The Wiccan spring equinox, also known as Ostara, is a significant holiday that celebrates the arrival of spring. Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft-based religion that honors nature, the cycles of life, and the changing seasons. The term "equinox" refers to the two times a year when the day and night are of equal length. Ostara is typically celebrated on March 21st or around that date, depending on the specific year and the astronomical alignment of the equinox. It marks the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing the rebirth and renewal of the earth. During this holiday, Wiccans honor the Goddess of Spring and fertility, as well as the Sun God.
"Decorate your home with springtime imagery -- a vase of fresh flowers from the market, a bowl of wooden painted eggs or colored hard-boiled eggs, a wreath of silk flowers on your front door," Fox says.
The preserve is situated amidst rolling hills with access to forests, meadows, a remnant prairie, streams, springs, ancient sandstone rock outcroppings, nature trails, and an abundance of wild birds and other wildlife, according to its website. Decorate your home with springtime imagery -- a vase of fresh flowers from the market, a bowl of wooden painted eggs or colored hard-boiled eggs, a wreath of silk flowers on your front door, Fox says.
During this holiday, Wiccans honor the Goddess of Spring and fertility, as well as the Sun God. They recognize the balance between feminine and masculine energies and their interconnectedness in the natural world. The celebration of Ostara involves various rituals and customs.
Wiccan Priestess Shares Tips For Urban Dwellers To Connect With Nature This Spring Equinox
The spring equinox falls on Friday, March 20, in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the moment that the sun passes over the celestial equator. On this day, Wiccans and many other neopagans observe Ostara, a festival that celebrates the season's change from dark winter to brightening spring.
Wicca is a pagan religion that emphasizes the cycles of nature and spiritual connection to the earth. Ostara is one of 8 seasonal Wiccan holidays.
AdvertisementFaith tradition aside, though, there are ways all of us can connect more deeply with nature and reap the benefits of the new season, according to Wiccan priestess Selena Fox.
"Spring equinox is a time of new life, new growth, and renewal," Fox told The Huffington Post. "It is a wonderful time to get outdoors and commune with nature, watching migrating birds, the greening of the landscape and budding of trees."
Fox is the high priestess of Circle Sanctuary, a Wiccan church, resource center and nature preserve in southwestern Wisconsin. The preserve is situated amidst "rolling hills" with access to "forests, meadows, a remnant prairie, streams, springs, ancient sandstone rock outcroppings, nature trails, and an abundance of wild birds and other wildlife," according to its website.
Those who are city-bound and surrounded by concrete sidewalks and skyscrapers may be crying a bit on the inside after reading that. We feel your pain.
AdvertisementBut Fox says there are actually many ways for urban-dwellers to connect with nature on Ostara. The priestess shared seven tips for celebrating the new season -- even without access to streams and meadows.
DECORATE
"Decorate your home with springtime imagery -- a vase of fresh flowers from the market, a bowl of wooden painted eggs or colored hard-boiled eggs, a wreath of silk flowers on your front door," Fox says.
MEDITATE
"Visit a botanical garden, garden center, flower shop or other place with flowers and meditatively delight in the blooms -- their colors, shapes and fragrances."
RENOVATE
"Do a bit of spring cleaning," Fox suggests. "Spend a few minutes airing out your home by opening windows, sweeping the kitchen or reorganizing a desk drawer."
INNOVATE
"Try something new. Add something to your daily routine. Make a new friend. Create or purchase something new and wear it."
DECORATE
Wiccans may gather in nature or their sacred spaces to perform ceremonies, offer prayers, and create symbolic representations of the season. They may decorate their altars with flowers, eggs, and symbols of growth and new life. One common tradition associated with Ostara is the coloring and decorating of eggs, which represents fertility and the emergence of new life. Wiccans may also participate in egg hunts, similar to the Christian tradition of Easter, as a playful way to celebrate the holiday. Another important element of Ostara is the recognition of the returning light. As the days become longer and the sun shines brighter, Wiccans express gratitude for the warmth and vitality of the sun, which sustains life on earth. Ostara is a time for reflection, setting intentions, and embracing the spirit of growth and transformation. Wiccans may use this holiday as an opportunity to reconnect with nature, practice divination, or engage in spellwork related to renewal, abundance, and manifestation. Overall, the Wiccan spring equinox, or Ostara, is a joyous occasion that celebrates the arrival of spring and the energies of growth and rebirth. It is a time for Wiccans to connect with nature, honor the balance of masculine and feminine energies, and embrace the cycles of the natural world..
Reviews for "Wiccan spring equinox traditions from around the world"
1. Emma - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wicxa Spring Eqjinox". The storyline was confusing and poorly developed, and the characters felt one-dimensional. I couldn't connect with any of them and found myself bored throughout the entire book. The writing style was also quite lackluster, lacking vivid descriptions and leaving me feeling detached from the story. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy read.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - "Wicxa Spring Eqjinox" fell short of my expectations. While the premise sounded interesting, the execution was poor. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow parts dragging on and faster moments feeling rushed. The world-building lacked depth, and I found it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The magic system was poorly explained, leaving me confused at times. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the interactions between the characters. Overall, I found the book to be subpar and would not recommend it to fellow fantasy enthusiasts.
3. Laura - 2/5 stars - I wanted to like "Wicxa Spring Eqjinox," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The plot was predictable, with little surprise or originality. The characters were forgettable, and their actions seemed inconsistent or illogical at times. The writing style was average, and I had a hard time staying engaged with the story. While the concept of the book had potential, the execution fell flat. I would advise readers to pass on this one unless they're particularly forgiving of weak character development and unoriginal plotlines.