What is Ostara?
Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, is a Pagan holiday that celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. It’s a time of balance, as the length of day and night are equal, and the natural world begins to come back to life after the dormancy of winter.
The holiday is named after the Germanic goddess Ostara, who represents fertility, growth, and rebirth. She is often depicted holding a hare, which symbolizes abundance and the cycles of the moon.
Pagans celebrate Ostara in many different ways, but the common thread is a celebration of the return of light and life to the world.
In Christianity this pagan holiday evolved into what we know today as Easter. The naming no doubt is from the Goddess Eostre.
Ostara & The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny comes from the pagan tradition of their connection to the Hare.
Eostre was the Goddess closely associated with the Hare, as the Hare is a symbol for fertility.
Eggs
Eggs are associated with fertility along with seeds that are planted during the spring.
Much like the, “Cosmic Egg” which is connected with Creation, the egg represents the balance within creation of the male and female archetype like yin and yang.
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Ostara Colors
- Light & Bright Greens
- Pinks & Purple Pastels
- Yellow
Ostara Foods
- Honey
- Sprouted greens
- Deviled Eggs
- Hot cross buns
- Spring Vegetables -Asparagus, Artichokes, chives
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Below is a recipe I tried from Natasha’s Kitchen
1/2 cup raisins, currants, or craisins + 1 cup boiling hot water
3/4 cup very warm milk, divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup (I used whole milk, 2% is fine)
1/2 cup white sugar + 1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened 15 seconds in microwave
1/2 tsp salt
1 envelope active dry yeast (about 3/4 Tbsp or 2 1/4 tsp) – I used Red Star Yeast
2 large eggs, well beaten
3 1/2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour *measured correctly
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp (a large pinch) ground nutmeg
Go check out how these easy ingredients are put together to create the delicious holiday buns! I know I enjoyed it!
Here are some of the deities commonly associated with Ostara:
Ostara or Eostre: This is the Germanic goddess after whom the holiday is named. She is associated with the spring season, fertility, and the rebirth of nature. Ostara is often depicted holding a hare, which symbolizes abundance and the cycles of the moon.
Persephone: In Greek mythology, Persephone is the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. Persephone is associated with the spring season because of her story of being kidnapped by Hades and later returning to the world of the living, bringing with her the renewal of life.
Cernunnos: This Celtic god is associated with nature, fertility, and the cycle of life and death. As a horned god, Cernunnos is often depicted as a protector of animals and a symbol of the wildness of nature.
Isis: In Egyptian mythology, Isis is the goddess of fertility and motherhood. She is associated with the renewal of life, and her story of bringing her husband Osiris back to life after he was killed by his brother Set is seen as a symbol of rebirth.
Demeter: In Greek mythology, Demeter is the goddess of the harvest and the fertility of the earth. She is associated with the spring season because of her role in bringing new life and growth to the world.
Altar Space
- Spring Flowers
- Decorated Eggs
- Rabbit Figurines
For me decorating my altar space during this time of the year, gives me the feeling of renewal, hope and rebirth. I love adding the blooming flowers!
Spell Crafting
This is a great time to create your own personal honey jar!
A honey jar is created to sweeten situations. For Ostara one can be created to give gratitude with the welcoming of Spring.
This can sit on your altar space for as long as you desire (depending on its ingredients).
Items Needed:
- 8 ounce glass jar
- Honey
- small note paper (3×3)
- Clear Crystal Quartz or Rose Quartz
The Steps To Create The Honey Jar
- First cleanse the glass jar with incense smoke (sage, rosemary, Palo Santo, or any botanical the is used as incense for cleansing).
- Next, on the small piece of paper write things you are grateful for during the coming of spring. When finished fold the paper in 3 folds. Place in the glass jar.
- Then pour the honey in the jar to at least half full or more if desired, but most definitely covering the folded paper of written words.
- Add the chosen crystal(s)
- Once all the items have been placed in the jar, close tightly. Hold the jar in your hands while thinking of the abundance and the energy of gratitude you have.
When you have finished sitting with the jar, simply state,
“I am grateful for the abundance of blessings bestowed upon me. I dedicate this jar filled with magick, so mote it be
I hope you enjoy the energy of the spring equinox and are blessed with its abundance.