Ostara - Wiccan Holiday

By Naomi

Ostara is celebrated in many religions other than wicca and everyone may follow wicca in a slightly different way, so this may not relate to everyone. However, Ostara is the celebration of the spring equinox. (The change from winter into spring. Ostara usually occurs between the 19th and 21st of march (in the northern hemisphere) and celebrates the Spring Maiden and Horned God, who represent the characteristics of the new season, spring. Ostara, is an Anglo-Saxon goddess who is known to represent dawn and be the spring goddess. As a spring goddess she is known to oversee all of the things that occur in spring such as the budding of plants plants and increase of fertility in animals. The Horned God, sometimes symbolizes the festive enjoyment of nature through hunting and dancing. During Ostara you will see many symbols of eggs, rabbits, flowers and seeds (as you would at ester) as these things celebrate the occurrences that happen in spring. They also may be incorporated into rituals and altars.

• The colours that are associated with Ostara are: Pink, Green, Yellow, Pale Blue and purple.

• Crystals that are associated with Ostara are: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Rose Quartz and Moonstone. Some people create healing grids with these crystals or charge them with a specific intent and place them in specific areas around the house.

• The herbs, Plants & Spices that are associated with Ostara that may be used is spells, cooking decorating or gardening includes: Crocus, Daffodil, Honeysuckle, Iris, Jasmine, Rose, Peony, Violets and Tulips.

• There are many different ways to celebrate Ostara as many people follow different traditions depending on their religion or personal preferences. However, during this time almost everyone celebrating Ostara is celebrating the changes in nature and attempting to connect/become one with nature. During this time many people eat traditional foods or use ingredients associated with nature such as leafy green vegetables (lettuce), dairy foods (milk), nuts, ect. However, not everyone does this. Another way in which people may celebrate Ostara is by painting fresh eggs with homemade dyes or hosting an egg hunt.

• One ritual that people may take part in is asking for a blessing for growth and new beginings: To do this the person is usually wearing loosely fitting clothing and will sit in a comfortable position, with good posture and balance. They will then light a candle that is either white or pastel. They will then write out a blessing for growth and new beginnings before placing it at the bottom of a planting pot. They will then cover the blessing with soil before putting in some seeds into the soil and sprinkling with moon water. They will then either blow out the candle straight away or blow out the candle after taking a bite of a Hot Cross Bun and drinking a sip of tea, alternating until their are both gone.

I hope this article helped you understand a little more about Ostara or helped you think of ways to celebrate it.