Article by Fiora Touliatou
Every year, the natural phenomena of the Spring Equinox falls on either the 20th or 21st of March (depending on the year and time zone) where both day and night are of equal length. Many ancient traditions, such as Persian Zoroastrian, Shamanic and Druid/Celtic Pagan, acknowledge its importance and align themselves with nature by marking it not only as the beginning of spring but also of the beginning of the new year. The Spring Equinox has been celebrated since ancient times as it symbolises awakening, renewal, resurrection, fertility, abundance, balance, equality and new beginnings. This symbolism refers not only to material matters but also to spiritual terms, for example both nature’s awakening and a human consciousness awakening.
In Asia, the ancient traditions of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine suggest more specific practices for overall wellbeing and inner balance. According to Ayurveda, the ancient tradition of holistic lifestyle, hydration is very important for detoxifying and stimulating the lymphatic system both with water and with different herbal teas. Also, a great emphasis is placed on the practice of meditation and breathing exercises in order to clear the mind and the body’s energy system. According to Chinese medicine, detoxification also means releasing negative emotions that have been stored inside our body and they block the natural flow of Chi, the life-force energy. Thus herbal medicinal teas, massage and acupuncture are important as well as eating seasonal food.
What can we do in our daily life to aid the Spring Clearance?
Cleaning
The most known practice is the physical cleaning and tidying of our house . This clearance helps to get rid of unwanted things thus making space for new things and abundance to come, a concept very familiar to the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui.
Creating
A more artistic practice that combines both creativity, mental stimulation and emotional healing is getting involved in DIY crafts for decorating the house. Gardening is also recommended as it is both creative and it helps reconnect with the awakening of nature.
Detoxification
On a spiritual and energetic level and in line with the general concept of “getting rid of the old, making space for the new”, cleansing and detoxing our body-mind-soul is of major importance. Several healing practices are recommended such as: salt baths, meditation, yoga, detox diet, herbal teas, walking barefoot on Earth (Earthing/Grounding).
Nature
Spend time in nature to reconnect and rebalance ourselves by walking (ideally Earthing, if weather and circumstances permit it), having a pic nic or just enjoying some peaceful time.
Sunlight
Expose to sunlight in order to rebalance our hormones and emotions and stimulate our lymphatic system for maximum detoxification.
Celebrating
Just put your favourite music, sing or dance and enjoy the present moment!
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