The Vernal Equinox, which falls on March 20th in the northern hemisphere, marks a moment of perfect balance — day and night, light and dark, winter and spring. It’s a natural invitation to honor this equilibrium and embrace the transition into longer days and renewed life. This ritual, blending a mindful three-bowl tea practice with symbolic gestures of the season, offers a way to align with spring’s energy and awaken alongside the earth.

Setting the Space

Begin by creating a sacred space that reflects the equinox’s balance. This doesn’t need to be elaborate — simplicity, paired with intention, is enough.

• Candle for light: A flame to honor the growing sun and the return of warmth.

• Bowl of water for darkness: A reminder of winter’s quiet, introspective energy that still lingers.

• Spring elements: Fresh flowers, budding branches, or a small bowl of seeds to symbolize new life.

Take a moment to sit with your space. Breathe in the scent of the earth awakening, and let your heart settle into the stillness before the ritual begins.

The Tea Ritual — Three Bowls for Balance

Each bowl of tea holds intention, guiding you through the arc of release, presence, and renewal — a reflection of nature’s unfolding cycle.

• Bowl 1: Release — As you sip the first bowl, reflect on what you’re ready to shed from winter. Old habits, heavy emotions, or stagnant energy — imagine these burdens dissolving with each drink, leaving you lighter.

• Bowl 2: Presence — In the second bowl, simply sit with the tea. Feel the balance within you and around you — the warmth of the cup, the breath moving through your body, the stillness and aliveness coexisting. Let the moment anchor you.

• Bowl 3: Renewal — With the final bowl, set an intention for the season ahead. What energy do you wish to embody? Sip slowly, allowing the tea to carry your intention into your being, like seeds planted in fertile soil.

Beyond the Tea

The equinox is an opening — a chance to extend this sense of renewal beyond your tea practice and into the rest of your day.

• Movement: Take a walk outside, noticing the signs of life returning — green shoots, birdsong, the warmth on your skin. Let the earth’s awakening mirror your own.

• Journaling: Reflect on what you’re inviting in this season. What new beginnings are calling to you? What dreams are ready to sprout?

• Offerings: In the spirit of reciprocity, leave a small gift for the earth — seeds, herbs, or even a splash of water — as a gesture of gratitude and harmony with the season.

Embracing Spring’s Awakening

This equinox, let your tea practice become a doorway into the energy of the season — a reminder that balance and renewal are within reach, one mindful bowl at a time.

May your spring be filled with light, growth, and gentle awakenings.