Ostara, known as the Spring Equinox, is a sacred time of balance, renewal, and fertility, celebrated in late March (typically on March 21st). This pagan holiday welcomes the rebirth of nature as day and night become equal, ushering in longer, sun-kissed days. But who is Ostara, the enigmatic goddess behind this celebration?

The Myth of Ostara

Ostara, or Eostre, is the Germanic pagan goddess of spring and dawn. Her origins are shrouded in mystery, with few historical records mentioning her by name. One of the earliest references comes from the Venerable Bede, an 8th-century monk who wrote that Anglo-Saxons held festivals in her honor during the month of Eosturmonath (modern-day April). Some scholars believe her name is linked to the Greek goddess of the dawn, Eos, while others see connections to Freya, Idunn, and even the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar.

The Goddess of Dawn and Spring

Jacob Grimm—yes, one of the famous Brothers Grimm—suggested that Ostara was a deity of the dawn, symbolizing the return of light and life after the long winter. Her name itself means “the rising of the sun” or “the coming of the dawn.” Because of her association with fertility, renewal, and rebirth, many believe that Ostara influenced later traditions surrounding Easter, including the symbols of eggs and hares.

In some legends, Ostara appears as a youthful, golden-haired goddess, her presence bringing warmth and abundance to the land. However, an intriguing alternative myth describes her with the head and shoulders of a hare—perhaps reinforcing her deep connection to this sacred animal.

The Tale of the Hare and the Goddess

One of the most beloved tales of Ostara tells of a humble hare who wished to offer the goddess a gift during the great spring festival. Unlike other animals who brought her rare gems, flowers, and fine silks, the hare had nothing but a single egg. He carefully painted it with beautiful patterns and presented it to Ostara with a humble heart. Touched by his sincerity, the goddess declared the hare her sacred animal, forever linking him to the celebration of the Spring Equinox.

This charming story gives rise to the modern tradition of decorating eggs, a practice that has endured for centuries.

Symbols and Sacred Associations of Ostara

Ostara is associated with various symbols that reflect her essence as a goddess of fertility, renewal, and balance. These sacred emblems carry deep spiritual meanings and are often incorporated into Ostara rituals.

• Colors: Green, pink, blue, yellow, and purple (symbolizing growth, renewal, and balance)
• Sacred Animals: Hares, rabbits, birds, and lambs (representing fertility and new beginnings)
• Stones: Aquamarine (clarity and emotional balance), amethyst (spiritual awakening), and rose quartz (love and harmony)
• Plants & Flowers: Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and clover (all associated with spring’s renewal and the fertility of the earth)
• Sacred Foods: Eggs (symbolizing creation and rebirth), honey, sprouted greens, asparagus, and baked goods (celebrating abundance)
• Deities Associated with Ostara: Isis, Eostre, Adonis, and other deities of renewal and resurrection

How to Celebrate Ostara in 2025

Ostara 2025 falls on the Spring Equinox, marking a powerful moment of cosmic balance. To honor this sacred transition, you can engage in spring equinox rituals that celebrate growth, harmony, and new opportunities. Here are some ways to embrace Ostara’s magic:

1. Create a Spring Altar

Design an altar filled with symbols of Ostara, such as flowers, seeds, pastel-colored candles, and painted eggs. This serves as a focal point for meditation and seasonal magic.

2. Light Ostara Candles

Candle colors for Ostara include green (growth), yellow (joy), and pink (love). Lighting these candles while setting intentions for the season invites abundance and positivity into your life.

3. Sow Seeds of Intention

Spring is a time of new beginnings, making it the perfect moment to plant seeds—both literal and metaphorical. As you sow herbs, flowers, or vegetables, visualize the intentions you wish to cultivate in your life.

4. Greet the Dawn

Ostara is a festival of balance, and welcoming the sunrise on the equinox connects you with the goddess’s radiant energy. Meditate outdoors, reflect on personal growth, and express gratitude for the returning light.

5. Host a Feast of Renewal

Prepare a celebratory meal featuring fresh spring produce. Include dishes with eggs, dairy, honey, and leafy greens—foods that symbolize fertility, abundance, and the blossoming of life.

6. Decorate Eggs with Magical Symbols

Egg magic has long been associated with Ostara. Try painting eggs with sigils, runes, or symbols representing your hopes and dreams. These can be placed on your altar, given as offerings, or buried in the earth as a blessing for growth.

7. Connect with Nature

Take a mindful walk in the woods, leave offerings for wildlife, or tend to your garden. Observing the signs of spring—buds on trees, birds returning, and flowers blooming—strengthens your spiritual connection to the earth.

8. Perform a Spring Equinox Ritual

Engage in a simple Ostara ritual to align yourself with the season’s energy. Wrte down what you wish to release from winter and what you hope to manifest. Burn the paper safely, symbolizing transformation and new beginnings.

Ostara is a time of renewal, joy, and balance. Whether through candle-lit rituals, feasts, or connecting with nature, embracing the energy of this pagan holiday allows us to honor the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. So as the world awakens from its winter slumber, let us celebrate the magic of Ostara and welcome the promise of new beginnings.

References:

1. Bede, the Venerable. “The Reckoning of Time.”
2. Grimm, Jacob. “Teutonic Mythology.”
3. Wikipedia, “Ēostre.”
4. Wikipedia, “Wheel of the Year.”
5. POPSUGAR, “Indigenous Spring Equinox Rituals to Ground and Balance Your Energy.”