Since the winter solstice, when the Goddess re-birthed our Lord-the God of light- he has grown quietly through the subtle lengthening of days and warming of our land. Now at the Sabbat of Ostara, we come together to celebrate the equal parts of light and dark during the spring equinox and the official unsought of spring, the season of birth and growth.
Ostara; the Germanic Goddess whose name is often associated with the vernal equinox in Wicca, is a maiden Goddess of spring. Beautiful and young, she represents the first manifestations to be found in new beginnings, and the promise of abundance soon to come into fruition during the summer months.
Her symbols, the egg and the hare carry sway in the decorations, meditations and food of the season, as a powerful creation symbol. The golden yolk holds the sun God’s energies, while being encased amongst the white of the egg, representing Goddess/lunar energies, come together to symbolize the fertile womb of creation, foreshadowing the embodiment of the new life soon to hatch forth.
The nocturnal hare was viewed as passing each morning and be born anew at night fall, tying its symbolism to the nightly rise and fall of the Goddess’ lunar energies. As well as an animal that can have new eggs fertilized while pregnant, it became viewed as the epitome of fertility.
Ostara, also meaning to move with the waxing sun, is a time to work with the energies of the rising sun of the east. To rejoice in the new beginnings, now obvious within the budding of new life throughout nature.
Refreshed from their cessation during winter- the trees burst forth with their own sense of celebration, sharing their gift of fragrant blossoms, providing the perfect example of natures’ passion in creating anew.
The Japanese Pagan path of Shintoism saw a Goddess within their cherry blossoms. Konohana Sakuya represents the blossom, but also the volcanoes fire energy, personifying not only the beautiful blessing of spring, but also the ability to gracefully embrace that which is fleeting and fragile, given way to destruction of transformation, by being present in mind and heart of your blessings and allow this passion of a mindful existence to flow freely and protected in the face of change.
As a sprouting shoot would fail to thrive if the ground be too cold or the air be too hot, the powers of light and dark align to bring balance to aid in this new growth. Take some time to connect to the balance within, represented in the 5 sacred elements, so to allow a push in growth and less personal inhibitions.
Connect with water during this season of rain, Earth in the budding leaves and blossoming flowers, fire in the strengthening of the sun and air represented through the returning pollinators and birds of spring. All working together simultaneously to draw upon and nourish the spirit of Gaia.
What personal growth do you wish to nurture? Connect with the season and claim your intention.
H.P Chrystal Raven Rowanwood