Ostara

Eostre, also called Ostara, or Eostara, is the Pagan Sabbat that celebrates the balance between light and dark. It is one of the two days of the Wheel on which day and night are of equal length, and it is on this Sabbat that the shift takes place from the resting Earth energy of Winter to the active, growing energy of Spring. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Earth begins to resurrect Herself, sap begins to run, the birds begin to return, some of the earliest Spring plants begin to grow, and the air itself begins to grow warmer with each passing day. This is a Sabbat that celebrates what many Witches and Pagans hold dear: the promise of rebirth and new life.

Witches and Pagans of all kinds associate this Sabbat with the return of Kore Persephone to Her Mother, Demeter. In happiness, Demeter allows the land to begin to grow again, and Spring to come. This Sabbat is also associated with the rebirth of the Oak King, in Celtic Traditions, born of the Pregnant Maiden just after Imbolc. Customs associated with Eostre include the dying and decorating of boiled eggs with bright colours and decorations. The egg is a sacred symbol of life itself, a reminder of fertility, and the promise of mysterious rebirth. Among the Egyptian and the Pagans of Eastern Europe the Dead were often buried with decorated eggs, a reminder that life always follows death.

Rabbits are often associated with this Sabbat, and are featured prominently in secular displays in stores and shops at this time of the year. The Rabbit and Hare are, in Celtic Tradition, associated with the Faery Folk, and have the ability to lead persons into the Spirit Realm. Rabbits are also associated in many cultures with fertility, because of their impressive reproductive capabilities. It is legend that on Eostre rabbits have the ability to lay eggs, thus combining two important fertility symbols.

Rituals include preparing and making coloured eggs, and Witches and Pagans will often mark the eggs with Runes or other Magickal designs. Eggs are then hidden and Pagan children encouraged to hunt for them. The Runes or Magickal designs on the eggs that each child finds are then read and used to prophecy for the coming season. Eggs are often distributed in ceremony at random, for the same purposes. Other rituals include the preparation and use of special incenses to cleanse the home and welcome the return of the new spirits of Spring.

Witches and Pagans will often decorate themselves with ribbons and the green and pastel coloured robes of Spring. Flowers are often braided into wreaths and worn or wound into the hair of men and women alike. Altars may be decorated with many images of eggs, baskets, and rabbits at this time. Many Witches and Pagans will also begin starter pots at this time, planting seeds of various sorts in small pots, later to be transplanted to the outdoors. Magick in more urban households often are designed around "seeding" new plans and projects: a book to be written, a journal to start, a love to begin, the planning of a new child.

Foods traditionally served at this time of year include sprouts, greens, and naturally, egg dishes. Quiche, egg salad, and devilled eggs are favourites. Dandelion greens, alfalfa sprouts, and other green leafy vegetables are served as salads. Desserts include egg shaped cookies, candies in the shape of eggs, and cheese cakes.

This is a Sabbat to celebrate life, make merry, and enjoy the coming Spring!