Today is Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox. The hours of daytime and nighttime are equal, making this a day of perfect balance.

At this time of year, life is beginning to blossom. Spring is peeping out from underneath winter’s blanket, and fresh growth and renewal are all around. Besides fragrant blossoms, new green leaves are sprouting on plants and trees, and if you live in a warm area like me, it may look like your lawn really needs that first spring mowing before it turns into a jungle.

Besides plants, new life is also appearing: Birds may be returning to prepare nests for their young, and calves and foals are being born. Farmers may be starting to prepare their fields for tilling, and warmer weather offers a relief from the cold, blustery days of winter. The Wheel of the Year is turning, right before your eyes, under your feet, and all around you!

Keeping with the new, blossoming energy of Ostara, what is blooming within you or in your life right now? Or, what would you like to bloom? Do you have some rough ideas of things you’d like to accomplish or experience this year? Well, now is the time to take those goals one step closer to actualization. On Ostara, define the “next step” for those goals, if you already have one. If you don’t—let your creativity and imagination blossom, and come up with a goal for this year!

Find out more about the Pagan sabbats in my book, “Pagan Curious—A Beginner’s Guide to Nature, Magic & Spirituality.”