Ostara ~ Rise and Shine

Ostara, also known as Easter, Lady Day and The Festival of Trees…

Ostara is the celebration of the Spring [ vernal ] Equinox when day and night balance. Astronomically, the Sun crosses the Celestial Equator at this time. The vernal Equinox usually falls on March 20th – 21st. The name for the festival is derived from the Teutonic Goddess Eostre. Symbols for this Goddess are the rabbit for fertility [ sperm ] and the egg [ ovum ] representing the fertile and cosmic union from which all creation evolved. We honor the lunar Goddess known as Ostara who will mate with Cernnunus on this day, and give birth nine months later at Yule Tide.

Activities for this festival are traditional- the blessing and planting of seeds. This day is ideal for planting a magical garden or creating a sacred space for meditating. From this day forward is a perfect time for creating medicinal tinctures, herb soaps and salves. It is also time for giving gifts. Seed packets of flowers, vegetables, herbs, garlic and onion bulbs would be welcome in this season of planting. Add potted herbs to your garden this month. Remember Ostara with fresh rosemary branches on your personal altar. Add ceramic eggs and a figurine of a little rabbit.

I will awaken at dawn, breathe in the fresh air, and begin writing in my journal. I’ll take a pot of cinnamon tea outside and sit under the big holly tree. He has grown so tall over the years, I can sit under him, his branches forming a vibrant, green canopy overhead. The soil is fertile once again, all of nature has come alive after a long and cold winter. I’ll watch the birds as they build new homes for the babies who will be arriving. I’ll notice the buds on the flowering shrubs, and count the rings on the old oak tree. When the rings are muted in color, this means a hot summer. The old oak knows more about the seasons than the weather channel. I will bless the old oak at Ostara, for he is sacred among the trees in the grove.

I’ll spend this day quietly, do a little seed sowing and lot of reflection about how I want to spend this season and with whom.

The Earth laughs and her children laugh with her.

Ostara Blessings to my brothers and sisters.

~ Meadow Walker