6 ways to celebrate Ostara 

Ostara, also known as the Vernal Equinox, is a celebration that dates back to ancient times. It marks the beginning of spring, a time when the earth awakens from its long winter slumber and bursts forth with new life.

The history of Ostara

This ancient heathen fire festival is a celebration of growth and rejuvenation and is named after the Ostara/Eostre, the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility, who represents the renewal of life and the promise of abundance.

Ostara is celebrated around March 20th - 21st, at the same point as the Spring Equinox. Light and dark are once again in balance as the wheel turns towards the summer months ahead. It is a time of new beginnings and of life emerging from the frozen grasp of winter. Ostara marks the first day of spring.

Ostara symbolism 

But Ostara is more than just a celebration of nature's rebirth. It is a time to honour the cycles of life and death, to acknowledge the darkness that must come before the light. In many cultures, the festival is associated with resurrection and the triumph of life over death. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope of renewal and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Six simple ways to celebrate Ostara 

This time of year is steeped in tradition, and there are many ways to celebrate the arrival of spring. Here are six traditional ways to honour Ostara.

Decorate with eggs

Eggs are a powerful symbol of new life and have long been associated with Ostara. Decorating eggs with bright colours and intricate designs is a time-honoured tradition and one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In addition to the fun of decorating, eggs can be used in many different ways to celebrate Ostara. They can be eaten as part of a spring feast, given as gifts to friends and family, or used in rituals and ceremonies.

Plant seed and intentions for spring

Ostara is a time of new beginnings, and what better way to honour this than by planting seeds? Whether you have a large garden or just a few pots on your windowsill, planting seeds is a powerful way to connect with the energy of spring. As you plant your seeds, visualize the growth and abundance that you want to manifest in your life. This can be a powerful way to set intentions and make positive changes in your life.

Wear a symbolic talisman

Jewellery can be part of a potent personal ritual to connect you to the seasons and the folklore that surrounds them. Wearing a symbol of what you wish to honour will act as a tactile reminder of your desires and wishes. Adorning yourself in symbolic Ostara jewellery is a way of ritually dressing yourself the same way you might a sacred altar. With this ritual, you become a living altar to honour the season. 

SKERA - ROSE THORN EARRINGS IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

CAILLEACH - BLACKTHORN NECKLACE IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

Blackthorn is one of the first plants to bloom in early spring, and their delicate white flowers can almost look like snow. This Blackthorn pendant is hand finished to create detailed shadows and highlights, accentuating all the intricate textures of the natural casting.

Celebrate with an Ostara feast

Ostara is a time of abundance, and what better way to celebrate than with a feast? Traditionally, spring vegetables such as asparagus, peas, and fiddleheads are served alongside fresh herbs and light meats like lamb. Breads and cakes made with eggs and honey are also popular choices. As you prepare your feast, take time to reflect on the blessings in your life and express gratitude for the abundance of the season.

Cleanse and purify for spring

Ostara is a time of purification and renewal, and many people choose to cleanse their homes and sacred spaces during this time. Refresh and renew your home, throw open your windows and let the warming air flow from room to room. Clean the spaces you frequent the most, and rid your home of dying plants and stale foods. Wash your windows and mirrors to flood your home with the growing light of the sun. Burn or discard anything stagnant or decaying. Cleanse your physical self - soak in a salt bath dressed in spring flowers or fresh foliage. Honour your body with nourishing foods throughout the day.. As you cleanse your space, visualise any negative or stagnant energy being cleared away, making room for positive and uplifting energy to enter.

Honour the divine

Ostara is a time to honour the balance between the Goddess and God. The Goddess represents the earth, fertility, and new beginnings, while the God represents the sun, warmth, and growth. You can honour them by creating an altar with symbols of spring, such as flowers, eggs, and seeds. You can also light candles in their honour and offer them blessings and prayers.

Ostara is a time of renewal and rebirth, and there are many traditional ways to celebrate this powerful time of year. Whether you choose to decorate eggs, plant seeds, feast with friends and family, cleanse your space, or honour the Goddess and God, there are endless ways to connect with the energy of spring and embrace the new beginnings it brings.