Ostara

Ostara, known as the Spring Equinox, is a time of renewal and balance, where the hours of daylight and darkness are equal and the world bursts into life after the long winter. Despite its significance as a modern pagan celebration, the origins of Ostara remain shrouded in mystery and myth. In this blog post, we will delve into the enigmatic origins of Ostara, tracing its roots in pre-Christian religions, ancient mythology, and contemporary interpretations.

In Wicca, Ostara is represented as the third Sabbat celebration on the Wheel of the Year. It’s date range travels with the Spring Equinox, on the dates of March 19th – 22nd, depending on the celestial positioning of the sun and your location in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, this would be on September 20th – 23rd.

Before Christianity, various cultures across Europe celebrated the changing of seasons, especially the arrival of spring. Celtic traditions revered the Spring Equinox as Alban, Eilir or Eostre, a time of equilibrium and renewal, closely linked to fertility and new beginnings. In ancient Germanic cultures, the Spring Equinox was likely associated with the Old High German word “ōstarūn,” which translates to “east” or “dawn,” indicating a celebration of the sunrise and the onset of a new season.

In ancient Rome, the Spring Equinox was a time of significant celebration. The festival of Hilaria, held on March 25th, honored the goddess Cybele and her consort, Attis. The festivities marked the death and resurrection of Attis, symbolizing the renewal of life and the rebirth of nature.

Ostara is not without it’s controversies, as the history of its origin is a mystery. The origins of the goddess Ostara, also known as Eostre or Ēostre, are a subject of debate among historians and scholars. The primary source for her existence comes from the 8th-century writings of the Venerable Bede, a Christian monk and historian. In his work “De Temporum Ratione,” Bede mentioned the month of Eosturmonath (April), which was named after the goddess Eostre. However, no other historical sources mention the goddess, leading some scholars to question her existence and speculate that Bede may have invented her.

The goddess Ostara, if she indeed existed, was likely associated with fertility, renewal, and the dawn. Some researchers believe that she may have been a dawn goddess, representing the light and life that return to the world after the darkness of winter. Others see connections between Ostara and other fertility goddesses, such as the Roman Cybele or the Greek Persephone.

The hare and the egg are two symbols commonly associated with Ostara, both of which have ties to fertility and renewal. The hare, a prolific breeder, is a symbol of fertility and new life, while the egg represents potential and rebirth. These symbols can be traced back to various ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Persians. The association of these symbols with Ostara further cements her connection to the themes of fertility and renewal.

As Christianity spread throughout Europe, many pagan traditions and celebrations were absorbed and transformed into Christian practices. The Christian holiday of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus, may have adopted elements from Ostara celebrations. The name Easter itself is believed to be derived from the goddess Eostre, and some customs, such as the Easter egg and Easter bunny, can be traced back to the fertility symbols associated with Ostara.

Now that I’ve discussed a historical view of Ostara, here are some ways you can celebrate the sabbat holiday. As Ostara represents new beginnings, it is an ideal time to cleanse and de clutter your living space. Take the opportunity to clean your home, remove clutter, and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. This process will help create a fresh and positive atmosphere, allowing for the influx of new energy.

If you have an altar as part of your practice, here are some suggestions that you could use to decorate it for your rituals in Spring.

Fresh flowers, like daffodils, tulips, or crocuses

Candles in pastel colors, representing the light and warmth of the sun

Symbols of fertility, such as eggs, seeds, or representations of rabbits or hares

Crystals like rose quartz, amethyst, or aventurine, which embody the energies of love, balance, and growth

Images or statues of goddesses associated with fertility and renewal, like Ostara, Eostre, or Persephone

Ostara Egg Ritual: Eggs are potent symbols of fertility and new life, making them an ideal centerpiece for an Ostara ritual. Begin by selecting an egg, either a real one or a decorative one made from wood or ceramic. Decorate the egg with symbols or colors representing your intentions for the coming season. During your ritual, meditate on your intentions, and then bury the egg in your garden or a nearby natural area as a symbolic offering to the earth.

Planting Seeds: Ostara is a celebration of growth and renewal, so planting seeds is a perfect way to connect with the season’s energies. Choose seeds that resonate with your intentions for the coming months, and plant them in pots or your garden. As you sow the seeds, visualize your intentions taking root and flourishing. Tend to the seeds as they grow, and let them serve as a reminder of your Ostara goals and aspirations.