Wiccan Easter is called by the term "Ostara". This holiday is derived from the ancient pagan festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. Wiccans believe in the cycle of nature and observe the changing seasons. Ostara marks the vernal equinox, when day and night are of equal length. It is a time of balance and renewal. Wiccan rituals and celebrations during Ostara focus on fertility, growth, and new beginnings.
First, to address the obvious question: No, it's not water from Florida. Rather, as Luna puts it, it's a lightly scented perfume that's used for both sensory and otherworldly powers. "Florida water is used for energy cleansing and clearing," says Luna. "You can place it in a small spray bottle and spritz your hands or body when you need to remove any icky energies you’ve maybe come into contact with." She also likes to keep a mini bottle of of it in her bag "because if someone’s energy rubs me the wrong way and I have to talk to them, I will spray the shit out of whatever space I’m in."
Pre-pandemic I d do my makeup anywhere with a flat-ish surface dining tables, my lap Pret A Manger but now as I wear it less frequently - its application has become a treat. Some stumbled upon the craft in new-age shops, others were born into brujeria, but one thing rings true for them all Being a witch is all about reclaiming power.
Wiccan rituals and celebrations during Ostara focus on fertility, growth, and new beginnings. This holiday is symbolized by the hare, eggs, and the return of longer days. Many Wiccans gather for rituals and feasts, where they honor the Earth and express gratitude for the coming abundance of the growing season.
Bewitching Beauty
Enough of the Witch Trials, on to Witch City. For the past century or so, rather then obscuring Salem’s association with the trials, the city fathers celebrated it, creating the present-day “Witch City”. I’ve wrote about this development in numerous posts, but the essential beginning can be found here, with Daniel Low’s witch spoon. Shortly after this successful turn-of-the century marketing campaign, other Salem businesses jumped on the witchcraft train, and it really took off. Another example of a nationally-marketed Salem product was the “Witch Cream” manufactured by the C.H. and J. Price Pharmacy of Essex Street.
These advertisements can be found in all sorts of publications in the later 1890s; clearly “Witch Cream” captured the public’s attention. This was a boon period for skin lotions and face creams (often called “vanishing creams” because they melted into the skin, unlike cold creams, which are ancient), following the success of the Pond’s Company and the discovery of new, less-irritating (than lead!) recipes. While early modern women were often criticized for indulging their vanities and layering on too much cream and “paint” (the two women preoccupied with their faces below are clearly vulnerable to the wiles of the Devil), existing recipes for “precious” ointments and waters confirm that they whipped up their own moisturizers. But the late Victorian era, in characteristic fashion, initiated a profitable cosmetics industry.
Daniel Hopfer, Death and the Devil Surprise Two Women (1520 etching, late 17th century print). Collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum
The Price Pharmacy in Salem advertised several products, including “homeopathic tinctures”, a “hygienic wine” (a strengthening tonic for nervous protestation, dyspepsia, etc…), and New England Tooth Drops, but they definitely showcased their Witch Cream, which they sold by mail-order and also distributed to other apothecaries.
I’m not sure what was actually in Witch Cream, although if it’s anything like other contemporary concoctions on the market, it was probably made of cucumber, rose and/or elder flower oils, essences that go way back to the Elizabethan era, and probably beyond. Like so many modern products, it was probably a case of the wizardry of words rather than ingredients.
"I see self-care not just as the things you’re doing to yourself on the outside," says enchantress Bri Luna, who goes by @thehoodwitch on Instagram. "You’re using physical tools to manifest things in your life—you can transform yourself and make yourself feel powerful.” Her daily ritual, which she calls Glamour Magic, marries grooming, adornment, and spirituality. "I set a mindful intention when I get ready each day," she tells Glamour. "I'll light a candle for a specific purpose, or perform a cleansing ritual using certain herbs, stones, or colors on my body. I welcome the magical and unexpected to occur in my life."
Overall, Ostara is a time of joy and hope, as Wiccans welcome the return of warmth and life to the world..
Reviews for "The Spiritual Significance of Wiccan Easter: Honoring the God and Goddess"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wiccan Easter is Called by the Term". I was expecting an in-depth exploration of Wiccan traditions during the Easter season, but instead, all I got was a surface-level explanation of the term used to refer to Wiccan celebrations. The author failed to provide any meaningful insights or delve into the significance of this term. Overall, I found the book lacking in substance and would not recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 1 star - This book is a complete waste of time. "Wiccan Easter is Called by the Term" barely scratches the surface of Wiccan traditions, leaving the reader with more questions than answers. The author fails to provide any real information and instead focuses on superficial terms without providing any context or explanation. I was hoping for a deeper dive into Wiccan Easter rituals, but was sorely disappointed. Save your money and look elsewhere for a comprehensive resource on Wiccan traditions.
3. Emma - 2 stars - I found "Wiccan Easter is Called by the Term" to be extremely lacking in substance. The book barely covers the topic it promises to explore, and instead, it devotes most of its pages to explaining basic Wiccan terminology. While this information may be helpful for beginners, it does not justify the misleading title. I was hoping for a more insightful and informative read, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for in-depth knowledge about Wiccan Easter celebrations.