As the wheel of the year turns, we welcome Ostara, the Spring Equinox, a time of perfect balance between light and dark. Celebrated around March 19-23, Ostara marks the first official day of spring, when the days and nights are of equal length. Named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, this sabbat is filled with themes of fertility, renewal, and the awakening of nature.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Ostara, activities to celebrate, decoration ideas, seasonal foods, incense blends, and spellwork to honor this time of renewal and growth.
The History of Ostara
Ostara is rooted in ancient pagan traditions that honor the changing of the seasons and the renewal of life. The festival was associated with Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of dawn, fertility, and new beginnings. The word "Easter" is believed to have originated from her name, and many modern Easter traditions—such as eggs, rabbits, and flowers—have their roots in Ostara’s ancient customs.
For the Celts, Norse, and Germanic tribes, the Spring Equinox was a time to celebrate the return of warmth, fertility, and abundance. It was believed that this was when the earth’s energy began to rise, bringing new life to plants, animals, and humans alike.
Ostara also carries symbolism found in the myth of Persephone, the Greek goddess who returns from the underworld, bringing springtime to the earth.
Activities to Celebrate Ostara
Plant Seeds & Start a Garden
Ostara is the perfect time to plant herbs, flowers, or vegetables to honor the renewal of life. Even if you don’t have an outdoor garden, you can plant seeds indoors as a symbolic act of growth and new beginnings.
Decorate & Paint Eggs
Eggs represent fertility, renewal, and potential. You can paint them with symbols of abundance, prosperity, or intentions for the coming months. Use natural dyes like beet juice (red), turmeric (yellow), or spinach (green) for a more magical touch.
Sunrise or Equinox Meditation
Since Ostara represents balance, it’s a great time for a meditation practice focused on harmony.
- Wake up early to watch the sunrise and honor the return of longer days.
- Meditate on what you wish to cultivate in your life, reflecting on balance and renewal.
Honor Animals & Nature
Ostara is a time of animal fertility, making it a perfect time to leave offerings for wildlife or donate to an animal shelter. Rabbits, hares, birds, and lambs are sacred symbols of this festival.
Create an Ostara Manifestation Journal
Since Ostara is about growth and fresh starts, begin a journal for intentions and manifestations. Write down:
- Goals for the next season
- Positive affirmations
- A gratitude list for the new energy of spring
Decorations for Ostara
Ostara decorations reflect fertility, balance, and the renewal of life. Here are some ideas to bring the energy of the Spring Equinox into your home:
Flowers & Greenery – Fresh flowers like daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms symbolize rebirth and renewal.
Sun Symbols – Represent the growing power of the sun with gold, yellow, or orange decor.
Rabbits & Hares – Place rabbit figurines or images on your altar to honor fertility and abundance.
Pastel Colors – Decorate with soft colors like light green, yellow, lavender, and pink to symbolize renewal.
Equinox Balance Altar – Arrange light and dark objects (e.g., a white and black candle) to represent the balance of day and night.
Food for an Ostara Feast
Ostara’s seasonal foods focus on fresh, light, and vibrant flavors to honor the awakening earth. Here are some traditional dishes:
Egg-Based Dishes – Eggs are a classic symbol of fertility and rebirth. Try making deviled eggs, quiches, or egg salad.
Fresh Breads & Honey – Bake sweet bread, honey cakes, or hot cross buns to symbolize abundance.
Spring Greens & Herbs – Include fresh greens like spinach, arugula, and parsley in your meals to honor new growth.
Berries & Citrus Fruits – Fruits like strawberries, oranges, and lemons represent the fresh energy of spring.
Herbal Teas – Chamomile, lavender, and peppermint teas bring calm and balance while celebrating the new season.
Incense & Scents for Ostara
Burning incense is a great way to invoke the energy of Ostara. Try these blends to bring spring magic into your home:
Jasmine & Rose – For love, renewal, and happiness.
Cedar & Sage – For cleansing and grounding.
Lavender & Chamomile – To bring peace and balance.
Lemon & Mint – For energy, clarity, and vitality.
Spellwork for Ostara
Egg Blessing & Fertility Spell
- Take a decorated egg and write your intention on it.
- Hold it in your hands and visualize your goal manifesting.
- Bury the egg in the earth as an offering to nature, allowing your wish to grow.
Balance & Harmony Candle Spell
- Take one white candle (for light) and one black candle (for darkness).
- Light both candles and meditate on bringing balance into your life.
- When the candles burn down, bury the wax remnants to symbolize harmony and renewal.
Spring Renewal Bath Ritual
- Fill a bath with rose petals, chamomile, and lavender.
- Light a yellow or pink candle and set an intention for personal growth.
- As you soak, visualize new opportunities and fresh energy flowing into your life.
Plant Growth Spell for Manifestation
- Write a goal or intention on a small piece of paper.
- Place it at the bottom of a planting pot and cover it with soil.
- Plant basil, rosemary, or wildflowers to symbolize your goal growing and flourishing.
Conclusion
Ostara is a time of joy, renewal, and new beginnings. As the earth awakens from winter, so too can we embrace personal growth, balance, and abundance. Whether you celebrate with a simple candle ritual, a feast of fresh foods, or by planting seeds for the future, Ostara invites us to step into the light and welcome the energy of spring.
May your Ostara be filled with balance, renewal, and magical new beginnings. Blessed Be!