Last updated on May 23, 2024
Ostara is a festival that celebrates the spring equinox, which typically falls around March 21st in the northern hemisphere. However, if you are like me, and celebrating the wheel of the Aussie year, the seasons are reversed, so the spring equinox occurs around September 21st.
Ostara is a time to celebrate new beginnings, fertility, and the awakening of nature. As you prepare to celebrate Ostara, allow yourself to release the burdens you’ve been carrying, so that you can approach the spring with a fresh start. Ostara is also a great time to throw open windows and bring the fresh air in, clean out your fridge, and remove your house plants that have not survived the winter.
- Outdoor Ritual: Since Ostara is all about celebrating nature, you can plan an outdoor ritual in a beautiful natural setting. Find a park, garden, or a nearby forest where you can connect with the changing seasons and perform rituals, such as lighting a bonfire or creating an altar with symbols of fertility and new life.
- Seasonal Foods: Prepare a meal using seasonal ingredients that represent the fresh newness of the season. You can also bake bread or cakes in the shape of symbols associated with Ostara, such as eggs or rabbits.
- Craft Activities: Engage in craft activities that symbolize rebirth and growth. You can decorate eggs by dyeing or painting them with vibrant colours. You can also make wreaths using fresh foliage, flowers, or other natural materials.
- Nature Walk: Take a nature walk in a local park or botanical garden to witness the abundance of life bursting into being. Connect with the seasonal changes and reflect on the cycles of life.
- Planting Ritual: Since Ostara represents fertility and growth, consider planting seeds or bulbs in your garden or in pots. Find an Aussie planting guide and think about choosing native plants. As you plant them, set intentions for personal growth and new beginnings.
- Meditation or Reflection: Set aside some time for quiet reflection and meditation. Find a peaceful spot, either indoors or outdoors, and contemplate the symbolism of Ostara. Reflect on the balance between light and darkness, the cycles of nature, and the potential for personal transformation.
