The Symbolic Meanings of Ostara: Connecting with Nature's Rebirth
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Ostara marks the fourth sabbat holiday in the Wheel of the Year and is a celebration of the Spring Equinox, when there is balance between light and dark. It also marks the beginning of springtime and nature’s rebirth. Symbols from nature that are associated with Ostara, including rabbits, flowers and seeds. As Christianity spread through Europe in the Middle Ages, many of these symbols became synonymous with Easter, including the association with the Teutonic Goddess Esotre, from which the name is Easter is derived.
Eggs are one of the most well-known symbols of Ostara. They represent new beginnings and the cycle of life. The egg is a symbol of fertility and rebirth, and it's also associated with the goddess Eostre, after whom Ostara is named. In many cultures, eggs were painted and decorated during Ostara celebrations.
Hares/Rabbits are another important symbol of Ostara. It's associated with fertility, growth, and abundance. The hare was also considered a messenger between the worlds of the living and the dead. In some cultures, the hare was seen as a symbol of the moon, which is also associated with the divine feminine.
Spring Flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, are also symbols of Ostara. They represent new beginnings and the renewal of life. Flowers are associated with the goddess, and they were often used in rituals and ceremonies.
Butterflies are also associated with Ostara. They represent transformation and growth. The butterfly starts life as a caterpillar and undergoes a metamorphosis to become a beautiful butterfly. This symbolizes the cycle of life and the transformation that occurs during the spring season.
Seeds are a powerful symbol of Ostara. They represent potential and growth. The seeds that are planted during the spring will grow into plants and flowers during the summer months. This represents the cycle of life and the potential for growth and abundance.
Sun and Moon are also important symbols of Ostara. The spring equinox marks the time when the day and night are of equal length, representing balance and harmony. The sun is
associated with the god, and the moon is associated with the goddess. Together, they represent the balance of masculine and feminine energy.
Greenery, such as leaves and branches, are also symbols of Ostara. They represent the renewal of life and growth. Greenery was often used to decorate homes and altars during Ostara celebrations.
Ostara is a time of new beginnings and growth. The symbols of Ostara represent the cycle of life, the potential for growth and abundance, and the balance between light and dark. By honoring these symbols, we can connect with the energy of the season and celebrate the renewal of life.
You may also Enjoy these books*
Ostara: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for the Spring Equinox
Children's Intro to Ostara: An Illustrated Guide
The Modern Witchcraft Grimoire: Your Complete Guide to Creating Your Own Book of Shadows
Follow The Mabon House Adventures
Ostara for Self Care and Intentional Living
It’s hard to believe that Ostara and the spring equinox are just a few days away. I’m taking some advice from myself (or rather from the Ostara Self Care Course I wrote up last year) to spend some time planning for future goals. I’ve been thinking a lot about creative projects. I have many printables in the works, as well as a lot of notes and research on the Wheel of the Year and how to live more intentionally within the seasons. And I feel like there is something bigger here than just blog posts and stand alone printables. So, I’ve started sketching out a very rough outline of a book. Which feels scary and super exciting at the same time.
My imposter syndrome reared up slightly when I began thinking about this BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). I mean, many of you have been around long enough to see the number of typos that I make on a regular basis. I am not the world's best editor. But the thing is…what is life worth if you don’t try scary and exciting things? Yes, you might fail, but you might also fly.
With this book idea, I’m planting seeds of joy, anticipation and excitement for Ostara. And even if it takes a couple Wheel of the Years to see the final results, that’s okay with me. What about you? What seeds are you planting this spring? What joy are you cultivating? Do you have any BHAGS you’re ready to start on?
This week’s printable is also from the free Ostara Course and is one of my personal favorites. You can use it to set intentions, take inspired action and cultivate a life that you love.
recommended reading
Free Ostara Celebration Guide
Happy Friday! I’ve been recovering from a cold and trying to balance all.the.things in my life from my family to my job to this newsletter. Though I’ve been busy, I’ve still been able to appreciate the promise of springtime. The temps in New England are still hovering in the teens and twenties, but the sunshine is growing warmer and the days are getting longer. So there’s hope yet!
In celebration of the coming Sabbat, this week’s free printable is an Ostara Celebration Guide. I hope you like it!
The OSTARA CELEBRATION GUIDE is available for free to subscribers until MARCH 1, so be sure to grab your copy today!