As the wheel of the year turns once again, we find ourselves at the enchanting threshold of Ostara, a time of rebirth, renewal, and the awakening of the earth from its wintry slumber. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Ostara's traditions, lore, and vibrant celebrations, and discover how you can infuse your own festivities with the magic of this joyous sabbat.

What is Ostara?
Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, marks the moment when day and night are in perfect balance, heralding the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of fertility, growth, and the awakening of nature from its winter dormancy. Named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, Ostara is a celebration of life, light, and the promise of new beginnings.

When is Ostara Celebrated and Why?
Ostara typically falls around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing equal parts light and darkness. This year, the perfect alignment occurs on Wednesday, 20th March  2024, at 3:06 am in the United Kingdom. This celestial event serves as a potent symbol of balance and the promise of new beginnings. Ostara is celebrated to honour the return of life to the earth, the burgeoning of new possibilities, and the emergence of light triumphing over darkness.

Ostara Correspondences

Crystals: Clear quartz, rose quartz, amethyst, and aquamarine
Animals: Hares, rabbits, lambs, and chicks
Colours: Pastel shades, especially pink, green, and yellow
Deities: Eostre, Idunn, Persephone, and Freyja
Foods: Eggs, dairy products, honey, seeds, and leafy greens
Symbols: Eggs, rabbits, flowers, seeds, and the sun wheel

Traditions and History of Ostara
Ancient cultures across the world have celebrated the arrival of spring with rituals, ceremonies, and festivals dating back millennia. In Norse mythology, Ostara was associated with the goddess Idunn, who brought forth the apples of youth, symbolizing the rejuvenating power of spring. The tradition of decorating eggs, a symbol of fertility and new life, also has ancient roots and is central to modern Ostara celebrations.

In Germanic mythology, Ostara is associated with the goddess Ostara (also known as Eostre or Ēostre), who represents the dawn, spring, and the renewal of life. Although there are relatively few surviving myths directly related to Ostara, her name is believed to be the origin of the word "Easter."

One of the most well-known stories involving Ostara comes from the Venerable Bede, an English monk and historian who wrote in the 8th century. According to Bede, the month corresponding to April was called Eostur-monath in Old English, named after the goddess Eostre. During Eostur-monath, feasts were held in her honor, and offerings were made to ensure fertility and abundance in the coming season.

Another interpretation of the Ostara myth comes from Jacob Grimm, one of the Brothers Grimm, who proposed that Ostara was a Germanic goddess of the spring equinox. In his writings, Grimm suggested that Ostara was associated with fertility, new life, and the awakening of nature after the winter months.

While there are variations in the details of the myth, Ostara is generally depicted as a radiant goddess of light, bringing warmth, growth, and vitality to the earth. She is often depicted with symbols of spring, such as flowers, eggs, and hares (which later became associated with Easter traditions).

Overall, the Germanic mythologies of Ostara emphasize themes of renewal, fertility, and the cyclical nature of life, reflecting the changing seasons and the eternal cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth.

How Can You Celebrate Ostara?
There are countless ways to honour Ostara and connect with its vibrant energies. Planting seeds or tending to a garden is a beautiful way to align with the earth's renewal and foster growth in your own life. Crafting an Ostara altar adorned with symbols of the season, such as fresh flowers, colourful eggs, and symbols of fertility, can serve as a focal point for reflection and gratitude. You might also partake in a sunrise ritual to welcome the burgeoning light of spring or gather with loved ones for a festive feast celebrating the bounty of the season.

An Ostara Blessing

"Blessed Ostara, goddess of the dawn,
Bringer of light, renewal, and song.
As springtime blossoms, so do we,
In harmony with nature, blessed be.

May the fertile earth awaken anew,
With each bud and bloom, our spirits too.
Grant us the strength to grow and thrive,
As we embrace the energy of life.

With each sunrise, may hope abound,
And joy in our hearts forever be found.
Blessed Ostara, hear our prayer,
As we welcome the light and warmth you share.

So mote it be."

Happy Ostara!
As we bid farewell to winter's chill and welcome the gentle warmth of spring, may the magic of Ostara fill your days with hope, renewal, and the beauty of new beginnings. From all of us at Midnight Maker, we wish you a joyous and blessed Ostara celebration!