This time of year marks a time of renewal, rebirth, and transformation. Across cultures and traditions, this seasonal shift, from Winter to Spring, has been honored and celebrated. In Greek mythology, this transition is embodied by Persephone, the goddess who emerges from the underworld, bringing life and fertility back to the earth. In the pagan Wheel of the Year, Ostara marks the Spring Equinox, a time of balance and the awakening of growth. Through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season aligns with the Wood element, the Liver, and the movement of Qi that propels us into new beginnings.

Persephone’s Return: Myth and Medicine

The myth of Persephone is one of descent and return. Abducted by Hades, she spends the dark half of the year in the underworld, only to rise again in spring, reuniting with her mother, Demeter, who in her grief had plunged the world into barrenness. With Persephone’s return, the earth blossoms once more, signaling the triumph of life over death, light over darkness.

From a TCM perspective, Persephone’s journey mirrors the natural flow of energy within our bodies. In winter, our Qi retreats inward, much like Persephone’s descent into the underworld. It is a time of stillness, rest, and conservation, governed by the Water element and the Kidney system. But as spring arrives, Yang energy begins to rise, just as Persephone emerges. This transition is governed by the Liver, which is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and the flourishing of new growth, creativity, and vision.

Ostara and the Wood Element: The Season of Growth

Ostara, the Spring Equinox, is a time of balance between light and dark. It represents a tipping point, where day and night are equal, before the increasing dominance of Yang energy. The symbols of Ostara—eggs, rabbits, budding flowers—are all potent representations of fertility, renewal, and new beginnings.

In TCM, spring is governed by the Wood element, which corresponds to the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. Wood is about growth, expansion, and upward movement. Like the trees stretching toward the sun and the seeds pushing through the soil, our bodies and minds seek to move forward, shedding the stagnation of winter.

However, just as Persephone’s return can be turbulent, so too can this transition within us. If the Liver Qi is constrained—whether by stress, unresolved emotions, or stagnation—we may experience irritability, frustration, digestive issues, headaches, or seasonal allergies. Supporting the Liver during this time ensures a smooth transformation into spring’s vitality.

Honoring Spring’s Awakening: TCM Practices for Balance

To embrace the energy of Persephone’s return and Ostara’s renewal, consider incorporating the following TCM-inspired practices into your seasonal rituals:

1. Nourish the Liver with Spring Foods

Spring is a time to lighten the diet, incorporating foods that support the Liver’s natural detoxification and movement of Qi. Some key foods include:

• Bitter greens (dandelion, arugula, mustard greens) to cleanse the Liver.
• Sour foods (lemon, vinegar, pickled vegetables) to stimulate its function.
• Sprouts and young vegetables to mirror the fresh, rising energy of the season.
• Green foods to align with the Wood element.
• Herbal teas with chrysanthemum, peppermint, or milk thistle to soothe the Liver.

2. Move and Stretch Like New Growth

Just as plants unfurl toward the light, our bodies need to open up after winter’s stillness. Gentle movement helps release stagnation and promotes the free flow of Qi. Consider:

• Qigong or Tai Chi, with flowing movements to harmonize Liver Qi.
• Yoga with twists and side stretches, stimulating the Liver and Gallbladder meridians.
• Daily walks in nature, syncing with the season’s rhythms.
• Dance and spontaneous movement, allowing energy to rise and express itself.

3. Clear Emotional and Energetic Stagnation

The Liver is associated with the smooth flow of emotions. When Qi becomes stuck, we may feel frustration, irritability, or even depression—common experiences during seasonal transitions. To move emotional energy:

• Journaling can help release suppressed emotions and clarify intentions for the season.
• Acupuncture can support the Liver’s function and smooth Qi stagnation.
• Sound healing with drumming or singing can help shift energetic blocks.
• Spring cleaning—both physically and energetically—can clear space for new growth.

4. Align with the Cycles of Light

The Spring Equinox is a reminder of balance. To attune with this seasonal shift:

• Rise earlier with the sun to align with increasing Yang energy.
• Spend time outdoors absorbing natural light, which supports the Liver and overall vitality.
• Adjust your sleep cycle to ensure adequate rest, supporting Yin-Yang harmony.

5. Rituals to Honor Persephone and Ostara

Blending mythology, Ostara traditions, and TCM wisdom, you can create personal rituals that welcome renewal:

• Create an altar with symbols of spring—eggs, flowers, seeds, and green candles—to honor new beginnings.
• Perform a tea ceremony with liver-supporting herbs, meditating on intentions for growth and transformation.
• Bury intentions or plant seeds, symbolizing new projects or dreams taking root.
• Offer gratitude to the Earth, acknowledging its cyclical wisdom and your place within it.

Emerging Into Spring with Intention

As Persephone ascends, as Ostara’s balance shifts toward light, and as the Wood element surges forward, we too are called to embrace transformation. This is a time to release the constraints of winter and allow our visions, creativity, and vitality to take root and expand. Through mindful alignment with the season of nourishing the Liver, moving with intention, clearing stagnation, and honoring the cycles of nature, we can step into spring’s awakening with grace and resilience.

May this season bring you clarity, renewal, and the vibrant energy of new beginnings. Welcome Persephone, welcome spring, welcome growth.

If you’re feeling the effects of this seasonal transition—whether physically, emotionally, or energetically—consider booking a Spring Equinox Acupuncture Tune-Up. This seasonal treatment supports your Liver Qi, clears stagnation, and helps you align with spring’s renewal. Schedule your appointment today and step into the season with clarity and balance!