Introduction to Ostara
Ostara is a celebration of rebirth, balance, and the awakening of life, observed during the spring equinox, when day and night stand in perfect harmony. (That’s the balance part!)
The Venerable Bede's account provides historical context for the celebration of Ostara and its association with the goddess Eostre. Rooted in ancient pagan traditions, Ostara marks the turning point when the darkness of winter gives way to the increasing light of spring. This festival honors the fertility of the Earth, the return of warmth, and the promise of abundance in the months ahead. Many of its themes—rebirth, growth, and equilibrium—reflect the natural cycles of life.
Many modern pagans, Wiccans, and nature-based spiritualists celebrate Ostara as part of the Wheel of the Year, using this time to set intentions, plant seeds (both literal and metaphorical), and welcome the increasing energy of the sun as we shift to balanced day and night. The festival invites reflection on personal growth and the balance between light and dark, mirroring the equilibrium found in nature during the equinox.
The Wheel of the Year
The Wheel of the Year is a sacred cycle of seasonal festivals observed in many pagan and Wiccan traditions, marking the natural rhythms of the Earth and its changing seasons. It consists of eight sabbats, divided between the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter festivals, each representing a different phase in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. These celebrations honor the shifting balance of light and dark, the fertility of the land, and the interconnectedness of all living things. By following the Wheel of the Year, practitioners align themselves with nature’s rhythms, finding deeper meaning in the changing seasons and embracing the lessons they offer. Whether celebrating the rebirth of the sun at Yule, the fertility of Beltane, or the harvests of Lammas and Mabon, the Wheel serves as a guide for spiritual reflection, growth, and connection to the natural world. (More on the Wheel of the Year here.)
Ostara embodies the themes of rebirth, change, and balance, as it marks the turning point when winter’s grip loosens and the world awakens with new life. Just as plants begin to sprout from the soil and animals emerge from hibernation, Ostara reminds us that we, too, experience cycles of renewal and growth. It is a time to embrace new beginnings, shedding the stagnation of the past and stepping into fresh possibilities. The egg, a powerful symbol of Ostara, represents the potential for transformation, reminding us that within every ending lies the seed of something new. By celebrating this festival, we acknowledge our own ability to evolve, embracing change as a natural and necessary part of life’s journey.
Balance is another key theme of Ostara, as the spring equinox is one of the two days in the year when day and night are of equal length. This moment of perfect equilibrium teaches us the importance of finding harmony in our own lives—between work and rest, giving and receiving, and action and reflection. As the light continues to grow stronger, Ostara encourages us to seek balance between our inner and outer worlds, ensuring that we nurture both our physical and spiritual well-being. Just as nature moves forward in perfect rhythm, we are reminded to trust in the flow of life, maintaining balance as we transition into new phases of growth and renewal.
What is Ostara?
Ostara is a significant pagan holiday celebrated on the spring equinox, typically on March 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. This day, also known as the vernal equinox, marks the moment when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing the balance and harmony of nature. Ostara is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, who represents dawn, fertility, and renewal. As the Earth awakens from its winter slumber, Ostara celebrates new beginnings and the return of life, with the promise of growth and abundance in the coming months. This festival is a time to honor the rejuvenating energy of spring, embracing the fresh start it offers to both nature and our personal lives.
History of Ostara
The history of Ostara dates back to ancient times, when various cultures around the world celebrated the spring equinox with festivals symbolizing renewal and rebirth. The Germanic goddess Eostre was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons, and her festival was celebrated at the spring equinox. The name “Ostara” comes from the Old High German word “Ôstara,” which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*Austrō(n),” meaning “east” or “dawn.” Over time, the celebration of Ostara was influenced by Christianity, and many of its traditions and symbols were incorporated into the Christian holiday of Easter. Despite these changes, the essence of Ostara as a celebration of spring and new life has endured through the centuries.
The Anglo Saxon Goddess Eostre
The name Ostara is often linked to the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, a deity associated with dawn, fertility, and new beginnings. Though historical records of her worship are scarce, she lives on in the symbols and traditions of the season, such as the hare and the egg, both representing fertility and potential. Some scholars suggest that Eostre may have been a localized goddess specific to certain regions like Kent County, England, highlighting debates within the Pagan community about her origins and place in history.
As the goddess of spring and renewal, Eostre teaches us the importance of embracing change and the cycles of life. Just as the Earth awakens from the cold stillness of winter, we too experience periods of dormancy followed by growth and transformation. Her association with the spring equinox reminds us that balance is essential—light and dark, endings and beginnings, work and rest all coexist in harmony. By honoring Eostre, we learn to trust in the natural flow of life, recognizing that every ending makes way for a fresh start. She encourages us to welcome new opportunities, nurture our dreams, and embrace the possibilities that come with each new season.
Eostre also teaches us about fertility and abundance in both a literal and symbolic sense. Fertility is not just about reproduction but also about creativity, potential, and personal growth. The hare, one of her sacred symbols, represents vitality and the ability to manifest new life, while the egg embodies the promise of new beginnings. Through these symbols, Eostre reminds us to cultivate our passions, plant the seeds of our goals, and nurture them with patience and intention. She encourages us to live with a sense of hope, joy, and gratitude for the abundance that surrounds us, inspiring us to celebrate the beauty of renewal and the endless possibilities of life.
More on Eostre
The Goddess Eostre: The spring goddess who teaches us to seek balance and embrace change.
Christian Influence on Ostara
The Christian holiday of Easter has had a significant influence on the celebration of Ostara. Many of the symbols and traditions associated with Ostara, such as eggs, rabbits, and spring flowers, have been incorporated into Easter celebrations. The Christian church attempted to supplant the pagan traditions of Ostara with Christian symbolism, but many of the original pagan customs and symbols have survived to this day. Despite this, Ostara remains a distinct and separate holiday from Easter, with its own unique traditions and symbolism. The blending of these traditions highlights the enduring power of the themes of renewal and rebirth that both holidays celebrate.
Ostara Associations with Colored Eggs
Hares, eggs, and daffodils are powerful symbols associated with Ostara, each representing themes of fertility, renewal, and the awakening of life. The tradition of colored eggs, linked to ancient pagan customs and the goddess Eostre, highlights the cultural significance of these symbols. The hare, a creature known for its speed and prolific reproduction, has long been linked to fertility and abundance, making it a fitting emblem for the season of growth. In folklore, the hare is also connected to the goddess Eostre, who is said to have transformed a bird into a hare that could lay colorful eggs. This connection to both the moon and the cycles of nature reinforces the hare’s role as a messenger of spring, symbolizing vitality, intuition, and the return of life after the stillness of winter.
Eggs, another central symbol of Ostara, represent potential and new beginnings, embodying the life force waiting to emerge. In many traditions, eggs are decorated and used in rituals to honor the fertility of the Earth and the renewal of life. Similarly, daffodils, among the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolize hope, joy, and the triumph of light over darkness. Their bright yellow petals mirror the warmth of the returning sun, reminding us of the increasing energy of the season. Together, hares, eggs, and daffodils capture the essence of Ostara—celebrating the beauty of nature’s rebirth and the endless possibilities that come with the arrival of spring.
More on Ostara Associations
Ostara Associations: Daffodils, hares, eggs, pastel colors, Ostara crystals, and more. Eggs represent new life and new beginnings, particularly in the context of spring traditions like Ostara.
Symbolism of Ostara
The symbolism of Ostara is deeply rooted in the natural world and the cycle of the seasons. Eggs, for example, represent new life and fertility, embodying the potential for growth and transformation. Rabbits, known for their prolific reproduction, symbolize abundance and rebirth. Spring flowers, such as daffodils and tulips, herald the return of color and beauty to the world, signifying hope and the triumph of light over darkness. The goddess Eostre is often depicted with a hare, which is said to lay eggs, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. The pastel shades of pink, blue, and yellow associated with Ostara reflect the soft hues of spring, capturing the gentle yet powerful energy of the season.
Ostara and Easter
While Ostara and Easter share many similarities, they are distinct and separate holidays. Ostara is a pagan holiday that celebrates the spring equinox and the return of new life, while Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite this, many of the symbols and traditions associated with Ostara have been incorporated into Easter celebrations, and the two holidays are often celebrated together. However, for many pagans and Wiccans, Ostara remains a unique and important holiday that celebrates the natural world and the cycle of the seasons. It is a time to honor the balance of light and dark, the renewal of life, and the endless possibilities that spring brings.
How to Celebrate Ostara During the Spring Equinox
Today, Ostara celebrations often include feasting, decorating eggs, spending time in nature, and performing rituals that honor renewal and abundance. German immigrants brought Easter traditions to America, including folklore about the Easter Bunny, which has roots in Ostara celebrations. Many choose to plant gardens, spend time in nature, or create altars adorned with flowers, crystals, and symbols of fertility. Whether practiced as a spiritual observance or simply as a way to embrace the changing season, Ostara offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature, find balance, and welcome the transformative power of spring.
More on Ostara Celebrations
How to Celebrate Ostara: Here's more on decorating those eggs!
Ostara Journal Prompts and Meditation
As we reach the spring equinox, Ostara offers a chance for balance and rebirth. Reflect on your journey with journal prompts, meditation, and whatever other rituals of reflection suit you best.
Ostara Journal Prompts: Journal prompts for the season of balance.
Ostara Meditation: A meditation on renewal for the season.
The Ostara Companion: Spells, Meditations, Coloring Pages, and All About Ostara
Happy Ostara!