Cynnara Tregarth

This weekend, I celebrated the Spring Equinox which equates with Ostara. For many people, they think of it as Easter, which is similar in the name of the goddess of Spring. Yet, there is more to it than bunnies hiding eggs and the first day of Spring.

Now is the time where ancient farmers would begin their planting for this year’s harvest. Usually by this time, the first frosts would be over, thus preventing destruction of the baby plants as they came up through the soil. This time is symbolic of the coming light half of the year- more sun, more rain. 

For those of the pagan persuasion, this is the time to let go of those dark things that were dragging us down and to become new in this time of the year. It’s a time to grow and become more. It’s a time where we are in tune with the earth and its moments. 

Yes, there is that randiness to Spring. It’s a time for sexual play and for those who were young to come into their sexuality. Yet there is more than that- it’s a time to celebrate surviving a cold winter where the lesser could’ve passed away into the Otherworld. 

Ostara for me means cooking and baking. I bake breads and cakes using the leftovers or what’s canned. It’s a time to bring in the sunlight and to get the first harvest of the winter products– like strawberries here in Florida. It’s a time when I do what I enjoy– early walks and late afternoon walks where it’s just warm enough without being too warm. 

I also set up my Spring altar with spring flowers, new incense and I spend time thinking on what more I want to do this year. It’s a good time to let go of past hurts and to start anew. 

Welcome to Ostara– a chance to start fresh at the beginning.