As winter’s chill slowly recedes and the days begin to lengthen, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring. On 20th March 2025, the Spring Equinox ushers in Ostara—a pagan festival that symbolises balance, renewal, and rebirth. This special day, when light and darkness share equal measure, marks not only an astronomical event but also a profound opportunity to reconnect with nature and set intentions for the coming months.
What is Ostara?
Ostara is a celebration of the Spring Equinox, which occurs when the sun is positioned directly over the Earth’s equator, resulting in nearly equal periods of daylight and night. Typically observed between 19th and 22nd March, this celestial alignment is a powerful reminder of nature’s cyclical rhythm.
From the equinox onward, the gradual increase in daylight ignites the spark of life: the first blooms emerge, trees begin to bud, and the world seems to burst forth in a riot of colour and sound. Ostara, therefore, is not merely a seasonal marker—it is a celebration of the triumphant return of life and light.
Photo by Michal Balog on Unsplash
Why Do We Celebrate Ostara?
Ostara is steeped in ancient tradition and folklore. Many modern pagans trace the festival’s origins back to the worship of Eostre or Eastre, a Germanic goddess who embodies spring, fertility, and the dawn.
Although historical records about Eostre are scant, her spirit lives on in the rituals and symbols associated with Ostara. The imagery of eggs, rabbits, and delicate spring blooms not only celebrates the potential of new life but also hints at the mysterious interplay between the cycles of nature and the human spirit.
Depiction of Eastre by Jacques Reich
Interestingly, many of the symbols of Ostara have seeped into contemporary Easter celebrations. The decorated egg, for instance, is a long-standing emblem of fertility and renewal, while the Easter Bunny echoes the ancient motif of rapid reproduction and the endless promise of spring. This convergence of traditions highlights how deeply intertwined our cultural practices are with the rhythms of the natural world.
When is Ostara celebrated?
Ostara is observed at the time of the spring (vernal) equinox, when day and night are approximately equal in length. In the northern hemisphere, this generally falls between the 19th and 22nd of March—with many modern pagans choosing to mark the 20th or 21st of March as Ostara—while in the southern hemisphere a corresponding celebration occurs around September.
This year, Ostara is being celebrated on 20th March 2025.
Wheel of The Year Graphic by Mrs Reed of Mrs Reed's Emporium
How Can I Celebrate Ostara?
Modern celebrations of Ostara offer a rich tapestry of rituals that honour both the external beauty of nature and the inner landscape of personal growth.
Here are several practices you might consider to fully embrace the spirit of Ostara:
- Cultivate New Life in Your Garden
Planting seeds or tending to a garden symbolises the inherent potential for growth and transformation. Whether you’re sowing colourful wildflower seeds or nurturing a herb garden indoors, the act of planting is a powerful metaphor for setting intentions and nurturing new beginnings.
- Honour the Egg as a Symbol of Fertility
Eggs have long been recognised as emblems of fertility and creative energy. Spend an afternoon decorating eggs with natural dyes or intricate patterns, and consider blessing them with your hopes for the season ahead. This practice not only connects you with ancient traditions but also serves as a tangible reminder of life’s endless possibilities.
Photo by Bee Felten-Leidel on Unsplash
- Create a Sacred Ostara Altar
Design an altar dedicated to Ostara by arranging items that resonate with the season. Adorn your space with fresh blossoms, candles, crystals, and images of both the sun and moon to symbolise the equinox’s balance.
An altar provides a serene focal point for meditation, prayer, or reflection, allowing you to express gratitude for nature’s bounty and set clear intentions for your future.
- Embrace the Dawn with a Sunrise Walk
There is something profoundly moving about witnessing the first light of day. Take a leisurely walk at sunrise to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the equinox.
As you stroll, listen to the awakening sounds of nature, feel the gentle caress of the morning breeze, and reflect on the promise of new beginnings.
- Engage in Mindful Meditation and Journalling
Ostara is a time to reconnect with your inner self. Set aside a quiet moment for meditation, focusing on themes of balance, rejuvenation, and personal growth. Following your meditation, try journalling your thoughts—write about what you wish to release from the past and the goals you hope to nurture in the months ahead.
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
- Prepare Seasonal Delicacies
Culinary traditions play a vital role in celebrating Ostara. Embrace seasonal ingredients such as fresh eggs, lemons, local honey, and a variety of spring greens to prepare meals that are both nourishing and symbolic.
For instance, you might try your hand at making Scotch eggs, a dish that not only delights the palate but also symbolises fertility and the nurturing aspects of the season. Similarly, consider brewing a refreshing batch of lavender lemonade—a drink that captures the essence of spring in every sip.
- Partake in Acts of Kindness
In the spirit of renewal, consider extending your generosity to others. Acts of kindness—whether donating to a local charity, volunteering your time, or simply offering a kind word—can help spread the energy of growth and abundance that Ostara represents.
Sharing this positive energy reinforces the interconnectedness of our community and the natural world.
- Cleanse and Refresh Your Living Space
Spring cleaning is more than a practical task; it is a ritual of clearing out the old to make room for the new. Declutter your home, organise your space, and perhaps even perform a smudging ritual with sage or rosemary to clear away stagnant energy.
This physical cleansing mirrors the inner renewal that Ostara invites, helping you to begin the new season with a clear, focused mind.
- Incorporate the Healing Energy of Crystals
For those who work with crystals, Ostara is an excellent time to harness their natural energies. Stones such as Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Citrine resonate with themes of growth, healing, and abundance.
Whether placed on your altar or carried with you throughout the day, these crystals can serve as powerful allies in realising your intentions for the season.
A Collection of Crystals available at s Mrs Reed's Emporium
What makes Ostara truly remarkable is its ability to bridge the ancient and the modern. While the festival’s roots lie in pre-Christian celebrations of the natural world, its symbols and rituals continue to resonate with us today.
The convergence of Ostara with elements of Easter traditions is a testament to how cultures evolve while preserving echoes of their past.
The beautifully decorated eggs, the joyous arrival of springtime treats, and the timeless act of nurturing life all serve as reminders that while the methods may change, the underlying human desire to connect with nature remains constant.
Final Reflections on Ostara
Ostara is not merely a celebration of an astronomical event—it is an invitation to renew our relationship with nature and, in turn, with ourselves.
As we stand on the threshold of spring, we have the opportunity to reflect on our inner landscapes, clear away the remnants of winter, and plant the seeds for new growth.
By engaging in the diverse rituals of Ostara—be it through gardening, decorating eggs, or simply pausing to enjoy the beauty of a sunrise—we actively participate in the cyclical dance of life.
This year, as you gather with friends and family or find solace in quiet reflection, allow the energy of the Spring Equinox to inspire you. Embrace the balance between light and dark, celebrate the beauty of transformation, and step into the season with a heart full of hope and a spirit ready to grow.
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Compiled by Mrs Reed
