Embrace the Magic of Spring Cleaning with Herbs and Ostara

A Witchy Guide to Refreshing Your Space and Spirit

The Wheel is turning yet again, and for many Spring can’t come soon enough! As the snow and ice melt away, the days begin to warm and sunlight hours lengthen, and we find ourselves on the brink of Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox. This magical time marks the balance between light and dark, day and night, as the Earth awakens from its winter slumber. Ostara is a new beginning…an opportunity to cleanse, refresh, and renew both our homes and our spirits. A fresh start deserves a fresh palette on which to begin our next masterpiece, and what better way to celebrate this vibrant season than with a bit of spring cleaning, enchanted with the power of herbs and the spirit of Ostara?

The Tradition of Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning can be traced back to ancient days in many cultures. Spring Equinox marked a rebirth into a new, fresh start, and the act of thoroughly cleaning the home symbolized clearing away the old to make way for the new to flourish. For witches, pagans, and other spiritual cultures, this practice takes on a deeper significance as we clean not only our homes but also purify our energetic and spiritual surroundings, banishing stagnant energies and inviting the fresh, invigorating energy of Spring into our lives on all levels.

Herbs can be used in cleaning, ritual, teas and more!

Herbs for Cleansing and Renewal

Herbs have been our allies for centuries in our culinary, medical, and magickal practices. As natural, yet potent remedies, herbs are an ideal choice for cleansing and renewing our physical and energetic space. Here are some of our favorite herbs to use during spring cleaning:

Sage

Sage is one of the most well-known herbs for cleansing. We burn sage to neutralize energy in our homes, bodies and auric fields. The smoke from sage drives away negative energy and spirits, and leaves our homes refreshed like a clean slate or blank canvas, ready to create anew. To perform a sage cleanse, light a bundle of dried sage and let the smoke waft through each room, paying special attention to corners and doorways.

Lavender

Lavender is a calming and purifying herb. Its soothing scent is perfect for creating a peaceful atmosphere in your home. You can use lavender in many ways: add dried lavender to your cleaning solutions, place sachets of lavender in drawers and closets, or diffuse lavender essential oil to promote relaxation and tranquility.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb of protection and purification, often used to dispel negative energy and to invite positivity into the home. By adding a few fresh rosemary springs to white vinegar in a jar and letting it infuse for a week or two, we have a powerful cleanser to wipe down surfaces and floors and bring that beneficial magic into every nook and cranny of our homes.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is both uplifting and rejuvenating. It has a bright, lemony scent that is pure aromatherapy for the senses, banishing the last of the winter blues. Lemon balm can be used in water or vinegar as a cleaner; it can also be steeped in hot water as a refreshing tea to sip while you work!

Mint

Lift the energy of your space in seconds with fresh mint leaves or mint essential oil! Mint is invigorating and energizing, stimulates the senses and revitalizes the air. Add a few drops of mint essential oil to your cleaning solutions or place fresh mint leaves in bowls around your home to promote clarity and focus.

Decorate with Symbols of Spring

Ostara is a celebration of the Earth's awakening. Bring the outdoors in with fresh flowers and budding branches, give your crystals and spiritual tools a cleanse in the sunlight, a bowl of salt, or run them under moving water. Decorating your space will infuse your space with the energy of rebirth and renewal!

Update your altar for the changing season and take time to meditate an your goals.

Create an Ostara Altar

An altar is a sacred space where you can focus your intentions and connect with the energies of Ostara. Take some time to cleanse your altar, and add symbols of Spring, such as eggs, seeds, herbs, plants, and spring-colored candles to enhance the magic of your altar. Take a moment each day to light a candle and meditate on your goals for the coming season.

Perform a Cleansing Ritual

Combine your spring cleaning with a cleansing ritual to purify your space and spirit. Begin by smudging your home with sage or another cleansing herb. As you clean each room, visualize the old, stagnant energy being swept away and replaced with fresh, vibrant energy. You can also create a floor wash with rosemary-infused vinegar or a blend of your favorite cleansing herbs. Mop your floors while chanting a simple incantation, such as: "With this wash, I cleanse and renew, bringing light and energy true."

Plant Your Garden with Intention

Ostara is an excellent time to plant seeds, both literally and metaphorically. As you plant seeds in your garden, visualize your intentions and goals manifesting, and envision your plants taking root and growing strong. Alternatively, if you don’t plant a physical garden, you can write your intentions on small pieces of paper and bury them in the earth, symbolizing your commitment to nurturing and manifesting your desires.

An Introspective Journey to Balance and Harmonize

The Spring Equinox is a time of balancing light and dark, day and night, cold and warmth. Take time to reflect on the balance in your own life. Are there areas where you need more harmony? Consider ways to bring balance to your daily routines, relationships, and personal practices. This could be as simple as setting aside time for self-care or finding a better work-life balance. We all have ways that we sort ourselves out. Journaling, creating a vision board, a pros and cons list, or creating art that reflects how you envision your life blooming are all great ways to bring ideas out of the clutter of the mind and into something physical that you can see and be inspired.

Take the time to get in harmony with the changing season and you'll find more balance and peace.

Embrace the Season!

Spring cleaning with a witchy twist is a wonderful way to welcome the season of renewal. By incorporating the magic of herbs and the spirit of Ostara, you can cleanse and refresh your home and spirit. Embrace this time of balance and new beginnings and let the vibrant energy of spring infuse every corner of your life. Happy Ostara and happy spring cleaning!