The pagan worship of Ostara is a celebration of the goddess Ostara, who represents the spring equinox and the arrival of the season of rebirth and renewal. This ancient tradition is still observed by many modern pagans and is often referred to as the "Wiccan holiday" or "Witch's equinox". Ostara is believed to be the goddess of fertility, and her worship involves rituals and ceremonies that focus on the balance between light and darkness, as well as the themes of growth, new beginnings, and fresh starts. This holiday marks the point in the year when the day and night are equal in length, and it is seen as a time to honor the changing of the seasons and the return of life to the earth. During the celebration, pagans often gather together in nature to perform ceremonies that honor Ostara and the rebirth of the earth. These rituals may include lighting bonfires, decorating eggs, and holding feasts with foods that represent the abundance and fertility of the season.
Another popular tradition is making hot cross buns, which seem to have Pagan roots. There are mixed reports on the symbolism of the cross on the hot cross buns. Some suggest that the equilateral cross symbolizes the four quarters of the moon, other suggest that it expresses the uniformity of the seasonal year, and still others suggest that it expresses the equilibrium of the equinox day—equal day and equal night. One thing is for certain; the equilateral cross reaches back through time to the many ages before Christianity.
The name Eostre Old Germanic Ostara , is related to that of Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, and both can be traced back to a Proto-Indo-European goddess of dawn. As Herbstalk s Market Manager Community Engagement Assistant, Marissa draws upon years of experience to oversee vendor relations, event management, and social media outreach.
These rituals may include lighting bonfires, decorating eggs, and holding feasts with foods that represent the abundance and fertility of the season. One of the most well-known symbols of Ostara is the egg, which represents new life and the potential for growth. Pagans often decorate eggs during the festival, using colors that symbolize different aspects of the season, such as green for growth, yellow for sunlight, and blue for water.
Pagan worship of Ostara
by Marissa Ranahan
The arrival of March comes with the promise of spring. As we mark the beginning of the new season, many of us celebrate Ostara’s rejuvenating energy.
What is the History of Ostara?
Little is known about the origins of Ostara. According to some historians, Ostara is an ancient Saxon and Celtic holiday celebrating Eostra, the fertility goddess. Many pagans believe Ostara symbolizes the day where Mother Earth and the Sun God were married. To honor this belief, pagans will make offerings to the sun and earth as a symbol of their sacred union.
How Can I Celebrate Ostara?
Depending on your spiritual practice, there are many ways to celebrate Ostara. Below are a few ideas to help you get started:
Decorate Your Ostara Altar. The best way to decorate your altar is to use mementos that represent the spring season—especially those with bright colors. This includes spring flowers (such as tulips), stuffed rabbits, and dyed eggs. Another popular choice is to include seeds you’re going to plant during this time so they can be blessed by the holiday.
Practice an Earth Meditation. Ostara is all about connecting with the new season. Practicing an earth meditation outside is the perfect way to connect with Mother Nature. To do this, find a quiet spot (the woods is preferred) and listen to the noises around you. Take in the sound of the birds, trees, and spring air.
Bless Your Garden. Ostara is the time for planting new seeds. To evoke a healthy harvest, try saying this blessing over your garden beds: The earth is cool and dark, and far below, new life begins. May the soil be blessed with fertility and abundance, with rains of life-giving water, with the heat of the sun, with the energy of the raw earth. May the soil be blessed as the womb of the land becomes full and fruitful to bring forth the garden anew.
What Herbs Are Used to Celebrate Ostara?
There are a number of herbs used to celebrate Ostara, including:
Lavender. Aside from its beautiful smell, lavender represents the ushering in of spring. Those celebrating Ostara typically place lavender branches in vases to make their house smell fresh. You could also use lavender petals in a cleansing bath to welcome in the holiday.
Rose. One of the more gentle flowers, rose is a lovely herb to evoke calmness during your ritual. The best way to use rose is by making herbal tea. Sipping on rose tea throughout the day will serve as a gentle reminder of spring energy. You can find a delicious Ostara/rose tea blend here.
Lemongrass. Not only will the smell of lemongrass evoke happiness, but it’s also a great scent to set Ostara’s mood. Since lemongrass is a cleansing herb, it’s perfect to use for purifying your altar. Before placing your objects down, clear the space using a little bit of lemongrass oil.
Final Thoughts on Ostara
This holiday, take time to honor the spring season. To do so, observe nature’s magical ability of rebirth during this time. Consider contemplating your own rebirthing process—and how you want to transform during the springtime. Regardless of how you practice, remember to honor yourself and the season.
Marissa has been drawn to the world of aromatics and plants since she was a child. Certified in aromatherapy, Reiki, and meditation, she actively changes lives using these healing practices. Additionally, she is a holistic life coach, and works towards helping others heal while simultaneously getting in touch with their spiritual side. As Herbstalk's Market Manager & Community Engagement Assistant, Marissa draws upon years of experience to oversee vendor relations, event management, and social media outreach.
What is the History of Ostara?
Some modern pagans also incorporate elements of other traditions into their Ostara celebrations, such as the Christian holiday of Easter. This blending of different beliefs and practices highlights the universal themes of rebirth and renewal that are at the core of this pagan celebration. Overall, the pagan worship of Ostara is a celebration of the spring equinox and the goddess of fertility and growth. It is a time to honor the changing of the seasons and the return of life to the earth. Through rituals, ceremonies, and symbolism, pagans seek to connect with the natural world and embrace the themes of rebirth and renewal that Ostara represents..
Reviews for "Finding Balance in Ostara: Celebrating the Equinox"
1. Jane Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan worship of Ostara". As someone who identifies as a Christian, I found the focus on pagan rituals to be offensive and inappropriate. I had hoped to learn more about the Christian celebration of Easter, but instead, the film seemed to glorify pagan worship and give little attention to traditional Christian practices. The lack of balance and respect for different beliefs made it difficult for me to connect with the film and left me feeling frustrated.
2. John Doe - 1 star - "Pagan worship of Ostara" was a complete waste of time for me. I was hoping to watch a documentary that delves into the historical aspects of Easter, but instead, I was subjected to a biased portrayal of pagan practices. The film seemed more interested in promoting a specific agenda and discrediting Christianity rather than providing an objective exploration of the topic. I found it to be highly misleading and not representative of the true meaning behind Easter.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - I can understand the value of exploring different religious practices, but "Pagan worship of Ostara" went too far for my taste. The film seemed to glorify paganism and downplay the significance of Easter in Christianity. It lacked balance and failed to present a fair representation of both perspectives. I was expecting a more educational and respectful approach to the topic, but instead, it felt like a one-sided promotion of pagan worship. Not what I was hoping for.
4. Michael Johnson - 1 star - "Pagan worship of Ostara" is not a documentary I would recommend. While I respect all religious beliefs, this film seemed to have an agenda against Christianity. It was biased and focused solely on pagan practices, giving little attention to the Christian perspective. I was hoping for a more balanced and informative exploration of Easter, but unfortunately, this film did not deliver. It felt more like a propaganda piece rather than an objective examination of the subject matter.
5. Emily Roberts - 2 stars - I found "Pagan worship of Ostara" to be uninteresting and uninspiring. The film failed to captivate my attention and felt like a jumbled mess of pagan rituals without any coherent narrative or educational value. I expected a more engaging exploration of Easter, but instead, I was left feeling disconnected and uninterested. The lack of structure and clear purpose made it difficult for me to appreciate this documentary.