OSTRA
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MARCH 19-21
One of the 4 minor Sabbats, Ostara, recognizes the start of Spring, and celebrates the Goddess, in her maiden aspect. Ostara is a time to celebrate the arrival of Spring and end of Winter. The day when night and day are equal and balanced.
Ostara is also known as the Vernal or Spring Equinox, the Rites of Spring, Alban Eiber, Bacchanalia, and Eostre's Day, and it occurs between March 19th and 21st. The reason for this variance, is due to the differences between the actual astronomical event and our calendar.
For more detailed information about this Sabbat Click Here for Mike Nichols essay.
Purpose: This is time for planting the seeds that will root, bloom and produce harvest as the wheel turns. It is a time of hope and renewal. The sense that anything is possible fills the heart during this time when it is evident that we are truly headed into lighter/warmer times.
Symbolism & Representations of Ostra
Color: lemon yellow, pale pink, grass green, all pastels, Robin's Egg blue
Herb/Scent crocus flowers, daffodils, Easter lilies, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, roses, strawberry, tansy and violets,orange peel, rose petals, lotus, magnolia, ginger
Stone: rose quartz, aquamarine, amethyst, and moonstone
Foods: eggs (hard-boiled, egg salad, or any way youlike them), honey cakes, biscuits, cheeses, ham, the first fruits of the season, any foods made with seeds, such as sunflower, & sesame seeds, sprouts and green leafy vegetables.
Animal/Creatures: hares (rabbits), snakes, unicorns, merpeople, pegasus
Goddess: Virgin Goddesses, Moon Goddesses, Goddesses of Love, Androgynous Deities, some Fertility Goddesses
God: Gods of Love, Moon Gods, Gods of Song & Dance, some Fertility Gods
Others: eggs, butterflies and cocoons hard-boiled eggs colored and painted with magickal symbols - symbolizing fertility, flowers - wildflowers, a small potted plant, a lrabbit decorations, and a bowl of pastel colored jelly beans
The Ostra Altar can go up anytime before Ostra; I usually put mine up somewhat early as I tend to get pretty anxious for the colors of spring to brighten up my home. I am reminded that spring will indeed arrive.
Spell work includes those of improving communications, fertility & abundance. This is a time of renewed energy and a sense that the load may be a bit lighter for now. Things are beginning to hatch out, break out and flit around. I, too, break out - out of my layers of winter wear - out of the confines of my house and into yard cleanup and refreshing walks.
- Ostra Goddess Wall Hanging
- Ostra Basket Altar
- Another Ostra Altar
Betsy Foster
© April 2004
- The Yule Altar
- The Imbolc AltarComing Soon
- The Beltane Altar Coming Soon
- The Mid-Summer Altar Coming Soon
- The Lammas Altar Coming Soon
- The Mabon Altar
- The Samhain Altar
- Back To About Ritual Altars
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