The Balance of the Signs and the Elements for Thursday, September 24th

 

 

 

 

The Balance of the Signs and the Elements for Thursday, September 24th

 

LEO STRONG
Self-confident, generous, warm-hearted, powerful leader, dramatic. Can be overly proud, vain, extravagant, arrogant.
LIBRA STRONG
Even-handed, harmonious, artistic, diplomatic, balancing, strong sense of fairness. Can be over- compromising, appeasing, judgmental.
AQUARIUS STRONG
Humanitarian, innovative, group conscious, progressive, serving others. Can be rebellious, eccentric, aloof, emotionally superficial, overly extroverted.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS

EARTH WEAK
There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves.
AIR STRONG
We tend to favor rational, objective thought over emotions, impulses, and feelings at this time. We are more intellectual, fair-minded, and logical in our approach, Ideas flow easily and quickly, we are more communicative and guided by principles, and also somewhat dispassionate or impersonal.
WATER WEAK
There may be some insensitivity or lack of empathy now. We may be out of touch with what we’re feeling or with our emotional needs. We may be tougher than usual now, and more inclined to follow mental or practical considerations than we are to listen to our intuition.
BALANCE OF MODES

The modes are balanced.

Astrology of Today – September 24, 2015

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – September 24, 2015

Summary:

Two weeks ago, Mercury formed a square with Pluto, and retrograde Mercury forms this aspect again today. This one can feel a little more intense with Pluto moving towards a direct station. Its final pass will occur on October 22nd. Worries and concerns can emerge or re-emerge about an ongoing Pluto-related issue. Difficult Pluto aspects tend to remind us that attempting to control others or situations can be disruptive or futile. We can only control ourselves. We can be a little obsessive and perhaps a little paranoid under this influence, thinking up negative scenarios. Use this energy for fixing problem or weak areas.

  • The Moon is in Aquarius all day (until Friday, September 25th, at 3:43 PM).
  • The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase until 5:42 PM / the Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Gibbous phase after 5:42 PM.
  • A First Quarter Moon occurred on September 21st, and a Full Moon /Lunar Eclipse will occur on the 27th.
  • Venus turned direct on September 6th and is in its post-retrograde shadow until October 9th.
  • Mercury is retrograde (Mercury is retrograde from September 17-October 9 in Libra).
  • The Sun spends its first full day in Libra (the Sun transits Libra from September 23-October 23).
  • Mars enters Virgo today (Mars transits Virgo from September 24-November 12).
  • Pluto stations direct early tomorrow.

Power Portal Report for 9/23-28, 2015

Power Portal Report for 9/23-28, 2015

Cosmic Weather – Fall (Spring) Equinox,
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse and Energy update

Hello friends. There is so much going on at the moment I have extended the usual Full Moon report to include the Physical Avatar report and other pertinent information.

Fall (Spring) Equinox, 9/23

Equinox gateway periods are always significant points of power on the planet as the magnetic field of the earth is impacted by the placement of the Sun in its alignment with the equator. This is why ritual and meditation have been significantly observed at these points by many different cultures around the globe. The Equinox kicks off this portal of energy nicely to set the stage for what is to follow with the upcoming Full Moon/Eclipse.

Dear ones, based on your question we see that the upcoming period of the Fall (Spring) Equinox, Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse bring a vibrational opportunity that could be described as a “quickening” of sorts. Though these energies are already present in your realm, we see the period of the most significance will be 9/23-28, with an integration period to follow 9/29-30.

Some of the possible uses for these energies can manifest in the following ways:

1) The shift and healing of physical and emotional issues, especially of a chronic or long-term nature as these energies will be impactful though all of your energetic bodies and also at a cellular level.

2) The dropping of energies most commonly in the form of beliefs, especially those that are no longer useful or in support of you being your most authentic divine self.

3) The realization and shift around any “roles” you have taken on as part of your soul mission that are no longer necessary. More veils will be dropped so to speak, as you step into greater levels of alignment and realization.

In combination with some of the other astro-cosmic energies present at the time (i.e. Mercury Retrograde) it will be helpful to remain open and flexible. Energies, concepts and situations will be moving through quickly.

We would especially like to invite those who identify as Empathic and/or highly sensitive to remain in their own circle (of energy) so to speak, and remain grounded and centered. This is one of the periods where the astral realms will be “busy,” and this could prove distracting or unbalancing to you. Be at peace dear ones. These periods in your world are wisely designed, as the energies that have configured are highly intelligent and purposeful. In periods of change and evolution there may be some discomfort that arises for some beings in which resistance can increase its intensity. Please do know that you are not without spiritual assistance at all times. You are dearly loved. Shanti. – The Keepers, 9.19.15

Physical Avatar Report for 9/23-28, 2015

NOTE: The Physical Avatar is an aspect of the collective in the akashic level that is related to health and well-being especially experienced by Empaths, light workers and sensitives. I started these particular reports in 2010 with the Akashic Wisdom Keepers as a form of guidance and service.

Some of the physical effects are: headache, “brain fog,” either an increase or decrease of physical pain issues, fatigue, greater thirst and appetite or possible decreased appetite. Organ “twitching” or slight discomfort, especially in the Liver and Gallbladder areas which are detoxing.”Cold” symptoms that never quite materialize, especially involving sinus issues, slight cough and/or sore throat. Dream activity is also on the increase including lucid dreaming and possible OBEs (out of body experiences.)

I am being told in this upgrade that it is essential to stay extra hydrated as this is related to the way the energies are impacting the system. One of the signs of dehydration is headache, especially for people who don’t normally get them. I was also told that it is important to not withhold proper nutrients the body, especially of protein which is also needed to synergize the incoming energies on a physical level.

Emotionally we may be mood swinging from releasing/crying to moments of great clarity, peace and joy. Thought this may mimic more problematic emotional issues such as BPD, unless you have a history of emotional disorders it is probably not cause for concern. I would hold off on any particular self-diagnosis if possible until this next “wave” has passed, around 9/29-30.

Dreamtime and Reality Shifting

Expect a “colorful” dreamlife in the coming week, where the metaphors are flowing freely. This is not uncommon in upgrade periods as energies that are no longer useful or needed make their way out. I would recommend keeping a journal closely as some of the symbols may be so deep they are not obviously apparent upon first glance. We may be sleeping very deeply or sleeping so lightly it feels like a more relaxed meditation. In that case, we may not feel entirely rested when we awaken. This is not uncommon in periods of strong portal energies.

Full Harvest/Blood Moon in Aries and Lunar Eclipse

Higher Ground and Pure Desires

As per every year this Full Moon highlights the Aries (me) vs. Sun in Libra (we) dynamic. The shadow side of Aries energies can be aggression, hostility and fighting for the sake of fighting. The light side however can be very high as it embodies the I AM presence along with desire in its pure form, courage and spiritual bravery. The overall theme of these portal energies are: transformation, healing and releasing all that no longer serves our higher purpose and calling.

I can light the night up with my soul on fire. I can make the sun shine from pure desire. – Steve Winwood

During a Full Lunar Eclipse we have a powerful energetic point in time; since the moon it is related to emotions, yin energy and inwardness. The moon sign of Aries is Yang, martial and dynamic. This creates an interesting juxtaposition spiritually and also an interesting energetic opening as we are presented with the creative, harmonic still point between opposites.

The Sabian Symbol for 5 Aries is: A Triangle with Wings

This is the symbol of the desire to reach a higher level of existence, of pure aspiration or devotion, of bhakti. What has emerged in the first phase of the process of differentiation is becoming aware of the possibility of further up-reachings. The principle of “levitation” is seen as one of the two essential factors in evolution. The emergent being glorifies and deifies it, but it is still only an ideal. At this stage, nevertheless, the whole being experiences a childlike longing for its eventual realization. At this point the last and synthesizing stage of the first five-fold unit in the cyclic process is reached. A NEW DIMENSION of being is envisioned mobilizing creative endeavors. – Dane Rudhyar

What a beautiful and appropriate symbol for these energies: The polar opposites making up the two sides of the triangle (Libra/Aries) give rise to a magical “third” based on the quintessence of both.

I was thinking about the 2016 yearly forecast which I will start writing in December and how intense the past two years really have been, which is fitting for “7” and “8” Universal Years. The “8” energies being about magnification and manifestation, sometimes in very unexpected ways. I can already tell no matter what will be happening next year astrologically and cosmically, many of us will need some integration time. 2016 is a “9” year which will be about the harvest, completion, goodness and Grace.

Though we pass through this gateway every year around this time, the energies always take a different form depending on what is traveling with them. This year this is especially the case. Another note to add is that Pluto (Capricorn) will also be stationing DIRECT 9/24-25. This will also help to lighten the load of Plutonic intensity and inwardness. For many, the spiritual cleanse and detox has definitely done its job and we’re ready to emerge into our new creations. Do keep in mind however, at any planetary station the main planetary energetic message may come in more loud and clear as it passes through.

Happy Equinox and Full Moon Eclipsing friends and remember to keep it Cosmic!

NOTE: The Full Moon in Aries is 9/27/15 at 7:51 pm PDT/10:51 EDT. The Lunar Eclipse occurs at 7:47 PDT and 10:47 PDT. Please check an ephemeris source for other times globally.

Current Moon Phase for Thursday, Sept. 24th is Waxing Gibbous

September 24
Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 82%

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbous” meaning humpbacked.

Phase Details for – Thursday, September 24, 2015

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 82%
Moon Age: 10.62 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 370,594.11 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 150,055,489.92 km

Lady A’s Specialty of the Day – How To Remove A Curse/Hex from Yourself

How To Remove A Curse/Hex from Yourself

(personal request)

 

To begin light 1 pink candle, 1 green, and a black candle. Have plenty of privacy, be sure that nobody else can see you (close all curtains, doors, windows, etc.)

Now, get a bowl full of water and put 3 drops of green dye in it.Now that you’ve done that, slowly tip the bowl over each candle allowing them to be extinguished while at the same time chanting:

“Curse or Hex, I know not which,
Leave my presence and my life.
So I command it, so shall it be!”

You must do this very slowly and imagine the spell being lifted from your body and all the good luck and fortune that will soon come to you and the evil that will go to the person that placed the hex/curse upon you.

 

A Prayer to the Goddess To Remove Negativity and Curses

To the Goddess, I do pray
Grant me power, strength to flay
The one’s who has cursed me
with these words, I now hold thee at bay.
So Mote It Be.

Celebrating 365 Days of Legends, Folklore and Spirituality for September 24 – Festival of Poets

September 24

Festival of Poets

This annual event takes place around this date in Japan. Poets come from all across Japan to visit the Imperial Palace, share their local legends, and compose verses. After the usual pleasantries, the guests are seated and served a cup of sake, after which each attendee is expected to create a verse pertaining to his or her visit. The poems are then read and the winner becomes the nation’s poet laureate.

The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, September 24th

The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, September 24th

 

Thursday (Thor’s day)

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Purple, Deep Blue

Crystals: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

Aroma: Melissa, Clove, Oakmoss, Jupiter Oil, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage

Herb: Cinquefoil Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.

Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.

Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect. This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion.

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, September 24th

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, September 24th

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity and generosity.

Schwenkenfelder Thanksgiving (German-American)

Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Aquarius
Aquarius: Rebellious energy. Time to break habits and make abrupt changes. Personal freedom and individuality is the focus.

Incense: Jasmine

Color: White

Thursday’s Witchery

Thursday’s Witchery

Today is the day for prosperity work of all kinds. It can also be used for healing work, whether that is a physical healing of an illness or an emotional healing. Also remember that you have to follow up your healing work and prosperity magick and physical action.

I can’t tell you the number of times I have met new witches who complain to me that their prosperity spell or “I need a better job” spell did not work as they expected. They’ll ramble on and on about how much time and money they spent working their magick….but, alas, they had no glorious manifestion of wealth or fabulous job that suddenly dropped out of the sky and landed in their laps.

Then, when I gently ask them, “Did you enchant your resume or application when you filled it out? Did you do a little confidence-boosting spellwork when you went to apply for the job or went to the interview?” typically they give me a blank, confused stare.

Nine times out of ten, their response is, “You mean I have to go out and actually look for the job too?” Um, yes, my dear, you certainly do. Magick follows the path of least resistance, which means it’s going to manifest along the simplest, quickest route. Get out there and hit the pavement. See what you can find. Times are tough and competition for good jobs is fierce, so you need whatever edge you can get. For folks like us, we’re going to get the edge by using our magick and our spellcraft.

Thursdays have such a rich source of magick for us to draw upon that, honestly, the sky is the limit. This is the day associated with the gods of the sky and heavens, after all. Get to know these deities and add their wisdom and magick into your days

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Thursday: Jupiter’s (Thor’s) day

Thursday

Jupiter’s (Thor’s) day

The name is derived from Old English Þūnresdæg and Middle English Thuresday (with loss of -n-, first in northern dialects, from influence of Old Norse Þorsdagr) meaning “Thor’s Day”. Thunor, Donar (German, Donnerstag) and Thor are derived from the name of the Germanic god of thunder, Thunraz, equivalent to Jupiter in the interpretatio romana.

In most Romance languages, the day is named after the Roman god Jupiter, who was the god of sky and thunder. In Latin, the day was known as Iovis Dies, “Jupiter’s Day”. In Latin, the genitive or possessive case of Jupiter was Iovis/Jovis and thus in most Romance languages it became the word for Thursday: Italian giovedì, Spanish jueves, French jeudi, Sardinian jòvia, Catalan dijous, and Romanian joi. This is also reflected in the p-Celtic Welsh dydd Iau.

The astrological and astronomical sign of the planet Jupiter is sometimes used to represent Thursday.

Since the Roman god Jupiter was identified with Thunor (Norse Thor in northern Europe), most Germanic languages name the day after this god: Torsdag in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, Hósdagur/Tórsdagur in Faroese, Donnerstag in German or Donderdag in Dutch. Finnish and Northern Sami, both non-Germanic (Uralic) languages, uses the borrowing “Torstai” and “Duorastat”. In the extinct Polabian Slavic language, it was perundan, Perun being the Slavic equivalent of Thor.

There are a number of modern names imitating the naming of Thursday after an equivalent of “Jupiter” in local tradition. In most of the languages of India, the word for Thursday is Guruvar- var meaning day and guru being the style for Bṛhaspati, guru to the gods and regent of the planet Jupiter. In Thai, the word is Wan Pharuehatsabodi – referring to the Hindu deity Bṛhaspati, also associated with Jupiter. En was an old Illyrian deity and in his honor in the Albanian language Thursday is called “Enjte”. In the Nahuatl language, Thursday is Tezcatlipotōnal meaning “day of Tezcatlipoca”.

Praise The Goddess For Her Many Blessings & Gifts She has Granted Each & Everyone On This Thursday Morn’!

The Gift

Bewildered and amazed,
I stand before thee;
Receiving thy wisdom
As thou cast thy light upon me.
The overwhelming knowledge given
Seems way too much to bear.
With thy blessings of inner strength
I find it easy, with others, to share!
I know my path in the incarnation,
To serve thee well and true;
I thank thee for thy gift thou hast given,
For this gift has given me life anew!

By The Light Of The Crystal Moon: A Book of Pagan Poetry and Short Stories
Elizabeth Gardiepy

Ostara Creation Spell

Ostara Creation Spell

This joyous holiday honors the spring goddess, Ostara, whose name means “movement toward the rising Sun.” Just as Imbolc signals the return of light, Ostara signals the awakening of the Earth. Trees are blooming, bulbs are pushing up out of the ground, birds are nesting, and animals are mating. The creative energy is at its strongest during this season. If you haven’t decided what you wish to manifest this year, do so now.

To empower your goal, write it on a hard-boiled egg with a wax crayon. The egg is a powerful symbol representing the universe in embryo. Your goal lives within you in the same way that creation lives within its egg, and like the egg, your goal has everything it needs to manifest. Now, draw two interlocking triangles to form a six-pointed star on your egg. This star symbolizes one of the most important keys in magic: as above, so below. What you can create in your imagination, you can manifest on the physical plane. Dye your egg a deep red to symbolize the goddess and life itself. Using your egg as a focus, work in the days ahead with the interplay of imagination and physical striving to achieve your desire.

By: Lily Gardner

Ostara Ritual

Ostara Ritual

Flowers should be laid on the altar, placed around the circle and spread on the ground. The cauldron can be filled with spring water and flowers, buds and blossoms may be worn as well. Arrange the altar, light the candle and incense, and cast the Circle. Say:

“Great goddess, you have freed yourself
From the icy prison of winter.
Now is the greening, when the fragrance of
Flowers drifts on the breeze.
This is the beginning. Life renews itself
By Your magic, Earth Goddess.
The God stretches and rises,
Tiger in His youth, and bursting with
The promise of summer.”

“I walk the earth in friendship, not in dominance.
Mother Goddess and Father god, instil within me
Thorough this plant a warmth for all living things.
Teach me to revere the Earth and all its treasures.
May I never forget.”

Straight from

Raven and Crow

8 Ideas for Celebrating Ostara


Ostara Comments

8 Ideas for Celebrating Ostara

 

Ostara, the Spring Equinox, is always especially beautiful here in Sonoma County, California. This year seems especially nice. Winter’s rains have been lighter than we would like, but they have been gentle and well timed. My farmer friends with whom I’ve spoken are feeling good. Warming temperatures and longer days have brought forth the first abundant flowers, especially the wild mustard that makes it seem as if our craggy valley oaks and vineyards have their feet awash in bright yellow paint. The threats from frost are virtually over.

Our season and Ostara’s symbolism are in perfect harmony.

Wiccan Sabbats celebrate our Wheel of the Year, and the Wheel of the Year, like the phases of the moon, symbolize to us the stages of life, from birth to death to rebirth. Four Sabbats are “Greater Sabbats” originally linked with Celtic agricultural cycles: Brigit, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain. The other four “cross quarter” Sabbats are correlated with the cycles of the solar year, the solstices and equinoxes. On the 21st of this month, Witches and many other Pagans will celebrate Ostara, the Spring Equinox.

Equinoxes are times of balance between day and night, light and darkness. But the balance is dynamic, lasting a day, before shifting into playing a role in that greater balance that is the Wheel of the Year. For me this sense of balance should be the dominant theme of either Ostara, or Mabon, the Fall Equinox. But they are very different Sabbats otherwise, for after Ostara the light will continue to grow, whereas after Mabon, it is darkness that increases.

There is another aspect of balance that comes to mind as a am mulling this post over, that between the universal and the concrete. Solar Sabbats are universal, the Greater Sabbats are specific to time and place. Together, they balance the universal with the variety that is local. So while I think it is important to make sure Greater Sabbats are strongly connected with where we live, it is not as important for the Cross Quarter ones.

With these thoughts in mind, I have a few ideas for celebrating Ostara I want to share. All are suitable for Solitaries.

  1. On my altar I will have 4 candles. I will light two, and with sundown, light another. I have tried to figure out a simple but visually beautiful way of symbolizing Sabbats and their meaning, and here is my scheme into which this simple observance fits.

Yule – 1 candle lit during ritual.

Imbolc – 1 candle lit, a second during the ritual.

Ostara – 2 candles lit, a third lit at end of ritual or at sunset.

Beltane – 3 candles, one lit during ritual, making

Midsummer – 4 candles, one extinguished at end of ritual.

Lammas – 3 candles, one extinguished during ritual.

Mabon – 2 candles, one extinguished at sunset or end of ritual.

Samhain – 1 candle lit, but extinguished during ritual.

  1. I will fill my place with local flowers. I just spoke with a friend in Maine. The garden I helped plant still looks like a snow drift. Maybe the willows are changing their color as the sap tentatively rises, making for a good altar decoration. If not, it’s good that this is a solar Sabbat!

3. I will watch the dawn, and do some invocations and prayers while I do it. Ostara is said to have been a Goddess of the Dawn as well as spring, so this is fitting, although very little is known of Her. If I was in Fairbanks, I might let this slide.

  1. In Pagan times eggs and hares were associated with the creation of life and fertility, for obvious reasons. While it seems all folklore of ancient provenance has disputed origins, regardless of how these customs arose and survived, they are perfectly fitted for symbolizing this time, when almost everywhere spring has arrived or is coming soon. Dyeing the eggs in Spring-time colors, and having a good old fashioned Ostara Egg hunt is a wonderful thing for kids.
  2. A good smudging, followed by a good airing if the weather permits. Burning sage is the easiest way to smudge a place, though any cleansing incense is worthwhile. Be sure to get corners and dark places. Energy collects and stagnates in those places, and most of us have had all winter for that to happen.
  3. Plant a seed associated with a magickal ritual for something you want to grow. Simple and personal is best. Focus your intent strongly on the seed, then on the pot of soil after you have planted it. Take care of it. I’d recommend a perennial, that you can plant and let continue to flourish with your care, but maybe an annual will do the trick. Depends on your project.
  4. If you have a yard, this is a good time to begin getting in touch with the spirits of your place. But as with any relationship, it will normally take some time to grow. The last time I lived for any length of time in a house with a yard, I would make weekly offerings in a out of the way part of my yard, that I otherwise left alone (all the rests was garden). I would leave a small glass of rum, some tobacco, and a votive candle (be very careful about fire if you do this). After some months the ‘feel’ of my back yard began to change in ways I and others liked a lot. But remember, attitude makes or breaks this kind of thing – as with all relationships.
  5. If there is a public Sabbat celebration, and you are not part of a coven, try and go. Some are well done, some can seem like ‘ritual abuse,’ but either way, this is a good way to begin meeting other local Pagans. In my view the real magic of what we do is most powerful when we work and celebrate together

Source

Information from Beliefnet

Author: Gus diZerega

Blog: A Pagan’s Blog

Garden Blessing for Ostara


Ostara Comments

Garden Blessing for Ostara

 

Say a blessing over your garden as you prepare it for spring.

The earth is cool and dark,
and far below, new life begins.
May the soil be blessed with fertility and abundance,
with rains of life-giving water,
with the heat of the sun,
with the energy of the raw earth.
May the soil be blessed
as the womb of the land becomes full and fruitful
to bring forth the garden anew.

 

Author: By Patti Wigington, Pagan/Wicca Expert

Article found on & owned by About.com

Ostara Activities


Ostara Comments

Ostara Activities

 

Planting seeds or starting a Magical Herb Garden. Taking a long walk in nature with no intent other than reflecting on the Magic of nature and our Great Mother and her bounty

This is a wonderful time to bring a small potted herb into your home. Plants like lavender, sage or lemon balm send their fragrance through your house reminding you that this is the time when life renews itself. A living plant helps you stay connected with nature too. Herbs are especially nice to start growing now and they will share their miraculous energies with you in the months ahead when you add them to your cooking.

Ostara traditions involving eggs include collecting eggs, decorating them, creating crafts from eggshells , gifting eggs, and burying eggs in the earth to increase the fertility of the land.

Another favorite tradition on the first day of spring is to gather wildflowers. Some people use them for magic or divination, while others collect edible flowers for feasting, or bouquets to decorate their home. Gifts of flowers are also a popular tradition.

This time of year I love to feel the new grass beneath my feet and welcome all the new life that’s sprouting up around me. Vow to walk the earth in friendship, not in dominance, and enjoy every gift your Mother Earth sends your way. No matter what traditions or customs you follow, celebrate this time with joy and a thankful heart.

Wiccan & Pagan Holidays: An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Celebrating Sabbats and Esbats

Kardia Zoe

Ostara Symbols

Ostara Symbols

Lilies – These beautiful flowers were a symbol of life in Greece and Rome. During the Ostara season, young men would give a lily to the young woman they were courting. If the young woman accepted the lily, the couple were considered engaged (much like accepting a diamond ring from a young man in today’s society).

Lambs – This fluffy little mammal is an eternal symbol of Ostara, and was sacred to virtually all the virgin goddesses of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The symbol was so ingrained in the mindset of the people of that region that it was carried over into the spring religious rituals of the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter.

Robins – One of the very first birds to be seen in the Spring, robins are a sure sign of the fact that warm weather has indeed returned.

Bees – These busy little laborers re dormant during the winter. Because of this, the sighting of bees is another sure sign of Spring. They were also considered by the Ancient peoples to be messengers of the Gods and were sacred to many Spring and Sun Goddesses around the world.

Honey – The color of the sun, this amber liquid is, of course, made through the laborious efforts of the honeybee. With their established role as messengers to the Gods, the honey they produced was considered ambrosia to the Gods.

Faeries – Because of their ability to bring blessings to your gardens, protect your home, and look after your animals, it is beneficial to draw faeries to your life. Springtime is the quintessential season to begin drawing the fae again. You want to be sure to leave succulent libations or pretty little gifts for them. Some ideas for libations or gifts are… honey, fresh milk, bread, lilacs, primrose blossoms, cowslip, fresh berries, dandelion wine, honeysuckle, pussy willows, ale, or shiny coins.

Equal-armed Crosses – These crosses represent the turning points of the year, the solstices and equinoxes and are often referred to as ‘Sun Wheels’. They come in many forms such as God’s eyes, Celtic crosses, Shamrocks, Brigid’s crosses, 4-leaved clovers, crossroads, etc.