It’s a time of celebration, fertility, and new beginnings.
Think of the energy and excitement that warmer weather brings!
You’re finally getting outside, dusting off the stagnation of winter, and making plans for the year.
Ostara is a day to celebrate the return of the Sun and the energetic potential for new things that spring brings.
Ostara, also known as the Spring (or Vernal) Equinox, is a cross-quarter day on the Pagan Wheel of the Year that marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It falls somewhere between March 19-23 each year.
Ostara = Spring and new growth
The theme of early spring is new growth, and while we often mean that metaphorically, the energy of literally growing new plants is just as powerful.
Some of the biggest symbols of Ostara are flowers, herbs, and green plants.
It’s the perfect time of year to learn new herbal skills or to freshen up some old ones.
Consider taking a class, like our upcoming Herbalism with Rebecca Pine, picking up a new book (we love anything by Rosemary Gladstar!), or making friends with other local plant enthusiasts to share skills and stories.
But don’t worry if you have a black thumb!
You can use the creative energy of Ostara for growth of plans, ideas, and life as well.
Manifestation is especially potent this time of year, and so is the urge to start new projects.
There’s a reason we talk about new love in the spring, too!
Ostara is a time to fall in love, but not just with other people - make sure to fall in love with yourself!
The hope and potential that early spring holds, and the growing warmth of the Sun, are wonderful tools to help see yourself in a new light.
Lean into spells, affirmations, and activities that help boost your confidence and self image.
Celebrate Ostara with these five herby ideas
Go for a nature walk and notice what might be growing around you.
Even in the late stages of winter, some emerging spring flowers and greenery can be found!
See what’s in your neighborhood, and maybe even investigate the medicinal or energetic properties of those plants and what it could mean for you.
Make a flower essence from some of the spring blooms you find by your home.
If nothing is growing, you can use flowers from a local florist or farm stand, instead.
Let the blossoms sit in a bowl of fresh clean water under the bright midday sun, then use that floral-infused water as a drink, in a cleansing bath, or to feed your plants.
(We’ll be learning all about flower essences in an upcoming class, so if you aren’t already on our email list, make sure to sign up so you get notified when it goes live!)
Do some simple gardening.
Start seeds for an outdoor garden or indoor houseplants.
Give your current plants a little extra love by adding a dose of plant food or fertilizer to their next watering.
You can even use this time to plan out future gardens, potted plants, or ways to tend to your existing green friends. For example, did you know some people even add crystals to their plants and gardens?
Pick up stones like Tree Agate, Rose Quartz, or Clear Quartz to give your plant babies a little boost.
Brew up some gorgeous herbal teas.
There are plenty of herbs and flowers that make delicious tea, but some definitely look prettier in a cup than others!
Spring is a wonderful time to experiment with herbal teas that taste great both hot and iced.
We love simple blends like Peppermint & Hibiscus, Lavender & Lemon Balm, or Rose & Chamomile.
If you need some ideas, stop into the shop and have one of our lovely herbalists and herbal enthusiasts suggest a blend just for you!
Enjoy your tea and…
When you take your tea home and make a cup, sit in sacred space and gratitude, thinking about all the energy you want to manifest and bloom in your life this spring.
You could journal your thoughts, or you could tap into the creative energy of spring and make a vision board or collage to bring your thoughts to life.
You can even incorporate pressed flowers into your design to call in the energy of Ostara!
Whatever ways you decide to celebrate Ostara this year, make it a time filled with hope, light, and excitement for what’s to come.
The whole year is ahead of you, and now is the best time to make use of that vibrant energy to manifest all your dreams!
~ Angela