Ostara, Celebration of the Goddess of Spring

  Blog originaly posted on Love of the Goddess, all rights reserved.
 
The spring equinox, also known as Ostara, takes place around March 21. It is a time where the light is equal to the darkness and from here on out the days grow longer. This sabbat represents a time for rebirth in nature and in our own lives. Ostara is the Germanic Goddess of Spring, another name for her is Eostre. In ancient times, this was a time of year for fertility, which is where the symbols of the eggs and rabbits comes from. Rabbits are known to mate many times throughout this season, and female rabbits are known to have many litters of babies during this time, which is why the rabbit is such a strong symbol for the fertility of Spring.

There ane many different ways to celebrate the Spring Goddess. You can do a ritual in her honor, plant seeds of beautiful spring flowers, or try to start a new in your own life. Another symbol for rebirth is the labyrinth, you can make one of these, and walk it to symbolize finding your center. A labyrinth can also symbolize the cycles of life and nature, since your life never goes in one direction, so to the labyrinth will take you on a journey to help you find your center. I tried my hand at making a labyrinth, and it can be alot of fun! You can make a permanent one or a non permanent one. Either by planting seeds in a labyrinth pattern, using salt to make the pattern so you can brush it away when your finished, or however else you think would be appropriate. I actually took a big king size sheet, and drew the labyrinth on there, then I painted over the lines to make them stand out more, make it your own and personalize it. I wanted a permanent labyrinth, so that way we could walk it every year at Ostara.

When walking your labyrinth, walk in a slow meditative state, and contemplate your life and any changes or rebirth you plan to do this coming year. Once you get to the center, you turn around and come out the same way you went in, make sure not to step over any of the lines. You can get a little dizzy when walking it, so if that is the case just stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and start again.

Here you will find step by step instructions for making your labyrinth : How to make a labyrinth

For your altar on the Ostara, you should have a yellow candle, spring flowers, green and yellow crystals or stones, plastic or real eggs to represent fertility and anything else that represents the rebirth of Spring to you.

For more information on Ostara check out: Goddess Vision

Enjoy your Ostara and your life renewal!

Blessings )O(