Ostara: Spring Equinox
Pronounced: OH-star-ah
Agricultural
The land has been sleeping, but Ostara reminds us that the earth will return to a flourishing life. New grass begins to scent the air, as other plants emerge from their winter sleep.
Vernal Equinox
The vernal equinox brings balance in day and night, Earth and Moon, and specifically the courtship between the spring Goddess and the warrior God. This balance of power is important for we cannot live in only extremes.
Ostara
Ostara is an ancient German goddess and is the namesake for the Christian holiday Easter. In the Middle East, she is one of the oldest forms of the Great Goddess. Ostara dwells in the sky, surrounded by her star-children, while at other times she is depicted deep in the earth. The moon is a constant companion for her, as her power comes from bringing life from the darkness.
The Magic of Ostara
Correspondences
Herbs: Violet, Lilac, Lemon Balm
Totems: Hare, Snake, Unicorn
Stones: Aquamarine, Moonstone, Rose Quartz
Colors: Lilac, Pink, Yellow
Offerings: Eggs, Seeds, Strawberries
Spellwork
Prosper
Fertility
Hope
Begin
Create
Ostara
3 drops Lemon Oil
2 drop Lavender Oil
2 drop Rosemary Oil
Symbols of Ostara
Egg
The egg is used in almost all cultures to represent creative potential. Petronius said, “Mother Earth lies in the world’s midst rounded like an egg and all the blessings are there inside her”. Decorating eggs is an ancient tradition filled with optimism. Representing new life, this custom carries the weigh of our hopes and dreams. From the ornate to the simple, the decorated egg is a powerful symbol of spring rebirth.
January 6th
The hare has long been associated with springtime and is a beloved animal to Ostara, the spring goddess. The hare will behave strangely throughout the month of March, boxing at other hares, spontaniously jumping vertically and engaging in other odd mating rituals. In fact, it is the fertility of hares and rabbits that make them a perfect symbol of the season.
January 8th
Spring has sprung, and the migratory birds are returning to their summer homes. This means that nests are being constructed with great care. Each species has its own preferences for timing, placement, and building materials. Some nests are built to woo while others are purely functional. Rest assured, in a little time, the nests will be home to a whole new generation of flying friends.
January 19th
Spring rain. What makes it happen? Well, the sun is in the sky for longer hours, which warms the earth. The heat from the earth rises, cooling as it ascends. This creates condensation that forms clouds with enough energy to produce the showers needed to help reawaken the earth. We are like Mother Earth in that way. We need the sun to warm our hearts when it gets frozen, and tears to bring it back to life.
YOU ARE OSTARA
You are the sunlight on the leaves,
You are the music of the stream,
You are the scent upon the wind,
You are the dreamer and the dream.
You transform sorrow into joy,
You transform darkness into day,
You transform winter into warmth,
And death’s dominion fades away.
You are consistency in change,
You are the patterning of chance.
You are never twice the same,
You are the dancer and the dance.
SPRING’S ALIVE
Alone I walk
Amongst the maple
So strong and weeping
For so long they lay sleeping
To awake to spring
Blissful and singing
To greet bird that are singing
This time
And procreate
I elate
Creatures arouse
Along the ground and browse
My senses enlightened
To the seasons
Heightened
And bathe
It shall upon the forest floor
When vernal equinox opens its
Door
Follow me to the distant hill
Listen to the sound of the whip ‘o will
Birch trees budding, spring has come
The Cailleach’s season now is done
Ostara walks the fecund land
Lamb’s are birthing, fed by hand
Flowers bloom, the air smells sweet
Wheat is growing, there’s bread to eat
Children chase the Mad March Hare
Follow the clues to the eggs in his lair
Painted eggs, chocolate and buns
Sticky, iced and hot crossed ones
This is a time for new beginnings
Growing bulbs and tending seedlings
A time when we discover anew
The love of the goddess for me and you
OSTARA RISING
She comes like a breath of fresh air
And you cannot help but fill your lungs.
She comes like the shoot rising upward
And you cannot help but lift your eyes to the sky.
She comes like the flower bursting forth
And you cannot help but laugh in delight.
She comes like the urge to dance
And you cannot help but spread your arms wide.
She comes like the first warm rains
And you cannot help but cry tears of joy.
She comes like the scent of all beginnings
And you cannot help but open your heart.