THE SABBAT OF OSTARA/SPRING EQUINOX (March 20 or 21)

Ostara (also known as Eostre, a Teutonic Earth Goddess) is the beginning of the
agricultural year. It is time for the Earth to "spring" into action and for us to
initiate and celebrate new beginnings. One of the most universal symbols of this sabbat
is the planting of seeds and the sprouting of new life from the womb of the Earth
Mother. The Vernal or Spring Equinox marks the beginning of the 'light' half of the
year, when day gradually becomes longer than night. From now until Autumn, the power of
the Goddess dominates our festivities bringing light, warmth and fertility to the
earth. The courtship of the God and Goddess commences with this sabbat and this is an
appropriate time to focus on the balance of male and female energies within ourselves.

The word "Easter" is derived from the word "Eostre" and the symbols used to celebrate
Easter have pre-Christian origins. The Easter bunny reminds us of the hare, the animal
most sacred to the Goddess Diana and the eggs that the hare brings symbolize new
beginnings, rebirth, continuity and growth. Have you ever wondered why Easter changes
dates and months from year to year? Interestingly it is always the first Sunday
following the first full moon after the Spring Equinox!

Some folk customs associated with Ostara are: spring cleaning (new beginnings); sunrise
observances (to celebrate the growing light of the sun); sowing and planting done
ceremonially; ashes from the Ostara eve bonfire mixed with the planting seed as a
fertility charm; eating of cake and cider in the planting fields, burying a piece of
the cake then pouring a cider libation to show the earth what it is expected to
produce; moon cakes which are round cakes marked on top by a cross dividing it into
quarters or 'farls' symbolizing the quarters of the moon and the four elements - they
are the original hot cross buns; tree planting. Have fun with your traditions!

Eggs are probably the most popular symbol of this sacred time. Since eggs symbolize so
well the ideas of newness, creation, potential and growth, why not make a Magick Egg to
contain the energies of your hopes and wishes for the coming season? Take a fresh raw
egg (do not boil it!) and dye it the appropriate color for your wishes: Green for
growth, prosperity or healing; Red or Pink for love and marriage; Purple for spiritual
growth and psychic development; Yellow for new beginnings and successful studies; Blue
for peace and serenity; Orange for power and energy. With a straight pin, poke a hole
in each end of the egg, place your lips over the hole at one end and blow the contents
of the egg out over the sink or in the yard. This will take a few minutes. If your yolk
is a bit tough, once you've gotten most of the white of the egg out, take your straight
pin and penetrate the skin of the yolk then finish blowing the rest of the yolk out.
Once your egg is empty, using your straight pin again, make small holes all the way
around the middle of the egg, lightly mark one spot so that you'll be able to fit the
egg back together correctly, then take a thin blade and saw through so that you have
two halves. Handling it carefully, rinse the inside of the egg and dry it. Now it is
time to fill your egg with your wishes and energies for your goal. Three has always
been a magickal number so you'll use two herbs and one stone charged with your wishes
to fill your egg. Your Green Egg will use chopped bay leaves, cinnamon chips and a
citrine stone; your Red or Pink Egg will use rose petals, damiana and a rose quartz
stone; your Purple Egg will use poppy seeds, white sandalwood and an amethyst stone;
your Yellow Egg will use lavender, allspice and a clear quartz stone; your Blue Egg
will use chamomile, hops and a blue topaz stone and your Orange Egg will use bloodroot,
patchouli and a gold tiger's eye stone. Fill one half of the egg at a time,
concentrating on your goal and infusing the herbs and stone with your power. Light a
candle in the same color as your egg and begin to drip small bits of melted wax on the
seam of the cut eggshell to fuse it back together. As you do this, continue to
visualize your wishes and, if you like, repeat a short chant or power words as you go.
If your wax drippings on the eggshell are lumpy, after you have fused the egg
completely, hold the waxed area just above your candle flame to warm it and then smooth
it with your finger. Keep your Magick Egg in a safe place and when you have achieved
manifestation of your goal, bury it in your yard.