The Pagan spring equinox, also known as Ostara or Eostre, is a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. It is observed by various Pagan and Wiccan traditions. The exact date of the spring equinox varies each year but usually falls around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. During the Pagan spring equinox, practitioners honor the balance between light and dark as the day and night are of equal length. This represents a time of renewal, growth, and new beginnings. It is a time to celebrate the return of the sun, longer days, and the awakening of nature after the long winter months.

Celebrating Ostara, the Spring Equinox

Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.

With the arrival of March comes the promise of spring—the month is said to roar in like a lion, and if we're really lucky, roll out like a lamb. Meanwhile, on or around the 21st of the month, we have Ostara to celebrate. It's the time of the vernal equinox if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and it's a true marker that Spring and warmer, sunnier days have come. There are many different ways you can celebrate this Sabbat, depending on your tradition.

It is a time to celebrate the return of the sun, longer days, and the awakening of nature after the long winter months. Ostara is often associated with the goddess Eostre, who symbolizes fertility, rebirth, and the dawn. Eggs, rabbits, and seeds are common symbols of this festival, representing new life and fertility.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Ostara, but typically it is observed as a time to mark the coming of Spring and the fertility of the land. By watching agricultural changes—such as the ground becoming warmer, and the emergence of plants from the ground— you'll know exactly how you should welcome the season.

Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying -- and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.

• Setting Up Your Ostara Altar: Try these tips to set up your altar for the Spring Equinox.
• Ostara Ritual for Solitaries: This simple ritual is designed with the solo practitioner in mind.
• Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Chocolate Rabbit: This somewhat silly Ostara rite for kids is nonetheless fun for the whole family.
• Ostara Rebirthing Ritual: Celebrate the season of rebirth and renewal with this rite.
• Earth Meditation: As the earth begins to warm back up, use this meditation to help get yourself grounded.
• Celebrating Ostara with Kids: Got little Pagans? Here are some great ways to include them in your Ostara celebrations.

Many Pagan rituals and traditions center around these symbols, such as painting eggs and having egg hunts. Other activities that may be observed during the Pagan spring equinox include planting seeds or tending to gardens, crafting flower crowns, decorating altars with spring flowers, and performing meditations or rituals to honor the changing season. Feasting and sharing meals with loved ones are also common during this time. The Pagan spring equinox is a time to connect with nature and embrace the energy of growth and renewal. It is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of balance. Through rituals and celebrations, practitioners honor the arrival of spring and the many blessings it brings..

Reviews for "Exploring the Mythology of the Pagan Spring Equinox"

1. Emily - ★★☆☆☆

I was really disappointed with "Pagan spring equinox". I had high hopes for a book that would delve into the history and traditions of pagan celebrations, but this book fell flat. The writing felt disjointed and lacking in depth. It read more like a series of vague accounts rather than a cohesive exploration of the subject. The author seemed to assume that the reader was already familiar with pagan practices and didn't provide enough explanation or context for someone new to the topic. Overall, I found it to be a confusing and unsatisfying read.

2. Tom - ★☆☆☆☆

I cannot believe how poorly written "Pagan spring equinox" was. It was a struggle to even finish the book. The author's writing style was incredibly boring and monotonous, making it difficult to engage with the content. Furthermore, the information provided was just regurgitated facts without any original insights or analysis. It seemed like the author did the bare minimum of research and attempted to pass it off as a comprehensive exploration of the topic. Save your time and money, this book is not worth it.

3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆

"Pagan spring equinox" was a letdown for me. While the subject matter itself is inherently interesting, the execution of the book was lacking. The author spent too much time describing surface-level details without delving into the deeper significance of the spring equinox in pagan traditions. It felt like an incomplete and shallow overview, leaving me wanting more substance and analysis. Additionally, the writing style felt dry and uninspiring, making it hard to maintain interest throughout the book. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thorough exploration of pagan spring equinox celebrations.

4. Mike - ★☆☆☆☆

I was truly expecting "Pagan spring equinox" to be an enlightening and informative read, but unfortunately, it fell far short of my expectations. The writing was convoluted and disorganized, making it difficult to follow and comprehend the author's points. Furthermore, there were numerous factual errors and inconsistencies throughout the book that made me question the credibility of the information presented. Overall, this book felt like a waste of time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone interested in learning about paganism or the spring equinox.

The Symbolism of Rebirth and Renewal in Pagan Spring Equinox Celebrations