The Magick of the Ostara Egg
Spring Equinox marks the mid-point of the Waxing Year, the nights and days are balanced once again; the time when Kore, (Persephone) was believed to have returned from the Underworld where she had ruled through...out the Winter. The spark of light, born at Winter Solstice has reached maturity, and from here onwards, the days progressively grow longer than the nights.
Decorated eggs, being symbols of fertility are symbolic of Ostara. In days gone, Europeans gave gifts of decorated eggs to new brides, in the hope that they would bear many children. Similarly, bowls filled with eggs were given to farm workers by the farmer’s wife, to ensure a rich harvest. Most all cultures see the egg as a symbol of Life; the actual home of the Soul. In Russia, decorated eggs are still given as gifts to loved ones and buried in graves to ensure rebirth.
The women gathered the eggs only from hens which were around a rooster and decorated them, allowing no one to watch them work as they transferred the goodness of the household to the designs on the eggs, thus keeping evil away. Dyes were mixed to secret family recipes and special blessings placed on each egg.
The Spring Equinox defines the season where Spring reaches it's peak, with the powers of light increasing. The God of Light, (Llew), now gains victory over his twin, the God of Darkness. Llew was reborn at the Winter Solstice and is now old and strong enough to vanquish his rival twin and mate with his Mother Goddess. The great Mother Goddess, who returned to her Virgin aspect at Imbolc, welcomes the young Sun God's attentions and conceives a child. The child will be born nine months from now, at the next Winter Solstice, when the cycle closes, only to begin anew.
Here are some of the colours used on Ostara Eggs, and their meanings:
White:
Purity
Yellow:
Wisdom, a successful Harvest, or Spirituality
Green:
Spring, rebirth, wealth, youth, growth, happiness
Blue:
Good health, clear skies
Orange:
Power endurance, ambition
Red:
Happiness, hope, passion, nobility, bravery, enthusiasm, love
Brown:
Enrichment, good harvest, happiness
Purple:
Faith, trust, power
Pink:
Success, friendship, love
Black:
Remembrance
The Ostara Bunny is another symbol which has obvious links to fertility, rebirth, and the abundance of life which is evident in Spring.
According to our history, Eostre was a playful Goddess whose reign over the earth began in Sring when the Sun King journeyed across the sky in his chariot, bringing the end of Wnter. Eostre came down to Earth then, appearing as a beautiful maiden with a basket of bright colorful eggs. Eostre's magical companion was a rabbit who accompanied her as she brought new life to dying plants and flowers by hiding the eggs in the fields.
Traditional Foods
Leafy green vegetables, Dairy foods, Nuts such as Pumpkin, Sunflower and Pine. Flower Dishes and Sprouts.
Herbs and Flowers
Daffodil, Jonquils, Woodruff, Violet, Gorse, Olive, Peony, Iris, Narcissus and all spring flowers.
Incense
Jasmine, Rose, Strawberry, Floral of any type.
Sacred Gemstone
Jasper
Blessed Ostara to all… Love is the Law and Love is the Bond.
Brightest Blessings
Lady Abigail
