Ostara

Ostara, the Spring (Vernal) Equinox is here, a time for celebrating the fertility of the land and balance in all things. The second in the trinity of Spring sabbats and a solar festival. It falls on the 20th of March, 2009 (it usually falls around the 20th to the 22nd of March). The name Ostara (and Easter) comes from a Germanic deity named Eostre, who was a goddess of Spring and fertility. Many religions practice some form of reawakening ritual or festival around this time of year such as Passover for the Jews and Easter for the Christians. To me this time of year is when the young warrior god and the virgin goddess come together in the Great Rite. The joyous union can be seen in the budding leaf, the sweet bird song in the air, or the animals beginning to pair up for mating. The Lady herself will now quicken with new life within her womb, the Lord who will be reborn at Yule. Celebrate by going out and spending time in nature by taking a walk in the park, working in the garden, or just sitting outside. Blow and color eggs, bless them, then either give them away, decorate your altar or hang them in trees. If the eggs break, use any half shells to start seeds that you've blessed. Wear flowers in your hair or altar, and aspect the Goddess or God. Use a black candle and a white candle to show balance. Don't be afraid to get creative with using "traditional" Easter trappings for your Ostara celebrations. The well known rabbit (or hare) and the egg both are symbols of fertility from olden times. The colors of spring (light green, pink, lemon yellow, baby blue, white) are also pagan. Get creative, get the kids involved, and get celebrating this wonderful time of the Earth reawakening. Happy Ostara! Blessings and Love.