Happy soon to be Spring Equinox, yogis!
Wednesday, March 20th, exact at 04.06 am CET as the sun enters the astrological sign of Aries, we have the spring equinox here in the northern hemisphere.
Just like Octobers Samhain (Halloween) and Decembers Yule (Christmas), Ostara (Easter) has been translated in to modern day Christianity. Ostara is, however, an ancient celebration and honoring of the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic goddess of fertility, Ēostre or Ostara.
The spring goddess represents new dawn and new life, and blesses seeds for planting, overseeing the fertility of the earth, symbolizing new growth, and newborn animals. At the time of Ostara and the spring equinox, day and night are of equal length, making it a time to celebrate balance and equilibrium.
As of this, it is a good time to balance out your own life as well, using this time to free yourself and let go of things which hinder your progress, focusing on gaining what you may have lost and to gain the qualities you wish to have. Ostara is also considered a magical day and a time for play and childish wonder.
The goddess is traditionally represented by gifts, treats and decoration associated with the new light of birth, such as painted eggs, rabbits, basket of flowers and sweets.
Season + Element: Spring and the element of air
Incense: Jasmine, Rose and Strawberry
Stones: Amethyst, rose quartz, moonstone, red jasper, bloodstone.
Food: Sprouts, eggs, banana bread, honey cake, milk, dairy foods, lamb, roasted ham
Decorations: Yellow Disk or Wheel, Colored Egg’s, Hare Decorations and Spring Flowers
Colors: Light green, lemon yellow and pale pink
Tarot: The suit of swords
Deities: Eostre, Ostara, Diana, Pan, Demeter, Freyja.
Chakra: Anahata – Heart Chakra
Corresponding Moon: First Quarter Moon – symbolizing practice, feedback and building your foundation.