Ostara: the Spring Equinox Sabbat
RITUAL
What a series of exciting events that combine with Spring's arrival!
Let's start with the Equinox.
When we say Spring Equinox, we mean renewal, a fresh start on all levels. Firstly, it's obvious, the return of sunny days encourages all beings to emerge from their hibernation (literal or figurative) and come back to life. Desires for new projects can arise, motivating us to move, to try new things and make new connections; we rediscover the sweetness of life after the long lethargy of winter.
This Equinox also marks the beginning of a new astrological year. We leave the Pisces season with its very Yin energy, rich in emotions, introspection, and spirituality, to return to that of Aries, which brings energies of courage, honesty, audacity, and adventure. This sign is ruled by Mars, which is the planet of action, with a very Yang energy. So, the stars join the collective effort to bring some animation and movement into our lives!
But! Before letting the spring frenzy carry us away, I suggest we take a moment for balance. Because yes, the Equinox is an indicator of the Sun's victory about to establish its authority, but on this particular day, it will be right above the equator, for one of the two only times in the year during which light and darkness distribute time equally (hence the name equinox, by the way, which comes from Latin and breaks down into "equal" and "night"). A perfect symbol of balance—a temporal, seasonal, and cosmic harmony that would be a shame not to take advantage of!
And then, the Equinox is not the only important event to come.
The next Full Moon will be in Libra; so we come back to the balance and equity mentioned above.
Yes, but this Full Moon will be partially eclipsed, thus marking the beginning of the eclipse season. Now, during an eclipse period, we prefer calm, introspection, and gentle observation of the changes taking place within us over the active pursuit of our goals.
So, a whole programme with powerful conjunctions and a significant opportunity to give it all for Ostara, the pagan name for the Sabbat celebrating Spring's arrival!
What I'm suggesting here is a ritual in two parts, to honour the two main energies suited to this important date.
To do so, you will need:
A white candle.
True lavender and/or patchouli essential oils.
A pot with soil or a garden corner.
Seeds of your choice (optional).
As always, do what you can with what you have and what inspires you. For example, you can substitute essential oils with sandalwood, which is also calming and promotes harmony.
If you can do it outdoors, that's ideal. But feel free to adapt the instructions according to weather conditions.
Sit on a cushion placed on the ground to slightly elevate your pelvis and allow for a natural curve.
Apply a few drops of essential oil to your inner wrists (you can dilute it with a little vegetable oil to avoid any risk of irritation) or in a diffuser.
Light the candle to open the circle (if you're indoors or there's not too much wind), and take three deep breaths, relaxing your shoulders a little more with each exhale.
Then, place your hands flat on the ground. Let the past few months pass before your eyes. What has happened in your life during Winter? What transformations have you experienced? What patterns have been interrupted? What old habits have you shed?
Winter is a period of gestation and introspection. It's a symbolic death that allows for a pause and assimilation of all the learnings from the past cycle. It's also an opportunity to rid yourself of anything no longer serving you to make space for the arrival of Spring.
Through your hands, return to the earth anything you are ready to let go of. Let thoughts, emotions, sensations, and energies flow through you, then release them into the ground.
The four major seasonal Sabbats are an opportunity to connect with the Earth and her infinite cycles, macrocosmic representations of our own internal cycles. Just as she provides us with everything we need to live, Mother Earth also rids us of energies we no longer need (she recycles them as she sees fit, don't worry). So, engage in this exercise calmly and release anything that is surplus to requirements for this new version of yourself.
If you wish, you can recite a prayer to Earth.
Continue until you feel perfectly peaceful, tranquil, balanced.
Then, join your hands in front of your chest, and give thanks.
With your eyes closed, form a bowl with your hands, and picture a small seed inside. This seed contains the radiant future, full of abundance, creativity, and joy awaiting you. Take some time to visualise this near future, and feel in every fibre of your being the happiness it brings you. Live your vision, what do you see? What do you feel? Make it as real as possible.
When you have amplified it to the maximum, slide it along your arms, and fill the seed between your hands.
Send it all your creative power, all that happiness promised by the future. Continue until the seed of your projects shines like a mini-Sun.
Then, plant it in the soil in front of you. If you wish, you can also plant tangible, physical seeds beside it to show them how to flourish and grow best.
Cover all your seeds, physical and energetic, with soil, and place your hands flat on the ground. Send them all your love, all your strength and support. Believe in them and let them know energetically, through your palms.
Then, blow out the candle, and close the circle.
May your vision bloom on sunny days and bring you all the joy you deserve.
Personally, as I'm currently in the southern hemisphere, I'll be celebrating the Autumn Equinox!
❂ But I wish you a very merry Ostara ❂
