4 Spiritual Practices for the Arrival of Spring

Spring has sprung, and visions of flora and fauna dance through my mind. For thousands of years, Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, has symbolized nature’s renewal and youthful energy. As signs of spring arrived, Romans adorned themselves with blossoms and bright costumes, celebrating Flora in a multi-day festival full of dance, theatrical performances, and revelry.

More than 2,000 years later, I think it’s time to rejuvenate the Romans’ practices with a modern touch. It’s been a hard, snowy winter in my habitat, and I could surely use some youthful energy. As signs of spring arrive, crocuses quickly pop up from the ground. Forsythia bushes all around me begin to bud. Daffodils unfurl their broad petals, rain collecting in their wide center cups.

It’s time to practice flora divina: activities that honor the divine presence in flowers and plants. By combining mindfulness, ritual, and intention, we can deepen our connection to the sacred energy of its many flowers and budding plants. As your habitat awakens from its winter slumber, try one (or more!) of these practices to join in the natural revelry and awakening.

Visio Florae (Flower Gazing Meditation)

Flowers have a curious ability to elevate our mood. Their bright colors can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. A 2005 study in Evolutionary Psychology demonstrated that flowers can induce positive emotions—not just in those that receive them, but those who give flowers to others. Broader research on "nature therapy” suggests that just being outside can profoundly affect human well-being. So, get out there and engage your sacred gaze!

Try the practice:

1. Gaze at a flower, allowing its beauty and structure to draw you into a meditative state.

2. Continue for a few moments in quiet reflection.

3. Observe how the flora resonates with your current emotions.

4. Journal any insights or messages that arise.

Olfactio Divina (Scent Meditation)

Just as the vibrant colors of petals engage our sight, a gentle breeze—or an intentional big sniff—can carry a medley of fragrances that envelop your senses. The simple act of smelling flowers can evoke a cascade of emotions and physical responses that enhance human well-being. Indeed, scientific study is beginning to unravel the fascinating mechanisms behind the beneficial effects flowers have on our mental and physical health. Take a moment to do your own research and see how slowly smelling flowers impacts you. (Flower essences can help your animal companions, too!)

Try the practice:

1. Take a deep breath and center yourself before beginning.

2. Look around your habitat and choose a flower or plant to engage with in sacred intention. (If your habitat has not yet begun to flower, no problem. Use fresh herbs, essential oils, natural perfume, incense, resin, or sacred wood.)

3. Close your eyes and bring the scent close to your nose.

4. Inhale deeply and slowly, focusing entirely on the fragrance.

5. Observe how the scent makes you feel—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

6. Journal any thoughts, visions, or sensations that arise.

Aqua Florae (Floral Water Blessing)

Bathing with flowers offers numerous benefits, including stress reduction, skin nourishment, and improved mood. The natural oils and antioxidants in flowers like chamomile can provide emollient and anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing skin health. Some research suggests routine immersion bathing can significantly improve mental and physical health compared to showering. For example, routine bathing can enhance mood and reduce fatigue.

Try the practice:

1. Decide what you seek from the bath—relaxation, healing, love, clarity, renewal, or something else.

2. Pick fresh or dried flowers that align with your purpose:

   1. Rose for love, self-care, and heart healing.

   2. Lavender for relaxation, peace, and stress relief.

   3. Chamomile for calming, purification, and emotional balance.

   4. Jasmine for sensuality, intuition, and divine connection.

   5. Calendula for protection, joy, and skin healing.

3. Fill the tub with warm water while meditating on your intention.

4. Gently scatter the flowers into the water.

5. Swirl the water with your hands, visualizing the energy of the plants infusing the bath.

6. Step into the tub slowly, allowing the warmth and fragrance to embrace you.

7. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, absorbing the floral aroma.

8. Feel the water cleanse not just your body but your mind and spirit, too.

9. Reflect on your initial intention, repeating an affirmation or silent prayer.

10. When you are ready to conclude your bath, close your eyes. Scoop a handful of water and pour it over your head, feeling it stream down your body.

11. Stepping carefully from the tub, pat yourself dry, noticing your feelings.

12. Write down any meaningful thoughts that arose during the bath.

Plantatio Divina (Sacred Planting Ritual)

Mindfully planting seeds, flowers, herbs, or trees can be a spiritual act of intention, renewal, and connection with nature. What’s more, gardening can improve emotional well-being, too. When combined with sacred geometry, the benefits can multiply. Look around your habitat and consider how you can become part of helping it flourish.

Try the practice:

1. Before planting, reflect on what you wish to cultivate internally. (For example: growth, healing, acceptance, or love.)

2. Choose a plant that resonates with your intention—consider lavender for peace or sunflowers for joy—or one that is native to your habitat.

3. Hold the soil in your hands and acknowledge it as a source of life.

4. As you place the seed or plant into the soil, visualize your intention growing alongside it.

5. Speak words of blessing or affirmation as you cover the seed with soil or tuck soil around the plant.

6. Pour water for the planting with a spirit of deep caring.

7. Acknowledge that growth takes time, patience, and trust.

8. As spring proceeds and transitions into summer and fall, return to the plant from time to time, considering its progress alongside yours toward your intention.

Flora divina practices can foster a deep appreciation for your habitat and create sacred bonds between you and the spiritual essence of flowers and plants around you. Whether practiced daily or during seasonal festivals, these practices serve as reminders that the divine is always present in the beauty and wonder of the earth.

Want more early spring practices? Try a pre-spring sun meditation.