Vernal Spring Equinox

Known by many names such as; Eostre, Easter, Ostara, Spring Equinox, and Vernal Equinox, this festival is the Sabbat of balance and new beginnings. The name for this Equinox actually comes from that of the Anglo- Saxon Goddess, Eostre. She was also known as Ostara to the Germans. She was the Goddess of fertility and renewal. Her known names are Ostare, Ostern, Eostra, Eostre, Eostur, Eastra, Eastur, Austron and Ausos. Her name was derived from the ancient word for Spring: “Eastre.” The female hormone estrogen is named after her. Vernal Equinox is a time to celebrate the arrival of Spring, the renewal and rebirth of Nature and in ourselves. It is at this time when light and darkness are in balance, yet the light is growing stronger by the day.

The forces of masculine and feminine energy, yin and yang, are also in balance. At this time we think of renewing ourselves and becoming inwardly balanced. We renew our thoughts, our dreams, and our aspirations. We think of renewing our relationships. This is an excellent time of year to begin anything new or to revitalize something. The Spring Equinox is a time of new beginnings, of action, of planting seeds, and of tending new ideas. Spring is a time of the Earth’s renewal, the stirring of Nature after the cold sleep of winter. As such, it is an ideal time to clean your home, your mind, and your body to welcome in the new season. “Spring Cleaning” is much more than simply physical work. It may be seen as a concentrated effort to rid your whole surroundings, including yourself, of the problems, feelings, and negativity of the past months. Seeds and saplings are prepared for outdoor sowing. Hopes for the future are inspired by the Earth’s new growth.
 

SYMBOLS  & FOLKLORE:

Hares; symbolizes fertility and vitality. The hare is also said to be a companion of Ostara. Ancients saw the image of the hare in the full moon.
Eggs; are symbols of rebirth and creation. The Cosmic Egg is known to cultures worldwide. In ancient days, eggs were gathered and used for the creation of talismans and also ritually eaten. Spring brought the return of wild birds and their eggs and each meant a return of life giving protein, something to give thanks for. Egyptians dyed eggs for religious celebrations before 500 BCE. The Romans did likewise, although they usually dyed theirs red, red being the color sacred to the God Mars. The month of March is named after Mars.
Spring flowers and green grass; Flaura and Fauna that first appears are all symbolic to this time of year and can be used in decorations, ceremonies, prayers, and food items. Daffodils, crocuses, and white lilies are all beautiful selections.
Colours; Pale greens, yellows, pinks, and purples are all appropriate colours for this season. Pastels lend to the calming and new feeling of this season.

ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS: Excerpt from Sacred Seasons: buy ebook with pictures

 

Egg decorating; Hard boil white eggs. In containers, mix 2 cups boiling water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and food colouring. With a spoon carefully place eggs in mixture to dye. Turn eggs over and soak until desired colour is achieved. * Mars eggs can be made by using red colouring and drawing spirals, rebirth, or male symbols on the eggs after they are dried. Rolling and slightly cracking the eggs before dyeing will create a marbled effect on the edible insides. Cool!

Signs of Spring Game; Go hiking or strolling outdoors, in a park, by a lake or stream. Look for signs of Spring and say, “I see fresh, green grass!” or “I see frog eggs!” Very young children love this game!

Make an Equinox Pot; Buy terra cotta pots and let the kids paint and decorate them. Fill with potting soil and sow seeds into it. This could be done in ritualistic form if you’d prefer.

Paint Garden Stones; Collect several stones on a Nature walk. Paint them with bright colours, like lady bugs, or with rainbows. There are no limits to what kids will come up with. When dry they are wonderful garden and balcony decorations that will fill the kids with pride.

Make a holiday paper chain;  On green, pink, mauve or yellow paper, draw images of the season as mentioned above. Write in words such as Welcome Spring, or Happy Equinox or Ostara. Cut along lines and bend each strip over to its end. Staple, paste, or tape ends together. Take the next strip and loop it through the first ring. Make sure the text is going in the same direction as the first loop. For different style chains, alternate text rings with solid colour paper rings, mix and match colours, and let everyone’s creativeness shine through.
Smudge; your home with herbs or use a broom to sweep away negativity.

Have a Holiday Feast; Make a party spread that’s a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Add candles and decorations to the food layout to really make it special. Use plastic goblets for your drinks. It makes the meal very special.

Here's a fun, seasonal recipe;

Spring Wishes Cake

Take a cake mix of your choice, lemon is nice this time of year and follow its baking directions. Frost and decorate with artificial flowers. Give each person a tiny candle, such as a birthday candle. Ask each person to think of a wish or goal that they want to achieve. It can’t be a material wish. For example, “I want to be a better piano player.” Or “I want to be a better listener.” Light the candles and place them on the cake. Let them completely burn down. The flame usually sizzles when it reaches the frosting. It’s a good effect.

Excerpt from Sacred Seasons: buy ebook with pictures

 

 

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