Most of our lives are governed by modern life routines, an energy which is linear and left brain oriented. The cyclic rhythm of the seasons and presence of sunlight in the wheel of the year offers us moments of inspiration, to take time out, stop, and remind ourselves of our goals as well as to connect with our inner needs and soul’s wisdom. It offers a moment of calm, a moment to make time to take care of our needs, a time to connect with our family and friends, a time to honour the presence of Spirit in our lives.

As more and more people distance themselves from organized religion, nature offers us an undeniable powerful guidance and beauty. The sun governs the rhythm of our days and the cycle of our year. The solstices and equinoxes are therefore highlights of the cycle of the year – neutral yet so personal.

In the wisdom of the seasons teachings, Spring Equinox is the height of the spring season. We are called to step into the manifestation of our plans and ideas.

In the teachings and deep wisdom that nature reveals to us, this season is all about new cycles, exciting opportunities, a call for clarity and commitment, the planting of new seeds, cleansing the old, and releasing the dust of winter.

Equinox is a moment of perfect balance in a season of transition. We are moving from winter into summer. Transitioning can be challenging if we do not pay attention. Yet, in the middle of the season, we are offered this moment when day and night are equally long, when the sun offers us a moment of perfect balance.

This is a great opportunity for meditation, to find our center, to rest, get clarity and receive divine wisdom.

It is the season in which we welcome new opportunities, take on new collaborations or move forward with new ideas. We are also asked to step up, shake off winter fatigue, and let in the new and fresh energy. Spring cleaning comes to mind.

The wisdom and inspiration which is offered to us in this spring season could fill books and hours of conversation. Over the years, inspired by the questions and comments of my students, I have put together many resources through which you can get inspired.

Some are simple and encourage a daily short practice, others will carry you deeper and open the door to a journey towards your inner knowing.

This beautiful season of bringing forth new life and new opportunities calls also for the release and cleansing of the old and stagnant energies of winter. A spring cleansing can be part of your ritual. Make room for new, inside and out. 

Each ritual should begin with a moment of smudging. Different burning herbs can be used for purification, although for this time and purpose, sage is the favorite.

The sound of a shamanic rattle can also be used to purify your home and sacred spaces.

Tending your sacred space and your altar is particularly important to renew your commitment and invite new energy.

The path towards inner wisdom and discovery of ourselves is a path which, ultimately, we have to journey on our own. Knowing who you are and what gift you carry is revealed in this path of discovery of the Self. It brings sovereignty and autonomy.

Community is the way we nourish ourselves on this journey. We find safety in the sacred circle with others and inspiration when we listen to their own discoveries.

• Journey the medicine wheel and discover the wisdom of the seasons, a 1-year online programm. You can follow the program at your own pace, with access to additional inspirations and in-person support when needed. Once you have completed the one-year cycle, you will have a new vision and understanding of your life and your relationships. This teaching will inspire and nourish your live journey.

• Join the community The witches cauldron on FB to have access to hours of video, inspiration to your own journey and an opportunity to join the conversations on different subjects and teachings.

• Sign up to the newsletter to stay tuned for offers and opportunities, recipes, and inspirations.

• Get inspired by Instagram reels and stories filled with sparks.

Begin your ritual by setting your intention.

Decide on a tree of your choice with which you would like to connect. Then formulate your intention using the following inspiration:

• To remember your own roots and the strength and grounding they give you.
• To experience strength.
• To remember all the support available to you in your next cycle.

This ritual can be done outside if you have access to a tree in your garden, park or woods near your home. Choose a place where you feel safe and will not be disturbed. If not, you can do this in your home connecting to a tree through a photo or image.

Take the time to write down any personal intentions you would like to include in this ritual. Use a notebook or journal to write down any keywords or ideas that come to you, then formulate a clear intention. For example:

• Remember all the support available to me which I can draw on to thrive in this new cycle.
• Reconnect to the faith in my life that will fuel my confidence.
• Connect to the power of nature to awaken the strength within me.
• Experience a moment of rejuvenation.

The next step is to begin with setting up your ritual space which can be very simple or as elaborate as you like!

1. Mark the beginning of the ritual

Once you are ready, mark the beginning of your ritual. I like to form a circle by putting salt or tobacco as an offering all around me in the outer line of the circle. I call on all my helping spirits to assist me. I say a prayer to acknowledge the spirit of the tree and the nature spirits around me. You can sing a song, ring a bell, or play a drum. You can dance or just sit in silence.

2. Connect with the tree you have chosen

Whether it is the tree you are leaning against or the image of a tree in front of you, begin to visualize the tree, focusing on the roots deeply pushing into the earth, and start contemplating what nourishes the tree, and the communication of the trees with their environment.

Connect to the root system and use this image to think about your own roots! What represents the strongest roots in your life? What gives you the most security and keeps you strong during life’s challenges? Take your time to let the ideas and images come into your mind. Think of all the strengths you have that you might take for granted. Emotional strength, knowledge through education, knowledge through experience, friends and connections in the community, spiritual practices, and more. Take your time and be open to surprises. Let your emotions guide you.

Then direct your thinking to what feeds the tree. Where does it get its nutrients from? The soil around it provides all the food it needs to grow strong. What does the soil in which you are rooted provide you with? Where do you get your true nourishment? Gather images and ideas in your mind. If you need to, you can open your eyes and write them down or record them.

Direct your final thoughts to the communication that trees have with their environment. The root system has an elaborate form of communication with the other roots of the trees around them, through which the trees inform each other of possible diseases, allowing them to develop resistance in advance. Who or what is the support that you can rely on? Allow yourself to receive all the information and record your impressions and visions.

Before you step out of your visualization, take stock of all the amazing support and strengths you have to build your own personal root system for your life. Next, set an intention for your new cycle that begins this spring and think about your plans for the new year. What do you want to add to your life? What new branches or leaves will grow on your tree in this new season? These may be specific projects or qualities in your relationships, such as peace, harmony, strength, joy, and abundance. Make a clear statement and remind yourself of all the support and strength available to you through your roots.

3. Complete the ritual

Once you are out of your visualization, take notes of your experience. Let your creativity flow by listening to the inspirations and new ideas that may come naturally. You can continue to celebrate this new energy within you with a song, dance, or other creative project. Then thank all the spirits and people who have helped you with this ritual. Take time to undo your sacred space. Clean it up, put all the objects back in their place. You may wish to keep a representation of your ritual space. Keep a crystal, flower or leaf and place it on your personal altar as a reminder of this energy. You can also keep a small altar on a tray to continue your prayer and intention for a while longer. You will see, in the days to come you will feel the presence of the energy of your ritual!