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Ostara is a lesser sabbat that marks the official arrival of spring and takes place on the spring equinox, around March 20-21 in the Northern Hemisphere and September 20-23 in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s the moment when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing balance before the days begin to grow longer and light overcomes darkness. This is a time of renewal, fertility, and new beginnings, making it perfect for fresh starts and setting intentions for the season ahead.
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According to a legend, Ostara is celebrated in honor of the Germanic goddess of the dawn and spring. The story goes that she once found a bird injured by the cold of winter. To save it, she transformed it into a hare, but the hare retained its ability to lay eggs. As a sign of gratitude, the hare painted and gifted eggs to the goddess, which is why eggs remain a central symbol of Ostara today. (1883, H. Krebs)
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Eostre, also known as Ostara, is the Germanic goddess of spring, fertility, and renewal. Her name is linked to the word "east" and the rising dawn, and some believe it means "Radiant Dawn." Eostre represents the spirit of spring and the return of fertility to the earth. Her arrival was traditionally celebrated with flowers, singing, bell ringing, and the lighting of new fires at dawn. She is often described as a beautiful young woman with flowers woven into her hair, accompanied by her consort and also her sacred animal, a hare. Sometimes he appears as a full-grown man, other times as a small rabbit cradled in her arms. Together, they bring eggs, a powerful symbol of the earth’s rebirth and fertility.
There isn’t much information about Eostre, but she is mentioned in the writings of an 8th-century monk, Venerable Bede. He recorded that the pagan Anglo-Saxons of medieval Northumbria held festivals in her honor during the month of April. Other than this, we don’t know much about how she was worshiped in ancient times. However, by the 19th century, she had become an important figure in German folklore, appearing in literature, paintings, and stories. She is often depicted as a youthful maiden adorned with flowers, symbolizing nature’s renewal after winter.
Some ancient festivals are said to have honored her with offerings of flowers, eggs, and feasts, welcoming the warmth and life she brings. Venerable Bede documented these traditions around the year 700 CE while traveling through Europe, recording pagan customs for the Catholic Church. The Church later attempted to shift the focus from Eostre to the resurrection of Jesus, but many ancient traditions remained deeply rooted. Eventually, instead of trying to erase them, the Church adapted and merged the two celebrations, renaming their spring festival “Easter” as a way to unite both traditions.
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The Symbolism of The Painted Eggs
Eggs have long been a symbol of fertility, renewal, and the emergence of new life. Many cultures have used painted eggs in their spring festivals, from ancient Egyptians and Persians to European pagans. In the context of Ostara, eggs represent the potential for new beginnings and the fertility of the land as it awakens from winter. Decorating eggs is a tradition that has continued for centuries, carrying the magic of transformation and the blessings of abundance for the coming season.
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Time of the Day: Dawn, Early Morning
Tarot: The High Priestess, The Emperor, Sevend of Wands, Justice
Colors: All pastel colors, yellow, green, pink, blue, brown
Herbs: Sorrel, Mint, Rosemary, Ginger, Irish Moss, Tansy, Woodruff, Wood Betony, Star Anise, Catnip
Fruits: Strawberries, Tangerine, Bananas, Lemon, Grapefruit, Apple, Orange, Mulberries, Kiwi
Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Carrots, Spring Onions, Garlic, Wild Nettles, Mushrooms
Crystals: Aquamarine, Jasper, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, Moonstone. Amazonite
Runes: Teiwaz, Ehwaz, Berkana
Trees: Birch, Rowan, Dogwood, Ash, Alder
Godesses: Eostre, Freyja, Aphrodite, Isis, Hecate, Demeter, Gaia, Athena, Astarte, Minerva, Cybele, The Morrigan
Gods: Mars, Ares, Apollo, Pan, Cernunnos, Tyr, Odin, Osiris, Dagda, Adonis
Flowers: Daffodil, Hyacinth, Daisy, Tulips, Clover, Crocus, Violet, Rose, Jasmine, Lilac, Honeysuckle
Animals: Hare, Rabbit, Chicks, Lamb, Butterfly, Robin, Bee, Snake. Deer, Wolf
Magical Powers: Balance, Renewal, Action, New Beginnings, Hope, New Possibilities, Fertility, Rebirth
Symbols: Rabbits, Eggs, Flowers, Bees, Birds and Nests, Butterflies, Flower Crowns, Seeds
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🐰 Decorate your space with Ostara symbols like eggs, bunnies, baby chicks etc.
🐣 Start planting seeds in your garden.
🐰 Buy or pick fresh flowers and place them in your home.
🐣 Paint some eggs. Use simple colors or add sigils, runes, symbols or anything you want to attract.
🐰 If you have a farm or a garden, it's the perfect time to buy and raise baby chicks! <3
🐣 Enjoy a festive meal to celebrate both Ostara and Spring Equinox.
🐰 Do some painting or other creative activities.
🐣 Do a deep spring cleaning, you rearrange your furniture for a fresh start.
🐣 Leave seeds in your garden for birds.
🐰 Spend time in nature and look for the first signs of spring.
🐣 Make a list of goals to accomplish before spring ends.
🐰 Burn some incense to cleanse your space.
🐣 Make special Ostara candles with seasonal colors or herbs.
🐰 Do a tarot, rune, or pendulum reading in the morning of Ostara.
🐣 Try an Ostara guided meditation to connect with the celebration.
🐰 Honor Goddess Eostre with offerings or prayers.
🐣 Make an Ostara magickal jar
🐰 Wear clothing or jewelry in Ostara colors.
🐣 Try new recipes, especially with eggs and carrots.
🐰 Drink some tea and relax.
🐣 Read about Ostara and its traditions.
🐰 Make a flower crown for yourself or a loved one.
🐣 Try colorful makeup inspired by spring.
🐰 Dye eggs naturally or try flower prints on them.
🐣 Make friendship bracelets and share them with your loved ones.
🐰 Spend time with animals and connect with their energy.
🐣 Host an Ostara picnic or dinner with friends or family.
🐰 Plant your dream garden or buy new flower seeds.
🐣 Try aromatherapy with fresh scents (spring flowers).
🐰 Plan an egg hunt for fun with friends or family.
🐣 Connect with deities associated with Ostara and spring.
🐰 Worship your deities and honor Goddess Eostre.
🐣 Paint your nails in pastel colors.
🐰 Decorate your altar with Ostara symbols and colorful ribbons.
🐣 Try new activities, change routines, and care for yourself!
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Anything that has eggs! omelet, deviled eggs, stuffed eggs, carrot cake, braided bread, honey pastries, lamb, ham, fish, green vegetables, asparagus, goat cheese, sheep cheese, cow milk cheese, goat milk, sheep milk, cow milk, seasonal fruits, orange juice, tangerine juice, homemade carrot juice, dishes garnished with parsley, sweet egg tarts, muffins, carrot muffins, waffles, hot cross buns, herbal tea, mint, salads garnished with edible flowers, lemon, lemon bread, violet flower cake, lavender cake, brownies, preserves from last season, apples, yogurt, mozzarella, chocolate cake.
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useful sources: Wicca: A Modern Guide To Witchcraft & Magick; Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World by Judika Illes
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