Ostara: the Spring Equinox
Today you stir. You stretch. You awaken.
After the deep rest of Winter comes fertile Spring and all its rich potential. The next three months are a time for renewal, balance and clarity. It is a springboard for the powerful summer energies; whichever direction you choose in the coming months will be the arrow that fires into Summer.
OSTARA
The 4th Sabbat out of 8 on the Wheel of the Year and the blossoming of Spring. It is tied to the Spring Equinox and is named after the ancient Germanic goddess of the dawn, Eostre. She also symbolized carnal love that leads to procreation, the triumph of light over darkness and rebirth. All of the fertile symbols of spring link back to Ostara: rabbits, seeds, eggs, sunlight, sowing. Now is the time to plant seeds and gestate life.
THE SPRING EQUINOX
Much like Eostre, the Spring Equinox marks an awakening. It is a chance to take some of the inspiration that came to us during the restful musings of Winter and begin to form a map for the year ahead. View it as the first of four phases (seasons) in your year ahead. Journaling, meditation, reflection and gentle action form the foundations of the next three months. The keywords are, in order, Renewal, Balance and Clarity.
RENEWAL
Take your time awakening. There is no need to rush into action or decision. Breathing is enough. Refresh your space with mists and smudging, revive your mind and body with the outdoors and community. Indulge in your hobbies and passions. Slowly let your mind drift to what you’d like to create this year, keeping it abstract and big-picture for now. Write down all your ideas, no matter how silly or far-fetched.
BALANCE
As you slowly welcome life energy back into your bones, balance it. Spring energies can be powerful and deep, thick with the energy of creation. Balance the craving for action with purposeful rest. Don’t jump directly into projects or ideas or goals. The Spring Equinox falls on the day in which night equals day, the ultimate balance of shadow and light. Take inspiration from this moment. Consider the idea that fear, instead of something to avoid, might be the balance of excitement. How does that change your plans for the coming year?
CLARITY
At last, as we reach the sabbat of Beltane on May 1st and head towards the Summer Solstice, begin to sharpen your arrow and aim it in a specific direction. Start to get clear on your goals for the year, plans, intentions. List out everything. Be honest with yourself – what do you really want this year? What are you afraid to admit that you want, and would make you happiest? Pick that one. Tell no one if that is better for you. Sometimes speaking about it leaks energy better spent towards the goal. Consult any Tarot or Oracle decks if you like. Pivot towards action. This is the moment to draw the bow.