Ostara/Spring Equinox Altar 2023

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.

Recently, Georgia has experienced a severe cold snap, that resulted in many of the flowering plants to wither. I unfortunately lost some of my vegetable plants in the process and will have to repurchase my losses in the next couple of weeks. As such, I wasn't able to put any spring blooms on my altar, so I went with some dried flowers instead, as well as some crystals that symbolize balance, harmony, fertility, and strength.

1. Dried Yarrow and Roses- The Spring Equinox marks the first day of spring in many cultures across the world. It is characteristized by growth, fertility, strength, and balance as life returns to the Earth. Yarrow is associated with the Sun, who is reborn on the Equinox, as well as love, beauty, and release. Yarrow reminds us to let go of the past so that our future may grow. Wild roses are also associated with love and beauty, as well as fertility, from which life is reborn anew. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

2. 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 which is in perfect balance during the equinox. You will see that I have matched them with their respective symbols on the plaque in the center of my altar. (Where did I get it: Hobby Lobby 2017; Cost: $3 each)

3. Carnelian, Serpetine, Moss Agate, and Moonstone- To futher represent this sabbat, I placed a number of crystals on my altar. The carnelian, which is placed in front of the golden rabbit, represents the Sun and the spark of life. The moonstone, which is placed in front of the white rabbit, represents the Moon, balance, and fertility. Serpentine and moss agate, which are placed center on the altar, represent confidence, new beginnings, transformation, transition, fertility, abundance, nourishment, and stability. I picked an even number of crystals for this altar to further symbolize balance. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores & Subscription Boxes; Cost: $6)

4.  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)

5. Pink Candles- The Sun continues to grow in strength at Ostara, with it finally being equal tonight for the first time since the Fall Equinox. From this point on, day will continue to grow in length, as night slowly decreases until the Summer Solstice in June. The pink candles are to sympathetically strengthen the Sun so my new seedlings may flourish and my flower garden bloom. I chose pink candles this year to represent the soft, nurturing energies of the Equinox and the joy of Spring. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2021; Cost: $2.00)

TOTAL COST: ~$12

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 for 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!

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