Ostara - The Pagan Tradition Of The Spring Equinox
What Is Ostara?
Ostara, likely named after the germanic goddess Eostre, is the pagan/wiccan celebration of the first day of spring. Generally celebrated at the spring equinox between March 19-21st, when the days begin getting longer and we enter fully into the season of warmth!
The symbolism of this holiday is of welcoming in the rebirth of the nature around us, and planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically, for the bountiful season to come. The symbols of this holiday may be things like spring flowers, bunnies and other animals who hibernate in the winter, and eggs to symbolize rebirth.
Much of Ostara and equinox celebrations are of fertility and growth. So metaphysically speaking this can be a great time of manifesting new goals, rebirth f your personal power and joy, and a time for planting new ideas and financial ventures.
History - Where Did It Come From?
The origins of this holiday are somewhat of a melting pot of Celtic, Germanic, and other European origins. We will touch base on this in one moment, but the important thing to note is that while the modern idea of Ostara is somewhat European in nature, you will likely find an equilevent holiday in almost any pre-Christian culture. Consider the return of Persephone, goddess of spring, from the underworld in greek mythology. Or in ancient Egypt where this time of year would be to honor the goddess Isis and the resurrection of her husband. This holiday at its core is a celebration of rebirth and thankfulness that we made it through dark season of winter, and the sunshine has returned!
In many Pagan polytheistic cultures you will find that the Spring equinox would be when the Sun was “reborn” or “resurrected’ from the dark season of the cold winter. This ancient mythology along with the timing of the holiday in late March, its easy to see that Ostara traditions paved the wy for many modern Easter practices. Some Historians also believe that the goddess Eostre is a linguist origin for the word easter itself. While there is of course historical evidence of the biblical Resurrection story occurring sometime near the springs beginning, there is also some historical signs that the thing of Easter is directly linked to Ostaras celebration. It makes sense that as Christianity swept through the world, different civilizations transitioning from their Pagan practices would naturally put the resurrection of the Holy Son to the holiday they already had in place, the resurrection of The Sun.
None of this hstrorical context is to downplay the biblical significance of the resurrection story. if anything it should show just how deep these symbols and mythologies have ink added themselves into different cultures throughout the western world. And if you’re interested in the origins of Ostara and how to implant this ancient sabbath to your modern life, it is a nice frame of reference to understanding this celebration if you understand its mirroring of Easter. Even down to the symbols we see in modern easter clothing, imagery, art etc.
Ostara (1884) by Johannes Gehrts.
Modern Celebration and Practitioner Ideas
Witches and Pagans gather to celebrate Ostara and the Spring Equinox to this day. This is a one of the major eight celebrations that occur during the Pagan Wheel of The Year. This celebration is a time to recognize the fertility of the earth. The sun is shining for longer each day and we will start to notice true signs of spring fast approaching. Simply begin your honoring of this time by taking note, and appreciating the nature around you.
Many of our ancestors lived their year in accordance with farm land, harvests nd growing seasons. In our modern world we can often feel disconnected from this natural occurnace happening all around us. So you may see elaborate ideas for spell work and altar set ups for this holiday, but the most vital part is to get back outside and notice the changing cyclical seasons! If you read this far - you’ve proabbly already noticed and cared enough to honor this transition!
Some Ideas for Celebrating Ostara
Go outside! Go for a walk or enjoy a local park, beach etc.
Decorate your home with fresh flowers
Begin planning your outdoor garden if you have one
Focus on your personal “rebirth” and what you might want to shed as you enter a new season
Dye or paint eggs!
On some eggshell pieces, write your manifestations and plant them in a flower bed, as the flowers grow this season so will your wish
Do some spring cleaning! This is a great time for decluttering your space
“Ostara” is the pagan holiday celebrating the first day of spring, better known as the spring equinox!
Generally on March 20-21st, this marks the first day of equilibrium when the days are getting longer and spring has truly sprung!
This limited edition candle is perfect to welcome in the energy of spring, which is a great time of year for planting seeds of new manifestations.
Scented with the enveloping fragrance of lily of the valley, a white floral that generally blooms around this beginning of spring. Topped with purple tulip petals, another springtime floral to honor the season.
This candle is adorned with beautiful art, and a custom Ostara prayer written on the back for you to say aloud when burning.
Paired with classic herbal blends and scent you will fall in love with, this candle is perfect for your spiritual practice.
★ Scent notes- Lil Of The Vally. Floral, light, inviting and genuine.
