Winter is ending and spring is working it’s way to bloom. This turning point is called Ostara — one of the eight Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year. Sabbats are seasonal festivals rooted in old European pagan traditions, marking the earth’s natural rhythms: solstices, equinoxes, and the spaces between them. Ostara lands on the Spring Equinox, when day and night are equal and the growing season begins to tip toward the light.
Historically, this time of year has always been about fertility, balance, and new life. Eggs, hares, fresh greens — all symbols that eventually blended into modern spring traditions (yes, even some Easter imagery traces back here). So, whether or not you follow a specific spiritual path, the energy of this season is universal. The earth is thawing. Seeds are being planted. Things are beginning again. Here are just a few ways you can honor the season…
Springtime Rituals to Honor Ostara
Crafting a Spring Altar
I love creating little corners of spring around my home, my yard, my patio… anywhere I’m going to spend a lot of time. Then, start to place things like: flowers, eggs, candles, seeds, soil, something green, pastels, and other symbols of spring… even things that might specific just to you, but reflects what this season means to you.
As you place each item, think about what you’re welcoming back into your life — energy, clarity, creativity, motivation.
Planting Seeds with Intention
Ostara is a perfect time for planting seeds—both literally and metaphorically. Grab a plant pot, soil, herb or flower seeds, paper and pen, and water of course. Write down one thing you want to grow this season: abundance, strength, friendships, etc. Fold your paper, put it in the soil and plant the seeds over it. Lastly, when you water it, say something encouraging just as you would to a friend to help your plant grow.
Decorating Eggs
Decorating eggs is one of the time-honored Ostara rituals, symbolizing fertility and the potential for new life. It’s not just for kids, guys. This practice is as old as time and creativity in general is good for the soul. Gather some eggs and supplies, and spend time decorating them with symbols, colors, and patterns that hold personal significance for you. I like to add words like patience, courage, health, and whatever else I’m hoping to manifest this season. As you decorate each egg… meditate on the intentions you wish to manifest in your life, infusing the eggs with your energy and blessings.
Ostara Inspired Renewal Practices
Spring Water Reset
- Get a bowl of water filled with rainwater, river water, or water from a natural source
- Herbs like rosemary or mint
- A white candle
Light the candle, add herbs to the water, hold your hands over the bowl and think about what’s been heavy lately. Dip your fingers in the water and touch your head and your heart. Then, think about the fresh energy you wish to come to you.
Confidence Practice
- A mirror
- A pink or a green candle
- Rose Quartz or Citrine
Firstly, light the candle. Then, sit in front of the mirror and look at yourself without criticism. Speak to yourself gently. Let yourself know that you are allowed to take up space, that you are growing, that you are love. Sit with it. If it feels awkward, then good. Sit with that too because growth is often awkward.
Renewal Symbols & Runes
The Triple Goddess Symbol
This symbol, depicted as three moons, represents the three stages of a woman’s life—maiden, mother, and crone—and is often associated with fertility and the cycles of nature.
The Egg
In almost all cultures, the egg is a powerful symbol of fertility and new life. It represents the potential for growth and creation, making it a common motif in rituals and celebrations surrounding fertility.
The Green Man
This ancient Celtic symbol, often depicted as a face surrounded by leaves or foliage, represents the spirit of nature and the cycle of growth and renewal. It is closely associated with fertility and the abundance of the earth.
The Ouroboros
This ancient symbol is found in many ancient cultures including Egypt and Greece. It depicts a serpent or dragon eating its own tail and represents the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth, making it a potent symbol for fertility and regeneration.
The Berkanan Rune
This rune derives from the Elder Futhark runic alphabet, the oldest form of the runic alphabets used by Germanic tribes. Though it resembles an English, “B,” it is actually a pictogram for women’s breasts and symbolizes new beginnings and fertility.
The Kenaz Rune
This rune is associated with fire and creative energy, making it a potent symbol for fertility and the spark of life.
The Inguz Rune
This rune is associated with male fertility, abundance, and new beginnings. It represents the energy of growth and expansion, making it a powerful symbol for fertility rituals and spells.
Step outside. Touch soil. Open a window. Light a candle at sunset. Let yourself begin again. Blessed Ostara, my loves.