As we awaken from our winter enforced hibernation, we emerge to the glorious green of the Spring Equinox, known in the Pagan culture as Eostara, or Ostara. Easter is also celebrated at this time of the year by the Christian community. In the very early traditions of Wicca, only four sabbats marking the cross quarters were acknowledged. The four quarters directly corresponded to the agricultural cycles of the land that the people were so intimately tied to.The agrarian cylcles of the year are sowing, growing, reaping, and lying fallow. This is a time to celebrate the fertility of the earth. The German fertility Goddess, Eostara is celebrated with symbols such as the egg, and the rabbit, among others. The egg has long been a symbol of renewal and fertility. All across Europe the art and craft of coloring and decorating eggs has endured as a tradition of this time of the year. See the links below to learn more about decorative eggs and Pysanka. Eggs and seeds are important symbols for the season because of the promise of life they hold within. Rabbits or hares are a symbol of fertility as well, for obvious reasons. Pan is associated with the Spring Equinox for the same reasons, afterall, Pan is the essence of the sensuality and fertility of spring. Decorate you altar with the colors green and yellow, and with new spring blossoms to celebrate the season. Some wiccans refer to Eostara, or Ostara as "lady day". The Goddess is celebrated as the maiden and mother this time of the year. The goddess rises up amongst the verdant beauty of new growth. It is a time to pay tribute to her aspect of fertility goddess by bringing forth creation! Create poetry, new pottery, a garden or even new life! It is a time to plant the seeds of your future by starting something new. This is the time when the length of the day is equal to the night, a time of balance. So, this spring make your dreams bud and bloom, and don't forget to eat a chocolate bunny or two! |
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