Ostara and Spring Equinox
Celebrating the Spring Equinox
On the Celtic Wheel of the Year, Ostara is one of the key festivals celebrating fertility and renewal, often recognized as the first day of Spring. In the Northern Hemisphere, it falls between March 19th and 22nd, depending on the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is typically observed around September 21st, though the exact date can shift to the 22nd or 23rd.
The Meaning and Origins of Ostara
Ostara is named after an ancient spring goddess who was honored by the early pre-Christian Germanic peoples. Among the Saxon tribes of Britain, she was called Eostre.
She is associated with dawn, the return of warmth and light, and the fertile energy of the earth awakening after winter. Some believe that her name later influenced the Christian celebration of Easter, as both are linked to themes of renewal and rebirth. Her festival was traditionally held on the full moon following the Spring Equinox, much like Easter today.
Themes and Symbolism of Ostara
With daylight and darkness in perfect balance, Ostara represents harmony, equilibrium, and the interplay between feminine and masculine energies, night and day, the seen and unseen.
This time of year is not only a celebration of fertility and the renewal of life but also a moment to honor the Earth Mother and Spring Goddess. It marks the rebirth of the Horned God, who returns to unite with the Goddess in the endless cycle of the seasons.
Ostara is a time for renewal, fresh beginnings, setting intentions, and embracing the natural cycles of transformation. We can take a moment to honor the first sprouts breaking through the soil, recognizing that growth—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—is underway.
Ways to Celebrate Ostara
Spend Time in Nature – Take a mindful walk outdoors, appreciating the new growth around you. Offer gratitude for the abundance of the Earth and the changing season.
Plant Seeds – Use this time to sow the seeds of a plant ally—Whether in a garden, a small pot, or even a windowsill planter, growing herbs, flowers, or vegetables can be a meaningful way to connect with the energy of Spring. Infuse your intentions into the seeds as you plant them and nurture them as they grow. Perhaps seeds you blessed during Imbolc—and let it grow alongside you as you move through a season of transformation. As you care for the sprout, observe its different stages of growth and reflect on the lessons it offers. What wisdom does it bring into your life?
Create a Seasonal Altar – Create a sacred space indoors or outdoors and decorate it with symbols of Spring—like fresh flowers, a candle, or meaningful items. An Ostara altar is a beautiful way to honor the season and set intentions for renewal. Include symbols of fertility, such as eggs, flowers, and representations of the goddess Eostre. Use colors like pastels and vibrant greens to reflect new beginnings. Infuse your altar with your intentions and invite the energy of rebirth.
Spring Cleaning – If you haven’t yet done a thorough clean, now is a great time to refresh your space. Focus on both physical tidying and energetic clearing to invite new energy in. You may also feel called to cleanse your body with nourishing foods or detox practices. As spring’s light returns, purify your surroundings by working with the elements. Clear stagnant energy and make room for new vitality with rituals like decluttering, using sacred smoke, opening windows to let in fresh air, lighting a beeswax candle, and wiping surfaces with salt water.
Bake Something Symbolic – Traditional springtime baked goods like bread or hot cross buns carry the energy of renewal, as yeast causes them to rise, much like the new life emerging in nature. Baking with intention can be a powerful way to welcome abundance into the next cycle.
Watch the Sunrise – Begin the day by witnessing the rising sun, a simple yet meaningful way to honor the light’s return. You might offer prayers, affirmations, or quiet gratitude for the new season.
Take Inspired Action – After the introspective months of winter, now is the time to breathe life into your goals and dreams. If you set intentions earlier in the year, consider what steps you can take to bring them to fruition.
Journal on Balance – With the day and night equally divided, reflect on how balance shows up in your life. Where do you feel harmony? Where could you create more equilibrium?
By embracing the energy of Ostara, we align with the rhythms of the Earth, stepping forward into a new season of growth and possibility. May this time of balance and transition inspire you to sow the seeds of our dreams and welcome the light of spring into our hearts and homes.