Ostara

The Witch’s Guide to the Spring Equinox

As the wheel of the year turns, we find ourselves at the threshold of Ostara—the celebration of balance, renewal, and fertility. The Spring Equinox, occurring around March 20th-23rd in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the moment when day and night stand in perfect harmony. It is a time of awakening, as nature stretches from its winter slumber and life returns to the land. For witches, Ostara is a potent sabbat, rich with magic, symbolism, and opportunities for spellwork.

The Meaning of Ostara

Ostara is named after Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of dawn and fertility. Her symbols—hares, eggs, and blooming flowers—echo the themes of rebirth and new beginnings. Many of the customs associated with Easter, such as egg decorating and the imagery of rabbits, stem from these ancient pagan traditions. This sabbat reminds us that light is once again triumphant, bringing growth, abundance, and possibility.

Ostara Correspondences

• Colors: Pastels (pink, lavender, baby blue, pale green, yellow) represent the soft reawakening of nature.

• Crystals: Rose quartz (love and compassion), citrine (manifestation and abundance), amethyst (spiritual awakening), and moss agate (earth energy and growth).

• Herbs & Flowers: Dandelion, lavender, chamomile, tulips, daffodils, and violets are powerful allies in Ostara spellwork.

• Animals: Rabbits, lambs, and birds are sacred symbols of fertility, renewal, and the cycle of life.

• Elements: Air (for inspiration and clarity) and Earth (for grounding and fertility).

Ways to Celebrate Ostara as a Witch

Create an Ostara Altar

Decorate your sacred space with spring flowers, a small bowl of eggs, fresh herbs, and crystals that resonate with renewal and growth. Consider lighting pastel-colored candles and burning incense like jasmine or sandalwood to enhance the energy.

Perform a Balance Ritual

As Ostara represents equilibrium, this is the perfect time for spells that focus on balance. Write down areas of your life that feel out of sync and visualize restoring harmony. You can also meditate with a crystal in each hand—one representing grounding energy (like hematite) and the other representing higher spiritual vibrations (like selenite).

Egg Magic & Spellwork

Eggs symbolize fertility, creativity, and potential. Decorate eggs with sigils, runes, or intentions, then bury them in the earth as an offering to nature. Alternatively, use eggshells in protection spells or crush them into powder to bless your garden.

Plant Seeds with Intention

Ostara is a beautiful time to work with the earth element by planting seeds—both literally and metaphorically. As you place seeds into the soil, whisper your desires and visualize them growing into reality alongside your plants.

Take a Sunrise Walk or Nature Bath

Honor Eostre and the return of warmth by greeting the rising sun on the morning of the equinox. Walking barefoot on the earth (earthing) or taking a ritual bath infused with fresh herbs can connect you to the awakening energies of the season.

Celebrate with Seasonal Feasting

Prepare dishes that honor the bounty of spring! Foods like honey, milk, leafy greens, sprouts, and herbal teas are wonderful for Ostara. A simple but magical recipe is Ostara Honey Cakes, made with fresh herbs, honey, and warm spices to invoke sweetness and prosperity.

A Simple Ostara Blessing Spell

1. Light a green or yellow candle.

2. Hold a small egg in your hands and focus on an intention you wish to manifest.

3. Say: "By the light of Ostara’s sun, renewal now has begun. Growth and blessings, come to me, as I will, so mote it be."

4. Bury the egg in the soil or near a plant to ground your wish into the earth.

Final Thoughts

Ostara is a time of joy, potential, and fresh beginnings. It invites us to align with the rhythms of the earth, embrace change, and welcome abundance into our lives. Whether through ritual, feasting, or simply appreciating the return of warmth and light, this sabbat holds endless opportunities for magical and personal growth. May your Ostara be filled with renewal, balance, and the blossoming of dreams!

Blessed Ostara! 🌿🌸🐰