Ostara/Spring Equinox Altar 2021

This year you may notice some new names for the sabbats as well as some new holiday altars on the blog. Inspired by Alden's book, Year of the Witch, I am trying to rewrite my Wheel of the Year to be more in line with my beliefs and ancestry. The Wheel of the Year is largely a Wiccan construct and was not celebrated in its current form anywhere in the world. This doesn't mean that it's bad, it just means it's difficult for people outside of Europe, Canada, and the Northern United States (which have roughly the same climate being in the same biome and all) and of different ancestry to really connect with it. I am still piecing together how I would like to rework the Wheel of the Year to better fit my personal practice. This has proven more difficult than I initially thought, but not for some of the reasons you may think. This has largely been in part to 2021 being an endless mess of mini catastrophes and overwhelming daily tasks. Needless to say, by the time I get a moment of respite I'm so mentally drained all I want to do is watch TV and head to bed. Witchcraft and the blog are the least of my concerns at the moment, but I know I'll get around to it. The Spring Equinox is a time of new beginnings, right?

Ostara or the Spring Equinox celebrates the dawning of Spring and the return of life. It is first and foremost a fertility holiday, honoring the reappearance of flowers, birds, and rabbits. Snow is beginning the melt and flowers force their way through the frozen ground, dotting the landscape with their bright blooms, a symbol of hope and new life. As the Sun grows in strength in the sky, the air warms, bringing with it animals previously hiding during the colder Winter months. March and April mark the mating season for many birds and small mammals, which will culminate in a bushel of cute babies. This is also the time of balance, as an equinox is a balance between day and night. We didn't get snow here in Georgia this year except for the mountains and by the end of March, daffodils and tulips have already stopped blooming. However, the cherry trees and forsythia are in full bloom, so I decided to go with some "less" traditional flowers this year to better honor where I live and practice.

1. Gold and White Rabbits- One of the most prominent symbols of Ostara or the Spring Equinox is the rabbit, representing fertility and new life. Rabbits begin breeding this time of year and are extremely prolific, hence their association with fertility. In fact, rabbits can be pregnant with more than one litter of babies at a time! I've included two rabbits on my Spring Equinox altar to represent fertility, but I have included two to balance the altar as the equinox represents balance. The golden rabbit represents the Sun while the white rabbit represents the Moon who are in perfect balance during the equinox. (Where did I get it: Hobby Lobby 2017; Cost: $3 each)

2. Rose Quartz and Mangano Calcite- This year I went with two light pink stones to represent love, harmony, and balance. Rose quartz and Mangano calcite vibrate with a soft, soothing love, one that last's for an eternity, the perfect crystal to symbolize the loving relationship between Sun and Earth. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Subscription Boxes; Cost: ~$6)

3. Pink Flower Incense Holder- In the center is an incense holder without the incense. I used it because of its pink color and flower shape. The flower represents the new blossoms of Spring, and being pink, it represents love and unity, which results in the flowering fruits so abundant at this time. I did not place any incense for this altar because the heavenly smell of the forsythia and dead nettle were enough. While cherry blossoms do not smell the best, the mixing of the two scents would not have created harmony and balance on this altar. (Where did I get it: Five Below 2019; Cost: $3)

4. Forsythia, Purple Dead Nettle, and Cherry Blossoms- Here in Georgia, many of the traditional Spring flowers are done blooming. In fact, the daffodils in my yard shed their blooms about a week ago. However, forsythia, purple dead nettle, cherry blossoms, dandelions, and a host of other flowers are blooming in full force. I placed flowers on my altar to represent the blossoming of Spring as the Wheel turns toward warmer temperatures. These same flowers attract a host of pollinators which help to fertilize the blooms so they may turn to seed, thus representing fertility and new life. The fruits of their hard work will soon be realized, but for now, we are gifted with the pleasant aroma of fresh flowers. forsythia represents the Sun, who is growing in strength, calm, and hope. Spring has returned and with it, the harsh Winter winds are retreating. Bountiful harvests are right around the corner and the fear of death subsides. Purple dead nettle, like forsythia, also represents hope, but unlike forsythia, it also represents perseverance, grounding, and merriment. Purple dead nettle is a tenacious grower, making it the perfect representation of Spring. Finally, the cherry blossoms represent love and abundance and is said to invite the essence of Spring. (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: Free)

5. Marble Egg- The blue, marble egg is the ultimate symbol of fertility and new beginnings. As Spring begins, the birds flock back to their mating grounds, building nests and laying eggs that will give birth to the next generation. I placed it in the center of my altar as fertility is the predominant theme of Ostara. The blue color represents healing, calm, and femininity, something I believe is currently lacking in the world right now. (Where did I get it: Marble Egg: Gifted; Cost: Free; Egg holder: Target 2018; $1)

TOTAL COST: ~$16

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

Did you do anything special for Ostara this year? Let me know in the comments below!

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.