Ostara Altar: Spring Equinox and the Balance of Light
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Ostara is the spring equinox — the moment at which day and night are equal, light and dark are in perfect balance, and the year tips decisively toward the light. It falls around March 20th or 21st, and it marks the astronomical beginning of spring: the moment at which the sun crosses the celestial equator and the days begin to be longer than the nights. After the long dark of winter and the tentative first stirrings of Imbolc, Ostara is the full arrival of spring — the moment at which the earth's renewal becomes undeniable, the flowers are blooming, the birds are returning, and the energy of new life is everywhere.
Ostara is named for the Germanic goddess of spring and dawn, and it is a festival of balance, renewal, fertility, and the celebration of new life in all its forms. The Ostara altar reflects this energy: it is the most colorful and most exuberant altar of the year, filled with the colors and symbols of spring's full arrival and the energy of new beginnings that have moved from potential into actual expression.
Colors
The Ostara altar works with pastel yellows, greens, pinks, and lavender — the soft, fresh colors of spring flowers and new growth. Yellow for the sun's increasing warmth and the energy of new beginnings. Green for the explosion of new growth. Pink for the blossoms and the gentle love energy of spring. Lavender for the spiritual dimension of the season's renewal.
Symbols and Objects
Ostara symbols include eggs for fertility, new life, and the potential of new beginnings; spring flowers (daffodils, tulips, crocuses) for the season's full arrival; seeds for the intentions being planted; a hare or rabbit for the fertility energy of the season; and a balance symbol for the equinox's equal day and night.
Crystals
Ostara crystals include rose quartz for the love and heart-opening energy of spring; green aventurine for new growth and opportunity; clear quartz for clarity and the amplification of new intentions; and aquamarine for the fresh, clear energy of spring water and new beginnings.
Plants and Botanicals
Ostara botanicals include daffodils and tulips for spring's arrival; jasmine for love and new beginnings; violet for the spiritual dimension of renewal; and mint for fresh energy and the clearing of winter's heaviness.
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Day and night in perfect balance. Pastel yellows, greens, pinks, lavender. Eggs, spring flowers, seeds, hare. Rose quartz and green aventurine. The Ostara altar — the full arrival of spring and the celebration of new life.
