While the Gregorian calendar begins in January, the astrological calendar begins in March with Aries season and the vernal equinox. This can feel like a new beginning, a very specific kind of beginning, as here in the Northern Hemisphere the days begin to lengthen and we begin to feel winter slipping away.
Linked to Ostara and the joy of new growth, the spring equinox is an opportunity to think about what we want to establish and start, to be thoughtful about what we set in motion.
This is the perfect time to think: what new cycles are you ready to jump into? What do you hope to develop, create, build and discover?
Why is the Spring Equinox/Ostara important?
Ostara marks the arrival of a new season, but spring is particularly special because it marks the beginning of a new annual growth cycle. A time for planning and planting, to think about our future. This is also an opportunity to reflect on our last cycle.
What have we dedicated ourselves to, and is that work done? Are we going in a new direction, or are we building on what we have already started?
This could be an opportunity for something else, but it is up to us to decide where we want to put our resources.
What are we willing to invest in? What long-term goals can we define?
Whether you faithfully celebrate all eight holidays in the Wheel of the Year or not, this is a powerful time for reflection, organization and awareness. Using this larger and more substantial Tarot spread, you can spend some time thinking about the brightening of the world, the lengthening of the days, and the opportunities for new life to begin.
The spring equinox arrives on March 19, 2024.
Try this tarot spread to welcome spring
When drawing cards for this spread, consider:
- How do you find an internal balance between joy and fear, passion and uncertainty, hunger and satisfaction?
- What new version of yourself are you ready to embrace?
- How have you grown in the past twelve months since the spring equinox of 2023, and what might the next year bring you in terms of legacy, security, creativity, connection, and wonder?
In addition to the spread format I’ve provided, I’m also sharing a short sample reading so you can understand how you can use this spread for your own personal rituals.
These cards are not drawn with any particular people or cycles in mind, but if something resonates with this example, it may be worth exploring for yourself.
Card one: an inner light
power
Strength, an archetype of strength, patience, and perseverance, has much to teach us about playing the long game, thinking about what matters to us, and acting with intention rather than impulsively.
In this position of inner light, Power reminds us that we are in control of our own brilliance and that only we can decide what we share with the world and what we keep from ourselves.
To consider:
- How does your inner light manifest itself in the world?
- When do you show it to others?
- What lights you up?
- What makes you shine?
Card two: an inner shadow
2 cups
Associated with choice, attraction and a new connection, the 2 of Cups is usually connected to romance, but can also speak of deepening friendships or powerful partnerships. Regardless of the type of relationship we form and explore, this card reminds us that we can choose to be vulnerable and that no matter how great something feels, it’s important not to fear depth.
Even the best people and opportunities can have hidden shadows, and as we think about our future, The 2 of Cups wants us to pay attention to what lies beneath the surface and the ways we open our hearts to others.
Where do we hesitate? What do we learn about ourselves through relationships that challenge us?
Card three: A way to balance light and dark
Queen of wands
A figure of courage, passion and creativity, Queens always encourages us to stay true to ourselves, set boundaries of protection and purpose, and stay involved in the community.
In this position of balance, the Queen of Wands speaks of authenticity and encourages us to make room for all the things that are important to us and to think about how hard we are willing to fight for what we believe in.
She asks us to think about:
- What do you know you are good at, what you desire, what you long to pursue more deeply?
- How can you make room for your own inner strength and your doubts about connections?
- Where are you ready to be brave?
Card Four: A rebirth that you need to be aware of
Queen of swords
Our second Queen from this reading, the Queen of Swords is more precise, deliberate, and cautious than the Queen of Wands. But each of these rulers controls his element and understands how to wield his power with conviction and dedication.
The Queen of Swords asks us to be intentional in what we pursue and not be afraid to be rational (or ruthless) with ourselves when we question our own perceptions and desires.
She also asks us to think about:
- How does the truth shape our choices?
- What do we learn about ourselves, and how does this information shape our ambitions and desires?
- By embracing a new cycle, how can we let our perceptions determine our future?
Card five: an old pattern to let go
Knight of Pentacles
The third and final court card in our example, Knights, always asks us to pay attention to how we use an element and whether we have too much or too little of a certain energy.
Dedicated, loyal, focused and persistent, the Knight of Pentacles is excellent at pursuing goals, keeping his eyes on the prize and his feet always moving forward. But Pentacles can be stubborn; too fixated on their end goal to notice changes in their path or shifting obstacles along the way.
This is a pattern you can easily fall into and which the cards say needs to be addressed:
- How often do you bend and shift on the way to your great ambitions?
- Where can adaptability help you achieve greater success?
- When has stubbornness held you back in the past?
Card six: a new seed to celebrate
2 of swords
Traditionally associated with difficult choices, blocks or obstacles, the 2 of Swords speaks of a moment when we must decide how to proceed and possibly grapple with a difficult truth that complicates that choice. But in this position of new celebrations and possibilities, the Two of Swords urges us to move forward with confidence and pride, make a decision, and keep pushing toward our goal rather than standing still.
This card encourages us to consider the following:
- How can we practice what we preach and use the skills we have to be confident about where we are going?
- What pragmatic or rational goal can ultimately yield unexpected pleasure?
Find balance this spring
With three court cards, two 2’s and one Major Arcana archetype, this reading offers so much wisdom in achieving goals. All four elements are represented, indicating that balance is the name of the game.
As we move forward into a new cycle, this spread encourages us to be intentional and committed, to be true to ourselves, and not be afraid to state what we really want.
We may have identified our big dreams, but how do our daily choices reflect those desires? Where are we called to be patient, and where should we invest energy, passion and inspiration?
Wishing you a beautiful, motivating and exciting Spring Equinox!
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