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Ostara or Spring Equinox

Ostara is a Pagan holiday that celebrates the Spring equinox and the fertility of nature. It officially marks the first day of Spring and is one of the 4 minor Sabbats which fall on the equinoxes or solstices. The word Ostara comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess name, Eostre. Eostre represents spring and new beginnings. Ostara is a time of balance, when there are equal parts of day and night, with the light on the increase. It is also a time to celebrate the coming of Spring and fertility. Ostara is a time to give thanks for the abundance of life and to honor the Green Man, the god of vegetation, and the Goddess.

Ostara or Spring Equinox falls on March 19th thru the 21st for the Northern Hemisphere and around September 23rd for the Southern Hemisphere,  This happens at the same time our planet is tilted just right so both hemispheres receive equal amounts of heat from the sun. It is also the day when the Goddess and God (Mother Earth and the Green Man or the Young Maiden and Sun God) join in sacred marriage. The Goddess will conceive, and give birth in nine months. Then she will become the Great Mother once again.

SYMBOLS OF OSTARA

Colors: Green, Pink, Blue, Yellow

Flowers: Daffodil, Jonquils, Woodruff, Violet, Gorse, Peony, Iris, Narcissus, and all Spring flowers

Herbs: Thyme, Tarragon, Lemon Balm, Red Clover, Marjoram, Chamomile, Lavender, Copal

Gemstones: Rose Quartz, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Tiger’s Eye, Jasper, Lapis Lazuli, Moon Stone

Incense: Jasmine, Rose, Strawberry, Myrrh, Dragon’s Blood, and any type of Floral

Symbols:  Rabbits, eggs, spring flowers, lambs, clover, baskets

Animals and Mythical Creatures: Rabbits, Snakes, Merpeople, and the Pegasus

Foods:  Eggs, honey, sprouted greens, baked goods, asparagus   

Flowers & Plants: Clover, Daffodils, Crocus, Tulips  

Symbols:   the Hare, Butterflies, Seeds, Eggs, Butterflies, Flowers, Dragons, Trees

CELEBRATING OSTARA

There are many ways to celebrate Ostara. Scott Cunninham’s traditional Vernal Equinox pastime is to go to a field and randomly collect wildflowers, thanking the flowers for their sacrifice before picking them, and leaving an offering to the plant and/or the Earth for taking the flowers, such as some milk and honey, a small crystal, or even a coin.

You can also buy flowers from a florist, Take one or two of those that appeal to you. and bring them home and divine their magickal meanings by the use of books, your own intuition, a pendulum, or other means. The flowers you’ve chosen reveal your inner thoughts and emotions

Other ways to celebrate Ostara

Celebrating Ostara is a great way to connect with nature and your spiritual self. The properties of Ostara are associated with renewal, rebirth, fertility, growth, and new beginnings. Here are some ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox:

  • You can create an Ostara Altar by using pastel colors, flowers, and a sign of balance. Balancing can be symbolized by having representations of the God and Goddess, a white candle and a black candle, or anything else that represents the opposition. You can also use anything that symbolizes Ostara on your Altar
  • Create and/or Perform a Spell or Ritual for fertility, abundance, or positivity
  • Light a bonfire at dawn to celebrate the increasing light
  • Take a nature walk to celebrate nature
  • Plant a flower, herb, or vegetable garden
  • Color and decorate hard-boiled eggs with bright colors
  • Celebrate with a traditional Ostara meal, making egg-based dishes and desserts, chicken, duck, lamb, fish, \dairy foods, green vegetables, and edible Flowers