Other Names: Ostara, Ostre, Mean Earraigh, Alban Eiler, Pasch, Caisg, Pesse.
Date: March 20, 21, or 22 depending upon the calendar. When the sun reaches 1 degree Aries.
Meaning of the Word: Germanic dawn deity meaning “the month of beginnings or the month of openings”.
Primary Focus: Fertility, sunrise ceremonies, offerings to the goddess of spring.
Age of Holiday: 3,000 B.C. or older.
Popular Mythos: Return of the goddess from the underworld (Persephone).
Astrological Sign: 1 degree Aries; fire; fixed.
Planetary Ruler: Mars.
The custom of giving eggs on Ostara was known to the early Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Gauls. The symbol of life, the egg stands for our cosmic universe. The practice of colouring these eggs also dates back to ancient civilizations. The Persians dyed theirs red, where folks in other countries chose a variety of colours obtained by boiling the eggs with flowers or vegetables to achieve unique colouring. From foodstuff and symbol of new life to courtly art object to household decoration to focus for juvenile games, the Easter egg has travelled a very long way.
Ostara Invocation
Ouroborus tells us the beginning has no end
Alpha and Omega - all reside within
Pisces swims beyond the veil
Aries on the rise.
Mars becomes the focal point
capturing the prize.
The moon slips through her mansions
dancing in the signs
stars are fixed yet activate
the treasures of the mind.
The air is filled with harmony
of plant and bloom and bud
each egg foretells the birthing
of peace, and joy, and love.
Persephone emerges as winter falls away
Mother Earth rejoices -
her daughter’s come to stay.
As days grow long and nights are warm
the Goddess reigns supreme
Her power rises in my blood
I command all things unseen!
Magick symbols, knots and cords
wand and staff and blade
earth and water, fire and air
become the Witch’s trade.I am the ground, the sea, the sky
the breezes springtime sweet
gods and spirits dance the round
within this circle meet.
I conjure thee, O leaves of spring
hyacinth and myrtle
roses, lilacs, lavender
black earth, warm and fertile.
Gifts of Gaia, Green Man rule
my wishes come to form
good fortune roots within my world
prosperity is born!
Alpha and Omega - all reside within
Pisces swims beyond the veil
Aries on the rise.
Mars becomes the focal point
capturing the prize.
The moon slips through her mansions
dancing in the signs
stars are fixed yet activate
the treasures of the mind.
The air is filled with harmony
of plant and bloom and bud
each egg foretells the birthing
of peace, and joy, and love.
Persephone emerges as winter falls away
Mother Earth rejoices -
her daughter’s come to stay.
As days grow long and nights are warm
the Goddess reigns supreme
Her power rises in my blood
I command all things unseen!
Magick symbols, knots and cords
wand and staff and blade
earth and water, fire and air
become the Witch’s trade.I am the ground, the sea, the sky
the breezes springtime sweet
gods and spirits dance the round
within this circle meet.
I conjure thee, O leaves of spring
hyacinth and myrtle
roses, lilacs, lavender
black earth, warm and fertile.
Gifts of Gaia, Green Man rule
my wishes come to form
good fortune roots within my world
prosperity is born!
Magickal Ideas for your Ostara Sabbat Ritual
. Colour and empower Oestre eggs for health, wealth, and prosperity.
. Celebrate the return of the Goddess by conjuring potted plants and giving them to friends and loved ones.
. If possible, incorporate chocolate into your Ostara ritual.
. Review the items in your magickal cabinet or box and replace what is needed. Empower the supplies during the Ostara ritual.
. Bless seeds for the garden.
. Hold your ritual at dawn.
. Ostara (spring equinox) is solar driven. The sun moves from mutable, watery Pisces to cardinal, fiery Aries. Aries is a great “starter” sign but it manages to “poop out” along the way. Any magick done while the sun or moon is in Aries should be supplemented with other workings later on.