Botanical: Lupin ~ one of the first flowering plants in the spring, signifies imagination + happiness

Crystal: Amethyst ~ highly spiritual stone balancing out energetic highs + lows, promoting emotional balance

Fragrance: Verbena ~ connection to the divine, encouraging creativity

Date: March 19-23rd

The Spring Equinox marks the moment when daylight and darkness stand in perfect harmony.  This date, when the number of hours in the day equal that of the night, signals the official onset of spring and the dawn of longer days. As nature awakens from its winter slumber, the seeds, ripe in the belly of Mother Earth during Imbolc, have germinated, sending forth delicate green shoots through the fertile soil. This Equinox provides the perfect opportunity to harness the power of the awakening and working towards balance in our own life.

Ostara, can be traced back to the Germanic goddess Eostre, Goddess of the Dawn who heralds the arrival of spring. Though less is known about Eostre, numerous cultural deities embodying themes of balance, blossoming flowers, and fertility are also celebrated during this time. We honour these traditions by seizing the opportunity to cultivate balance within and without, and infuse the flourishing blooms of spring with love and reverence.

Start this ritual by turning your attention to the place you build your alter on. If your altar space has been neglected or hasn't undergone cleaning recently, seize the opportunity for a rejuvenating spring cleaning. Begin by clearing out any clutter and dust, then wipe the surface down.

If your time allows, extend this revitalizing practice beyond your altar, traversing through your home and your spirit. Engage both energetically and physically in clearing out stagnant energies, making way for the radiant light of the lengthening days ahead.YWhether cleaning just your alter or whole house, follow up with a purifying smudge ritual, allowing the fragrance to infuse the space with renewed vitality and letting the smoke carry away an stagnant energy.

CREATE YOUR ALTER

Ostara, or Eostre, is symbolized by eggs, representing fertility and new beginnings. For your alter, select an egg to adorn with meaningful symbols or sigils, these can be a reflection of aspects you wish to bring into balance, or aspirations you've envisioned during Imbolc, and want to continue nurturing the growth of.

In tribute to the blossoming flowers of spring, you can honour the vital role of bees in pollination by incorporating honey onto your altar—a sweet offering to nature's industrious helpers. Other items you might want to include that represent Ostara:

Botanicals: Clover, Tulips, Dandelions, Crocus

Fragrance oils: Verbena, Lemongrass, Spearmint

Colours: blue, pink, green

Crystals: amethyst, aquamarine, rose quartz

After arranging your altar, ignite the candle at dusk, tapping into the harmonizing energies of both light and dark as they converge. Take a moment to reflect on the facets of your physical life or energetic spirit that crave balance. Capture these reflections in your journal, and for each aspect, outline three strategies you believe can aid in achieving that balance. Through this contemplative practice, you pave the way for greater harmony and alignment in your journey ahead.