Ostara is a lovely time of year when we celebrate new beginnings and the balance of light and darkness. As the first official day of spring approaches, usually around March 19th to 23rd, we look forward to longer days and the signs of nature waking up from its long winter sleep. I love to watch the forsythia tree bud, then bloom right outside my living room window. It's a season that's full of life and it's a perfect occasion for us to gather, reflect, and enjoy the rebirth of the Earth. For us, knowing how to celebrate Ostara means getting in tune with the natural world and honoring the cycles that rule our environment.
Many of us might not be familiar with the traditions of Ostara, but it's not hard to start. We can observe this time by engaging in activities that symbolize growth and renewal. From decorating eggs, a symbol of fertility and new life, to planting seeds that will bloom as the year goes on, Ostara is our chance to embrace the change for what we hope to grow throughout the year, both literally and metaphorically. These timeless practices are ways we can physically connect with the energy of the equinox.
We also begin to enjoy the simple pleasures of being outside, appreciating the fresh air, and noticing the changes happening around us. I have to say that our winter hasn't been all that cold or snowy in New Hampshire, but still, being able to take a walk in the warmer weather is appreciated.
Whether we're taking a walk to observe the budding trees or just sitting outside to soak up the sun's warmth, feeling the connection with the earth at Ostara is a much anticipated experience. As we honor Ostara, we repeat traditions that have been observed for centuries and make them our own.
Ostara in Cultural Contexts
Ostara is one of the 8 sabbats that occur during the year. Each sabbat is part of the pagan wheel of the year, and includes Imbolc, Yule, Samhain, and several other sabbats. All of the sabbats are rooted in nature. Ostara also occurs during the astrological new year, which is during the Aries season. It’s a time for us to welcome the first day of spring and enjoying the earth come alive again after a long winter.
Pagan Traditions and Customs
Ostara is a cherished pagan festival observed around the vernal equinox, a time when the days start to stretch longer than the nights. For many in the pagan community, this celebration is the beginning of the spiritual new year, including traditions that honor fertility and the awakening of new life. Here are some ways of how to celebrate Ostara:
- Rituals: Participate in rites that reflect rebirth and new beginnings.
- Altars: Decorate with symbols like eggs and flowers to represent the fertility of the earth.
- Feasting: Share meals with seasonal produce, sprouting greens, hot cross buns, and dairy.
From Winter Solstice to Vernal Equinox
The time from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox is filled with anticipation for us. We are looking forward to the warmer weather! Ostara is right at the heart of this transformation. With the winter solstice, the shortest day behind us, and the days growing warmer and longer, we can feel the change in the energy of the world around us.
- Cycles of Nature: We honor the transition from the dark half to the light half of the year.
- Balance: Celebrate the equal length of day and night, knowing that brighter days are ahead.
- Growth: Embrace the budding of trees and the sprouting of seeds as earth renews itself.
Comparison with Christian Easter
There are some similarities and differences between Ostara and Christian Easter, as both fall around the same time and share various symbols.
- Eggs and Bunnies: Symbolize fertility and new life in both traditions.
- Timing: Easter also falls close to the first day of spring, much like Ostara. This year Ostara falls on March 19, which is also the first day of spring (2024) this year.
- Celebration of Life: Both holidays are times of joy, celebrating life and renewal.
By understanding these similarities, wen notice how different cultures interpret and cherish the same natural cycles.
Joining my Facebook group is another resource to learn more about tarot and manifesting.
Symbols and Celebrations of Ostara
As we welcome the spring equinox, Ostara is a time for us to embrace the renewal and rebirth that comes with the season. We see signs of life returning and feel like celebrating with rituals and symbols that symbolize spring for us.
Signs of Spring and Ostara Symbols
With spring in the air, we notice signs of spring such as blossoming flowers, chirping birds, and longer days. Popular symbols of Ostara often include:
- Eggs: Representing new beginnings and fertility.
- Rabbits: Symbolizing abundance and growth.
- Seeds: Signifying potential and the promise of new life.
Ostara Rituals and Practices
Ostara rituals are all about honoring the freshness of spring. Some of our favorite traditions are:
- Planting new seeds, both literal and metaphorical, representing our intentions for the upcoming season. I'm more of a metaphorical planter of seeds, as I have a black thumb. Please don't give me any plants, They wind up dead. My husband has the green thumb in our family.
- Spring cleaning to clear our spaces and minds, making room for growth.
- Making meals with spring greens and early harvests, such as asparagus, to connect with the earth's bounty.
Practicing these Ostara traditions help us line up our energies with those of spring..
Creating an Ostara Altar
Setting up an Ostara altar is another way to celebrate Ostara and gives us a focal point for our celebrations. Here's what we typically include:
- Candles: To represent the increasing light.
- Spring flowers: Like daffodils or tulips (my favorite), to bring in color and life.
- Crystals: Such as rose quartz and amethyst, for their healing properties.
We arrange our altar with intention, each item placed to honor the energies of the season.
Ostara Tarot Spread: Embracing New Beginnings
Try this Ostara tarot spread and let me know what you think? Since Ostara is March 19 (2024), I would try this spread out anytime between March 10, which is the new moon, and 23 to align with Ostara. Ostara is only 9 days away from the new moon this year, so using this tarot spread in conjunction with the new moon is appropriate.
1. The Seed (Vernal Equinox): This card represents the potential that lies within you. It's about identifying the new intentions you wish to set as you embrace the coming of spring.
2. The Awakening (Signs of Spring): This card reflects what is awakening within you with the arrival of spring.
3. The Growth (Time of Rebirth): This card indicates the areas in which you'll experience growth during this time of rebirth. As the first official day of spring marks the beginning of new life cycles, this card helps you understand where to focus your energy for personal development.
4. The Challenge (Cycles of Nature): This card reveals any challenges or obstacles you might face as you move from the winter solstice towards the first day of spring. It encourages reflection on how to overcome these challenges.
5. The Outcome (Ostara Celebration): This final card symbolizes the outcome of your Ostara celebration and the spiritual practice you've undertaken. It reflects the culmination of your efforts, the manifestation of your new intentions, and the joy of embracing the pagan traditions of renewal.
How to Celebrate Ostara Today
As we welcome the return of spring, Ostara is a time for setting new intentions and embracing the vibrant energy it brings. This festival is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with the season’s renewal.
Ostara Celebration and Traditions
Ostara, falling on the spring equinox, is a time when day and night are equal, symbolizing balance and new beginnings. We honor these beginnings by dyeing eggs, which represent fertility and new life, and planting seeds as a sign of our commitment to new intentions. We often say “Happy Ostara” to each other, sharing the joy of the season.
- Egg Dyeing: A time-honored Ostara tradition. It's more than just a fun activity; it’s deeply symbolic. Decorating Easter eggs was always one of the most favorite things to do with my kids.
- Colors: Each holds meaning: red for vitality, green for growth, yellow for joy.
- Planting Seeds: A reflection of our intentions for the coming months.
- Seed Blessing: We sometimes say a few words over the seeds, aspiring for their growth to mirror our own.
In celebrating Ostara, we welcome the spring and honor the balance between light and darkness. I've shared many traditions and ideas that help you reconnect with nature and the changing of seasons. Celebrating this festive day allows us to reflect on new beginnings and personal growth.
Let's make Ostara a time to foster balance and rejuvenation in our lives, and may our celebrations bring us closer to the natural world and each other. Remember, simple acts of kindness and planting a seed both literally and metaphorically can make a significant impact on our world.
Whether you choose to clean your home, cook a meal with loved ones, or spend time outdoors, Ostara is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for the return of longer days and the fertility of the Earth.
Use this affirmation in the coming weeks as we look forward to the first day of spring, “May our actions during Ostara reflect our respect for nature and each other, embodying the harmony that this time of year represents.”
“May our actions during Ostara reflect our respect for nature and each other, embodying the harmony that this time of year represents.”
Here's to a joyful and vibrant Ostara, fostering a sense of renewal and community as we welcome the spring season. I hope you have a wonderful time this spring!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some more questions about how to celebrate Ostara.
What are some meaningful ways to set up an Ostara altar at home?
To set up our Ostara altar, we choose symbols of new life, such as painted eggs and fresh flowers. Incorporating pastel-colored candles and crystals like rose quartz can reflect the softness of the season.
In what ways do the traditions of Ostara and Easter overlap?
Ostara and Easter traditions often include eggs and rabbits, symbols of fertility and new life. Although our Ostara celebration has pagan roots, these symbols have also been adopted into Easter, which makes the festivals appear similar.
What are traditional foods to prepare and enjoy for Ostara celebration?
For our Ostara feast, we love to prepare dishes that incorporate fresh greens or sprouts, eggs, and dairy. A simple herbed quiche or a honey cake can capture the essence of the season.
What kind of activities can you do with kids to celebrate Ostara?
We engage with kids in activities like egg painting and planting seeds. These activities represent growth and creativity and are perfect ways to involve them in the Ostara celebration.
Which herbs are commonly associated with Ostara and how are they used?
During Ostara, we use herbs like lavender and chamomile for their calming properties and association with peace. We might make a tea or use them in our altar to enhance the serene atmosphere.
How do you create a personal celebration ritual for the Ostara Sabbat?
To create our personal Ostara ritual, we focus on what symbolizes rebirth and rejuvenation to us. That might be writing intentions for the year, lighting a green candle for growth, or simply meditating on our hopes for the coming season.
