Ostara - Tumblr Posts - Page 2

preparing for Ostara

- watching Youtube Videos about what we celebrate

- take a walk outside

- did some yoga to awake my body

- meditate with and without crystals

- try to get seeds (without being outside for too long)

- read up on Norse Myths about spring

- taking extra good care of my plants

- try to catch some sunrays outside

- create some sort of altar

- do a small tarot spread about anxiety relief

- cleanse our home

ostara- quarantine activities

i’m sure everyone is aware that our world is currently going through a pandemic. originally, i thought it was unfortunate for ostara to be occurring during this event, but i’ve decidedly changed my mind. while it may be difficult to celebrate without loved ones due to the pandemic, there is still plenty we can do while in quarantine. here are some activities you can do at home or alone.

Planting Seeds & Creating a New Herb Garden.

while this may be difficult for some, as not every pagan has seeds laying around, if you have them within reach, it is a nice quick activity to perform to take your mind off things. it would also be beneficial to perform a ritual or chant, possibly to encourage the little seed to sprout. it is fitting for ostara to do this activity, as ostara is a time of new nature, and growth.

Nature Walks or Outdoor Meditation

i thought about taking this one out due to current circumstances, however i feel that it can still be done safely, with caution. this also might not work for everyone, as some live in city areas, where it can be difficult to find a rest place outside the home. however, if you live in an area where you can walk a dirty, overgrown path it might be beneficial to do such a thing. nature walks allow us to meditate, and connect with mother nature and appreciate her beauty. you could also incorporate a prayer to whichever deity you please. once again, keep in mind, i do not recommend this to those who live in highly-populated areas. i would not go on nature walks if there is potential for you to catch the virus or pass it to someone. 

Spring Cleaning & Cleansing Spells or Rituals

i’m sure there is somewhere within your home that requires decluttering. whether it be your bedroom, your bathroom, or your kitchen, it always helps to organize and cleanse. you could also cleanse your crystals, herbs or physical person. cleaning may not seem like a very ostara activity, as it is something many of us do in our everyday lives, however you can easily incorporate prayers and rituals or spells while you clean. feel free to light a candle or play some music. maybe even sing or say poetry while you clean. there are tutorials upon tutorials on creating cleansing sprays and soaps. as you move throughout your home cleaning, it would be a good idea to do a little spray where you move with a cleansing spray.

Painting!

i was originally going to have ‘painting eggs’ as the title, however i realized that not everyone has eggs at the moment. plus, i am aware of many pagans who don’t eat eggs, so i decided that i would recommend painting in general. find something to paint on. whether it be a canvas or sketchbook, an old phone case, a terracotta pot, maybe a lampshade or a tissue box. you don’t have to consider yourself an artist to do so. i find painting an ostara appropriate activity because i feel painting is a mentally cleansing activity. in addition, you could create ostara-related images. newborn animals, nature, ‘springy’ colours, flowers, etc. 

and finally…

Taking a Relaxing Bath or Shower

baths and showers are obviously symbolic for cleansing, whether you’re pagan or not. your bath or shower can consist of candles, incense, rituals, spells, or whatever you please. your bath or shower can be physically cleansing, mentally cleansing or both! it might be relaxing to take a book in the bath with you, or maybe it is beneficial to just sit and relax. maybe you can do some crystal magic, or just relax alongside your crystals. perform some meditation, write a poem or spell. you can take the time to pray to your deity or ground yourself with the earth and surrounding environments.

thank you for taking the time to read this, if you did. My love goes out to you and to everyone suffering due to the virus. hopefully the quarantine will not last long, and our next sabbat may be practiced alongside one another. please, take the time to wash your hands. cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. it is very important to be mindful of the elderly and immunocompromised individuals within our society.

Yes, it’s cold.

But the flowers know spring is coming.

And the flowers are brave.

❄️🌷❄️🌷❄️

Ostara

The Eight Sabbats and The Wheel of the Year: My Digital Grimoire Series

*these are my notes, please do not repost as your own!*

Wheel of The Year ✧ Yule (December 20th-23rd) ✧ General meanings: winter solstice, new beginnings, rebirth Crystals - Bloodstone, Clear Quartz, Emerald, Ruby, Garnet, Diamond Animals - Bear, Boar, Deer, Eagle, Owl, Tiger, Wren Herbs - Chamomile, Ivy, Mistletoe, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Cedar, Cinnamon, Cloves, Frankincense, Juniper, Myrrh, Orange Deities - Odin, Ra, Isis, Brighid, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, Mithra, Lugh ✧Imbolc (February 2nd✧ General meanings: candlemas, hearth, and home Crystals - Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise Animals - Burrowing Animals, Bear, Deer, Groundhog, Lamb, Sheep Herbs - Acorns, Angelica, Basil, Bay, Blackberry, Chamomile, Crocus, Jasmine, Lavender, Rosemary Colors - Green, Brown, Red, White, Pink, Yellow Deities - Brigid, Triple Goddess, Eros, Osiris, Pan, Herne, Aradia, Athena ✧Ostara (March 20th-23rd)✧ General meanings: spring equinox, renewal and duality Crystals - Amethyst, Aquamarine, Clear Quartz, Agate, Jasper, Moonstone, Rose Quartz Animals - Butterfly, Chick, Rabbit, Lamb, Robin, Worm Herbs - Clover, Daffodil, Honeysuckle, Iris, Jasmine, Lemon Balm, Lilac, Lilies, Mint, Peonies, Tulips, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Ylang-Ylang, Geranium Colors - Pastels, Gold, Light Green, Blue, Pink, Yellow Deities - Eostre, Astarte, Aurora, Kore, Osiris, Dionysus, Ares, Adonis, Venus, Aphrodite, and Narcissus ✧Beltane (May 1st)✧ General meanings: may day, love, and fertility Crystals - Emerald, Garnet, Malachite, Rose Quartz, Tourmaline Animals - Bee, Cat, Cattle, Dove, Frog, Goat, Leopard, Rabbit, Swallow, Swan Herbs - Coriander, Crocus, Curry, Daffodil, Dandelion, Dragon’s Blood, Fern, Flaxseed, Hawthorn, Nettle, Paprika, Primrose, Snapdragon, Peach, Rose, Vanilla Colors - Bright Greens and Blues, Purples, Yellow and Red Deities - Bel, Pan, Maeve, Tanit, Flora, Gaia, Danu, Herne, Aphrodite, Artemis, Brigid, and Diana ✧Litha (20th-23rd)✧ General meanings: summer solstice, warmth, and the sun Crystals - Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Tiger’s Eye Animals - Bee, Butterfly, Cattle, Horse, Robin, Sea Creatures, Snake, Bird Herbs - Basil, Calendula, Chamomile, Heather, Heather, Mugwort, Wild Thyme, Peony, Roses, Daisy, Sunflower, St. John’s Wort, Cedar, Clove, Lavender, Mint, Pine, Sage Colors - Blue, Gold, Red, White, Yellow, and Green Deities - Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar, Venus, Athena, Artemis, Dana Kali, Isis, Juno, Apollo, Helios, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus, and Ares ✧Lammas (August 1st)✧ General meanings: first harvest, abundance, and gratefulness Crystals - Citrine, Golden Topaz, Lodestone, Moss Agate, Obsidian, Peridot, Aventurine Animals - Calf, Pig, Rooster, Salmon, Crow Herbs - Apple Leaf, Basil, Clover, Goldenrod, Heather, Ivy, Marigold, Peony, Poppy, Rose, Rosemary, Vervain, Sunflower, Sandalwood, Frankincense Colors - Bronze, Green, Gold, Light Brown, Orange, and Yellow Deities - Lugh, Demeter, Ceres, Corn Mother, and John Barleycorn ✧Mabon (September 20th-23rd)✧ General meanings: autumn equinox, feast, and bounty Crystals - Amber, Citrine, Cat’s Eye, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Yellow Agate Animals - Eagle, Blackbird, Owl, Salmon, Stag, Wild Goose, Wolf Herbs - Bittersweet, Chamomile, Marigold, Rue, Sage, Yarrow, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Frankincense Colors - Brown, Gold, Orange, Red, Yellow, and Green Deities - Mabon, Inanna, Demeter, Persephone, and The Horned God ✧Samhain (October 31st)✧ General meanings: new year, spirit, and potential Crystals - Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Jet, Obsidian, Onyx, Smokey Quartz Animals - Bat, Black Cat, Cat, Owl, Raven, Crow Herbs - Allspice, Calendula, Chrysanthemum, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Mint, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Sage, Thistle, Wormwood, Hazel, Benzoin, Sweetgrass Colors - Black, Gold, Orange, Purple, White, and Silver Deities - Crone Goddesses, Hekate, Hel, Lilith, Kali, Ishtar, Arianrhod, Rhiannon, Persephone, Baba Yaga, and Isis

Every single year, without fail, we deal with the fact that the internet is obsessed with promoting the misinformation that Ostara must have been stolen from Easter.

People will argue until they’re blue in the face…But they won’t provide citations or evidence to the contrary and the reason why is simple: there isn’t any.

If you find that celebrating Ostara brings you joy: we aren’t here to rain on your parade or stop you in the slightest.

But misinformation, even misinformation that sounds cool and serves to further rhetorical goals, is still wrong and harmful.

So, after years of promising it, we’ve finally delivered: Easter isn’t stolen from Ostara.

Have questions? We’re happy to answer!

Make sure to follow our Instagram @jewitches for the ongoing discussion!

Ostara is a time of renewal and new beginnings, and there are many practices you can incorporate into your celebrations.

Here are some examples:

Plant a seed: Ostara is a perfect time to plant new seeds both physically and metaphorically. Consider planting a new herb, vegetable, or flower in your garden or in a pot indoors. As you plant the seed, set your intention for what you hope to grow and manifest in your life.

Create an Ostara altar: Use the colors of the season such as pastels and spring greens, fresh flowers, and symbols of growth like eggs and seeds to create an altar that celebrates the coming of spring. Take a moment to connect with the energy of the season and set intentions for the coming months.

Make springtime crafts: Get creative with DIY crafts that celebrate the season, such as painting eggs or creating flower crowns. Use natural materials and incorporate elements of spring like flowers, leaves, and pastel colors.

Go on a nature walk: Take a walk in nature and observe the signs of spring, such as the buds on the trees and the return of migrating birds. Connect with the energy of the season and take time to reflect on what you want to grow and manifest in your life.

Have a spring cleaning ritual: Use the energy of Ostara to clear out any physical or emotional clutter. Clean your home, declutter your space, and let go of anything that no longer serves you. You can also do a ritual cleansing using herbal smoke or homemade sprays to clear negative energy.

Enjoy a spring feast: Gather with friends and family and prepare a feast using fresh seasonal ingredients. Incorporate spring herbs and vegetables like asparagus, peas, and radishes, and use light and refreshing flavors to celebrate the coming of spring.

These are just a few ideas for new Ostara practices. Remember, the most important thing is to connect with the energy of the season and set intentions for growth and renewal in your life.

March 2024 witch guide

Full moon: March 25th

New moon: March 10th

Sabbats: Ostara-March 19th

March Worm Moon

Known as: Crow Moon, Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, Hrethmonath, Lenting moon, Lentzinmanoth, Moon of Snowblind, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, Sap Moon, Seed Moon, Sore Eyes Moon, Storm Moon, Sugar Moon & Wind Strong Moon

Element: Water

Zodiac: Pisces & Aries

Nature spirits: Air & water spirits & Mer-people

Deities: Artemis, Astarte, Athena, Cybele, Isis, Luna & Minerva

Animals: Boar, cougar & hedgehog

Birds: Sea crow & sea eagle

Trees: Alder, dogwood & honeysuckle

Herbs: Apple blossom, broom, high John root, Irish moss, pennyroyal, wood betony & yellow dock

Flowers: Daffodil, jonquil & violet

Scents: Apple blossom & honeysuckle

Stones: Aquamarine, bloodstone, jasper, opal &topaz

Colors: Pale-green, red, violet, yellow & white

Energy:  Balance, beginnings, dream work, energy breaking into the open, exploring, fertility, inner development, karma, prosperity, spirituality, success & truth seeking

For many years, it was thought that the name "Worm Moon" referred to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in spring. This invites robins and other birds to feed—a true sign of spring.

However, more research revealed another explanation. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver visited the Naudowessie (Dakota) and other Native American tribes and wrote that the name Worm Moon refers to a different sort of “worm”—beetle larvae—which begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time.

March’s full Moon often plays a role in religion, specifically in Christianity, this Moon is known as the Lenten Moon if it is the last full Moon of the winter season (i.e., if it occurs before the spring equinox) or as the Paschal Full Moon if it is the first full Moon of spring (i.e., if it occurs after the spring equinox).

Ostara

Known as: Alban Eiler, Lady Day & Spring/Vernal equinox

Season: Spring

Symbols: 8-spoked wheel, butterflies, chicks, decorated baskets, eggs, feathers, jellybeans, lambs, rabbits, seeds, shamrocks, spring flowers & sunwheels

Colors: Green, indigo, light blue, pastels, pink, red & yellow

Oils/Incense: African violet, florals, ginger, jasmine, lotus, magnolia, rose, sage & strawberry

Animals: Cormorant, hare, hawk, rabbit, sheep, sparrow & swallow

Mythical: Dragon & Unicorn

Stones: Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, moonstone, red jasper & rose quartz

Food: Dairy foods, eggs(hard boiled), fruits, honey, honey cakes, leafy greens, vegetables, pine nuts, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, sprouts & waffles

Herbs/Plants: Acorn, cinquefoil, dogwood, ginger, Irish moss, olive, strawberry & woodruff

Flowers: Celandine, crocus, daffodil, dandelion, Easter lily,  jasmine gorse, honeysuckle, hyssop, iris, jonquil, linden, narcissus, peony, snowdrop, tansy & violet

Goddesses: Aphrodite, Ariadne, Artemis, Athena, Coatlicue, Cybele,Demeter, Diana, Eos, Eostre, Flora, Gaia, Hera, Idunn, Iris, Ishtar, Juno, Minerva, Persephone, Venus & Vesta

Gods: Adonis, Attis, Celi, Cernunnos, Coel, Dagda, Dalon ap Landu, Dumuzi, Green Man, Lord of the Greenwood, Mithras, Odin, Osiris, Ovis & Pan

Issues, Intentions & Powers: Agriculture, balance, beauty, fertility, growth, life, love & rebirth/renewal

Spellwork: Air magick, fertility, new beginnings & water magick

Activities:

• Go on a hike/walk & look for signs of spring

• Add Ostara symbols to decorate your altar space

• Plant vegetable &/or flower seedlings

• Decorate eggs with bright colors

• Set your intentions for the weeks/months ahead

• Start a new class or hobby

• Create eggshell candles

• Make plans & new routines for the future

• Participate in rituals & ceremonies that connect you with energy & the life force of nature

• Have a feast with your friends &/family with sprouts & leafy greens

• Bake hot cross buns or lavender/lemon flavored treats

• Clean & de-clutter your home

• Try a re-birthing/ renewing ritual

• Bring fresh flowers or plants into into the home

• Host a spring & floral themed tea party

• Make egg based food dishes & desserts

This holiday marks the Spring Equinox, which happens before March 19-22. It is the second of three spring celebrations (the midpoint between Imbolc and Beltane)  during which light & darkness are again in balance, with light on the rise. It is a time of new beginnings & of life emerging further from the grips of winter.

There is much debate regarding the origins of Ostara due to the lack of primary sources about this sabbat. One theory is the name of Ostara came from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. Another theory is that Eostre is more of a localized goddess in Kent County, England. Despite the questions of her origins, Eostre is associated with modern-day Pagan traditions of Ostara.

There is no evidence that the ancient Greeks or Romans celebrated Ostara, although they did celebrate their own spring festivals, such as the Roman festival of Floralia & the Greek festival of Anthesteria. It was a time to honor the returning sun, fertility & rebirth.

Related festivals:

• Nowruz- March 19th

Nowruz marks the first day of spring & renewal of nature. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox. It is also celebrated as the beginning of the new year by people all around the world for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East & other regions.

It promotes values of peace & solidarity between generations & within families as well as reconciliation & neighbourliness. Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect & the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. 

Traditional customs of Nowruz include fire & water, ritual dances, gift exchanges, reciting poetry, symbolic objects & more; these customs differ between the diverse peoples & countries that celebrate the festival.

• Holi- March 25th

Holi is a popular & significant Hindu festival celebrated as the The festival of colors, Love &Spring. It commemorates eternal and divine love of the deities Radha & Krishna. Additionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it celebratess the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu. Holi originated & is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, but has also spread to other regions of Asia & parts of the Western world through the Indian diaspora.

Holi also celebrates the arrival of Spring in India, the end of winter & the blossoming of love. It is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season. It lasts for a night & a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (full moon day) falling on the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, which falls around the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar.

• Easter- March 31st

also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday is a Christian festival & cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus Christ, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, & penance.

Easter traditions vary across the Christian world & include sunrise services or late-night vigils, exclamations & exchanges of Paschal greetings, flowering the cross & the decoration and the communal breaking of Easter eggs (a symbol of the empty tomb) among many others. The Easter lily is a symbol of the resurrection in Western Christianity traditionally decorates the chancel area of churches on this day & for the rest of Eastertide. Additional customs that have become associated with Easter & are observed by both Christians & some non-Christians include Easter parades, communal dancing, the Easter Bunny & egg hunting.

Other Celebrations:

• Festival of Luna- March 31st

Is a feast day honoring the Goddess Luna who is seen as the divine embodiment of the Moon.

The Temple of Luna was a temple on the Aventine Hill in Rome, dedicated to Luna, the moon goddess. Its dedication was celebrated on March 31st, thus the celebration.

According to Tacitus, it was built by king Servius Tullius. However, the first confirmed reference to a temple to Luna dates to 182 BC & refers to one of its doors being knocked off its posts by a miraculous blast of air & shot into the back of the Temple of Ceres. That account probably places the temple at the north end of the hill, just above porta Trigemina. The temple was struck by lightning around the time of the death of Cinna, as was the temple of Ceres. After the destruction of Corinth, Lucius Mummius Achaicus dedicated some of his spoils from the city to this temple. It was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD & not rebuilt.

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

Wikipedia

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Encyclopedia britannica

Llewellyn 2024 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living

💞🌺 simmer pot for the spring equinox 🌺💞

using fruits and herbs for inviting energies of joy, pleasure, and abundance in the astrological new year

~grapefruit for energy refreshment and amplifying self love

~strawberries for sweetness and prioritizing pleasure

~orange peel for tapping into optimistic energies

~hibiscus for following the heart

~chamomile for a chill, peaceful aura

~cinnamon stick/powder for protecting and strengthening the heart, also encouraging good luck

happy ostara witches 🧹🌱

Had the best time vending at the Ostara market today! 👹🖤✨

✨fall celebration✨

Ostara

In the Northern Hemisphere, Ostara is on March 21st. In the Southern Hemisphere, Ostara is on September 21st.

Ostara actually falls around a number of different celebrations that range from a single day, up to forty days. It is the day of the Spring equinox, when day and night are at their most equal internationally, not to be confused with American Earth Day, and International Astrology Day. It also falls during the week of the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is probably the most “Spring-like” mental image you could imagine. Ostara will always fall somewhere during the time of Lent for the Catholics. However the most interesting one, in my opinion, would be the Indian/Hindu festival of Holi, which also falls somewhere around the same time. I had no previous knowledge of this amazing holiday, and now, with the emphasis on color and the positivity it brings, and the spirit of coming together leaving resentment behind, it might be my favorite.

Named for a Goddess of fertility, Ostara is here to celebrate the fertility of nature. Day and Night are equal, and from now on it looks like clear skies and warmer days. It has been progressively getting warmer, melting the snow away, and waking up the entire earth. The Goddess is back to her full strength, and spreading fertility to plants and animals alike. The God is growing up, and spends his time hunting and flirting with girls. The lethargy of winter is literally melting away, leaving behind a fresh earth growing more and more active. It is a renewal.

With the Christian Easter coming up, traditional Ostara decorations are everywhere. Really, all that’s needed is to take that spirit of newness and the bursting of nature, and follow that instinct. Use the colorful eggs and rabbits you can find at every single store around this time. The truth in the multiplying like bunnies metaphor is so real. Flowers and greenery are blooming, so get colorful when decorating with flowers. They’re new and bright. They also bring around a lot of bees, so working with bees and honey would be a fun addition. Ostara is also a celebration for the equaling of night and day, so a theme of balance would also be appropriate. For that, you could incorporate the feminine and masculine, light and dark, sun and moon, basically the yin-yangs of nature.