Wiccan Sabbats and Esbats

Copyright © 2006 Gray Seal
Ostara (pronounced Oh-star-ah) marks the official start of spring. Lady Day, as it is also called, usually falls sometime between March 20 and 23. It marks the astrological start of the sign Aries. It is celebrated on the day when night and day are of equal length. In the Pagan world, as well as most of the Christian world, it is a day for general lightheartedness and joy.

The goddess is still maiden. Whether or not she has had any physical relations with the god, she remains free and unencumbered. She holds no ties to any man or child. (This is the true meaning of “maiden,” not simply virgin.) Popular goddesses to invite to ritual would be Kore (or Persephone), Hathor, Flora (goddess of flowers), or Inanna. If you prefer, the goddess can simply be welcomed as Lady of the Earth.

At this point in the cycle of the year, the god is still growing. He is the laughing Lord of the Greenwood, young, carefree, still coming fully into his power. He maintains the wild spirit of youth and nature. He is often represented by Pan, Cernunnos, Ra, or Osiris.

The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Straw Brideo'gas (corn dollies) are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo'gas door to door, and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protectioOstara Practices:

The name Ostara comes from Eostre, an Eastern European moon goddess whose power peaks at this time of year. This is also where the word Easter comes from, and there are many similarities between the symbolism of Easter and Ostara, including decorating and hunting eggs. According to legend, Eostre is closely connected to rabbits, hence the "Easter Bunny."

The colors of Ostara include pastels, especially blue, yellow, pink, and green.

Popular Ostara flowers are the daffodil and hyacinth, both of which bloom early in this season.

Other Ostara practices include lighting a bon-fire during ritual or planting a seed in a pot. Because Ostara was one of the last sabbats added to the Pagan calendar, there are very few strict observances for the day. Instead, it is often celebrated as a carefree, fun, frolicking sort of day and the rituals are usually quite lightheartedn and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.

The tradition of decorating eggs comes from the ancient Egyptians and Persians who would dye them in pastel colors and exchange them as gifts. In ancient Rome, eggs were given as prizes during the spring races.

Ostara: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring by Edain McCoy.

Embrace Ostara as a point of balance in your life, a moment in time where both dark and light and night and day are in harmony before the light is victorious and carries us on to the bounty of summer pleasures. Ostara is packed with rituals, spells, recipes, crafts, and customs to celebrate the awakening earth.

This delightful guidebook will help you deepen your understanding of the spiritual aspects of this ancient spring holiday, and discover new ideas for expressing that spirituality.

Ostara: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring by Edain McCoy.

Often Bought With This Item:

* Celebrate the Earth: A Year of Holidays in the Pagan Tradition by Laurie Cabot.
* Mabon: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for the Autumn Equinox (Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials, 5) by Diana Rajchel.

* Celebrate the Earth: A Year of Holidays in the Pagan Tradition by Laurie Cabot.
* Mabon: Celebrating the Autumn Equinox by Kristin Madden.

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Earl LeMaster writes as Gray Seal.

Wiccan Sabbats - Ostara (Lady Day)

Ostara (pronounced Oh-star-ah) marks the official start of Spring.

More Like This:

Ostara: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring by Edain McCoy.