March is a month of restless winds, where winter’s final breath meets the stirrings of spring. Across history and folklore, these winds have been seen as omens, messages from the gods, and carriers of change. Some bring fortune, others chaos—but all whisper secrets to those who listen.
Let us journey into the folklore of the March winds, uncovering their myths, superstitions, and the beliefs that still linger today.
The Roaring Winds: A Battle Between Seasons
March is a month of transition, and nowhere is this more evident than in its winds.
- “In like a lion, out like a lamb” – This old proverb suggests that if March begins with fierce winds and storms, it will end gently. Conversely, a calm start to March means a stormy end.
- Ancient Beliefs: The Greeks believed that the god Aeolus controlled the winds, releasing them from a hidden cave.
- Superstition: In some cultures, standing in a strong March wind is believed to sweep away bad luck and prepare one for renewal.
The Whispering Wind: Messages from the Spirit World
Many traditions see the wind as a conduit between worlds—a force that carries voices, omens, and prophecies.
- Celtic Lore: The Celts believed that the March winds were spirits moving between realms, whispering forgotten knowledge to those who listened.
- The Wind’s Call: Some believe that hearing one’s name carried on the wind is a sign of impending change or a warning from unseen forces.
- Superstition: Tossing flower petals or seeds into a March wind was once a ritual to send messages to the dead.
The Curse of the Witch’s Wind
Not all March winds are benevolent. Some are said to be cursed or enchanted, capable of bringing misfortune to those caught in them.
- Witch’s Breath: In medieval Europe, sudden March gales were thought to be caused by witches riding the air, stirring trouble and raising storms.
- The Devil’s Wind: Some sailors refused to set sail on days when the wind howled unnaturally, fearing that a deal with dark forces had been struck.
- Superstition: If a wind blows your hat from your head in March, it was once thought to mean trouble ahead.
How to Use the March Winds in Magic and Ritual
For those who practice folk magic and seasonal rituals, March winds can be harnessed for cleansing, transformation, and divination.
- Wind-Cleansing Spell: Stand in the open air and let the wind blow over you, visualizing it carrying away stagnant energy.
- Wind-Whispering Ritual: Write your wishes on paper and release them into the wind, trusting that the air will carry them to the spirits.
- Protective Wind Charms: Some hang wind chimes or ribbons outside their doors to ward off negative forces.
The Breath of the Changing World
The winds of March are more than just weather—they are omens, messengers, and forces of change. They remind us that the world is always shifting, that seasons turn, and that even the unseen can be felt.
So next time a March wind rushes past, take a moment to listen. It may be whispering secrets just for you.