Light equals darkness, and with it comes rebirth. The first trees begin to bud, flowers bloom and young animals are born. Nature wakes up again after its winter sleep. That is exactly what the old pagan festival of Ostara celebrates. It is a festival of renewal and new beginnings.
Traditions known and unknown
Just like us today, our ancestors had certain rituals linked to Ostara, full of symbolism. Eggs are dyed red as a symbol of new life, and the first seeds are sown to ensure fertility during the year. Today this custom is linked to the Easter whipping with willow switches, which is also meant to ensure women's youth and fertility. Fires are lit, people dance and sing in a circle. They dress in red and green and paint eggs as a symbol of new beginnings. Red wine (a symbol of blood) is drunk, fresh bread is eaten, and the celebration is loud.
If you prefer less traditional things, try bathing early in the morning in a brook or spring, or washing in the morning dew. Living water will cleanse you, wash away everything old and prepare you for new beginnings. Keep the ashes and embers from the Easter fire – they have magical power and can protect your house or flat from fire, hail and other disasters.
The goddess of new life, fire and fertility
Closely linked to this festival is the Germanic goddess of spring, Ostara, also known as Eostre. Ostara is the goddess of fire, which symbolises the sun and the return of light. She dances into our lives in spring, when everything buds and blooms and there is a general sense of well-being. A legend is linked to this goddess: Ostara saved a frozen little bird from death by turning it into a hare. The transformation was not quite perfect, however, and in spring the hare laid eggs just like birds. The eggs were a gift for the goddess who had saved its life. That is also why her main animal is the hare, symbolising fertility.
Other animals linked to this goddess are larks, which you can meet on the branches of awakening trees, the red hen and the cat. Like animals, the goddess Ostara also has her own tree: the hazel, which turns green and blossoms early in spring.
Decorate your home with symbols of spring
You can bring Ostara into your home with simple decorations too. Cut budding twigs of birch, flowering forsythia or the much-loved pussy willow for a vase. Add spring flowers such as daffodils and tulips in cheerful colours, and red tulips if you can. Put primroses and hyacinths in pots on the windowsills. Today there are many ways to make beautiful arrangements with them: place the plants in wicker baskets and add moss, or put them in a large glass container to create a little greenhouse full of delicate flowers.
You can decorate your altar with these flowers too. Think about the plants you use and the colour composition. If you are unsure, just look outside. What colours do you see around you? You certainly won't go wrong with pastel shades either. Also think about what could serve as a symbol of the equinox. Natural or painted eggs can finish the decoration. Don't forget candles, ideally in yellow or pink colour.
The Labyrinth ritual will help you resolve your questions
Try this interesting ritual that will help you find answers to your questions. All you need is to draw a labyrinth with one entrance and one exit on a lawn or another surface, using sand or pebbles.
- Enter the labyrinth walking slowly. After each step, stop for a moment and reflect. Be aware of your surroundings and of what lies ahead of you.
- As you keep walking, think about how you feel about the problem. What emotions does it stir in you? Are you unable to think rationally about it? Why does the problem stir such emotions and affect you so much?
- At the start of the third part of your path, move on to how the problem affects your physical world. Do you have little money because of poorly paid work? Is there someone in your life who drags you down or even hurts you? Has your problem caused you health troubles?
- You are slowly approaching the centre of the labyrinth. It is time to start looking for a solution to your problem. You can ask the universe or your patron to help you find it.
- Once you reach the centre of the labyrinth, thoughts and ideas on how to solve your problem will begin to come. When these visions arrive, accept them without questions or judgement. What seems senseless now may later turn out to be the right solution.
- Stand in the centre of the labyrinth and ask yourself: “What will be the first step? How can I make my problem get solved?” Take time to simply stand or sit there and let the solution fall into place.
- When everything has fallen into place, you have completed the first part of the journey – reaching a solution. Now it is time to set off on the way out of the labyrinth.
This ritual will help you sort out your thoughts and reflect on the core of your problem. Give yourself enough time for it and don't rush, so that the universe can speak to you and help you solve the problem.
Just like nature, we too wake up in spring. Use this new beginning to your advantage. Start new projects and ask yourself what you want to achieve this year. Enjoy the spring flowers and the greening trees. Recharge your energy and optimism after an exhausting winter. Let the sun and fresh air into your life – they will get your thinking flowing and help you set a better course in life.
