Blessed Ostara, Eostre, and Spring Equinox

Ethan Teed
Mar 21
2 min read

Ostara, or Eostre, the next turning on the Celtic Wheel of the Year, falls on 3/20 or 3/21, depending on your particular location. This is also known as the Vernal Equinox, the point at which the sun hits its zenith, directly over the equator. Th

is moment marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, when light and day begin their triumph over dark and night. With more sunlight, the earth begins waking up. From the plants starting to sprout from the ground, to the trees growing buds for leaves and flowers to burst from, the animals that come out of hibernation, and others that begin their mating season. It’s the time of rebirth and renewal. The spiral of life is starting anew!

I’d like to share a story about the goddess Eostre, the goddess of spring. Eostre would travel around the world in a chariot pulled by a bird in order to bring about the start of spring. One year, while traveling in the far northern climates, it was so cold that her beloved bird companion’s wings froze, and they plummeted from the sky. Eostre’s bird was injured and dying. Eostre felt terrible for her friend, and transformed the bird into a healthy hare; with warm fur and four legs, capable of traveling quickly, even over the snow. This transformation complete, the two were able to continue on their journey, bringing spring to the rest of the world. The hare was still left with the ability to lay eggs, once a year, at Eostre, and gave these first eggs to the goddess, in gratitude for her transformation. Afterwards, these eggs were left as gifts on their travels, bringing renewal to the world. This story is the origin of our Easter celebration, including the Easter bunny and decorated Easter eggs!

Below is a poem that resonates with both our current times and the season... at least for me. Those of you who attended my last Wild Weavings practice will recognize it. 😁

Wild Blessings and Much Love!

Late by Jarod K Anderson

For most of the history of life on Earth,

and life on land specifically,

flowers did not exist.

It’s hard to imagine the landscape

without flowers,

without the marriage of blooms and bees.

Yet, their long absence feels hopeful.

Flowers teach a lesson through absence,

a lesson that nature is never too old to learn new tricks,

to redefine and reimagine.