March 2013

The Vernal Quinox: Time for Banishing and Renewal Spells

Ostara and the Vernal Equinox

March 20, 2013, marks the Vernal Equinox, a time of balance, and the celebration of Ostara, the Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess. Ostara is associated with the Moon Hare or rabbit, eggs, dawn, the east, and the Maiden Aspect of the Goddess. Ostara is also known as Eostre, from which the words East, Easter, and estrogen were derived. Ostara brings birth, rebirth, and renewal to the winter-weary world. Her holiday is an excellent time to perform spells and rituals for personal renewal and for bringing your mind, body, and spirit into balance.

Release, Rejuvenate and Renew

In spring, Nature sheds her winter cloak. Trees sprout new leaves and blossoms. Roses and bulbs are reborn. So how do you slough off your cloak of bad habits, bad relationships, or bad luck and start anew?

Know first that spells alone cannot solve your problems. They can focus your intention, creating a beacon that catches the Universe's attention and sets in motion the Law of Attraction. You still have to do the work. But while you do your part, the Universe (or Spirit/God/Goddess) will support your efforts by bringing into alignment the necessary forces and events.

Prepare

• Create a Personal Altar: creating sacred space focuses your intent and honors the deity or deities who will assist you. The altar can be any size, and as simple or elaborate as you wish. Include at least one representation of Ostara and spring, perhaps a rabbit figurine, decorative eggs, or a vase of spring flowers or budding branches. Incorporate spring colors: light green, pastels, yellow, purple. You may want to include a small dish of seeds or a potted seedling to represent the attributes you wish to nurture.

• Add to your altar a black candle and a white candle of equal size.

• If allergies are not an issue and you wish to use incense or essential oils, choose jasmine for physical health and wellbeing; juniper for issues regarding self-esteem and self-worth; or rose for matters of the heart.

• Using flowers or petals, create a circle around your altar. If your altar is against a wall, create a half-circle around it, and mentally envision the circle completed beyond the wall. Ask Spirit and your guardians in whatever form you choose, to be present while you perform your ritual.

• Make a banishing list of three problems or bad habits/etc. you wish to release or banish from your life. Place the list in front of the black candle.

• Make a renewal list of three positive characteristics you would like to nurture. Place the list in front of the white candle.

The Banishing Spell

River of darkness flow from me
Carry away these problems three.
(Read from your banishing list) shall no longer be
Driving forces entrenched within me.

Light the black candle. Envision the three things on your banishing list leaving your body and flowing into the candle flame. Visualize the black candle absorbing them. As these forces exit your mind, body, and spirit, new space is created. To fill the void with positive energy and affirmations, perform the Renewal Spell.

The Renewal Spell

Once you have completed the Banishing Spell, light the white candle and say:

River of Light I ask of thee,
Bring (Read from your renewal list) to me.
With gratitude, I welcome these blessings three,
And will nurture them so they grow within me.

Visualize the light from the white candle penetrating your mind, body, and spirit. Envision your life with these blessings taking root within you then growing and blooming. Thank the Universe/God/Goddess/Spirit for their aid. Return to this vision at least once a day and express your gratitude. If you placed seeds or a seedling on your altar, plant them. As you nurture the young plant(s) be reminded of the positive traits you have welcomed into your life and your vow to nurture them.