Ostara

Ostara Ritual , Holidays , Home

Ostara or the Spring Equinox brings a waxing Sun. The Forces of night are held at bay for the moment, and indeed will continue to give way to the power of the Sun. The Sun enters Aries on March 20th, the day of Mercury, and in the hour of the Moon, and begins its circumnavigation of the zodiac. The Moon is skipping ahead of the sun at 14 degrees Gemini, and Mercury energy dominates this day. Only easily completed projects should be started. Although the Sun and the Moon are fire and air, this is a fertility festival and is symbolized by the egg.

Celebrate at sunrise, using pink, pale green, lavender, and butter yellow at the four corners of your altar. Decorate the altar with an egg tree, or search out a pysanki egg with appropriate symbols and nestle it in a bird's nest. Follow with a breakfast brunch; serve eggs!

Create ritual incense for fire and air symbolism. Blend rue, fennel seed, red sandalwood, and cinnamon; and an equal amount of frankincense and several drops of rose oil. Cover and store for two weeks before using.

-K.D. Spitzer