Ostara

Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, is a celebration that marks the day when day and night are of equal length, signaling the official arrival of spring. It is a time of balance, renewal, and new beginnings. Ostara is named after the Germanic goddess Ēostre or Ostara, who is associated with spring, fertility, and rebirth.

In 2025 Ostara will be on March 20th.

Traditions and Celebrations

Balance and Renewal:

• Equinox Rituals: Many people perform rituals that focus on balance and renewal, symbolizing the equal length of day and night. These rituals may include meditation, prayers, and invoking deities associated with spring and renewal.
• Spring Cleaning: Ostara is a time for spring cleaning, both physically and spiritually. Cleaning the home and decluttering is a common practice, as well as performing purification rituals to clear away stagnant energy.

Eggs and Fertility:

• Egg Decorating: Decorating eggs is a traditional activity that symbolizes fertility and new life. Eggs can be dyed, painted, or decorated with natural materials.
• Egg Hunts: Organizing egg hunts for children and adults is a fun way to celebrate the fertility and abundance of spring.

Nature and Planting:

• Planting Seeds: Planting seeds and starting gardens is a common tradition during Ostara. This symbolizes new growth and the nurturing of new life.
• Nature Walks: Taking walks in nature to observe the blooming flowers and the awakening of the earth is a way to connect with the season.

Feasting and Celebrating:

• Seasonal Foods: Preparing and enjoying seasonal foods such as eggs, leafy greens, early spring vegetables, and fresh herbs. Foods that symbolize fertility and new beginnings are often included in the feast.
• Community Gatherings: Gathering with family and friends for feasts, picnics, and celebrations to honor the arrival of spring.

Decorations and Crafts:

• Spring Decorations: Decorating homes and altars with flowers, budding branches, and other symbols of spring. Fresh flowers such as daffodils, tulips, and lilies are popular choices.
• Crafts: Creating spring-themed crafts, such as flower crowns, wreaths, and garlands, to decorate the home and celebrate the season.

Honoring Deities:

• Goddess Ostara: Honoring the goddess Ostara, or Ēostre, with offerings and rituals. She is associated with fertility, renewal, and the dawn.
• Other Deities: Invoking other deities associated with spring and fertility, such as Persephone, Demeter, Flora, and Pan.

Symbols of Ostara

• Eggs: Representing fertility, new life, and rebirth.
• Rabbits and Hares: Symbols of fertility and abundance.
• Flowers and Budding Plants: Representing growth, renewal, and the beauty of spring.
• Balance: Symbolizing the equilibrium of day and night, light and dark.

Colors of Ostara

• Green: Symbolizing growth, renewal, and the earth.
• Yellow: Representing the sun, light, and warmth.
• Pink and Purple: Symbolizing the blooming flowers and the beauty of spring.
• Pastels: Soft colors representing new beginnings and the gentle awakening of nature.

Deities Associated with Ostara

• Ostara (Ēostre): The Germanic goddess of spring, fertility, and dawn.
• Persephone: The Greek goddess of spring and the underworld, representing the return of life.
• Demeter: The Greek goddess of agriculture and the harvest, celebrating the growth of crops.
• Flora: The Roman goddess of flowers and spring.
• Pan: The Greek god of nature, shepherds, and fertility.

Activities for Ostara

• Egg Decorating and Hunts: Engaging in the fun tradition of decorating and hunting for eggs.
• Planting and Gardening: Starting gardens and planting seeds to symbolize new growth and renewal.
• Feasting and Celebrating: Enjoying seasonal foods and celebrating with family and friends.
• Nature Walks: Connecting with nature and observing the signs of spring.
• Rituals and Meditations: Performing rituals to honor balance, renewal, and the deities of spring.

Ostara is a joyful celebration of the arrival of spring, encouraging a connection with nature, the renewal of life, and the balance of light and dark. It is a time to embrace new beginnings and the fertility of the earth.