The Vernal Equinox is upon us! It is the time that light and dark are in total balance, meaning that night and day are equal, yet light is growing stronger every day. The forces of masculine and feminine energy, yin and yang are in balance at this time also. Other names that this is known by include Oestara, Eostre's Day, Rite of Eostare, Alban Eilir, Festival of the Trees and Lady Day. The name of the Sabbat actually comes from Teutonic lunar Goddess, Eostre. Her chief symbols were the Hare (for fertility and becauseAncient ones who worshipped her often saw the image of the hare in the full moon) , and the Egg (representing the Cosmic Egg of Creation). Let's talk of the symbolism that is brought forth with Spring. We are all familiar with the egg as being very symbolic to this time ....but as we look further we will describe this as the Cosmic Egg. It used to be a common idea that the primeval universe (the Great Mother) took the form or shape of an egg as well as the God. The Golden orb represents the Sun God and it's white shell represents the White Goddess, and the whole is a symbol of rebirth. There are many stories, like that of Leto, who according to legend hatched the Sun and Moon out of an egg. Or the story of Hathor, who hatched the golden egg of the sun at the beginning of the world. It is said that the rounded egg holds all of the blessings of the Great Goddess. The Hindu system of magick also reveres the egg as the Akasa (Spirit).

(In the Wiccan/Pagan Wheel of the Year, this is the time when the Great Mother Goddess, again a Virgin at Candlemas, welcomes the young Sun God unto her and concieves a child of this devine union. The child will be born nine months later at the Yule. The Winter Solstice. ) The coloring of eggs is a representation of the colors of spring. The old ones would go hunting for the eggs to eat after the long winter. They would gather up the eggs from the nests of birds, seeing how the birds wove together twigs for their nests, is where the idea for the weaving of baskets originated. Now today you see we have the hunting for colored eggs, which are gathered and then placed into woven baskets which were left by the Easter bunny.

The Spring Equinox is a time for of new beginnings, of actions, of planting seeds for future crops and the tending of the gardens. Spring is the earth renewing. The rousing of the Goddess from her cold winters sleep to bring forth the lushness of the earth's renewal. As such, it is an ideal time to do a "Spring Cleaning" of your home. As this is being done, remember it is not just a cleaning of settled winters dust, but a concentrated effort of cleansing of all negatives brought by the harsh winter months. It is a preparation for the coming spring and summer. So, approach this task in a positive thought. A common rule of thumb for the rubbing and scrubbings should be done deocil (clockwise). This custom aids in filling your home with positive energy for growth and prosperity.

Key actions to keep in mind in this time would include openings and new beginnings. Spellwork that is recommended is working towards improving communication as well as fertility and abundance. This is the time to cast any spells for positive change, as this is a time of great psychic energy. The energy / time of the New Moon is typically used for invoking the things you wish to bring into your life (such as positive changes in your habits, physical appearance etc). Ostara is a perfect time to put those plans and preparations made during Imbolic into action. Start working towards the physical manifestations now.

Appropriate Dieties for Ostara include all Youthful and Virile Gods and Goddesses, Sun Gods, Mother Goddesses, Love Goddesses, Gods and Goddesses of the moon and all fertility Gods and Goddesses. To list by name ..... Eostre, Persephone, Isis, Ishtar, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Blodeuwedd, Cybele, Gaia, Minerva, Venus, The Green Man, Cerunnos, Lord of Greenwood, The Dagda, Atta, The Great Horned God, Mithras, Odin,Thoth, Osiris and Pan.

The most common colors associated with Ostara are lemon yellow, pale green and pale pink. Although, grass green, Robin's egg blue, violet, white and all pastels are appropriate.

Stones used in Ostara celebration include aquamarine, rose quartz and moonstone.

Animal associated are the Hare and snakes.

Mythical creatures would include Unicorns, Merpeople, and Pegasus.

Plants and herbs include Irish moss, snowdrops,ginger, crocus flowers, daffodils and jasmine.

For Ostara inscense make a blend or simply choose one of the following: Jasmine, francincense, murth, dragons bllod, cinnamon, nutmeg, aloes wood, benzoin, musk, african violet, sage, strawberry, violet flowers, orange peel, strawberry or rose petals.

Keeping intune with nature your foods should be linked with the season. Eggs, honey cakes, fresh fruit of the season, fish, biscuits, cheeses, honey and ham. Also foods made with seeds such as sunflower, pumkin, sesame as well as pine nuts. Leafy green veggies and sprouts are also appropriate. Your meat dishes should be of ham or fish.

Plant your seeds securely........ Tend your plant wisely ....

~CLICK ON FLOWERS TO LINK FOR RITUAL~

I encourage all to celebrate this Sacred Sabbat, and to welcome more beauty into your lives. This is the time to start your dream, to embrace your joy, to experience growth and harmony and to come back into balance. Have reverence for the Mother Earth and respect for yourself, and the power of magick to change your life! May the Lord and Lady Bless you and keep you wrapped in Love,

 Blessed Be.

this page courtesy of §håðówÔƒthewîtçh                 Kålím㤧†ár¤ƒír餧Ôtw  3/2002