Ostara

The first day of spring has arrived! The earth is awakening and so are our creative sparks! Embrace this time of new beginnings and call fresh energy into your life. Take a moment to focus on your joys and blessings, especially in this time of stress and uncertainty. Here are some correspondences to help you get the most out of this holiday. Happy Spring!

Names:

Ostara / Eostre / Spring Equinox / Vernal Equinox

Date:

Near March 22

Themes & Correspondences:

Resurrection of the land through the awakening of the Earth Maiden. New growth, new beginnings, fertility, creativity. Seeds, pots of soil, coloured eggs

History:

The Spring Equinox (the first day of Spring) is named after the Teutonic goddess of spring, Ostara. Eggs, rabbits and seeds are sacred to her and her themes are fertility and rebirth.

Modern pagans often celebrate the Eleusinian Mysteries, the mysteries representing the myth of the descent of Persephone from her mother Demeter to the king of the underworld Hades, in a cycle with three phases: the descent (loss), the search, and the ascent, with the main theme being the ascent of Persephone and the reunion with her mother. As the Sun turns from Pisces, we leave the frozen dreaminess of winter’s end and enter Aries, the fiery, warrior energy.

Colours:

Pastels, yellow, green, white

Astrology:

Sun moves from Pisces to Aries

Lunar correspondence:

1st quarter

Herbs:

Herbs of Ares and Mars; all early spring flowers. Traditional plants include: Alder, almond, clover, flax, nettles, cattail, fern, lemon, lemongrass, rose, rose hips, iris, tansy, violets, lilac, marjoram, crocus, tulip, daffodil, dogwood, magnolia, narcissus and sunflower seeds.

Woods:

Ash

Stones:

Clear quartz, rose quartz, citrine, lapis lazuli, Aquamarine

Foods:

Corn, salads, eggs, seeds, lemons, lamb, hot cross buns, dairy foods, maple syrup.

Deities:

Maiden Goddess, Agricultural Goddess, Solar God, War God. Ostara, Kore/Persephone, Demeter, Bel, Apolo, Horus, Ares/Mars, Marzanna, Freya and Frey.

Archangel:

Raphael

Infernal King:

Asmodeus

Animals:

Rabbits, robins, chicks, all baby animals, butterflies