose (2019) offers a more specified three-day ritual that you can do during the Spring Equinox.
The Eve of the Equinox (20 March)
Reflect on the seeds (thoughts and goals) you planted during the Autumn Equinox and New Year. Consider the lessons and experiences of the past six months and decided what is hindering your progress with your goals
Ask yourself: What important seeds of truth need to be revealed this Spring in order for me to truly know myself and step into my power-filled being? It is time to awaken from your period of hibernation, inactivity, and self-introspection and put these thoughts and plans into action.
To awaken your higher self and activate your growth cycle, begin the Equinox ritual by taking a shower. As the water flows over your body, imagine all the negative energy being removed and washed away from you.
As you dry off, visualise white light around your body and say out loud, ‘All That Happens, Happens for Good - Divine Order is working through me now’.
It is now time for spring cleaning. As you clean each room and the items in it, do so with reverence and appreciation for the abundance in your life. Cover your home in loving energy as you clean, picturing you and your loved ones in each room, feeling happy, content, joyful and relaxed.
By this evening you are ready to smudge each room with white sage to purify and cleanse each room.
End the day with another shower to remove all old energy.
Day of the Equinox (21 March)
This is the day to celebrate rebirth, renewal, and abundance. It is a time to toast to plans for action and growth
Celebrate with rituals including creating and sharing Equinox baskets with loved ones and friends.
The day culminates with dinner to celebrate renewal, rebirth, and the magic of the seasons. Think about all the wonder life brings, along with sharing dreams being brought into fruition this year. This is a powerful day to put plans into action.
Exoterically, this day was celebrated with egg hunts (a symbol of earth and rebirth), by giving and decorating with bunnies (a universal symbol of both physical and mental birth), and by giving baskets (a symbol of abundance). And a special dinner with family and friends to celebrate the renewal.
Esoterically, people took actions on the seed (goals) that they planted during the Fall Equinox as Spring represented the time and divine opportunity to step forward and create oneself anew with the tools of gratitude, abundance, and creativity.
Day After the Equinox (22 March)
This is the day to celebrate the renewal of Spring and the divine feminine.And this is the time to distance from the introspection and self-observation of the Winter and move into Spring’s renewal by focus on action, creation, and celebration.
The Equinox is a time to focus on a balancing exotericism and esotericism, by incorporating both introverted and extroverted events.
You can activate you creative side and bring a new perspective and balance by planting flowers in the garden, taking on a new creative project (perferablly something new you have not done before), decorating your home, saying thank you to the Universe for the abundance of OPPORTUNITY in your life, accepting new challenges in order to grow and step closer to your goals, embracing the future, and spending time with people in your life who will encourage you with your dreams and aspirations.
Conclusion and Individualisation
Above were only ideas for inspiration. What is most important is you find something that resonates and works with you best. There are no ‘should’ in this. You will likely hear many people on social media say that you ‘have to’ do something in order to manifest what you desire in the next six months. This is simply not true. There is no perfect recipe. Pawenski and Manteca (2020) in their Know Thyself Podcast highlights how recently Neptune has transitioned from Pisces to Aries as well, meaning everyone’s connection with spirituality is becoming extremely individualised. This is the time to find something that works best for you alone. And how exciting is that? You are living in a time where is has become easier to deeply connect with yourself spiritually. Only you know what is right for you in this moment, so trust that.
My Personalised Approach
Last year I spent my Spring Equinox deep cleaning the Berlin apartment I was living in. In this moment, I felt did not have enough time for this ritual, as I had a close approaching deadline for a university assignment. But I listened to myself and the desire, and performed the ritual anyway. Afterwards, I felt refreshed and ready to look at my assignment with new eyes. While it might seem insignificant to some, this was the first written assignment that I had turned in on time. And the first time I put geniune effort in the academic work I was creating. While I still did not receive a good grade, I planted this seed during this Spring Equinox.
Fast forward to my next university semester. I received all distinction marks. I felt so proud of myself because I knew I had the capability. It was just a matter of putting in the work. But, I thank the version of myself during the Spring Equinox because it is she who changed my beliefs around my university. Instead of dreading it, I decided I was going to make it something not only that I enjoyed, but also something I was good at.
Funny enough, I find myself in a similar situation. I am in my final semester of my Bachelor Programme, with deadlines approaching for my final projects. I kept thinking I do not have time for my deep cleaning ritual. However, I remembered the impact of my decision last Spring Equinox and made it a priority anyways.
Journal Prompts
What is your current relationship with the Spring Equinox and its energies? How would you like your relationship to be?
What were the seeds you planted during the Autumn Equinox? What were you desiring? What was on your mind? What was your emotional state?
What actions can you take during this Spring Equinox that allows the Autumn Equinox version of yourself to be heard?
Who would you be if you had no fear or self-doubt? How would this version of yourself act? What actions can you take today that are aligned with this version of yourself?
References
Ambrose, K. (2019). Awakening During a Spring Equinox, Exploring Your Spirit With Kala. Available at: https://www.exploreyourspirit.com/blog/springawakening. (Accessed 14 Mar 2026).
Bailey, A.A. (1974). The Labours of Hercules. New York, USA: Lucis Publishing Company.
Barnes, K. (2025). Spring Equinox Celebrations Across Cultures, Celebrations Journal. Available at: https://celebrationsjournal.com/2025/02/14/spring-equinox-celebrations-across-cultures/. (Accessed 12 Mar 2026).
Be Smart (2012). The Equinox Isn't What You Think It Is, YouTube, 16 Mar 2016. Available at: https://youtu.be/MVDCsXUygEw?si=muRJE-rTJGVmGgaw. (Accessed 18 Mar 2026).
Etymoline (2026). Origin and History of Equinox, Etymonline. Available at: https://www.etymonline.com/word/equinox. (Accessed 12 Mar 2026).
Gaines, E. (2024). The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of the Spring Equinox, The Chalk Board: A Guide to Living Well. Available at: https://thechalkboardmag.com/the-spiritual-cultural-significance-of-tonights-spring-equinox/. (Accessed 12 Mar 2026).
Lost Links (2019). What is Precession of the Equinoxes, A Simple Explanation, YouTube, 24 Jul 2019. Available at: https://youtu.be/tlMUomboW5s?si=56OD4AShWCe5WEzV. (Accessed 18 Mar 2026).
Pawenski, D. and Manteca, E. (2020). Know Thyself Podcast. Available at: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IVY2zlsnSgDIZLAnu9Qi?si=tkiVO2HISzq-q-wXjH14aw. (Accessed 1 Jun 2022).
Sakro Sawel (2017). The Deeper Spritual Meaning of the Spring Equninox - Ancient Significance, YouTube, 18 May 2024. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLdf5jW9IhQ. (Accessed 14 Mar 2026).
Wald, E. (2017). The Growing Influence of the Spring Equinox, Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Available at: https://sites.smith.edu/religious-spiritual-life/2017/05/15/glowing-influence-spring-equinox/. (Accessed 12 Mar 2026).
Wóblewska-Cwiek, E. (2024). The Spiritual Meaning of the Spring Equinox, LOGON. Available at: https://logon.media/logon_article/the-spiritual-meaning-of-the-spring-equinox/. (Accessed 14 Mar 2026).
