Ostara, known as the Spring Equinox, is a holiday celebrated in late March (March 21st), dedicated to fertility and new growth; it takes its name and story from a mysterious Germanic Goddess.

Ostara is the Germanic goddess of spring and dawn, but interestingly her name is mentioned only once in the writings of her period. And that article stated that pagan Anglo-Saxons held festivals in her honor in late March. The original name of this goddess, which is also mentioned in some inscriptions in Germany, is “Eostre” and is associated with the Greek goddess of the dawn, Eos.

However, the material about the Ostara goddess is insufficient, and some scholars even claim that she is not a goddess but a myth. Hence, we can easily say that the origin of Ostara remains a mystery, and that’s what makes her so beautiful.

Who is Ostara?

This goddess seems to be well-known but not well-documented. We couldn’t tell if she was indeed an ancient Germanic goddess or just a created by Neopagans who were probably being inspired by other spring goddesses like Freya and iDEN and maybe even Ishtar!

 

So she’s a spring goddess and celebrated in late March. She’s also said to be the namesake of the pagan festival Astara which happens on the 21st of March and Easter! She oversees the growing of plants and therefore is also linked to fertility. Jacob Grimm -yes, of those Grimm’s, he was the editor of their fairy tales, said that she was the deity of the dawn, and this is also because her name means literally “the rising of the sun” or “the coming of the dawn.” She’s also said too many that she’s the goddess of renewal and rebirth, and it’s because of this that there is a link from her to the resurrection of Jesus now her. Who knows? 

Her description varies. Some describe her much like Eden, a glowing golden youthful goddess filled with pure innocence. However, the other definition is a little bit odder. It is said that she has the shoulders and head of a hare! 

Symbols of Ostara

She has a few symbols attributed to her, like the colors of spring, green, yellow, and purple. Spring flowers of all kinds, Hot Cross Buns, bird nest & eggs and seeds, and the hare.

Cross Buns

Cross Buns are linked to her because of the cross on top. It is said to be the equal-armed Celtic cross representing balance, summer in the winter solstices, or Tamil and spring equinoxes, maybe night and day. You get the idea.

 

Eggs

The egg and all nuts and seeds symbolize fertility and birth, and the white egg represents the white goddess who unfolds the golden God represented by the yolk, moon, and sun. It’s also the balance of the female and the male aspects in everything.

Snake

In some mythologies, the Ostara goddess is associated with the serpent or dragon energy. During the spring, the serpent or Kundalini energy bursts positively.

Nature and Trees

She’s also linked to certain trees like the Ole, which is said to be the bridge between heaven and earth and rule from March  18 th to April 14th. She also has the ash tree and, finally, the birch tree. During the spring equinox and at Beltane and potentially other celebrations mainly geared towards fertility, pagans would dance around this tree as it was usually the first one to wake up in spring. 

Hare

Last but not least, the hare! There are a few reasons why the hare is linked to her. One is because of their ability to conceive while they are already pregnant. Another is because they start waking up during the spring, and there is also a traditional story from the West Country or the southwest of England. 

One day the animal kingdom was gathered and discussing a vital party they were eagerly looking forward to; the goddess was going to be attending. So, they all wanted to bring her a gift. However some animals were rich and could get her fancy skills, but the hare was poor. He wanted to give her the finest gift he could. He checked his home and found nothing except one single egg! 

Hare carefully and lovingly painted and took it with him to the party. Nervously waited as all the others gave goddess gems and gold and silver… Finally, it was his turn. As the last to come forward, he was shy but presented the egg. When Ostara held it, she saw the true spirit of the hare, a creature who had taken the time to decorate the only thing he had left, yet he still gave it away. She appointed him and all her kind as her particular animal on that very spot. 

Ways To Celebrate Ostara

Ostara marks the Spring Equinox, which happens between March 19 -23. These are days of balance. So let’s embrace this season of renewal with open hearts and spirited enthusiasm. Here are enchanting ways to honor the balance of light and darkness, and welcome the burgeoning life around us.

Craft a Nature Altar:

Gather fresh flowers, green sprigs, and colorful eggs to create an altar that mirrors the blossoming world. This vibrant centerpiece not only beautifies your space but also serves as a focal point for your Ostara celebrations, symbolizing fertility, growth, and the vibrant energy of spring.

Sow Seeds of Intentions:

What better way to celebrate renewal than by planting seeds—both literal and metaphorical? As you plant your garden, think of the personal goals or dreams you wish to nurture this season. Each seed represents a hope, a dream, a new beginning patiently waiting to unfold.

Dawn Greeting:

Rise early to greet the dawn on Ostara. Welcome the balanced light with open arms, meditating on the warmth and brightness that the coming months will bring. This moment of peaceful contemplation connects you deeply with the cycle of the seasons and the promise of new light.

Host a Feast of Renewal:

Prepare a feast with seasonal produce to share with loved ones. Think fresh greens, dairy products, and eggs—foods that embody the fertility and abundance of the season. This gathering not only strengthens bonds but also celebrates the Earth’s bounty in the most delicious way.

Egg Magic:

Dive into the playful spirit of Ostara by decorating eggs, an ancient symbol of new life and fertility. Whether you choose to paint, dye, or adorn them with symbols, let creativity lead the way. These colorful tokens can adorn your altar, be gifted to friends, or even buried in the garden as an offering to the Earth.

Celebrating Ostara is about welcoming the new, embracing growth, and reveling in the joyous energy of spring. Let these activities spark a sense of renewal and connection within you and around you, as we dance together into the light.

Symbols Of Ostara 

Colors:  Green, pink, blue 

Foods:  Eggs, honey, sprouted greens, baked goods, asparagus 

Stones:  Aquamarine, amethyst, rose quartz 

Symbols:  Rabbits, eggs, spring flowers, lambs, clover, baskets 

Flowers & Plants: clover, daffodils, crocus, tulips  

Deities:   Isis, Estotre, Adonis 

*Artist fo the Images: Annie Louvaine from The Wild Wood Groves & The Spiral Path