Ostara (1884) by Johannes Gehrts.The goddess flies through the heavens surrounded by Roman-inspired putti,beams of light, and animals. Germanic people look up at the goddess from the realm below.
The celebration of Ostara occurs on the 20th or 21st March (depending on the book you read) and is the Pagan celebration for the Spring Equinox. This celebration and marker is also known by Mean Earraigh. We have reached the point where the day and night are completely in balance. It’s time for us to shake off the cobwebs of winter and embrace the new energy which is appearing all around us. The earth is warming, green shoots are appearing and the wonder spring light is starting to warm our days.
Eostre/Ostara, is described by the Venerable Bede as being the Germanic Goddess of Spring. Traditionally she is honoured at the equinox to celebrate fertility, renewal and re-birth. It is thought that it is from Eostre that the Christian celebration of Easter evolved. Oestrogen, also has its origin in the Goddesses name, essential to fertility it is vital for new life. In some legends the Goddess Ostara is depicted as having the shoulders and head of a hare.
Alters are often set for Ostara containing flowers, spring bulbs, newly planted seeds, baskets of eggs, images of lambs and rabbits along with yin and yang symbols signifying the balance between night and day.
EHM 