Spring has finally arrived! March has roared in like a lion, and if we're really lucky, it will roll out like a lamb. Meanwhile, on or around the 21st of the month, we have Ostara to celebrate. It's the time of the vernal equinox of you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and it's a true marker that Spring has come. There are many different ways you can celebrate this Sabbat, depending on your tradition. First, you might want to read up on:
- Ostara History
- When is Ostara 2009?
- Take the Seven Day Sabbat e-course
Rituals and Ceremonies
Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Ostara, but typically it is observed as a time to mark the coming of Spring and the fertility of the land. By watching agricultural changes -- such as the ground becoming warmer, and the emergence of plants from the ground -- you'll know exactly how you should welcome the season.
Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying -- and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.
- Setting up your Ostara Altar
- Ostara Altar Photo Gallery
- Ostara Prayers
- Ostara Ritual for Solitaries
- The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Chocolate Rabbit - an Ostara rite for kids
- Ostara Rebirthing Ritual
- Ostara Labyrinth Meditation
Traditions and Trends
Interested in learning about some of the traditions behind the celebrations of March? Learn why St. Patrick hated snakes, and why the Easter bunny brings eggs for us to eat!
- Deities of Ostara
- Spring equinox celebrations around the world
- Who was Eostre?
- Matronalia, March 1
- Magical Spring Flowers
- Easter Eggs: Pagan or Not?
- Beware the Ides of March!
- St. Patrick and the Snakes
Crafts and Creations
As Ostara rolls in, you can decorate your home (and keep your kids entertained) with a number of easy craft projects. Start celebrating a bit early with a St. Patrick's Day Snake Wreath or a basket of naturally-dyed eggs.
- Make a Miniature Greenhouse for Ostara
- Make a Spring Weather Station
- Spring Snake Wreath
- Naturally Colored Ostara Eggs
- Make Magic Crystal Ostara Eggs
- Make an Ostara tree for your altar
- Seed packet greeting cards
Feasting and Food
No Pagan celebration is really complete without a meal to go along with it. For Ostara, celebrate with foods that honor the the coming of spring -- eggs, early spring greens, shoots and sprouts, and of course, the all-important marshmellow Peep.
- Surprise Lemon Bread
- Spring Sprout Salad with Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing
- Marshmellow Peep Ambrosia
- Deviled Eggs
- Mint Chutney
- Roasted Lamb
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