Rebirth & Change: The Themes of Ostara/Spring Equinox

The wheel of the year has once again turned. Yesterday, the Sun moved into the sign of Aries symbolizing not only a new astrological year, but also the Spring Equinox, also known as the holiday Ostara or as some call it “the Pagan Easter”. Christian religions celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the equinox, which this year would occur on April 4th.

The Equinox represents the balance of light and dark-a day and night of perfect balance…the light increasing until finally reaching its peak on Litha, aka the Summer Solstice (June 20th, 2021). This is the season where the plants awaken, and the first buds burst into bloom as the last frost passes and the earth softens with its own awakening magick, preparing one for the cleansing spring rains.

Ostara is sacred to Eostre the Lunar Goddess of abundance and fertility (from who we get the word estrogen). She is usually shown with her 2 symbols…an egg in her hand and a rabbit in her lap: the egg symbolizing birth and creation-the whole universe in many traditions and the rabbit representing reproductive fertility and as a symbol of the moon is closely related to the goddess. According to myth, Eostre emerges from the depths of the earth where she has been quietly resting and spring is here!

Celebrate Ostara:

• Spring Foods: home baked breads, hot cross buns, asparagus, honey, dairy, egg based dishes and dessert (custard pie, frittatas, egg salad, etc…)

• Spring Flowers: daffodils, jonquil, tulips, lilies, primroses, violets, crocuses, peonies, narcissus and all spring flowers especially pussy willows

• Ideas for your Altar: colored eggs, seeds, feathers, green, yellow & purple candles

• Spring Incense: strawberry and all florals

• Ostara Crystals: jasper, aquamarine, amethyst, rose quartz

• Ostara Colors: light green, lemon yellow, pale pink