Ostara: The Spring Equinox & The Turning of the Wheel

Ostara, the Spring Equinox, marks the moment of equal day and night — a powerful threshold of balance, renewal and emerging light.

Around 20–21 March in the UK, the Wheel turns again.

The Spring Equinox — often called Ostara in modern Pagan traditions — is the moment when day and night stand in perfect balance. Light and dark meet as equals before the light begins its steady ascent toward summer.

In astronomical terms, it’s when the Sun crosses the celestial equator. In energetic terms? It’s a threshold.

Winter loosens its grip. The soil softens. Seeds stir. And something in us does too.

The Themes of Ostara

Ostara is not the explosive bloom of Beltane. It is gentler than that.

Its themes are:

• Balance

• Renewal

• Fertility

• Potential

• Hope

• Rebirth

• Decision

It is a liminal space — and liminal spaces are powerful.

In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated festivals of the Wheel. It asks us not to rush into growth, but to consciously choose what we want to grow.

A Brief Look at the History

The name “Ostara” is often linked to Eostre, a goddess mentioned by the 8th-century monk Bede in De Temporum Ratione. He described a spring festival held in her honour.

While historians debate how widespread her worship was, the symbolism remains consistent across cultures:

• Eggs as symbols of life

• Hares as symbols of fertility

• Dawn and renewal imagery

The modern festival blends folklore, seasonal observation and contemporary Pagan practice — and at its heart, it honours the Earth waking.

Herbals of the Season (UK/Europe)

In Hampshire woodlands and hedgerows, life begins to return.

Look for:

🌿 Nettles

Rich in iron and chlorophyll. A classic spring tonic to rebuild after winter depletion.

🌼 Dandelion

Leaves are bitter and supportive to liver function — ideal for seasonal cleansing.

🌸 Cleavers

Emerging soft and sticky — traditionally used to support lymphatic flow.

🌱 Violet

Leaves and flowers appearing quietly at the edges — linked to gentleness and heart energy.

Spring herbals often focus on:

• Moving stagnation

• Supporting detox pathways

• Encouraging circulation

• Rebuilding minerals

Energetically, they mirror what Ostara asks of us — clear out what is heavy, nourish what is growing.

Crystals for Ostara Energy

Crystals at this time lean toward balance and fresh starts.

🌿 Green Aventurine

Associated with growth, opportunity and new beginnings.

🌸 Rose Quartz

Gentle heart opening — especially if winter has felt isolating.

🌞 Clear Quartz

Amplifies intention and clarifies direction.

🌱 Moss Agate

Deeply earthy. Supports planting intentions into tangible reality.

Keep them near seedlings, on your altar, or in your pocket during equinox walks.

Simple Ways to Celebrate Ostara

You don’t need a dramatic ritual. This is about alignment.

• Plant seeds (literal or symbolic).

• Spring clean your altar or workspace.

• Write down what you are ready to grow — and what you are releasing.

• Take a mindful walk and notice what has returned to the land.

• Make a fresh herbal tea with nettle, mint and lemon balm.

And perhaps most importantly — pause at sunrise or sunset on the Equinox and acknowledge the balance point.

Balance is not static. It is a moment.

Ostara & The Nervous System

From a physiological perspective, increasing daylight affects serotonin production and circadian rhythms. Many people feel a lift in mood around this time — though some feel restless.

Ostara is a good time to:

• Re-establish morning routines

• Spend more time outdoors

• Support the liver with bitters

• Increase gentle movement

Let the body lead the ritual.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’d like full rituals, tea recipes, correspondences, altar ideas and seasonal reflections, you’ll find them in my book:

A Witches Guide to the Wheel of the Year

It walks you through every turn of the Wheel with practical magic, herbal support and grounded seasonal living.

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