The spring equinox is one of two equinoxes that happen throughout the year. The equinox is a time when there is equal length between the night and day, while being halfway between the solstices. Ostara is connected to the Anglo-Saxon goddess of the dawn, Eostra, who oversees the budding of plants and fertility. It is the second spring celebration following Imbolc and preceding Beltane. A time of magic, freshness, romance, and new beginnings.
Altar ideas: eggs, flowers, and rabbits. Include pastel colors for a fresh feel.
Animal and insect associations: rabbits, bumblebees, butterflies, ladybugs, caterpillars, and snakes
Mythical beast associations: dragons due to the snake connection and the emphasis on fertility. Other sources list mermaids, pegasus, and unicorns as well.
Colors: yellow, green ,pink, and purple, especially in pastel shades
Baking: Use ingredients like cheese, eggs, honey, milk, and seeds. It’s a great time to try hot cross bun recipes!
Cooking: Use leafy vegetables and fish
Drink recipes: eggnogs and flavored lemonades
Book recommendations: Ostara – (Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials) by Kerri Connor, Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch by Ellen Dugan, and The Way of the Hedge Witch: Rituals and Spells for Hearth and Home by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.
Journal prompts: What can I add to my life that can help me heal and grow? What could be an abundance block to work on?
Incense: sage bundles that include African violets, strawberry, jasmine, or rose petals. You can even make your own sage bundle blend.
Plant associations: crocuses, daffodils, lilies, jasmine, Irish moss, and ginger.
Since Ostara is heavily associated with the garden, you can always try your hand at increasing or starting a medicinal garden.
Tree associations: alder, ash, and birch
Rituals: paint eggs, bless chocolate eggs and give them out, spring clean yourself and/or your personal space, decorate with fresh flowers, plant seeds or seedlings in your garden, or go for a walk in nature.
Spell casting with eggs is popular at this time. Brown eggs are for animals, while white eggs can be used for people and plants. You can blow and paint the eggs, writing blessings on them and hanging them. Or you can bless them and bury them near your doorway.
Stones: aquamarine, moonstone, and rose quartz
Symbolizes: abundance, fertility, the new moon, and success
There are some things, after all, that Sally Owens knows for certain: Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can.
-Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic
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