Ostara

Ostara is a celebration of the spring equinox commemorated by Pagans and Wiccans. It is observed as a time to mark the coming of spring and the fertility of the land.

Why is it important?

Ostara celebrates the spring equinox. The word Ostara comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess name, Eostre. Eostre represented spring and new beginnings.

The celebration of spring is present in many ancient customs, across all cultures, and it seems that Wicca has borrowed from many of them for Ostara. Like many other spring celebrations in other cultures, Ostara symbolizes fertility, rebirth, and renewal. This time of year marked the beginning of the agricultural cycle, and farmers would start planting seeds.

Celebrating the Spring Equinox

Legends

In ancient Roman legends, Attis, the consort of Cybele, was born via a virgin birth and resurrected in the spring. The Venerable Bede claimed Eostre was the Saxon version of a Germanic goddess called Ostara. Many modern Pagans mark Ostara, the vernal equinox, as a time of renewal and rebirth.

Modern Holiday

Ostara is a modern holiday inspired by various pagan cultures throughout history and across the globe. It is a celebration of the Vernal Equinox, the point at which the Sun is directly over the equator and the planet's northern hemisphere begins to tilt toward the Sun, tipping it into Spring.

Origins

The holiday known as Ostara was named by Gerald Gardner in the mid 20th century as one of eight sabbats on the Wiccan wheel of the year. The equinox itself, however, is an occurrence that has been observed in various ways for thousands of years all over the planet. The coming of Spring is universally exciting, and absolutely worth celebrating!

Whether you call this annual cosmic alignment Ostara, Alban Eiler, or simply the Vernal Equinox, now is the time for new beginnings!

A time for Purification

"Spring cleaning" isn't scary! It's an opportunity for magic! Ostara is time to cleanse and release, both physically and spiritually. In your physical space, be intentional as you clear away both grime and clutter. Let the new light of spring illuminate the dark corners and deep crevices. Infuse your cleaning solutions with blessings and protections so that the act of cleansing becomes a ritual of its own, preparing your way for success.

Ways to celebrate Ostara

Planting seeds for a vegetable garden or flower garden

Spring clean your house

Decorate an Ostara altar to honor your goddess of choice

Make egg based dishes and dessert (custard pie, frittatas, egg salad, etc…)

Take a nature walk with loved ones and look for signs of spring

Host a tea party with a springtime theme

Ukranian egg folk art

Take time to meditate/journal and think about your intentions for the next few weeks as it relates to the goals you want to achieve