Ostara Traditions and 2024 Tarot Spread

You can finally say “goodbye” to winter’s dark and cold days and “hello” to warmer and longer days. The Spring or Vernal Equinox happens from March 19th to 20th of 2024, and when this happens, the Sun’s direct rays hit the equator, making day and night equal; when the Sun hits the equator after moving up from the Tropic of Capricorn, which is why it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere and winter in the Northern Hemisphere, which marks the beginning of spring. That is when plants begin to grow, flowers bloom, and you can enjoy longer days. Let’s discuss the Sabbat celebrating the Vernal Equinox, Ostara, and its tradition with an Ostara tarot spread to see what energies are in for you this spring.

What is Ostara and its History?

Ostara is one of the eight Sabbats observed in the year cycle, which marks the changing seasons and the cycles of nature.

The history of Ostara can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions and folklore, as the celebration usually involved a heathen festival that took place to celebrate growth and rebirth. The Sabbat is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre or Ostara, associated with fertility, new beginnings, and the dawn. Eostre was often depicted as a goddess of spring and was associated with the rising sun and the awakening of nature after the long winter.

Various ancient cultures, including the Germanic tribes, Anglo-Saxons, and Norse people, observed the celebration of Ostara. It was a time to honor the rebirth of the Earth and the return of life after the cold and dark winter months. The holiday was marked by rituals, feasts, and festivities that celebrated the fertility of the land and the renewal of life.

What are Some Common Ostara Traditions?

One of the most well-known symbols of Ostara is the egg, which represents fertility and new life. Eggs were often decorated and used in rituals and games during the holiday. Another symbol associated with Ostara is the hare or rabbit, which symbolizes fertility and abundance.

With the spread of Christianity, many pagan traditions and holidays, including Ostara, were assimilated into Christian celebrations. The holiday became associated with Easter, celebrated by Christians to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Easter” is believed to have been derived from Eostre or Ostara.

Today, Ostara is still celebrated by modern pagans and Wiccans as a time to welcome the arrival of spring, honor the balance between light and dark, and celebrate the renewal of life. It is a time for rituals, meditation, and connecting with nature. Many people also engage in activities such as planting seeds, decorating eggs, and participating in outdoor ceremonies to celebrate the season’s energy.

It is important to note that Ostara’s history and practices may vary among pagan traditions and individuals. The holiday is often celebrated meaningfully to each person’s spiritual beliefs and connection with nature. Let’s discuss, in detail, what rituals you may want to adopt when celebrating Ostara, whether you are into paganism.

Plant Intentions and Seeds

Spring is here, a sign of new beginnings, which is what Ostara is about, and it is not a coincidence it begins when the start of the zodiac year does, too, as it coincides with Aries. There is no better way to celebrate the Sabbat by planting new seeds. It does not matter if you have a large garden or some indoor plants; you can honor Ostara by planting seeds, as that brings your intention to create some fresh starts and enjoy the best of some new beginnings. However, you will not only plant seeds without setting any intentions. Why not visualize the abundance you want to attract by planting those seeds? You will nurture those seeds by watering them so they can grow along with the abundance you want to attract.

Enjoy Egg Decoration

You may associate egg decoration with Easter, but remember, the Easter traditions stem from Ostara. Therefore, egg decoration is an Ostara tradition. Eggs symbolize new birth, fertility, and life cycle; eggs are associated with the goddess Eostre. Egg decoration with bright colors has been a long-time Ostara tradition, as the bright colors represent vitality. There are many uses for these colored eggs, whether you use them as part of the Ostara feast, use them on your altar, or give them as gifts to friends. However, egg decorating is a fun Ostara tradition.

Enjoy an Ostara Feast

Like any other Sabbat, a feast is part of the celebration, and Ostara is associated with abundance, so having a feast is fitting. Any dish with eggs, such as deviled eggs, quiche, fried or scrambled eggs, or recipes involving eggs, such as in casseroles and various desserts, is normally eaten during an Ostara feast. Any meat is also included in the Ostara feast, whether it is fish, beef, pork, or lamb, or if you are a vegetarian, you can use substitutes. Spring vegetables such as peas and asparagus…