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Rejoicing in the Renewal: Exploring Ostara in the Wheel of the Year
Wheel of the Year as Honoring the passage of time.
Hey, there lovely one! As the weather starts to warm up and the flowers begin to bloom, it's time to celebrate Ostara, one of the eight sabbats in the Wheel of the Year. Ostara is a time to honor the arrival of spring and the renewal and rebirth that it brings. In this blog post, we'll dive into the history and symbolism of Ostara, as well as some ideas for how to celebrate this special holiday.
The Wheel of the Year
Before we dive into Ostara specifically, let's talk about the Wheel of the Year. The Wheel of the Year is a cycle of eight sabbats or holidays that mark the changing seasons and the natural rhythms of the Earth. The sabbats are evenly spaced throughout the year, with four major sabbats (also known as the cross-quarter days) and four minor sabbats (also known as the quarter days).
The major sabbats are:
Samhain (October 31st) - a time to honor ancestors and the cycle of death and rebirth
Imbolc (February 1st) - a time to celebrate the first signs of spring and new beginnings
Beltane (May 1st) - a time to celebrate fertility, love, and the coming of summer
Lughnasadh (August 1st) - a time to celebrate the first harvest and the abundance of the earth
The minor sabbats are:
Yule (December 21st) - the winter solstice, a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the promise of new life
Ostara (March 20th) - the spring equinox, a time to celebrate the renewal and rebirth of the earth
Litha (June 21st) - the summer solstice, a time to celebrate the height of the sun and the abundance of the earth
Mabon (September 21st) - the fall equinox, a time to celebrate the harvest and the turning of the seasons
Ostara History and Symbolism
Now that we have a better understanding of the Wheel of the Year, let's focus on Ostara specifically. Ostara is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre or Ostara, who was associated with spring, fertility, and new beginnings. The holiday is also sometimes called the Spring Equinox, as it marks the point when the day and night are equal in length.
There are many symbols associated with Ostara, including:
Eggs - Eggs are a powerful symbol of fertility, new beginnings, and the potential for growth. They also represent the balance between light and dark.
Rabbits - Rabbits are a symbol of fertility and abundance. The Easter Bunny is a modern-day representation of this symbolism.
Flowers - Flowers represent the beauty and growth of the spring season. Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are all popular choices for Ostara decorations.
Seeds - Seeds represent the potential for growth and new beginnings. Planting seeds or starting a new project is a great way to connect with the energy of the season.
How to Celebrate Ostara
There are many ways to celebrate Ostara, depending on your personal beliefs and practices. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Ostara is a time of renewal and rebirth, marking the arrival of spring and the awakening of the earth from its winter slumber. Whether you follow a specific spiritual tradition or simply want to connect with the energy of the season, there are many ways to celebrate Ostara. In this blog post, we'll explore some ideas for how to celebrate this memorable holiday.
Create an Altar
One way to connect with the energy of Ostara is to create an altar in your home. Choose a location that feels special to you and gather symbols of spring and renewal, such as:
Fresh flowers or greenery
A candle in a bright color like yellow or green
Crystals like clear quartz or rose quartz
Decorative eggs or eggshells
Seeds or seedlings
Arrange these items in a way that feels pleasing to you, and spend time at your altar each day to connect with the energy of Ostara.
Color Eggs
Dyeing eggs is a traditional way to celebrate Ostara. Choose natural dyes made from ingredients like onion skins, beets, or turmeric, or use store-bought dyes if you prefer. You can also use stickers or paint to decorate your eggs.
As you color your eggs, focus on the symbolism of new beginnings and the
potential for growth that they represent. You can use the eggs as a centerpiece on your altar or display them around your home as a reminder of the season.
Plant Seeds
Planting seeds is a powerful way to connect with the energy of Ostara. Choose seeds for plants that symbolize renewal and growth, such as:
Sunflowers
Daisies
Lavender
Peas
Herbs like basil or parsley
Plant your seeds in a pot or garden bed, and tend to them regularly as they grow. As you care for your plants, focus on the symbolism of new beginnings and the potential for growth that they represent.
Go for a Nature Walk
Take a walk outside and soak in the beauty of spring. Look for signs of new growth, such as buds on trees, flowers blooming, or birds building nests. Take deep breaths of fresh air and feel the energy of the season infusing your body and spirit.
As you walk, you can also collect natural materials to use in your Ostara celebrations. For example, you might gather wildflowers, fallen branches, or interesting rocks.
Prepare a Feast
In many traditions, Ostara is a time of feasting and celebration. Prepare a meal that celebrates the flavors of the season, such as fresh greens, asparagus, and strawberries.
You can also incorporate traditional symbols of Ostara into your meal, such as eggs or honey. As you eat, give thanks for the abundance of the earth and the energy of renewal that surrounds you.
In conclusion, Ostara is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring and the renewal and rebirth that it brings. Whether you choose to create an altar, color eggs, plant seeds, go for a nature walk, or prepare a feast, there are many ways to connect with the energy of the season and honor the symbolism of new beginnings.
Blessed Ostara!
Ostara Blessing
Speak, Ostara, of hope and growth – your gifts to us.
Teach me the ways of light
and reveal the path of illumination
as I prepare to transcend.
Shedding my cold winter skin,
I activate my sanctity,
burning away what no longer serves me.
I emerge from my hibernation,
awaken my dormant energy,
and blossom with the spring.
Amen, A’ho, So it is.
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