SPRING EQUINOX & THE PERSIAN NEW YEAR 2021
Originally published on March 20, 2021.
In a healing session a couple weeks ago, I tapped into my ancestors to connect. I wanted to ask for some guidance and support. “My whole world is very different now.” I said, feeling slightly ungrounded. They knew I wasn’t simply talking about pandemic life, which did of course change the world and the immediate world around me - but I also meant my daily life on a deeply personal and spiritual level. I had so many questions for them it felt like a flood rushing through my veins. I had been working hard to try and heal a “random” injury, build a new foundation, continue giving my heart and soul to my business, and plan out my biggest dreams however, I still felt like maybe I was lost or something like it. I laid there on the table and asked, “Please, give me a sign that I am on the right track. I am working so hard.”
I took a deep breath and let go into a deeper trance.
“Your work is our work.” They replied which then propelled a slide show of ancient work my ancestors have done, parts of which I already do now and other work I saw in my future to come. I come from palm readers, root workers, psychics, herbalists, magicians, street fighters, tailors, farmers, and tenders. A special day for celebrating the Persian side of my ancestry has arrived once again and I couldn’t be more thrilled. In my own tradition, the Spring Equinox {also known as Ostara} falls on the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz. This year these fall on March 20th, 2021. For me this means taking time to honor my ancestors on the altar giving offerings and gifts, visiting them via divination tools, celebrating their gifts and spending this time with loved ones. I braid my hair for my grandmother's, stand a little taller for my grandfather and continue my education as a witch and spiritual worker for my aunt's and uncles. This year I have ordered a mason jar full strong ancestral tea ~ black tea with bee pollen, making sure not to run out before this new year.
New Year and The Spring Equinox are great times for cleaning, rituals around rebirth, honoring the past and inviting in the future, spending time with friends and family and a time to create celebration. It’s a time of year for Initiations. Plant your new found strength in the dirt and watch it grow. Rise and bring it to life. This is a fabulous time to re-decorate, create a new routine, check in on loved ones, and try new things. A grand opening to do something you've been afraid to do. It’s a great time to start consoling your tender mourning. Maybe you’re ready for a Metaphorical Funeral, which I can happily assist you with. Classic spring cleaning to me is cleaning your space, physically and spiritually. Sort and clean those dusty closets externally and internally.
At Nowruz, there is a ceremonial table known as the haftseen ~ to me, this has always been the same thing as an altar. “Traditionally” It is decorated with seven items all starting with the letter S, each with its own symbol of renewal and sacred spring energy. Seven due to the fact that it is a lucky number - it also happens to be my favorite/lucky number! Items on the table include:
Seeb (apple), representing beauty
Seer (garlic), representing good health
Serkeh (vinegar), representing patience
Sonbol (hyacinth), representing spring
Samanu (sweet pudding), representing fertility
Sabzeh (sprouts), representing rebirth
Sekeh (coins), representing prosperity
Other things you may find on the table include a Quran, fruit, sweets, a mirror and candles {representing reflection into ones future and self}, a goldfish swimming in a bowl {representing life +}, painted eggs {representing fertility}, the spice sumac, and books of poetry. My family has never been super exact or traditional, because we’ve never been super traditional people, but creating the altar table {at any holiday, let’s be honest} is always a joyous task.
As long as I have my great grandmothers favorite candies, roses, and tea for everyone, we’re good.
: SPRING RITUALS :
Some of my favorites that I included in this month’s newsletter include:
☾ Tarot Spreads for Rebirth and Renewal. My Musing's Blog Post from the last equinox 2020 contains a special spread I created. I still love it, personally. Check it out here!
☾ Grow a plant ally. Have a favorite plant that's been calling you? Maybe it's time to grow it from seed or get a small baby plant to tend to. {Heck! If you're feeling up for it, start your own magical garden this year! I'll be starting a new blog series on this blog, documenting my witch garden this year as things start to warm up.}
☾ Collect & gather old journals, letters, or photos that you are ready to get rid of and burn them {safely please!} I prefer to dispose of the ashes somewhere that I don't visit or pass by often.
☾ Resurrection Ferns, otherwise known as Jericho Rose. {These ferns can usually be purchased at your local apothecary, check online apothecaries, or etsy.}
: SPRING INITIATIONS ~ RESURRECTION FERN :
This year the Resurrecting Fern is my go to ritual to initiate the new season and to continue supporting my new life. I’ve got a step by step process below for you to follow along with your own.
Step #1: Gather Your Fern! These can often be found at your local magical/spiritual shop, or online through your favorite magical shop, otherwise Etsy has plenty.
Step #2: Petition: I like to write a petition or spell about what the intention is for my rebirth spell work / the growing of my Rose of Jericho {aka Resurrecting Fern}. Some people like to keep them watered to keep passion alive and thriving. There are many uses for your fern and the type of work you do around it. I personally use mine during periods of growth and rebirth ~ when I need support in my own resurrection.
Step #3: Place Fern in a shallow dish/bowl filled with water. Do not drown your fern!
Step #4: Nurture it and watch it grow! Thank your Jericho as it grows and supports you in your work. I feed it with water when the water starts to get low, checking it every day. It will start to close if it’s not getting enough water, so it will be pretty clear when it needs more. The water of this plant is said to have its own magical qualities {which makes sense as the fern is in this water constantly} ~ sprinkle the water around the house or use in other spell work to support clearing out negative energy, support harmony, and abundance.
When you’re finished using the fern for this time, take your fern out of water, let it dry and close up. Use again when needed. Resurrection Ferns can be passed down for generations when kept dry ~ they are truly hecking magical!
I hope you find tenderness and the beginnings of a renewed spirit today.
Blessed Ostara/Equinox + Nowruz! ♥
Mourning Light Divination, LLC always recommends working with a trained mental health professional, especially during times of transition, change, and turbulence. Mourning Light Divination, LLC only provides tools and is not the outcome.
May you be well and safe.