Ostara, one of the eight Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year, is a celebration of balance and harmony. This ancient pagan festival, observed during the spring equinox, typically on March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere (September 20th or 21st in the Southern Hemisphere), signifies the point where light and dark are in perfect equilibrium. It's a time to feel centred and at peace, as the length of days and nights are now equal.

We usually think of spring as the season of change and renewal. It's when newborn animals take their first steps in the forests, flowers bloom, and trees bud. However, the outside world isn't the only place where changes can occur. Spring is also the season when many people experience inner transformation. After a long winter, you may feel restless, tired, or trapped. You may be ready to shake off the old and start anew, whether that means decluttering your home, revamping old plans, or finding new relationships.

Spring is the time to take action and turn thoughts and plans into reality. In this blog post, we'll explore the different ways you can embrace this season's energy, from gardening to reconnecting with loved ones. Whether you're looking to grow your own food, join a new group, or take a walk in the park, there are endless opportunities to tap into the vibrancy of spring and start fresh. So, let's dive in and discover how you can make the most of this season of renewal!

Origins of Ostara

Ostara, also known as Eostre, is a unique pagan holiday that heralds the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. It's named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, who symbolises fertility, the rising sun, and the dawn. Eostre, often depicted as a young maiden with long hair and a crown of flowers, holds a basket of eggs or a hare in her hands, adding to the festival's unique charm.

However, scholars still debate whether the goddess Eostre ever existed in old traditions or if she is a more modern interpretation. While some claim Eostre to be a Celtic goddess and others a Germanic one, there is only a little information about her. The first mention of the Goddess Eostre was by a Northumbrian monk named Bede in the eighth century. However, Bede admitted that his writings were his own interpretation rather than a generally agreed or proven fact. While most gods and goddesses have many myths and stories surrounding them, this cannot necessarily be said for Eostre, but that doesn't have to stop us from honouring her.

One of the most recognisable symbols of the Ostara holiday is the egg, which has long been a symbol of fertility and new life. Rabbits, known for their prolific breeding habits, are also associated with this holiday. These symbols are often incorporated into Ostara celebrations, with many people decorating eggs and creating rabbit-themed crafts to honour the holiday and its themes of renewal and growth. Interestingly, the Easter Bunny, a popular figure in modern Easter celebrations, is believed to have originated as a symbol of the pagan goddess Eostre and her association with rabbits and fertility.

Over time, the celebration of Ostara became intertwined with Christian traditions, particularly the celebration of Easter. Both holidays share many similarities, including the emphasis on new life and the symbolism of eggs and rabbits. In fact, the name "Easter" is believed to have been derived from "Eostre" or "Ostara." In many countries where Christianity is a relatively new religion, you can still see pagan traditions mixed in with Christian ceremonies. For example, celebrating Easter with bonfires is still a thing in some parts of Finland.

Today, Ostara continues to inspire many neo-pagan and Wiccan communities as a time of personal transformation and growth. The holiday is marked with rituals and ceremonies that not only honour the goddess Eostre and the changing seasons but also serve as catalysts for spiritual growth. It's a time to embrace change, shed the old, welcome the new, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.

Rabbits are a symbol of Ostara — Photo by Gary Bendig on Unsplash

Ostara Traditions and Rituals

The Ostara season, a time of renewal, growth, and new beginnings, is a magical invitation to celebrate life, embrace joy, and share our blessings with others. Whether you choose to decorate eggs, plant new seeds, or bask in the enchanting beauty of springtime, there are endless ways to honour the traditions and rituals of Ostara. Let's take a moment to appreciate the new growth and opportunities that lie ahead, filling our hearts with excitement and gratitude for the wonders of nature.

Go Outside And Enjoy the Nature

Spring, a magical time of the year that brings new life and growth, is deeply intertwined with the essence of Ostara. One of the best ways to welcome the season and connect with its spirit is by taking a refreshing spring walk. In some parts of the world, the weather can still be a bit chilly, but that doesn't need to stop you. Just wear warm clothes or take hot beverages with you, and you are ready to go.

If you live in a snowy area, you can wait for a warm day. When the sun finally starts to shine, the snow will eventually start to melt. You'll be able to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the melting snow. If you are lucky, you might see early flowers beginning to bloom. Plus, if you live in an area with migrating birds, you might even spot some of them during your walk!

One of the most exciting activities to do in the Ostara season is flying a kite. March usually brings good winds with it, making it the perfect time for kite flying. Even better, you can make kite flying a profoundly joyful experience. For instance, if you have children, you can teach them about the element of air associated with new beginnings and grounding. After all, when we lose our connection with the ground and stop paying attention to where we're going, we can end up tripping, going the wrong way, or falling altogether. And then, our kite comes crashing down from the sky. So, let's embrace the joy of flying a kite and the lessons it teaches us about life.

Focus on New Beginnings

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the feeling of new beginnings and growth. Ostara is the perfect time to embrace this energy by blessing some literal and figurative seeds. Change the soil in your plants, plant some new seeds, or take care of your garden. Whether you have a green thumb or not, you can always use this time to list your goals, hopes, and dreams and incorporate them into your ritual. The possibilities are endless, and it's a powerful way to set intentions for the coming year, filling our hearts with hope and optimism for the future.

Do you remember the joy of being a kid? This is the season to try to relieve that feeling. You can do that with many activities that kids and adults can enjoy together, from making flower crowns to decorating eggs. Get creative and let your inner child run wild! Try outdoor finger painting on a sunny day for a mess-free activity that connects you with the earth and your inner child. It's also a fun and easy opportunity to teach children about Ostara while painting together.

Egg painting is a popular Ostara activity — Photo by Gabe Pierce on Unsplash

Spell to Assist in Difficult Changes

Change can be difficult sometimes, so here is a spell that might help you. You will need two candles, one black and one blue to do this spell. You should also have something to light them with. Find a peaceful place where you can be alone and are ready to begin. This ritual is from the lovely Ostara: Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials.

Place the candles so that they are about your eye level when you are sitting or standing in a comfortable position. Place the candles next to each other so that the black candle is on the left and the blue is on the right. Make the space safe and ready yourself by casting a circle by meditating or performing your own casting rituals. Once you are done, take one final look at your candles and ensure they are in a safe area so they won't cause you danger if you fall asleep, but don't light them just yet.

Take a moment to calm yourself by taking a few deep breaths and clearing your mind of distractions. You might be stressed about the change, so this step is important. Try to relax as much as possible and only focus on the problem in mind. Light the black candle and recite the following words either internally or aloud:

The confusion, hurt, and stress I feel
burn away inside this flame.
The change I face is made for me;
no other can take my pain.

Take a moment to gaze into the flame of a candle and allow yourself to release any negative emotions you may be experiencing. Focus on the emotions of hurt, confusion, sadness, stress, or anger you have been carrying and visualise them being consumed by the candle's flame. Imagine them being transformed into smoke that disappears into the air. Take as much time as you need to do this. Once you feel ready, light a blue candle and recite the spell:

Moving forward, moving on,

changes must be made.

The past is gone, it slips away

from my mind to fade.

The future is what matters now.

I need my strength so bold,

to make the changes I must make

and let them take hold.

Focus your attention on the blue candle's flame and visualise positive outcomes and reactions resulting from the changes you are making. If you find yourself thinking negatively, refocus your attention on the black candle and direct those thoughts towards its flame instead. Continue switching your focus between the two candles as much as you feel necessary. Once you feel all the negative emotions have been released, return your focus to the black candle and repeat the following phrase:

Negative feelings, I don't need you.

I cleanse you and release you into the air.

Blow out the black candle to let feelings float away. Then return to the blue candle and say:

These changes I make are for the best.

I accept you and release you into my surroundings.

It is possible to perform this spell multiple times as needed. For instance, performing it once every week may be a suitable option. Working on various changes simultaneously is also possible, but it is crucial to avoid overburdening oneself. If necessary, divide the changes into different sessions. Remember that each person has a unique way of dealing with stress, so doing what is best for oneself is essential.

Conclusion

Ostara is a time to celebrate spring's arrival and life's renewal. It's a time to embrace change and new beginnings in the natural world and within ourselves. Whether you honour the goddess Eostre or take a walk in the park, there are endless opportunities to tap into the energy of spring and start fresh. So, let's make the most of this season of renewal and growth and welcome the abundance of new life and energy that surrounds us. Happy Ostara!

Wheel of the Year - Ostara

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