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!

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

Ostara/Spring Equinox Altar 2022

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, forsythia, dandelions, and purple deadnettle are in full bloom. I am an advocate for local witchcraft and customizing your Wheel of the Year to sync with where you live. After all, the Wheel of the Year is about celebrating the changing of the seasons and that looks very different across the world. I encourage you to find your own spring markers and incorporate them into your altar as best you can. While I don't feature any flowers on my altar this year (I have been having issues with my cats lately...some serious ones related to both health and behavior), I do feature some natural elements using crystals. I decided this year to go more along the theme of balance, creating a perfectly symmetrical altar to honor equality, balance, and togetherness.

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 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)

2. Mangano Calcite, Rose Quartz, Tree Agate- Honestly, Mangano calcite and rose quartz are two of my favorite crystals (black tourmaline is number one) so if I can find a reason to put them on my altar, I do. You'll notice I also left the tree agate from my Imbolc or Winter Thermstice altar on this one as well. This is because the themes of Imbolc continue right on into Ostara. While both celebrate new beginnings and the returning of life, Imbolc is more about the returning of the light and Ostara more about fertility. Mangano calcite and rose quartz represent love, harmony, and balance. They both 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. Tree agate, on the other hand, is a symbol of Earth, new life, fertility, growth, and renewal. Its soft white and dark green hues represent the first of the plants breaking through the snow. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Subscription Boxes; Cost: ~$6)

3. Sun and Moon Plaque- 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 being 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: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)

4. White Tealights- 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 white candles in their opalescent candle holders are to sympathetically strengthen the Sun so my new seedlings may flourish and my flower garden bloom. White also symbolizes day, which again, continues to grow from this point on. I went with the opalescent candle holders this time because when the light hits them just right, they appear like pink, blue, and green, symbols of spring and Ostara. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2019; Cost: $2.50)

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: ~$14

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!

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

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. 

Spring Equinox Altar 2020

Ostara or the Spring Equinox marks the first day of Spring in most traditions. It is a celebration of new life, fertility, prosperity, and abundance. The Sun begins warming the Earth, melting the snow and bringing with it an abundance of new life. Dandelions and daffodils bloom in full colors, trees begin to blossom, and the birds, bees, and rabbits return to feast upon the new blossoms. Because the Equinox is a time of equality, equal day and night, I wanted to create a balanced altar with some symbolism of this duality represented. I used traditional symbols of spring, including pinks, greens, and blues as well as eggs, rabbits, and flowers, all of which embody the spirit of Spring.

1. White Candles- White is the color of purity and new beginnings. Life is starting anew as Spring arrives, and the flame represents the Sun who breathes life back into the Earth by fertilizing Her with His vibrant rays. The white sand in the bottom of the candle holder represents the last of the snow that is melting away, nourishing the soil with life-giving waters. I chose the iridescent candleholders because their colors remind me of Spring, the light blues, pinks, and yellows commonly associated with this time of year. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree (2018-2020); Cost: $1 for each candle holder and $1 for all the candles)

2. 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: Free; a gift from my family. It could easily be replaced with a plastic egg or a real egg for $0.25; Egg holder: Target 2018; $1)

3. Ceramic White and Gold Rabbits:  Rabbits, due to their rapid breeding, are strongly associated with fertility, new life, and new beginnings. They are also one of the first animals to appear in the spring, making them considered the harbingers of Spring. This year I chose to place both a white and gold rabbit on my altar. The white rabbit represents the purity of the Spring Earth and the rapid blossoming of the trees. The golden rabbit represents the nourishing rays of the Sun who showers the Earth with the abundance of His radiant glow. Together they represent the duality of equal day and night characteristic of the Spring Equinox. (Where did I get it: Hobby Lobby 2017; Cost: $3 each)

4. Yarn Carrots- Carrots, with their phallic shape, represent masculinity, lust, and fertility. In fact, carrots are believed to cure impotence in men and increase fertility in women, making them the perfect addition to an Ostara altar. Furthermore, their orange color represents fire, passion, and the Sun.  (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $1 for a package of 4)

5. Green Aventurine- The light hues of the green aventurine represent the new life sprouting up in the warming Earth and abundance. Furthermore, aventurine is known as a balancing crystal, helping to balance both masculine and feminine energy, making it the perfect crystal to represent the Spring Equinox. I placed two aventurine crystals on my altar to represent this duality and harmony between masculine and feminine energy. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Store; Cost: $1 each)

6. 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. (Where did I get it: Five Below 2019; Cost: $3)

TOTAL COST: ~$15-16

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found 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 break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

How did you celebrate the Spring Equinox/Ostara this year?

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

Spring Equinox Altar 2019

The Spring Equinox is the first day of spring, represented by fertility, new life, and new beginnings. The Sun is growing in strength and Mother Earth is waking up after a long slumber. Life is returning and with it comes flowers, bees, rabbits, birds, eggs, and eventually fruits. With these themes in mind, I designed a much simpler altar, using items I already had around my home.

1. Silk Flowers- The flowers flanking the altar represent the first flowers of spring and thus new life. The pinks and purple symbolize love and harmony, as the equinox is characterized by equal day and night. I would have liked to include fresh flowers this year, but the daffodils are done blooming at this point in Georgia, another symbol of spring. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1 each)

2. Ceramic and Marble Eggs- Eggs are predominant symbols of Ostara and the Spring Equinox. They represent fertility, new life, and new beginnings, again characteristics of spring. These particular eggs have been on my altar each year. My mother made the ceramic eggs and my grandmother passed the marble egg down to me. She used to collect eggs. The greens, pinks, and blues are also associated with spring, adding to the overall spring theme.  (Where did I get it: Free; a gift from my family. These could easily be replaced with plastic eggs for $1; Egg holder: Target 2018; $1)

3. Tree Agate, Quartz, and Rose Quartz- The tree agate, one of my new crystals, symbolized new life. It gets its name from the tree life pattern that forms across the surface, making it associated with plants, gardening, and abundance. The rose quartz represents love and patience which leads to new life. The quartz simply amplifies the magic of the altar. (Where did I get it: Purchased at various metaphysical stores; Cost: $5) 

4. Ceramic Rabbit- This rabbit has shown up on my altar every year as well. I absolutely love him! Rabbits, due to their rapid breeding, are strongly associated with fertility, new life, and new beginnings. They are also one of the first animals to appear in the spring, making them considered the harbingers of spring. (Where did I get it: Hobby Lobby 2017; Cost: $3)

TOTAL COST: ~$10

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found 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 break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

How did you celebrate the Spring Equinox/Ostara this year?

Spirit Work for Ostara

Ostara falls on March 20th this year, marking the first day of Spring. I can't wait! I hope with it comes sunnier days, moderate temperatures, and less rain. I am so over the rain, as is most of North Georgia due to flooding. Ostara is by far a fertility Sabbat, focusing on new life and Spring begins and the Wheel of the Year turns once more. Eggs, rabbits, and seed sowing are characteristic symbols of this Sabbat. With these symbols and themes in mind, here are three ways to communicate with spirits on or around Ostara.

1. Perform egg divination. 

Egg divination is commonly referred to as oomancy, and since Ostara's main symbol is the egg, what better way to commune with spirits during Ostara than using an egg to predict future events? My favorite oomancy tradition comes from Nordic traditions where only the egg white is used. Focus on your question and once the question is firmly in your mind, carefully pierce a fresh egg and blow the egg white into a clean glass of water. If you don't know how to blow an egg, simply crack the egg and separate the yolk and white before pouring the white into the glass of water. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for until the following day. The egg white will have formed patterns in the water that can be interpreted.

2. Build a relationship with a plant spirit.

If you have ever tried to grow plants, you may have noticed you are really good at growing certain plants, but not so much others. For example, I can grow rosemary, lavender, sage, tomatoes, and salvia without problems, but basil and larkspur?....Basil and larkspur hate my guts. I don't know why! I've done everything to grow them, but nothing works. I have tried communicating spiritually, tending to them, singing, leaving them alone completely, trimming them, not trimming them, planting them with companion plants, watering them, not watering them...Nothing works and I have yet to truly figure out why. They aren't my plants I guess. But the others I have a very strong relationship with. Spring is planting time, so why not get to know the plants in your garden or try to figure out which plant is your plant ally?

With a journal or you BOS in hand, sit near the plant you wish you communicate with. Ground and center then close your eyes and reach your energy out toward the plant. See if you can feel it's energy. Make note of any sensations you feel and images or colors you may see. Continuing with your eyes closed, say the plant's name three times. This is essentially like knocking on the plant's door and letting it know you want to communicate. Then introduce yourself and state your purpose. After you have gotten the plants attention and introduced yourself, you can begin trying to communicate with it. Here are some examples of questions you may wish to ask to open up a line of communication easily:

• How are you?
• Tell me about yourself.
• What do you need to be healthier? Do you need more or less water? What is your favorite type of nourishment?
• Are you receiving too much or too little sunlight?
• Do you have any pests? If so, what can I do to get rid of them?
• Do you like music? If so, what kind of music do you like?
• Is there anything else you would like to tell me?

Be sure to ask one question at a time and be patient when waiting for a response. The plant may answer by speaking to you in your mind, showing you images or colors, or through feelings. Continue speaking with the plant until the conversation ends normally. Give the plant thanks for speaking with you. Ask if there is an offering it would like for the time it has spent working with you and close the door. If it asks for an offering, be sure to give it what it asked for to the best of your ability. Usually, they are for water or maybe even a precious stone. You never know! Continue to communicate with the plant regularly to build a strong relationship with it. Not only will you benefit by having a happy plant in your garden, but you will likely gain a powerful plant ally, willing to protect or assist you in magical workings.

3. Connect with the Earth through earthing.

Earthing has become increasingly common in the witch community. There is a lot of confusion as to exactly what it is, but simply put, earthing is connecting with Mother Earth. Grounding is centering and balancing your energy as in bringing it back to Earth. It is not a direct form of communication with her. Earthing will help ground you, but the purpose isn't just to ground, but also open a line of communication between you and our Mother Earth, whether it be to receive healing energy or ask questions. Furthermore, grounding can occur anywhere, whether you are in contact with Earth (soil, grass, rock, etc) or not. Earthing, however, can only occur if the person is directly touching the Earth, as in the soil or grass outside. Spring is a great time to get outside and reconnect with our Mother Earth after a long winter indoors. Find a safe place to walk barefoot and spend time feeling Her energy flow into you. I honestly prefer somewhere muddy. I like my feet to sink into Her as I concentrate on soaking in Her loving energy. If you can't find a safe place outdoors to go barefoot, untreated topsoil works just as well.

Ostara Altar 2018

Happy Ostara/Spring Equinox, witches! May the coming Spring bring the fruition of your desires. I set up a small altar to honor the coming Spring and our Mother Earth as she springs back to life. Because Ostara is an equinox, a day where day and night are equal, I made my altar equal in weight. Both sides have the same number of items and while they are slightly different, they are weights roughly the same, bringing equality and symmetry to the altar which is indicative of this sabbat.

Like last year, I placed a rabbit and a slew of eggs on my altar to represent fertility, new life, and new beginnings. You can't have a Spring altar without a rabbit. They are the most prominent symbol of the season. The ceramic eggs on either side were made by my mother when I was little. The large, blue marble egg in the center was handed down to me from my grandmother. Because of their family roots, these eggs hold tremendous love and power. Every time I look at them I smile. The egg holder is new this year. I picked up this gorgeous gem at Target a couple weeks ago for a dollar. The pastel pink of the holder is perfect for this season, as pink represents peace, fertility, and child-like joy.

Around the central marble egg are three crystals: amethyst, clear quartz, and rose quartz. Together these crystals represent peace and balance. The amethyst and rose quartz also represent fertility and love. Clear quartz, on the other hand, is a protector and amplifier of magic, thus creating a potent combination with the rose quartz and amethyst.

In the center is a milk glass vase of silk flowers to represent the rebirth of new life in Spring. March sees the return of many flowers that went dormant during the winter. My yard is full of flowers randomly planted by the previous owner. It is also a mystery each year what will pop up where. This year I am working on transforming my yard into a cottage garden. I can't wait to finish and show you guys the fruits of my labor. Spring is the perfect time for work in the garden as the ground is soft and the soil ripe for planting. The roses to the right on the altar are placed for the same reason as the silk flowers, to represent new life and beginnings. Roses also represent love, something we could all use more of right now.

Finally, I added four candles: 2 white and 2 pink. The white represents purity while the pink represent peace and fertility. Furthermore, the candles represent the rebirth of the Sun, who is reborn today. As He continues to grow in strength, the Wheel of the Year will move toward Beltane and Litha, bringing with Him warm weather and new life.

As always I like to keep things simple. I hope every one enjoys the day and has some good weather. Get out side and enjoy the first day of Spring.

Spring Equinox Altar 2017

Ta-da! For the first time since I was in high school I have an altar. It has actually been quite the experience and I am very happy to have sacred space again, in a room where I can shut the world out. I am very happy to share my Spring Equinox/Ostara altar with everyone today.

You may notice it is very simple. I don't like clutter so a simpler altar is perfect for me. I placed a statue I picked up from Goodwill several years ago to represent the Maiden or a young Mother Earth. Again, I don't believe in any deities, but I think a little personification of our Earth is great. I adore this statue of a young woman in a flowing dress dancing with her tambourine. She is the epitome of new life.

I picked two cream colored candles in crystal holders to represent rebirth and the birth of the Sun. Cream and other pastel colors are commonly used this time of year and I felt the cream also matched my decor better than green or white. In between my candles is a milk glass vase full of silk flowers. I picked creamy pink flowers to represent renewal, rebirth, and new life. Plus I like the color pink, especially which this table.

In front of the candle and vase of silk flowers are two speckled eggs. My mother actually made these eggs out of clay before I was born. I am so thankful to have them and use them on my altar to show new life. Eggs are one of the most famous icons of the Spring Equinox and Easter. It is around this time of year that many birds begin building nests and laying eggs which is why I also have a nest, bird, and marble egg on my altar. Again representing new life, renewal, rebirth, and fertility. On the far right is a new terrarium I bought for my altar that is currently filled with eggs as well. You really can't have too many eggs, I swear.

There is a white rabbit representing fertility and new life. Rabbits, like the eggs, are famously used at this time of year as well. Rabbits are notorious for breeding rapidly, often producing several litters in a breeding season, hence the phrase "Breeding like rabbits." My favorite rabbit joke actually comes from Zootopia when Officer Judy Hops tells Nick Wilde her family is good at multiplication.

Placed right in the middle are three beautiful crystals: amethyst, rose quartz, and clear quartz. These are for peace, love, and protection. Plus their beautiful pastel hues compliment the arrangement nicely.

And there you have it! My 2017 Spring Equinox altar!

Do you have an altar? How do you decorate it for Ostara? I would love to see what you have set up!

Ostara Correspondences

The other day I posted the History and Lore behind the sabbat Ostara. To add to the ever-growing list of correspondences, I have put together a list of correspondences as well.

Symbolism: rebirth, new life, new beginnings, resurrection, fertility, balance, youth

Symbols: rabbits, bunnies, eggs, chicks, daffodils, tulips, baskets, sprouts, lambs, ribbons, butterflies, bees

Colors: pastel green, yellow, and pink, gold, grass green, robin's egg blue, red

Food and Drink: hard-boiled eggs, deviled eggs, honey cakes, dairy, leafy green vegetables, flower dishes, sprouts, fish, hot cross buns, sweet bread, milk, chocolate, jelly beans/eggs, lemonade, fresh fruit

Herbs: acorn, celandine, crocus, daffodil, dogwood, Easter lily, ginger, hyssop, linden, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, narcissus, peony, rose, violets, woodruff, forsythia, spring flowers

Deities: Eostre, Ostara, Aphrodite, Athena, Cybele, Gaia, Isis, Persephone, Venus, Maiden,  Pan, Cernunnos, Green Man, Adonis, Mars, Osiris, Thoth

Crystals and Gemstones: amethyst, aquamarine, rose quartz, moonstone, bloodstone, red jasper

Animals: rabbits, hares, chicks, robins, lambs, snakes, unicorns, dragons

Magic: Ostara is the sabbat of new beginnings and life. Fertility magic (especially through the use of eggs) and garden and seed blessings are commonly performed during this time. Use this Sabbat to perform magic to break away barriers, start new projects or inventions, and breathe new life into your home and garden. This is also a great time to celebrate balance as day and night are equal on this day. Color eggs to attract different things such as love, fertility, wealth, and prosperity.

Please note this is not a complete list but a brief overview of symbols, colors, herbs, deities, and the like. If I have missed something that you feel should make the list, please feel free to contact me via the comments or through email.