Embrace the Magic of Ostara: A Celebration of Renewal and Balance

Image Artwork by Josephine Walls

As the wheel of the year turns, we find ourselves arriving at Ostara — the Spring Equinox — a time of balance, renewal, and awakening. This year, Ostara graces us around March 20th, marking the moment when day and night stand in perfect harmony. It’s a powerful reminder that light always returns after darkness and that new beginnings are blooming all around us.

What is Ostara? Ostara, named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, celebrates fertility, rebirth, and the returning warmth of the sun. The holiday honors the Earth's awakening, encouraging us to plant seeds — both physically and metaphorically — for the dreams and goals we wish to nurture throughout the year.

This is a sacred Pagan holiday, deeply connected to the cycles of nature. Many modern traditions around Easter, like eggs and rabbits, trace back to Ostara’s ancient roots.

Persephone: The Goddess of Spring’s Return Ostara’s energy also resonates with the Greek goddess Persephone. As the daughter of Demeter, goddess of the harvest, Persephone’s journey to and from the Underworld symbolizes the changing seasons. When she returns to the Earth in spring, life bursts forth in her wake — flowers bloom, crops grow, and the world awakens from its winter slumber. She embodies renewal, resilience, and the beauty of transformation, making her a powerful figure to honor during Ostara.

Symbols of Ostara You might recognize some of Ostara’s symbols, which have woven their way into modern traditions:

• Eggs: Representing fertility, creation, and the potential for new life.
• Hares and Rabbits: Symbols of abundance, fertility, and the goddess herself.
• Flowers: A reminder of beauty, growth, and the blossoming of our intentions.
• The Sun: Welcoming longer days and the strength to pursue our goals.

Ways to Celebrate Ostara At Sand and Sage Mystic Shoppe, we adore helping you align with the energy of the season. Here are some ways to celebrate:

Create an Ostara Altar: Decorate with pastel colors, fresh flowers, crystals like rose quartz or citrine, and symbols of fertility and balance. Light a green or yellow candle to welcome growth and joy.

Plant Seeds — Literally and Spiritually: Whether you’re starting a garden or setting personal intentions, Ostara is the perfect time to cultivate growth. Write your dreams on slips of paper and plant them with seeds, envisioning them sprouting alongside nature.

Balance Your Energy: Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life that feel out of balance. Ostara invites us to restore equilibrium — between work and play, giving and receiving, light and dark.

Feast on Fresh Foods: Celebrate with seasonal dishes! Eggs, honey, leafy greens, berries, and bread are all wonderful choices to honor the Earth’s bounty.

Wishing You a Blessed Ostara! From all of us at Sand and Sage Mystic Shoppe, may this season bring you balance, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Happy Ostara!