Ostara Associations
Ostara, celebrated around the spring equinox, is a pagan festival that honors renewal, balance, and the fertility of the earth as it awakens from winter. Rooted in ancient traditions, it symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and the harmony of light and dark as the days grow longer. It is one of the eight sabbats of the Wheel of the Year often celebrated in contemporary paganism. (More on the Wheel of the Year here.)
Here are a few associations to get you started on your Ostara traditions and rituals.
Ostara Crystal
Green aventurine, often called the "stone of opportunity," is deeply connected to themes of growth, renewal, and abundance, making it a perfect crystal for Ostara. Its vibrant green hue resonates with the energy of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the flourishing of life. Green aventurine is believed to bring luck, enhance confidence, and inspire optimism—qualities that align with the hope and potential of the season. During Ostara, this crystal can be used in rituals or meditations to set intentions for personal growth, attract prosperity, and harmonize with the natural rebirth occurring in the world. Its gentle, nurturing energy mirrors the balance and vitality celebrated during this festival of renewal.
Ostara Herbs
Spring flowers and herbs are integral to the celebration of Ostara, symbolizing the renewal, fertility, and abundance that define the season. As nature awakens from its winter slumber, these blooms and plants represent the earth's vitality and the promise of growth and transformation. Flowers like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses bring vibrant energy to rituals, embodying the return of light and the balance of the spring equinox. Herbs such as lavender and chamomile offer spiritual benefits, promoting healing, harmony, and clarity during this time of renewal. Incorporating these gifts of nature into Ostara celebrations connects us to the cycles of life, encouraging gratitude and mindfulness as we plant seeds—both literal and metaphorical—for the months ahead.
Lavender
Lavender, known for its calming and purifying properties, holds deep spiritual significance, particularly during Ostara. As a symbol of peace, renewal, and spiritual awakening, lavender aligns beautifully with the themes of the spring equinox. Its soothing aroma and vibrant purple blooms evoke a sense of balance, reflecting the harmony of light and dark celebrated at this time. Lavender is often used in Ostara rituals to cleanse the mind and spirit, promote clarity, and invite tranquility as one sets intentions for growth and transformation. Whether burned as incense, infused into oils, or added to seasonal altars, lavender helps cultivate a serene and open space for embracing new beginnings.
Chamomile
Chamomile, often regarded as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and healing, connects deeply to Ostara. Its gentle, golden blossoms reflect the warmth and vitality of the returning sun, embodying the energy of renewal and growth celebrated during the spring equinox. Chamomile is known for its soothing and protective qualities, making it an ideal herb for fostering emotional balance and grounding—key themes during this time of equilibrium between light and dark. In Ostara rituals, chamomile can be used in teas, incense, or charm bags to attract prosperity, encourage relaxation, and set intentions for new beginnings. Its calming energy supports the transition into spring with a sense of hope and gentle empowerment.
Daffodils
The vibrant yellow and white blooms of daffodils are a quintessential symbol of spring. As one of the first flowers to emerge after winter, they embody themes of rebirth, hope, and new beginnings celebrated during Ostara. Their cheerful appearance and association with the sun mirror the growing light and warmth of the season, reminding us of the cycles of renewal and growth. In Ostara rituals, daffodils can be used to decorate altars, represent fertility and abundance, or inspire optimism and vitality in personal intentions. These bright flowers encourage us to embrace the potential of the season and bloom into our fullest selves.
Ostara Element
Different holidays can have stronger associations with different elements (earth, air, fire, and water). The element of earth is closely associated with Ostara, as it embodies the themes of growth, fertility, and renewal that define the spring equinox. At this time of year, the earth awakens from its winter dormancy, bursting forth with life as plants sprout, flowers bloom, and animals return to activity. Earth represents grounding and stability, reminding us to root ourselves in our intentions as we embrace new beginnings. Ostara rituals often honor this element through planting seeds, working with crystals, or incorporating herbs and flowers, all of which connect us to the life-giving energy of the soil. By celebrating Earth during Ostara, we honor the cycles of nature and our connection to its nurturing, abundant energy.
Ostara Symbols
Here are a couple of other symbols (perhaps even the moment you’ve been waiting for!) that are often associated with Ostara.
Eggs
Eggs hold profound importance and symbolism during Ostara, representing fertility, creation, and the potential for new beginnings. As one of the oldest symbols of life, the egg embodies the earth’s renewal and the promise of growth during the spring equinox. Its rounded shape mirrors the balance and cycles of life, aligning with the equilibrium of light and dark celebrated at this time. The shell represents protection, the yolk vitality, and the act of hatching signifies breaking free from limitations to embrace transformation and new opportunities. In Ostara traditions, eggs are often dyed in vibrant colors to symbolize the blossoming of life and the energy of the season, making them a central feature in seasonal rituals and decorations.
Beyond their symbolic meanings, eggs are a practical representation of abundance, sustenance, and prosperity as nature begins to flourish. They are used in offerings, altar displays, and even fertility rituals to honor the interconnectedness of life and the earth's creative energy. Rolling eggs, a tradition in some cultures, symbolizes the movement of the sun and its growing power, while gifting eggs strengthens bonds of community and goodwill. Whether used in ritual or as a reminder of nature’s regenerative cycles, eggs encapsulate the hope, balance, and vitality of Ostara, encouraging us to embrace the possibilities of the season.
Rabbits
Rabbits are deeply significant to Ostara, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and the vitality of life that emerges with the arrival of spring. Known for their rapid reproduction, rabbits embody the creative energy and potential for growth that align with the themes of the spring equinox. Their playful and agile nature mirrors the lighthearted joy and renewal of the season, while their nocturnal habits connect them to the cycles of the moon and the balance between light and dark. In Ostara traditions, rabbits are often linked to the Goddess Ēostre, who is said to have a sacred hare as her companion, reinforcing their connection to fertility and the awakening of the earth.
Beyond their symbolic meanings, rabbits serve as a reminder of adaptability and resourcefulness, qualities needed to thrive during periods of change and growth. Their burrows, nestled close to the earth, connect them to grounding energy and the nurturing aspects of nature. Rabbits also represent the interconnectedness of life, as they are an integral part of spring’s ecosystems, contributing to the cycle of renewal. In Ostara celebrations, images of rabbits may appear in art, decorations, or rituals as a way to honor the season’s fertility and abundance. These creatures inspire us to embrace life’s possibilities, trust in nature’s rhythms, and move forward with curiosity and vitality.
Combining the Ostara Elements
Together, these symbols—spring daffodils, painted eggs, and cute bunnies—make Ostara special. The components work together to underscore the themes of the spring equinox.
Happy Ostara!
More on Ostara
Now that you have your Ostara traditions ready to go, do you want to explore more about Ostara?
About Ostara: An introduction to the spring equinox holiday.
How to Celebrate Ostara: Decorate eggs, connect with nature, honor your ancestors, and more!
The Goddess Ēostre: An ancient Germanic deity of spring and dawn, Ēostre symbolizes renewal, fertility, and the awakening of life.
Ostara Meditation: Take some time for yourself to meditate on the spring equinox.
Ostara Journal Prompts: Enjoy reflecting on the balance of night and day with these 25 journal prompts.
The Ostara Companion: Spells, meditations, coloring pages, and more.
