Yule
Imbolg
Ostara
Beltaine
Litha
Lammas
Mabon
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Ostara (March 21) |
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The Ostara sabbat occurs on or around March 21 of every year, at the vernal equinox. Night and day are equal, and the Sun God is gaining strength day by day. This festival is one of warmth, fertility, growth and prosperity.
Goddesses associated with the Ostara festival include most notably Eostre, an important Goddess in early Europe. Her symbols included the rabbit (a fertility symbol) and the egg (symbolizing new beginnings.) It is from this symbolism that easter eggs and the easter bunny are derived.
The main themes of this festival are balance and renewal. Not only should we reflect on the balance between day and night and the renewal of summer's warmth, but also on the balance in our own lives and the road ahead. Ostara begins the waxing portion of the year, which will continue until the autumnal equinox at Mabon.
Celebration Suggestions
- Decorate hard boiled eggs with your family to honour the gods and goddesses of fertility. This colourful tradition dates back thousands of years.
- Perform divination by separating egg yolks from whites, a practice called oomancy.
- Start a garden, or at least clear space for one - depending on the local climate.
- Spend some time outdoors to witness nature's rebirth. Thank the God and Goddess for providing during the winter months.
- Perform magick having to do with growth and new beginnings. Use the energy of the equinox as you would that of the first quarter of the moon.
Ostara Correspondences
| Colours | Pink, Blue, Green and White |
| Stones | Rose quartz, Aquamarine, Moonstone, Amethyst, Red Jasper |
| Plants | Peonies, Daffodils, Tulips, all other spring flowers |
| Herbs | Honeysuckle, Iris, Jasmine, Rose Petal |
| Incense and Oil | Rose Petal, Strawberry, Sage, Magnolia, Hyssop |
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Graphics by Simoni Graphics |