Ostara: Magical Rituals, Correspondants & Traditions
Ostara & Spring Equinox
Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, is the time of year when nature awakens from its winter slumber, and the balance between day and night is restored. It's a celebration of fertility, growth, and the promise of new beginnings.
An equinox happens when the day and night are of equal time. It happens once in the spring and again in the fall. The spring equinox is also called the Vernal Equinox. The Spring begins in March in the northern hemisphere, and September in the southern hemisphere. Most books tend to reference the northern hemisphere, but it’s important to remember that those in the southern hemisphere oppositely celebrate the sabbats. Those who practice Wicca, as well as other Pagans, name Ostara as one of the sabbats on the wheel of the year.
The Spring Equinox & Easter
The date of Easter depends on the Spring Equinox. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox. This is pretty interesting because the date is based on both lunar (moon) and solar (equinox) cycles. Historically, Slavic tradition celebrated the death of their Winter goddess, Marzanna. Rituals were created to “drown” this goddess so that the Spring/ Summer comes back. An effigy was created and then destroyed to represent the changing of the winter into the Spring. In Norse Paganism, a Dísablót is celebrated at the Spring Equinox. A Dísablót is a celebration of female deities and is thought to be performed primarily by women.
Ostara Symbolism and Customs:
Eggs: Eggs are a universal symbol of fertility and new life. Painting or decorating eggs is a fun and creative way to honour Ostara.
Egg hunts: Similar to Easter, you can hide eggs -either real, hard-boiled eggs or candy or fun-filled eggs. You can put anything in eggs- just make your decisions based on the people who are attending your celebration.
Spring Cleaning: Just as nature sheds its winter coat, it's a perfect time for us to declutter and refresh our homes. A clean and organized space can bring positive energy.
Flowers: Spring flowers like daffodils and tulips represent the return of vibrant colours and life. Consider using them in your décor.
Feasting: Share a meal with friends and family to celebrate the abundance of the season. Include fresh, seasonal ingredients in your dishes.
Flower Crowns: It’s really fun to create flower crowns- whether they are live flowers or silk flowers, creating flower crowns is a great way to celebrate Ostara. Flowers are beginning to bloom and while that’s exciting, some may decide to choose silk flowers because they can last longer and it’s not using live plants.
Spring Cleaning: Many of us feel very called to clean up our houses in the Spring. Part of it is that it might be so cold that you don’t want to leave your house or do much of anything. But something happens when you are not distracted by other things, and honestly, your eye might be drawn to issues that might need to be cleaned that you may not have paid attention to in the past.
Things to do to Connect with Ostara Energy:
Nature Walk: Take a walk in a nearby park or forest. Observe the signs of spring, like budding trees and blooming flowers. Feel the earth awakening beneath your feet.
Altar Setup: Create an Ostara altar with symbols of the season. Include colourful candles, fresh flowers, and a bowl of water to represent the balance of day and night.
Divination: Since Ostara is a time of balance, it's an excellent opportunity for tarot or oracle readings to gain insights into your life's equilibrium.
Planting Seeds: Whether you have a garden or just a few pots, planting seeds during this time is a powerful act of manifestation. Visualize your goals and intentions as you sow the seeds.
Meditation: Meditate on the themes of renewal, growth, and balance. Imagine yourself shedding the old and embracing the new.
Goddesses associated with Spring, rebirth, balance, or flowers you can honour:
Celebrating Ostara by honouring these goddesses can help you tap into the energies of growth, rebirth, and the return of life during this enchanting season. It's essential to connect with the goddess or deities that you feel the strongest affinity with and that align with your personal spiritual path.
Flora is a Roman goddess associated with flowers and the Spring. Floralia, a festival for her was held in April.
Persephone is a Greek goddess associated with the coming of Spring. She spends the dark part of the year in the underworld with the god Hades and comes back to the surface to spend the light part of the year with her mother, Demeter.
Idunn, a Norse goddess, is a goddess that is associated with apples, rejuvenation, and the fountain of youth.
Freya is another Norse goddess associated with beauty and fertility and love.
Lada is another goddess only mentioned a few times throughout history. She’s a Slavic goddess who was honoured during Spring festivals.
Creating & Decorating an Ostara Altar:
Altar Cloth: Choose a pastel coloured altar cloth in shades of green, yellow, or pink or with floral patterns or symbols associated with the season.
Fresh Flowers: Use fresh spring flowers such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths that symbolize the renewal of life and the return of vibrant colours.
Eggs: A powerful symbol of fertility, growth, and new beginnings. You can paint or decorate eggs in various colours and place them on your altar.
Candles: Use green, yellow, or light blue to represent the element of fire, and pastel coloured candles to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere.
Crystals: Display crystals associated with Ostara, such as clear quartz, amethyst, or green aventurine, to amplify the energies of balance and renewal.
Statues or Symbols: Include representations of deities or symbols associated with Ostara or the themes of the season. This may include depictions of Eostre, rabbits, hares, lambs, or other animals associated with spring.
Miniature Baskets: Small baskets or nests can be used to hold eggs or other offerings.
Incense and Herbs: Burn lavender, rose, or jasmine to create a soothing atmosphere. You can also scatter dried herbs associated with spring, such as rosemary or mint, on your altar.
Feathers: Use feathers to symbolize the element of air and the awakening of nature. You can place feathers in a vase or display them in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Bells or Wind Chimes: Hang small bells or wind chimes near your altar to symbolize the return of the winds of spring and to invite positive energies into your space.
Potted Plants: Place potted plants on your altar, especially those that are blooming in the spring. This not only adds a natural element but also symbolizes growth and vitality.
Tarot or Oracle Cards: You can include tarot or oracle cards that resonate with the themes of Ostara, such as cards related to new beginnings, growth, or balance.
Ostara Crystals:
Crystals can help amplify and channel the energies of renewal, growth, and balance associated with this season.
Amethyst: A stone of spiritual growth and clarity. It can help with meditation and connecting with higher realms of consciousness, making it suitable for reflecting on the changing seasons.
Citrine: Associated with abundance, prosperity, and positive energy. It can be used to manifest your intentions and embrace the optimism of spring.
Clear Quartz: A versatile crystal that can be programmed for various purposes. During Ostara, it can be used to amplify your intentions, cleanse your energy, and bring clarity to your goals.
Green Aventurine: The stone of opportunity. It's associated with growth, luck, and new beginnings, making it a great choice for Ostara rituals.
Rose Quartz: The universal crystal of love and compassion. It can help you open your heart to the beauty of nature and the people around you during this season.
Moonstone: Associated with the lunar cycles and feminine energy. It can be used to enhance your intuition and connect with the natural rhythms of the Earth.
Jasper: Various types of jasper, such as Picture Jasper or Red Jasper, can be used to ground your energy and connect with the Earth's vitality. They are great for rituals involving nature and fertility.
Aquamarine: Associated with the element of water and can help you attune to the flow of emotions and intuition, which can be essential during this season of rebirth.
Moss Agate: Connects you with the energies of nature and growth. It's particularly suited for grounding and connecting with the Earth's rejuvenating energies.
Ostara Recipes:
Cooking and baking dishes that remind you of spring renewal is always fun. Below are some links to some spring simmer pot ideas to add freshness and cleansing to your home, and a traditional Ostara bread recipe. enjoy!
