Ostara – The Spring Equinox
Date: Around March 20–21 (Spring Equinox)
In the southern hemisphere Ostara occurs from September 20 to 22.
Meaning: Balance, renewal, fertility, new beginnings, hope, and growth.
Ostara marks the moment when day and night are equal. After months of winter, the Earth awakens, plants begin to sprout, birds return, and life starts anew. It is a celebration of possibility and the promise that what has been planted—both literally and spiritually—will grow.
Symbolism
- Equal day and night
- New beginnings
- Fertility
- Seeds and planting
- Youth and renewal
- Balance between light and darkness
- Fresh energy and optimism
Common symbols include:
- Eggs
- Rabbits and hares
- Chicks
- Butterflies
- Nests
- Blossoms
- Seeds
- Green shoots
Candle Colors
Light candles in colors that represent spring’s awakening:
- 💚 Green – growth and abundance
- 💛 Yellow – sunshine and joy
- 🤍 White – purity and fresh beginnings
- 💗 Pink – love and compassion
- 💜 Lavender – spirituality
- 🩵 Pale blue – clear skies and balance
Crystals
Popular crystals for Ostara include:
- Clear Quartz – fresh energy and clarity
- Rose Quartz – self-love and compassion
- Green Aventurine – prosperity and growth
- Moss Agate – nature and gardening
- Citrine – sunshine and optimism
- Amazonite – harmony and balance
- Fluorite – new ideas and focus
- Moonstone – intuition and cycles
Herbs and Plants
Spring herbs and flowers are perfect for decorating altars or using in rituals.
Herbs
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Thyme
- Chamomile
- Lemon Balm
- Parsley
- Dill
- Sage
- Lavender
Flowers
- Daffodils
- Crocuses
- Tulips
- Primroses
- Hyacinths
- Violets
- Snowdrops
- Cherry blossoms
Trees
- Birch
- Willow
- Apple
Foods
Fresh, light foods celebrate the return of life.
Traditional Foods
- Eggs
- Fresh breads
- Honey
- Cheese
- Butter
- Yogurt
Fruits
- Strawberries (where available)
- Apples
- Citrus fruits
Vegetables
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Spring onions
- Lettuce
Desserts
- Honey cakes
- Lemon cake
- Shortbread
- Hot cross buns (many modern pagans enjoy them as a seasonal treat)
Drinks
- Herbal teas
- Lemon water
- Mead (where appropriate)
- Flower-infused teas
- Fresh spring water
Goddesses
Ostara is associated with youthful goddesses of spring, dawn, and renewal.
Notable goddesses include:
- Eostre – spring, dawn, fertility, renewal
- Brigid – continued from Imbolc, inspiration, healing, growth
- Persephone – returning from the Underworld, bringing spring
- Flora – blossoms and flowering plants
- Freyja – love, fertility, beauty
The God
The God is seen as:
- Young
- Growing stronger
- The Green Man
- Lord of the Forest
- Bringing life back to nature
His energy is vibrant, adventurous, and full of promise.
Incense
Wonderful scents for Ostara include:
- Lavender
- Jasmine
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Frankincense
- Patchouli (lightly)
- Cedar
- Lemon
- Orange blossom
Altar Decorations
Decorate your altar with:
- Painted eggs
- Fresh flowers
- Bird nests
- Seeds
- Moss
- Green cloth
- Rabbit or hare figures
- Butterflies
- Feathers
- Small potted plants
Magical Work
Ostara is an excellent time for:
- Beginning new projects
- Planting literal or symbolic seeds
- Manifestation work
- Cleansing your home
- Garden blessings
- Self-renewal
- Balance meditations
- Prosperity spells
- Fertility rituals (for creativity, ideas, or family)
Simple Ostara Ritual
- Light a green and a white candle.
- Hold a crystal such as moss agate or clear quartz.
- Spend a few moments reflecting on what you wish to grow this year.
- Plant seeds in a pot while visualizing your goals taking root.
- Offer thanks to the Earth for another season of abundance.
- Close by enjoying a simple meal of bread, cheese, fruit, and herbal tea.
Ostara Blessing
As light and darkness stand in perfect balance, May my heart welcome new beginnings. May the seeds I plant today grow with wisdom, joy, and love. Like the Earth awakening beneath the spring sun, May I blossom into my truest self. Blessed Be.
Ostara reminds us that every ending gives rise to a new beginning. It is a gentle invitation to embrace hope, nurture our dreams, and grow alongside the awakening Earth.