Ostara... the Magic and Renewal of the Spring Equinox
As the days grow longer and the Earth begins to awaken from her winter slumber, we welcome the Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara (March 21 in the Northern hemisphere, September 23 in the Southern hemisphere). This sacred time marks the balance of light and darkness, day and night embraced in perfect harmony. It is a moment of renewal, rebirth, and blossoming potential, providing a powerful opportunity to align with nature’s rhythms and plant seeds for the future.
The Meaning of Ostara
Ostara, named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, embodies fertility, renewal, and the blossoming of life. Just as nature begins to bloom, so too, we are invited to embrace fresh beginnings and personal transformation. The themes of Ostara include balance, growth, abundance, creativity, and the power of new beginnings.
I love this time of year! Spring is my favourite season... despite the possibilities of mud, puddles and mess as the season of Winter thaws and welcomes in the warming season of Spring in preparation for the heat of Summer. I love the energy of possibility and abundance that Spring offers... aka, Spring Fever!!
This feeling of restlessness or excitement that often accompanies the arrival of spring is a phenomenon commonly associated with the warmer weather, longer days, and the renewal of nature. This transition from winter to spring can lead to physiological changes in the body. Increased sunlight and warmer temperatures can boost the release of hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which in turn influence mood and can contribute to these feelings of excitement and restlessness 🌸🩷
The ancients gave story to this Spring-Fever time of year... in Greek mythology, Persephone's return from the underworld was believed to mark the beginning of spring and symbolize new life. In Norse mythology, the resurrection of the god Baldr represented the renewal of nature.
Overall, the Spring Equinox or Ostara is a great time to pause and notice the essence and energy of this seasonal shift and the accompanying surge in enthusiasm and creativity that many people experience.
The Symbols of Ostara
The best-known symbols associated with Ostara are:
🪺 Eggs... eggs represent fertility and potential
🐰 Rabbits... rabbits or hares symbolize rebirth and intuition
💐 Flowers... budding flowers signify growth and beauty
Symbolic gestures are great ways to mark this changing of the season, create and share traditions with your loved ones (especially the little ones) or simply embrace your own expression of what Spring Equinox means to you. However, you acknowledge this new season I wish for you to feel connected to the energy of the season in whatever way is meaningful to you🌷🪴
Ostara Rituals for Renewal and Growth
Here are some fun ways to mark the season and create your own version of traditions and rituals to share with your loved ones.
#1 Sunrise Meditation & Gratitude Practice
Greet the rising Sun on the morning of the Equinox by choosing an east-facing location, either indoors near a window or outdoors in a quiet spot.
Prepare cushions, blankets, and any props needed for comfort in pre-dawn temperatures feeling the balance of light and dark.
Begin your practice about 30 minutes before sunrise. This allows you to settle into meditation during twilight and experience the gradual transition of dawn
Take a moment to breathe deeply and express gratitude for all the growth in your life. Visualize the energy of the season filling you with light and possibility with each deep inhalation.
#2 Egg Decorating
Decorating eggs is a fun ritual that can be enjoyed by all.
You may choose to boil your eggs before decorating them.
Use your creativity of decorating these eggs with symbols of your intentions...💗hearts for love, 🌀spirals for transformation, or ✳️ runes for protection.
After the eggs have been decorated, you may choose to hide them and have your loved ones look for them... or you may simply choose to gather them up and create a nice egg salad with these positively infused eggs.
#3 Balance Candle Ritual
Light two candles... one white for light 🤍and one black for night 🖤
As they burn, reflect on areas in your life where you seek balance.
Journal about how you can create harmony in your relationships, work, and self-care.
#4 Planting Intentions
Just as farmers sow seeds for the coming harvest, perhaps you would like to take this time to plant your own intentions.
Write your Intentions and dreams on compostable paper. You might want to do this while listening to your favourite music or after you have meditated or worked out.
If you find yourself doubting the dreams and intentions you have for your future, take some deep breaths and reflect on all you have accomplished in the past as your proof of your capability and worth 💰💚
When you feel you have completed writing down your intentions and dreams, bury the papers
in the soil with a seed or a small plant.
As the plant grows, so will your desires.
#5 Equinox Feast & Sharing Abundance
Sharing food and time with loved ones is a ritual that we can all practice often throughout the year 🥗🍝
Celebrate Ostara with a meal of fresh, seasonal foods like leafy greens, eggs, honey, and fresh fruits.
Gathering, preparing and sharing food in this way is a ritual that invites abundance and prosperity... sharing this ritual with loved ones further embraces the energy of community and abundance 🩵
Embracing the Energy of the Season
Ostara reminds us that balance is key... between work and rest, giving and receiving, intention and action. As you honor this powerful turning point in the Wheel of the Year, take time to reflect on the areas of your life that need renewal...
What seeds are you planting?
What dreams are ready to bloom?
Where can you cultivate more self-care?
How do you want to grow your connections?
By aligning with the magic of Ostara, you open yourself up to a season of growth, harmony, and transformation.
May this Equinox bring you clarity, joy, and new beginnings that fill your soul with peace.
Blessed Ostara! 🌸✨
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