Aromatic Rituals: Aligning Essential Oils with the Spring Equinox

by Camellia Lee

In what feels like our longest dormancy, the stimulation of “spring fever” is being activated by the shift and increase of sunlight, early sightings of flower buds and touches of warm weather in the atmosphere. March 20th marks the official launch of Spring along with the Vernal Equinox.

Astronomically, the vernal equinox marks the trajectory of the sun crossing over the celestial equator, an imaginary line to demarcate the sun’s travel from the southern into the northern hemisphere. The sun’s increasing light contributes to greater illumination throughout the day until it reaches its maximum amount of daylight, by the summer solstice on June 21st.

Astrologically, this shift aligns with the transition from the sign of Pisces into Aries which begins on March 21st. The energetic quality of Aries also marks the first sign in the zodiac, our star system in the sky.

It is the archetype of new beginnings represented by the animal of the ram, embodies the quality of “I Am” and is elementally represented as the cardinal fire sign. The cardinal fire element is indicative of a fiery pioneering energy, initiating new beginnings and actions, similar to the first buds of spring bursting through its cold wintery frozen soil.

From an aromatic perspective, we can usher in the notion of Spring and awaken our inner Aries nature, since we do, in fact, embody the twelve qualities and signs in the zodiac within our constitution. Honoring the hermetic adage “as Above so below”, there is a recognized energetic correlation between plants, planets, constellations and the inherent understanding that everything is connected and interrelated in our universe.

We can call upon this connection through the practice of daily rituals. Rituals are a way of honoring where you are in the moment and anchoring oneself into the present.

On this Spring Equinox, find incense to light, a sacred object to represent new beginnings, and your essential oils. Step into nature and connect with mother earth. If that is not possible, create an altar with natural elements to represent the four directions (earth, air, water, and fire). And with your essential oils, set an intention and open into a meditative space.

To brighten the senses, citrus and mint oils can aid in a shift from sluggish to energizing. Lemon (Citrus limon), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oils are great for use in the diffuser to disperse into the room. The essential oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and bergamot mint (Mentha citrata) may be used as a drop for palm inhalation. Note: Be sure to wash hands well after using mint oils.

Clarifying herbaceous oils to harken our Aries nature include essential oils containing more spicey and camphorous notes such as basil (Ocimum basilicum ct. linalol), black pepper (Piper nigrum), clary sage (Salvia sclarea), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). It may be used in a carrier oil and used in a massage.

Floral notes that may also elicit states of happiness and new beginnings are the essential oils of rose, geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), laurel (Laurus nobilis) which may be used in a mister to spray around the face, body and our energetic field.

The spring equinox is the perfect season for establishing new goals, setting intention for purpose and manifestation. Through ritual, intention and your astrological chart data I am passionate about crafting Astroma Remedy blends to support your favorable energies for growth. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at RootandResin.com for more information.