Vernal Equinox - Time of Rebirth, Renewal & the Return of the Light

The time of the wheel has turned to the Spring Equinox - the balance of night and day, when - from this moment forward - the days become longer and the nights become shorter. Once again, we have made it through our harsh winter and emerged into the budding daylight of springtime.

Ostara, Goddess of Spring and the Dawn (Oestre / Eastre)

Easter is named for a Saxon goddess who was known by the names of Oestre or Eastre, and in Germany by the name of Ostara. She is a goddess of the dawn and the spring, and her name derives from words for dawn, the shining light arising from the east. Our words for the "female hormone" estrogen derives from her name.

Ostara was, of course, a fertility goddess. Bringing in the end of winter, with the days brighter and growing longer after the vernal equinox, Ostara had a passion for new life. Her presence was felt in the flowering of plants and the birth of babies, both animal and human. The rabbit (well known for its propensity for rapid reproduction) was her sacred animal.

Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny both featured in the spring festivals of Ostara, which were initially held during the feasts of the goddess Ishtar | Inanna. Eggs are an obvious symbol of fertility, and the newborn chicks an adorable representation of new growth. Brightly colored eggs, chicks, and bunnies were all used at festival time to express appreciation for Ostara's gift of abundance.

At this time of year, my chosen family comes together to celebrate the dream time - this last longer night of darkness before the equilibrium of the equinox appears. We sleep together in a dream circle, in hopes of using our combined energies to help manifest our hopes and dreams for this turn of the wheel.

The breezes of air surround us, playfully making the daffodils sway to and fro. The gentle rains coax the new growth out of the freshly thawed earth, so that they may reach for the warmth of the fiery sun above them.

Use this time wisely - be aware of new possibilities, of the renewed energy and beauty in the world around you and within yourself.