Rituals for Springtime Soul Cleansing by Barbara Biziou

Spring is the time for each of us to usher in new growth and possibilities. It is a time to be more open to love and joy. In ancient times, the New Year started at the Spring Equinox. In fact, astrologically it still does. In many traditions, this is the start of the New Year. The Roman year began on the ides of March (15th). The astrological year begins on the equinox when the moon moves into the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, the ram. The Greek god Ares is equivalent to the Roman Mars for whom the month of March is named. This is also the festival of Nawruz, Persian New Year, which falls on the spring equinox.

Now is the time that we are able to renew our hopes, aspirations and dreams. Yet, we cannot do this if we are weighed down by old beliefs that create barriers for opportunities and fulfillment. Loving yourself and appreciating others is a key to achieving your goals in life. The Spring Equinox ushers in a time of new balance. The season invites you to become aware of whatever is out of balance in your life and to put in the corrections.

• Could you change your diet so your body can safely eliminate toxins and regain its natural rhythms?
• How much of your time is spent working?
• How much of your time is spent worrying?
• How much of your time is spent with friends? Family?
• How much of your time is spent enjoying yourself?
• Are you getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night?
• When is the last time you took time for yourself?
• How can you grow in a healthy way and become more open, compassionate and accepting?
• Can you simplify your life?

When we expend too much energy analyzing, planning and attempting to control the course of our lives, then we need to redress the balance by becoming more spontaneous. It is important to spend time just having fun. This will energize us and bring more creativity and joy into our lives.

If you are finding that you are exhausted and apathetic that usually means that energy is trapped in your heart. Look to where you are still holding on to old resentments and disappointments. Even if you have spent years working on these issues, deeper layers of the same issue can pop up over time. This does not mean that you haven’t done your work; it simply means that you are ready to release at a deeper level.

I am always surprised to find that people spend endless hours cleaning the physical (home, body, clothes) but rarely spend the time to purify themselves spiritually.

Would you think of showing up at a special event in dirty clothes without taking a shower and washing your hair? Are you comfortable inviting people to a fancy dinner party at your house when your house is a mess? Probably not.

Safe and gentle purification will bring you countless benefits. I like to purify myself by taking baths in sea salt. Depending on my mood I will add the essential oils of rose (love), jasmine (sensuality) or lavender (relaxation. And occasionally I will add fresh flowers. Don’t forget to use your morning shower as a time to release all unwanted thoughts and feelings. As the water runs over you say, I now release all thoughts and feelings of limitation, anger and upset. Be as specific as you like. I release my anger against Susan, I release all fear about making this presentation today, I release all financial worries. When you have finished, imagine the negative energy going down the drain. Notice how much lighter you feel.

You should be guilty if you are not taking care of yourself. All other guilt is useless and a burden. If you have made a mistake do the following:

• Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to move into a state of relaxation.
• Call in and connect to the Universal Law of Forgiveness and asked to be forgiven for anyone you have hurt in words, deeds or actions. Then ask that the cause of this mistake be released and consumed. This will free you to be in your life completely.
• Spend a few minutes sending yourself love and light.
• Send energy to anyone you have harmed consciously or unconsciously.
• See if there are any concrete steps you need to take to heal or reconcile a relationship.

Take Care of Yourself

Slow down the pace of life as you care for yourself and discover the things that stabilize you. I know that I need quiet time in the morning to meditate and do my spiritual practice. Without this, I tend to go too fast, eat food that does not nourish me and eventually I will crash and burn. What stabilizes you? Meditation, taking long walks, being surrounded by art, calming music, having massages, writing in your journal? Think of yourself as a plant that needs nourishing soil to grow. The trees that have the strongest roots are able to bend with the winds of change. Become aware of what needs to be weeded out in order for your dreams to manifest.

As we move into this sensual spring season, it is a good idea to prepare our bodies and minds for the uninhibited pleasure that awaits us. Remember to celebrate being alive and know that this is an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings of being alive. Make sure you laugh, love and learn. Let the new lover in your life be you.

 © Copyright 2005 Barbara Biziou.  All Rights Reserved. 

Barbara Biziou, author of The Joys of Everyday Ritual and The Joy of Family Rituals, is an interfaith minister, a life coach, and a leading expert on ritual and meditation. She teaches us how to restore ritual to its rightful place as food for the soul through practical, easy to use ritual recipes that are inspiring and fun. Barbara shows people how to incorporate spirituality into their existing lifestyles and hectic schedules – without creating extra work or stress!  For private sessions, weddings and ceremonies contact her at barbara@joyofritual.com or www.joyofritual.com.

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