Ostara is a modern pagan and Wiccan holiday that celebrates the spring equinox, which usually falls on March 20th or 21st. It is a time to celebrate the rebirth of nature, new beginnings, growth, and fertility.
During Ostara, many pagans and Wiccans perform rituals and ceremonies to honor the changing season, such as planting seeds or decorating eggs as symbols of new life. It is also a time to express gratitude for the blessings of the earth and to celebrate the balance of light and dark as the days become longer and the nights become shorter.
When is Ostara in 2023?
Ostara is celebrated at the astronomical time of the spring equinox, which this year will occur on March 20th at 12:25 p.m. UTC in the northern hemisphere, signifying the moment when the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator as it moves northward.
In the southern hemisphere, the spring equinox will occur on September 23rd at 12:50 a.m. UTC in 2023.
During the equinox, the sun’s rays are equally shared between the hemispheres, resulting in similar day and night lengths. The word equinox is derived from the Latin words aequus and nox, which mean equal and night, respectively.
As one of the eight sabbats in the Wheel of the Year Ostara is a celebration of renewal and hope, as it marks the beginning of spring and the promise of warmer days and new opportunities.
Keep reading to find out how to celebrate the spring holiday with these witchy ideas. We’ve also included spells and a guided meditation for the beginning of the season.
Spring Equinox Celebration Ideas
1. Create an Altar
Setting up an altar is a powerful way for pagans and Wiccans to honor the energy of the spring equinox. An altar can be a physical space where you can connect with the energy of the season and set your intentions for the coming months. Here are some ideas for items that you might include on a spring equinox altar:
🌷 Flowers: Flowers are a symbol of renewal and growth, and are perfect for the spring equinox altar. You might include fresh flowers, or create a flower crown to wear during your rituals.
🥚 Eggs: Eggs are a symbol of fertility and new life, making them a perfect addition to a spring equinox altar. You might choose to paint or decorate eggs, or include small decorative eggs on your altar.
🐈 Baby animals: Spring is the time when many baby animals are born, making them a powerful symbol of renewal and new beginnings. You might include figurines or pictures of baby animals on your altar.
🕯️ Candles: Candles are a symbol of light and transformation, and are a powerful addition to any altar. You might choose to work your Candle Magic in spring colors like green, yellow, or pink, or use candles scented with floral or herb essences.
💎 Crystals: Crystals are powerful tools for energy work, and can help to amplify the energy of your spring equinox altar. You might choose crystals that are associated with the energy of the season, such as rose quartz for love or aventurine for abundance.
When creating your altar, it’s important to choose items that resonate with your personal beliefs and intentions. You might also choose to incorporate symbols or deities that are associated with the spring equinox, such as the Goddess Eostre or the Green Man.
2. Perform a Ritual
Spring rituals and spells can be done alone or in a group setting, and can involve a variety of practices, such as meditation, chanting, or spellcasting. Here are some common themes and practices that may be included in a spring equinox ritual:
Rebirth and renewal: Many spring rituals and traditions focus on the idea of rebirth and renewal. Ostara activities can include practices like planting seeds, cleansing rituals, or meditating on the energy of new growth.
A Sacred Egg Ritual
Honor the balance of light and dark with two candles and a Sacred Egg Ritual. This spell will help you plant spiritual seeds and honor the renewal of nature.
We’ve included a step-by-step printable spell to cast at home, on a virtual altar or with your local coven. This ritual is a wonderful way to connect with the energy of the Spring Equinox and honor the cycles of nature.
Balance: The spring equinox is also a time when the day and night are of equal length, representing a balance between light and darkness. Some rituals may focus on the idea of balance and harmony, and may include practices like balancing stones or performing a ritual dance.
Do a spring cleaning: Get your Magick broom out for a ride or sweep the winter away alongside a spring blessing chant. If you’ve collected some clutter or extra layers throughout the cold months, then it may be warm enough to start packing these things away and organizing your home.
Casting spells: Many pagans and Wiccans use the energy of the spring equinox to cast spells for things like fertility, growth, and abundance. Spellcasting can involve a variety of practices, such as creating sigils, lighting candles, or using herbs and crystals to enhance the energy of the spell.
A Spring to Manifest: Guided Meditation
3. Plant Seeds
This is a wonderful way to connect with the energy of the spring equinox, as it is a time of new beginnings, growth, and renewal. Here are some ways you might incorporate seed planting into your spring equinox celebrations:
Planting outdoor gardens: Spring is the perfect time to start planting outdoor gardens, whether you have a small container garden or a large plot of land. You might choose to plant herbs or vegetables that have special significance to you, or simply choose plants that will thrive in your local climate.
Starting indoor plants: If you don’t have outdoor space or live in a climate where it’s still too cold to plant outside, starting an indoor plant can be a wonderful way to connect with the energy of the season. You might choose to start an herb garden on your windowsill, or grow a houseplant that has special spiritual significance.
Creating a seed ritual: Planting seeds can be a powerful ritual for the spring equinox. You might choose to do a meditation or visualization where you plant your intentions for the coming season along with the seeds. As you water and care for your plants, you can continue to nurture your intentions and watch them grow.
Sharing seeds with others: Sharing seeds with friends and family can be a wonderful way to spread the energy of the season and connect with others who are also celebrating the spring equinox. You might choose to create seed packets with special intentions or blessings for the recipient, or simply share seeds that you love and have had success growing.
4. Celebrate with Food
What do you eat during the spring equinox? Many pagans and Wiccans celebrate with a feast or potluck, where they can share seasonal foods with friends and family. Explore the Recipes Forum for some Coven-curated food inspiration! Here are some ideas for foods and traditions that you might incorporate into your spring equinox celebration:
🍋 Fresh fruits and vegetables: Spring is the time when many fresh fruits and vegetables start to become available again after the winter months. You might choose to serve a fresh salad with spring greens, or make a fruit salad with seasonal fruits like strawberries, apricots, or rhubarb.
🥨 Traditional foods: Many cultures have traditional foods that are associated with the spring equinox. For example, hot cross buns are a traditional food in many Christian cultures, and are made with spices and dried fruit. You might also choose to make a simnel cake, a traditional Easter fruitcake that is decorated with marzipan.
🥚 Eggs: Eggs are a symbol of new life and renewal, making them a perfect food to serve at the spring equinox. You might choose to make deviled eggs, or serve quiches or frittatas with fresh spring vegetables.
🍯 Honey and mead: Honey is a traditional food for the spring equinox, as it is a symbol of sweetness and abundance. Mead, a fermented honey beverage, is also a traditional drink for the holiday. You might choose to serve honey-glazed ham, or make a honey cake for dessert.
🌿 Spring herbs: Many herbs are associated with the energy of the spring equinox, and can be incorporated into your cooking or used to create herbal teas. Some herbs that are associated with the holiday include lavender, peppermint, chamomile and lemon balm.
Take a Ritual Bath
Taking a spiritual cleansing bath on Ostara is a way to purify and renew oneself in preparation for the spring season. This bath is infused with herbs (or oils) that have cleansing and purifying properties, such as rosemary, lavender, or lemon.
5. Connect with the Natural World
This is an important part of many nature-based religions. The spring equinox is a time to honor the cycles of nature and the changing of the seasons. Here are some ways you can connect with the natural world during the spring equinox:
Take a walk in nature: Spring is a time of new growth and renewal, and there is no better way to connect with this energy than by taking a walk in nature. Whether you hike in the woods or stroll through a local park, take time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around you.
Pick wildflowers: Wildflowers are a symbol of the spring season, and picking them can be a powerful way to connect with the energy of the season. Choose a patch of wildflowers in a local field or meadow, and take a few moments to appreciate their beauty and fragrance.
Spend time outside: Even if you can’t get out into nature, simply spending time outside can be a powerful way to connect with the energy of the season. Sit outside and feel the warmth of the sun on your face, or take a break from work to walk around the block and breathe in the fresh air.
Do some gardening: Spend some time in your garden or yard, tending to your plants and getting your hands dirty. This can be a meditative and grounding experience. Take part in a community gardening project or volunteer at a local farm or nature center. This can help you connect with others who share your love of the earth and its cycles.
