March: Magickal Year

Ancient Origins and Etymology

The name March originates from Martius, the first month of the ancient Roman calendar, named in honor of Mars, the Roman god of war, courage, and vitality. Mars was a protector of Rome and a symbol of strength, action, and determination. As the month that heralds the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, March was historically seen as a time of renewal, fertility, and preparation for action.

In ancient Rome, March marked the beginning of the agricultural season, when farmers would begin planting crops, and soldiers would prepare for campaigns after the winter’s rest. This duality of fertility and warfare reflects the energy of Mars, who governs both destruction and creation. Beyond Rome, March is celebrated in many cultures as a time of rebirth and balance, as it includes the Spring Equinox (around March 20th or 21st), a day when light and dark are in perfect harmony.

The month’s association with new beginnings and action makes it a powerful time for setting intentions, initiating projects, and embracing transformation.

Planetary Influences and Energy

March is ruled by the planet Mars, which embodies passion, drive, and assertiveness. Mars encourages us to take bold action, face challenges head-on, and channel our energy toward achieving our goals. Its fiery influence can feel intense, but it also provides the motivation needed to overcome obstacles and make progress.

Astrologically, March begins under the sign of Pisces (ruled by Neptune) and transitions into Aries (ruled by Mars). Pisces’ dreamy, intuitive energy encourages introspection and spiritual connection, making the first part of March ideal for reflection and creative inspiration. As the month shifts into Aries, the energy becomes dynamic, bold, and action-oriented. Aries, as the first sign of the zodiac, emphasizes leadership, courage, and new beginnings, aligning perfectly with March’s themes of renewal and growth.

Divine Connections

March’s divine energy is deeply connected to Mars, the Roman god of war, vitality, and protection. Mars represents the balance between destruction and creation, teaching us to harness our inner strength and take decisive action. Working with Mars can involve rituals for courage, motivation, and overcoming challenges. Offerings to Mars might include red candles, iron tools, or symbols of strength.

In addition to Mars, Athena (Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare) and Ares (Greek god of war) align with March’s themes of courage and action. These deities remind us that strength comes not only from force but also from strategy and wisdom.

The Spring Equinox brings a connection to deities of fertility, balance, and renewal, such as Ostara (Germanic goddess of spring) and Persephone (Greek goddess of rebirth and cycles). These goddesses represent the earth’s awakening after winter and the balance between light and dark.

Other Deities:

❍ Thor (Norse): Strength, protection, and vitality

❍ Horus (Egyptian): Renewal, leadership, and courage

❍ Kali (Hindu): Destruction and transformation for rebirth

❍ Hera (Greek): Fertility, power, and protection

❍ Cernunnos (Celtic): Fertility, nature, and renewal

Magical Correspondences

Primary Colors: Red (passion, courage, vitality); Green (renewal, fertility, growth); Gold (success, confidence, abundance); White (balance, clarity, purification).

Elements: Fire (passion, transformation, action); Earth (fertility, grounding, growth).

Numbers: 3 (creativity, growth, expansion); 7 (spiritual awakening, reflection); 9 (completion, transformation).

Directions: South (action, passion, fire energy); East (new beginnings, inspiration, air energy).

Tarot Cards: The Emperor (leadership, structure, authority); The Tower (transformation, breaking old patterns); Ace of Wands (inspiration, new beginnings, action); Two of Wands (planning, courage, taking the first step).

Animals: Ram (strength, determination, leadership); Hawk (vision, focus, strategy); Hare (fertility, abundance, quick thinking); Lion (courage, power, protection); Snake (transformation, renewal, shedding the old).

Natural Allies

March’s natural allies include herbs and crystals that support courage, renewal, and action.

Herbs like nettle and ginger are ideal for boosting energy and courage, while dandelion aids in purification and new beginnings. Thyme is excellent for protection and vitality, and clover symbolizes luck and fertility. Basil brings abundance and success, making it a great ally for manifesting goals.

Crystals like bloodstone and carnelian align perfectly with March’s fiery energy. Bloodstone enhances courage and vitality, while carnelian boosts motivation and creativity. Red jasper grounds and protects, citrine inspires confidence and abundance, and green aventurine promotes growth and renewal.

Essential Herbs:

★ Nettle: Strengthens energy, courage, and vitality.

★ Ginger: Boosts motivation, passion, and determination.

★ Dandelion: Aids in purification, renewal, and releasing the old.

★ Thyme: Offers protection, vitality, and courage.

★ Clover: Symbolizes luck, fertility, and abundance.

★ Basil: Attracts success, abundance, and prosperity.

Power Crystals:

☆ Bloodstone: Enhances courage, vitality, and resilience.

☆ Carnelian: Boosts motivation, creativity, and confidence.

☆ Red Jasper: Grounds energy, provides protection, and strengthens resolve.

☆ Citrine: Inspires confidence, abundance, and joy.

☆ Green Aventurine: Promotes growth, renewal, and optimism.

☆ Tiger’s Eye: Encourages focus, courage, and determination.

Magical Works and Rituals

March is a powerful time for renewal rituals, courage spells, and manifestation work. The month’s energy supports taking bold action, releasing fear, and embracing transformation.

The Spring Equinox is a key moment for balance and renewal rituals, as it symbolizes the harmony between light and dark. Planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically, is an excellent way to align with March’s fertile energy. Courage spells, such as carrying bloodstone or lighting red candles, can help you overcome challenges and take decisive action.

Optimal Activities:

❍ Renewal rituals to release the old and invite the new

❍ Courage spells to boost confidence and motivation

❍ Planting seeds to symbolize growth and new beginnings

❍ Manifestation work to achieve goals and dreams

❍ Fire magic for passion, transformation, and action

❍ Offering gratitude to deities of strength and renewal

❍ Cleansing and grounding rituals to prepare for new energy

Featured Ritual: Planting Seeds of Intention

Purpose: To manifest growth and new beginnings.

Materials:

☆ A small pot or garden space

☆ Seeds of your choice (symbolic or literal)

☆ Soil

☆ A green or red candle

☆ A piece of paper and pen

Instructions:

➪ Begin by lighting the green or red candle, symbolizing growth and courage. Take a moment to center yourself and focus on your intentions.

➪ Write down your goals or intentions for the coming season on the piece of paper. Be specific and clear about what you wish to manifest.

➪ Hold the seeds in your hands and visualize them growing into strong, vibrant plants. Imagine your intentions taking root and flourishing.

➪ Plant the seeds in the soil while reciting your intentions aloud. For example, “As I plant these seeds, I plant the seeds of my success and growth. May they thrive and bring abundance.”

➪ Place the pot in a sunny spot or tend to your garden space regularly. As the seeds grow, nurture your intentions with action and care.

Modern Applications

March’s energy can be integrated into daily life through acts of courage, planning, and renewal. Take time to set clear goals and take small, actionable steps toward achieving them. Journaling about your progress or challenges can help you stay focused and motivated.

For busy practitioners, simple acts like carrying a crystal or lighting a candle can help maintain your connection to March’s themes. Incorporating fresh herbs or seasonal foods into your meals can also bring a sense of renewal and vitality to your daily routine.

Daily Integration Ideas:

❍ Set clear goals and take small steps toward them each day.

❍ Carry bloodstone or carnelian for courage and motivation.

❍ Light a red candle during meditation to focus on action and passion.

❍ Plant seeds or tend to a garden to align with growth energy.

❍ Drink herbal teas like nettle or ginger for vitality and renewal.

❍ Perform small acts of bravery or step out of your comfort zone.

❍ Reflect on your progress and celebrate small victories.

Sacred Space Setup

To create a sacred space aligned with March’s energy, focus on symbols of courage, renewal, and action. Use a red or green altar cloth to represent passion and growth, and include candles in shades of red, green, or gold. Add fresh flowers or plants to bring life and vitality to your space.

Incorporate crystals like bloodstone and carnelian, and place a small bowl of soil or seeds to symbolize growth. Offerings to Mars, such as iron tools or red candles, can enhance your altar. For a modern touch, include a vision board or planner to track your goals and progress.

Essential Altar Elements:

★ Red, green, or gold candles

★ Crystals like bloodstone, carnelian, and citrine

★ Fresh flowers, plants, or seeds

★ A bowl of soil or a small potted plant

★ Offerings to Mars, such as iron tools or red items

★ A journal or vision board for goal-setting

★ Symbols of strength, such as rams or hawks

By embracing March’s sacred energy, you can cultivate courage, growth, and renewal in your life, setting the stage for transformation and success.