Pagan associations with the spring equinox are deeply rooted in ancient cultures and rituals. The spring equinox, also known as Ostara, is a time of balance where the day and night are of equal length. It marks the transition from winter to spring and is seen as a time of rebirth and renewal. One of the most prominent pagan associations with the spring equinox is the celebration of fertility and the rebirth of nature. The equinox is seen as a time when the Earth comes back to life after the cold and darkness of winter, and many pagan cultures have rituals and ceremonies to honor this transition. These rituals often involve planting seeds, lighting fires, and performing dances or chants to welcome the return of the sun and the awakening of the earth.
In the meantime, I continue to struggle with St. Patrick’s Day and other reminders of Pagan oppression. Different Pagans respond to this struggle differently. Some choose to rebel on St. Patrick’s Day by wearing a snake symbol. Others, like some who practice Celtic Paganism and/or have Irish ancestry, prefer to celebrate the day as Irish Heritage Day with or without St. Patrick references. One of the things I love about most of the Pagan community (as with any other religious group, there are exceptions) is the respect for others’ beliefs and practices, and the encouragement of individual freedom to explore and express those beliefs and practices.
One of the things I love about most of the Pagan community as with any other religious group, there are exceptions is the respect for others beliefs and practices, and the encouragement of individual freedom to explore and express those beliefs and practices. One of the things I love about most of the Pagan community as with any other religious group, there are exceptions is the respect for others beliefs and practices, and the encouragement of individual freedom to explore and express those beliefs and practices.
These rituals often involve planting seeds, lighting fires, and performing dances or chants to welcome the return of the sun and the awakening of the earth. Another important pagan association with the spring equinox is the celebration of the goddess of spring and fertility. In many pagan traditions, the equinox is dedicated to a goddess associated with growth, such as Eostre or Persephone.
The Pagan Struggle with Spring
Those who have been following my column may have noticed that I am writing about the Pagan Wheel of the Year, the eight solar holidays celebrated by many Pagans. If you have picked up on this, you may be wondering where my Ostara (Spring Equinox) and Beltane (May Day) columns are. Truth be told, I’ve been struggling with something, and I’d like to share it with you.
My struggle is with St. Patrick’s Day, which precedes Ostara by a few days. Very few facts are known about St. Patrick, so who he was and what he did are debatable, but he is often celebrated by Christians for ridding Ireland of Paganism and/or Pagans. Those who historically converted Pagans of any culture to Christianity often usurped, demonized, or destroyed Pagan deities and symbols for their own purposes. Regardless of whether he committed physical genocide of the Pagan population (which some sources claim he did), St. Patrick was among those who committed cultural genocide.
The goddess associated with Ostara is one example whose symbolism has been usurped. Eostre is associated with symbols of springtime, including bunnies, eggs, and flowers, which are now also associated with the Christian Easter. Her feast day was held on the full moon following the spring equinox, which is similar to the calculation for the Christian Easter.
Contemporary Pagans are sometimes criticized for “inventing” their own spiritual beliefs and religious practices. I find this an unfair accusation, in part because so much has been lost through the Christianization of so many cultures. We don’t all have access to spiritual paths that have been preserved, nor do I believe we are obligated to follow such paths.
Each person chooses for themselves what to believe. Some people follow the beliefs of their upbringing, and may even be accused by others of doing so without ever questioning those beliefs, but even that is a choice. I believe there are so many religions and worldviews is because we all have something to learn from each other, and that is why I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in interfaith communities like this.
In the meantime, I continue to struggle with St. Patrick’s Day and other reminders of Pagan oppression. Different Pagans respond to this struggle differently. Some choose to rebel on St. Patrick’s Day by wearing a snake symbol. Others, like some who practice Celtic Paganism and/or have Irish ancestry, prefer to celebrate the day as Irish Heritage Day with or without St. Patrick references. One of the things I love about most of the Pagan community (as with any other religious group, there are exceptions) is the respect for others’ beliefs and practices, and the encouragement of individual freedom to explore and express those beliefs and practices.
This spring, I’ve been spending time learning about Eostre; there is much debate about her within the Pagan community, and I don’t know whether she’s meant to be my patron deity, but I’ve definitely felt drawn to her every spring as far back as I can remember.
Regardless of what deity/deities to whom a particular Pagan prays, Pagans view Ostara, the Spring Equinox, as a time for sowing both literal and figurative seeds. It is a time of renewal and rebirth in all areas of one’s life.
Only time will tell whether, when March 17 rolls around next year, I will choose to honor Irish culture or Pagan rebellion with a snake display. Maybe I’ll find a way to do both. Blessed Be.
Sophia Kesler is a lifelong intersectional feminist. She has been Pagan most of her adult life and is looking forward to sharing her faith and knowledge about Paganism with the SpokaneFāVS community. Kessler is a freelance copy editor, freelance internet research specialist and an aspiring novelist. When she’s not writing, reading or exploring her faith, she can be found learning how to be a better kitchen witch without making a mess.
This spring, I’ve been spending time learning about Eostre; there is much debate about her within the Pagan community, and I don’t know whether she’s meant to be my patron deity, but I’ve definitely felt drawn to her every spring as far back as I can remember.
These goddesses are often depicted with symbols of fertility such as eggs or rabbits, which have become popular symbols of Easter in modern times. Pagan rituals and celebrations of the spring equinox can vary widely depending on the specific tradition or culture. Some pagans may choose to have private ceremonies in nature, while others may gather in groups to celebrate with feasts and communal rituals. The common thread among these celebrations is the recognition of the natural cycles of the Earth and the importance of rebirth and renewal. In conclusion, pagan associations with the spring equinox are deeply rooted in ancient cultures and rituals. This time of balance and transition is celebrated as a time of fertility, rebirth, and renewal. Whether through planting seeds, lighting fires, or honoring spring goddesses, pagans embrace the return of life and growth after the cold darkness of winter..
Reviews for "The pagan view of rebirth and renewal at the spring equinox"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan associations with the spring equinox". I was expecting a more scientific and informative approach to this topic, but instead, it felt like a biased and opinionated piece. The author seemed to dismiss the historical and cultural significance of pagan traditions and presented them in a negative light. I would have preferred a more balanced perspective on the subject.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't even finish reading "Pagan associations with the spring equinox". The article was filled with false information and seemed to have a clear agenda against pagan beliefs. It completely ignored the rich history and symbolism behind these traditions, choosing to focus only on the negative aspects. I found it disrespectful and shallow.
3. Mark - 3 stars - While the writing style was engaging and the arguments were well-presented in "Pagan associations with the spring equinox", I couldn't fully agree with the author's viewpoint. While I respect the right to have an opinion, it felt like this article was trying to impose a certain belief system rather than providing an objective analysis. I would have preferred a more balanced approach that considered various perspectives.