OSTARA - Spring Equinox
Ostara is the Neo-Pagan or Wiccan seasonal celebration of the Equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere it is a celebration of the Spring Equinox, occurring when day and night are equal and the sun is Astrologically at 0° to 1° Aries. This occurs around March 20 - 21 each year, and this year the Astrological Equinox is on March 20.
An equinox is traditionally defined as the time when the plane of Earth's equator passes through the geometric center of the Sun's disk. This occurs twice each year, around 20 March and 23 September. In other words, it is the moment at which the center of the visible Sun is directly above the equator. (wikipedia)
The Sun enters the sign of Aries on March 20, 2022 at 8:33 am PST. The exact moment of the Vernal Equinox - when the center of the sun is perfectly aligned with the earth's equator - is the moment that - in Western Tropical Astrology - the sun is at 0°0' Aries - 8:33 am PST / 11:33 am EST on March 20. For the Northern Hemisphere, this is the moment that we officially say that Winter has ended and Spring has begun. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this is the official end of Summer and the beginning of Fall) This post is written with the perspective of the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of Spring.
For Modern Pagans and Wiccans, or anyone who wishes the celebrate the change of seasons and the turning of the Wheel of The Year - the Spring Equinox is seen as a time of Rebirth and Renewal. We celebrate the balance of Light and Dark, as Day and Night are about equal length at this time. We also see this as a period of "emerging from the darkness of winter" and beginning a new season of growth. Astrologically, 0° Aries is commonly seen as the beginning of the Year - an Astrological New Year!
Collectively, we are birthed into a new cycle, ready for action and change and motivated to create a new reality for ourselves. It is a powerful time for setting intentions - think of this as a time for your New Year's Resolutions - but now we are aligned with the season of growth. The fall and winter have been a time of shadow - we have done inner work, healing, resting, shadow work etc. Now we are reborn from the underworld to emerge once again into the light half of the year; and we begin our journey with Aries. In Greek Mythology we see this rebirth through the story of Persephone returning from the underworld each year to reunite with her Mother Demeter and help the flowers grow once more.
If you want to decorate an altar to honor this season, or if you wish to do some kind of ritual or spellwork to support your rebirth and intention-setting; here is a list of common symbols associated with Ostara and the Spring Equinox:
Colors: Red, Pink, Green, white, Pastel Colors, Colors of spring flowers etc Symbols: Eggs, Seeds, Flowers, sprouting plants and buds, Rabbits, Baby Animals, Spring, Chalices, Maiden Goddesses, Earth and fertility Deities
Celebrate With Others:
WSTS OSTARA RITUAL Sunday, March 20 7:00 pm PST https://fb.me/e/1EiaHzGLC Woolston Steen Theological Seminary and our sister coven The Weavers of The Web are presenting a Ritual psychodrama exploring Persephone's return from the underworld and reunion with The Great Mother Demeter. This ritual is online and free, open to the public - join us at https://fb.me/e/1EiaHzGLC
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Spring Mysteries Festival 2022 April 14 - 17 Register Today - Register (springmysteries.com)
Since 1985, Aquarian Tabernacle Church has been continuing the Eleusinian Mysteries originally held in Ancient Greece. These mysteries, held every year in honor of Demeter and Persephone, explore universal concepts and truths from the perspective of the seeker of hidden knowledge. Our Priests and Priestesses spend 3-4 months preparing for the festival, working with the energies of the Gods and rehearsing the ritual drama that is presented over 4 days for hundreds of people each Easter Weekend.
Though the main portions of the event focus on Greek deities, there are many workshops and other groups that bring a plethora of alternate ways to explore, including the general mysteries of women, men and those who identify as a mixture of both energies. There is also a vendors space, with many often-requested items and trinkets to take home, and plenty of space for conversations or introspective moments.
Everyone who attends will come away transformed and with wonderful memories of their time in Eleusis.
