What Is Ostara? A Beginner’s Guide to the Spring Equinox (Rituals, Meaning & Correspondences)

Ostara altar ideas.

The History Of Ostara

Ostara is a pre-Christian Germanic spring festival which predates Easter. It is celebrated around the spring equinox. Here in the northern hemisphere that is usually on or around the 20th March. This year (2026) it will be on the 20th March.

Ostara or the spring equinox marks the point in the wheel of the year where there is an equal amount of day light and night time. It marks the true beginning of spring symbolising renewal and fertility.

The wheel of the year is a cycle of seasonal festivals in modern paganism. Ostara lands half way between Imbolc (the first stirrings of spring) and Beltane (the start of summer).

The Meaning Of Ostara

At its heart Ostara is about balance due to night and day/dark and light being equal, rebirth symbolised by the waking of nature, new beginnings, fresh starts, and growth which we can see in the planting and growth of crops and seeds. This is not just seen physically but also spirituality. Ostara celebrates not only the physical changes we can see happening around us but also our very own personal and spiritual changes. A lot of people choose this time of year to take advantage of the energies brought in by this turning of the wheel, bringing balance back to their life where things might have been a little out of whack for some time. The rebirth we see in the plants and animals is also very symbolic for us, we can birth new ideas, new ventures and fresh starts. Whilst this is a time for planting physical seeds its also a time for planting spiritual seeds (plans and ideas) in your own life which you can nourish and bring into fruition over the coming year. I always think about it being a better time for New Year’s resolutions. We are taught to set them at the start of a new calendar year however energetically its not the best time for bringing ideas to fruition. Winter has just started. It’s not a very fertile time for anything, things are still dying back. Nothing is growing. It’s so hard to try and cultivate new beginnings when everything is so dark, cold and wet. Spring however we can see newness all around us. Lambing season is on the horizon, trees are starting to fill with blossom, the days are getting brighter and longer. To me it feels like a much better time to set new intentions and goals.

Ostara Symbols & Their Meaning

Ostara is symbolised by many things, some of which you may notice from the Christian celebration of Easter. As Ostara celebrations existed before Easter we can see that a lot of the symbolism was adopted by Christians and applied to their Easter celebrations.  Firstly we have eggs, eggs are used to symbolise fertility, creation and new life, as the egg forms a huge part of creation and new life across the animal kingdom. They have been and are used in spells and offerings but are also used for decorative purposes. Next we have hares and rabbits. Hares and rabbits are linked to the goddess Ostara/Eostre. They symbolise abundance, fertility and rapid growth. Rabbits are renowned for their breeding capabilities and speed in which they become fully grown and self sufficient. Flowers are often used in spells, offerings and for decoration. Some common flowers used are daffodils and tulips. They symbolise renewal, beauty and returning life. They gained this symbolism as each year the flower dies back but as it grows from a bulb it always returns just as strong every year. Sun symbolism and appreciation is a part of Ostara celebrations, thanking the sun for its growing strength and its shift toward warmer brighter days.

Ostara main symbolism, hares/rabbits, daffodils, tulips and eggs.

How To Celebrate Ostara

There are many ways to celebrate Ostara, and your practice can be as simple or as elaborate as you feel called to make it. At its core, Ostara is about honouring balance, renewal, and growth and some simple ways to celebrate include, spending time in nature and observing the signs of spring, decorating your altar with seasonal items such as eggs, flowers, and pastel colours, lighting a candle to welcome the returning light, planting seeds, either physically or symbolically and/or journaling intentions for the months ahead. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Even small, intentional acts can help you connect with the energy of the season.

Ostara makes a perfect time for a specific set of spells and rituals. If you are thinking of planning your own ritual or workings to mark the turning of the wheel renewal, fertility, growth, abundance, self love, confidence, fresh start and reset rituals would be a great place to start, otherwise if your short on time you can try this one:

1.Light a candle to represent the returning sun

2.Take a moment to reflect on what you are ready to leave behind

3.Write down what you want to grow or welcome into your life

4.If possible, plant a seed or hold something symbolic of growth

5.Spend a few moments visualising your intentions taking root and growing

6.Close the ritual by giving thanks for the new season and the opportunities it brings.

A beautiful way to honour Ostara is through food that reflects the energy of the season. A simple, symbolic meal could include ingredients like eggs, honey, fresh greens, and bread each representing new life, abundance, and nourishment. This could easily become the base of a vibrant spring salad, something you can get creative with depending on what feels aligned. You might choose to enhance it further with a garnish of basil or mint, bringing in additional energy of growth, renewal, and clarity.

Ostara Correspondences

Ostara is also a wonderful time to work with gentle, heart-opening correspondences. Rose and chamomile, for example, carry soft, nurturing energy that aligns beautifully with the season. These can be used in a calming tea or added to a ritual bath. You could include dried flowers alongside crystals such as rose quartz, clear quartz, and amethyst to create a space for relaxation, reflection, and emotional renewal.

In terms of colour magic, Ostara is strongly connected to soft pastels especially green, pink, yellow, and lavender. These colours reflect the returning life of the earth, the warmth of the sun, and the quiet optimism that comes with new beginnings. Incorporating them into your clothing, altar, or surroundings can be a simple yet powerful way to align with the energy of the season.

Remember…

Ostara isn’t just about soft spring aesthetics or seasonal beauty, it’s about emerging from an emotional and spiritual winter. It marks a time to begin again, to take gentle action after periods of rest, and to slowly rebuild your energy and motivation. There is no need to rush this process. Growth at this time is quiet, steady, and intentional and often, that kind of slow growth is the most sustainable and long lasting of all.

If you’re new to celebrating Ostara, it’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Your practice is personal, and it should feel meaningful to you. You might start by simply noticing the changes in nature around you, setting a small intention for the season, creating a simple ritual or moment of reflection, learning about the symbolism and incorporating what resonates. Ostara is about new beginnings, and that includes beginning your journey in a way that feels natural and aligned.

How do you like to celebrate Ostara? Take a moment to reflect on what this season means to you and how you want to grow in the months ahead.