Ostara is the Pagan holiday that celebrates the spring equinox. During spring, the snow melts as the Earth becomes warmer. The trees begin to bud, and the plants awaken. We celebrate with nature and honor renewal, balance, awakening, and rebirth. 

To learn more about the other Witchcraft, you can find related posts here!

History and Origins:

 The word Ostara comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. Eostre is the goddess of Spring. She represents new beginnings, fertility, and the dawn. Ostara can be traced back to ancient Germanic and Celtic cultures. 

 Other deities to celebrate during this time include Cybele and Attis. Cybele is a goddess in ancient Rome. It was said that she had a consort who was born of a virgin, named Attis. When Attis died, he would be resurrected each year during the “Vernal Equinox” on the Julian Calendar (March 22nd to March 25th.) 

 There are many others, but I am not here to speak on subjects that I don’t hold knowledge. If you have a name to add, please comment! Our practice is one of constant learning, and I enjoy doing so. 

The symbolism of Ostara:

 If you have ever wondered “What do painted eggs and rabbits have to do with Easter?” the answer is, that they don’t. When Christians were trying to get rid of Pegan practices, they were having a hard time. So to make this transition “easier” for practicing Pagans - they created holidays around the same time that the Pegan holidays were. They also took symbols and celebrations from those holidays to use in their own. For Ostara, this included eggs, rabbits, and pastels. Even the egg hunt was originally part of the Ostara celebrations. 

 Eggs, rabbits, and flowers represent fertility, growth, and new life. Symbols representing balance are also used during this time. At the spring equinox, night and day are completely balanced. Using sun and moon symbols, black and white candles, and even scales for decorations around your home or at your altar are wonderful ideas. 

Traditions and Practices:

Common rituals and practices for this season include (but aren’t limited to): 

• Decorating eggs

• Egg hunts - (for young and not-so-young. Admit it, they are fun)

• Creating spring altars - Include any of the symbols mentioned above, any deities you want to honor, or anything that just feels right. Your altar is personal, no judgment here. 

• Holding outdoor gatherings or ceremonies - these can include thanking and honoring the earth, the sun, and chosen deities - again, whatever feels right. (If you are in NY like me, and looking out at snow. Indoors is fine too.)

• Planting seeds - I personally started mine indoors, if you are in a warmer climate (lucky you), there are many seeds you can start outdoors. To make this even more magical, set your intentions when planting. 

Connecting with Nature:

 No matter what activities you choose, the most important thing to do during Ostara is to connect with nature. Gardening, spending time outdoors, or just incorporating a new eco-friendly practice can help you honor the Earth at this time. 

Ostara is all about celebrating the Earth, and our relationship with it. So sit down, maybe next to your favorite tree, and truly take the time to reflect on your relationship with nature. Ground yourself, and meditate on what is truly important. 

 I invite you to take this information and explore your traditions. Maybe incorporate some of the celebrations of Ostara that I have outlined here. There is no right way to deepen your connection to the Earth. Just as there is no singular right way to embark on your spiritual journey. This is our journey, and we are forever learning and evolving. 

If you have a way to celebrate, deities you work with, or anything else fun to add. Please leave a comment. I am constantly on a mission to learn more, and to be more. 

Happy Ostara!

Xo - Morgan

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