Ostara: Honouring the Spring Equinox Through Ritual, Renewal & Balance

As the Earth turns once again toward the light, we find ourselves at a moment of perfect balance, the Spring Equinox, also known in the Pagan Wheel of the Year as Ostara. This sacred time marks the arrival of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, a season of rebirth, fertility, and fresh beginnings. For many of us walking a spiritual path, honouring these turning points of the year allows us to connect deeply with nature’s cycles, our inner rhythm, and the wisdom of those who walked before us.

This year, I invite you to join me in circle on September 23rd as we celebrate Ostara with ritual, meditation, and intention-setting. But first, let’s explore the history, symbolism, and spiritual importance of this beautiful sabbat.

The Wheel of the Year: A Sacred Cycle

The Wheel of the Year is an ancient calendar rooted in Celtic, Pagan, and earth-based traditions. It maps out eight seasonal festivals, known as sabbats, that reflect the dance between light and dark, life and death, sowing and harvest. These festivals were originally guided by the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars, ensuring that communities lived in harmony with the land and its rhythms.

The sabbats are divided into quarter festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) and cross-quarter festivals (the midpoints between them). Together, they form a circular calendar, reminding us that time is not linear but cyclical, always moving through phases of growth, harvest, rest, and renewal.

Ostara falls at the Spring Equinox, a time when day and night are equal. This balance invites us to pause and reflect:

• Where in our lives are we seeking harmony?

• What is ready to grow, and

• What must we release to make space for it?

  
  

The Origins & Symbolism of Ostara, the Spring Equinox

The name Ostara is believed to derive from the Germanic goddess Eostre, a deity of dawn, fertility, and renewal. She represents the first light of day, the fresh energy of spring, and the creative spark of life. Her symbols, hares, eggs, budding flowers, and the rising sun, remind us of abundance, hope, and the eternal cycle of birth.

• The Hare: Known for its fertility and quick movements, the hare is sacred to Eostre and symbolizes new life, growth, and vitality.

• The Egg: Universally a symbol of creation, the egg holds within it infinite potential. At Ostara, it represents the seeds of our intentions waiting to hatch.

• Flowers & Greenery: Blossoms and budding leaves speak of renewal, beauty, and the awakening of the Earth.

• The Sun: Rising higher in the sky, the sun returns warmth and light, balancing the coolness of night and encouraging growth.

These symbols, many of which later became woven into Easter celebrations, are reminders of the universal truth: life continually renews itself.

Why Honouring the Equinox Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us live disconnected from the natural rhythms that once guided our ancestors. We measure time in weeks and deadlines rather than in moon phases and planting seasons. Yet, our bodies and spirits still crave connection to the Earth’s cycles.

The equinox is a profound reminder of balance:

• Light and dark are equal.

• Inner reflection and outward action both have a place.

• Giving and receiving must flow in harmony.

By honouring Ostara, we give ourselves permission to pause, breathe, and reconnect, not only with nature but with ourselves. Taking time to celebrate seasonal thresholds helps us align our personal growth with the Earth’s unfolding story. Just as seeds germinate in the soil, so too can our dreams, intentions, and healing grow when nurtured.

Honouring Ostara is also an act of self-care and self-honouring. It reminds us that we are not separate from nature but deeply woven into its cycles. When we create space for ritual and reflection, we affirm our worthiness to receive renewal, abundance, and balance.

The Ostara Circle – A Sacred Gathering on September 23rd

This year, I invite you to step into the energy of Ostara with me during a special circle on September 23rd. Together, we will co-create a sacred space where renewal and intention can blossom.

✨ What to Expect in Our Ostara Circle:

• Anointed Candle Altar Creation – We will craft an altar with candles infused with sacred oils and blessings, representing the light returning and our personal intentions for the season ahead.

• Intention Setting – Just as seeds are planted in spring, we will plant our own seeds of desire, aligning them with the fertile energy of Ostara.

• Meditation & Journalling – Through guided meditation, we will connect with the balanced energy of the equinox, followed by reflective journalling to anchor our insights.

• Intuitive Card Reading – I will offer a group card reading, bringing forward messages from Spirit to support our journey into this new season of growth. If you wish you may like to bring your own oracle or tarot cards to personalise the reading.

  
  

This gathering is a beautiful opportunity to pause, reconnect, and consciously align with the rebirth energy of spring. Whether you are new to seasonal practices or have walked this path for many years, you will be welcomed with warmth and support.

Ways to Celebrate Ostara in Your Own Practice

Even if you cannot attend the circle, you can still honour Ostara in your own way:

• Create a Spring Altar: Decorate with flowers, green crystals like aventurine and moss agate, and symbols of renewal such as eggs or hares.

• Plant Seeds with Intention: As you sow a seed in soil, speak your intention for the coming months, allowing the Earth to hold and nurture it.

• Spend Time in Nature: Walk barefoot on the grass, breathe in the fresh air, and notice the changes around you, buds forming, longer days, warmer breezes.

• Balance Ritual: Light a candle at sunrise and sunset, honouring the equal balance of light and dark. Use this time to reflect on where you are seeking more harmony in your own life.

• Journalling: Write about what balance means to you, what you are ready to release from winter’s hold, and what you wish to bring forth this spring.

  
  

Stepping Into Renewal

The Spring Equinox is more than just a date on the calendar, it is an invitation to align your inner growth with the Earth’s unfolding story. As Ostara teaches us, balance is the key to thriving, and every seed planted in love has the potential to blossom into something extraordinary.

By gathering in circle, sharing ritual, and honouring these ancient rhythms, we remember who we are: children of the Earth, forever connected to her cycles of birth, death, and renewal.

I would be honoured to share this sacred time with you on September 23rd as we welcome the light, set our intentions, and step forward into the vibrant energy of spring. Book into the circle HERE, for just $19.95. There are also ritual kits available to anoint a candle and create a mini altar together while in cirlce, however, there are only 10 kits available.

I look forward to connecting with you!

Wendy