Spring Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

Beltane: Sabbat History, Traditions & 15+ Ways to Celebrate

kitty fields — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 21:04:06 +0000

Beltane approaches in the Northern Hemisphere on May 1st. And in the Southern Hemisphere on October 31st. We prepare for the fire of Summer rising within our hearts and souls. Beltane calls us to purify, protect and prepare ourselves and our practices for the Summer season ahead. It’s an exciting and enchanting time – the perfect sabbat to celebrate the earth’s blossoming, as well as the blossoming in our lives. Learn all about the ancient history and traditions of Beltane, it’s other names, and how to celebrate in modern times. First, What is Beltane? Beltane is a pagan Celtic fire festival dating back to ancient times. It occurs officially upon moonrise on April 30th, lasting through the next day, May 1st, in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the dates are reversed: so it begins October 31st and lasts through November 1st. In ancient Celtic times, our ancestors split the year into two halves – Summer and Winter. So Beltane was the official beginning of Summer. And hence the light half of the year. A definite cause for celebration in a time without running water, heat, electricity, etc. Although Beltane is Celtic in origin, there are literally hundreds of other fire and fertility festivals celebrated around the world at this time. In England, Beltane is known as May Day. In Germany, it’s Walpurgis. Etc. Beltane is also called Cet Samhain, which means “Opposite of Samhain” (as it is directly opposite the Samhain sabbat on the Wheel of the Year). Belenos, Beltane, and The Sun The word Beltane, which in traditional Irish is spelled Bealtaine, means “Fire of Bel” or “Great Fire”. Bel or Belenos is a Celtic fire god who may have been the catalyst for this sabbat thousands of years ago. When we translate Bel’s name, we get “Shining One”. Interestingly, not only was Bel associated with fire and fertility, he was also a well-loved healing god whose cult stretched all the way from Italy to the British Isles, at its peak. Bel was also a sun god who rode the sun like a chariot across the sky each day, led by his sacred, most powerful totem – horses. There are those who believe Beltane originates in honor of Bel, and those who disagree. We’ll let you decide. The Purifying Fires of Beltane First and foremost, Beltane was and is a fire festival. In ancient times and all the way up to the nineteenth century, farmers in Ireland drove their cattle downhill and between two large fires. This act purified the cattle from disease and protected them for the Summer. This had two purposes: spiritual and physical. Spiritual purification is obviously by way of the power of fire. But the fires also worked as a fumigant. According to author Linda Raedisch, “both Germans and Celts observed it by building bonfires and burning pungent herbs: fennel, rue, chervil, thyme…these smouldering bouquets of herbs acted as powerful fumigants” to be rid of fleas, lice, and other pests that collected over the Winter months. So, therefore, the cattle were treated for pests, as well as the humans who gathered near the balefire. Fertility on Beltane We know that Beltane was a fire festival, but where does the associated with Fertility come in? At the beginning of Summer, we see the earth bursting forth with fruit and bounty. The Great Mother is fertile and beginning to bear fruit at this time. Therefore, if the Earth is fertile, so are human beings and animals. As above, so below. And the Sun’s return to the sky, kissing the earth with its life-giving rays, provides us with the male counterpart to the feminine earth. And so comes the Great Rite, or union of male and female to bring life (Sun + Earth = New Life). The Morrigan, while often thought of as purely a warrior goddess of death, becomes the fertile earth on Beltane and unites with the Dagda to birth new life. Fertility rites have been a popular activity on Beltane for centuries, for this reason. I also assume it has to do with people being pent up indoors for many months. Beltane Witches After the Church rose to power, Beltane was condemned and anyone who celebrated it was liable to be called a witch or pagan. In Frazer’s The Golden Bough, “every woman who gathered fires on May Day was considered a witch in sixteenth century Ireland”. For many years, all customs including the purifying fires were discouraged and outright forbade. If a child was born near Imbolc, they were considered Beltane babies as they were thought to have been conceived on or near Beltane the year prior. This meant they had extrasensory abilities. And therefore, if you were born on February 1st, you would be considered a powerful witch in days long gone. Beltane Magical Associations Herbs Stones Foods Animals Thyme Citrine Mead Cow Rue Obsidian Spicy foods Honeybee Chamomile Carnelian Bannick Hare Fennel Red Jasper Aphrodisiacs Horse Pennyroyal Pyrite Fruit Goat Yarrow Roes quartz Fresh culinary herbs Cat 15 Ways to Celebrate Beltane in Modern Times How you choose to celebrate Beltane will depend on your beliefs, tradition, and whether you’re in a coven or solitary. It may also depend on whether you celebrate by yourself or with friends or family members. Tailor the ideas below to fit your preferences and personal practice. 1. Have a Bonfire As you already know, Beltane is a fire festival. So it’s only right, if you have the resources, to build a fire. It doesn’t have to be a huge bonfire, if you don’t have the ability. But a fire in a fireplace, fire pit, or otherwise is the perfect way to celebrate Beltane. This is a modern custom stemming from ancient traditions. The Celts built large bonfires, sometimes 2 to be exact, then drove their cattle between the two fires to purify and protect them through the season. Scottish farmers were still carrying on this tradition in the nineteenth century. 2. Erect a Maypole […]

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Celebrate Imbolc: 9 Modern Ways to Honor St. Brigid’s Day

kitty fields — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 22:09:18 +0000

Imbolc, also called St. Brigid’s Day, is an ancient Celtic holiday celebrated annually on February 1st. It’s a time when Winter starts to fade and the first signs of Spring pop up to remind us life will blossom again soon. But how do we celebrate Imbolc in our own modern way? Here we provide you with 8 simple modern ways to celebrate this ancient and heart-warming sabbat. First, What is Imbolc or St. Brigid’s Day? As said before, Imbolc is celebrated annually on February 1st and originates in Celtic Ireland and Scotland. Imbolc recognizes the very beginning stirrings of Spring and also is the feast-day of Saint Brigid. Because St. Brigid is a syncretized version of an ancient goddess, modern pagans and witches also celebrate the goddess Brigid on Imbolc. Imbolc translates to “ewe’s milk” or possibly “in the belly”, because it was the time when the sheep’s milk would come in to prepare for feeding a new round of lambs. Another beautiful sign of Spring. How to Celebrate Imbolc: 9 Modern Ways 1. Look for Signs of Spring Because Imbolc is the first Spring sabbat, it’s only fitting to honor Mother Earth by going outside and looking for the first signs of Spring. These signs will be different by region and depend on what atmosphere you live in – country, suburbs, city, etc. Take note of any changes in your environment that might indicate the first sign of Spring. For instance, maybe snowdrops or some other early Spring flower is beginning to bloom, a particular type of bird has returned, grass poking out from the snow, etc. 2. Spring Cleaning For many modern mommies and caretakers, we might not have a lot of time to celebrate this sabbat SO why not get some Spring cleaning done in light of Imbolc? Spring cleaning on Imbolc was once customary and if you do it on Imbolc, you’re knocking two birds out with one stone, right? So wash your curtains, clean your windows and doors, dust those hard-to-reach corners and welcome in Spring with a clean, fresh house! Don’t forget to cleanse your space spiritually by smudging or sound, etc. 3. Celebrate Imbolc by Feasting! Another old Imbolc custom, and perhaps the most-loved, was to hold large feasts. Yours doesn’t have to be large, but make it a point to make a special dinner for you and your family or friends to celebrate Imbolc. Traditional foods to include: colcannon, dumplings, baked bread, milk, eggs, dried fruits, and winter veggies. Dedicate the dinner to your goddess OR specifically to the goddess Brigid and the Spring season. Find delicious traditional and modern Imbolc Meal Ideas and Recipes here. 4. Cleansing Bath Ritual for Imbolc Because cleansing and purification were customary on Imbolc, why not perform a cleansing bath ritual? We preach our cleansing bath rituals here at Otherworldly Oracle because they’re effective and relaxing! Cleanse away those negative energies from the Winter season in preparation for new energy in the Spring! Something to add to honor the custom of “dressing sacred wells” – decorate the sides of your bathtub with flowers and candles. 5. Make Brigid’s Crosses An ancient St. Brigid’s Day tradition is to make something called St. Brigid’s Crosses. Learn how to make them in the video below. They not only honor the goddess and St. Brigid, but when hung above the front door will protect and bless your home for the coming year. Make it a tradition and replace your St. Brigid’s cross again next Imbolc! 6. Celebrate Imbolc by Lighting a Fire For nearly every Celtic sabbat, lighting a fire is tradition. The fire beckons and honors the warmth of the coming sun. Start a bonfire, light a fire in the fireplace, OR if you don’t have the means – simply light a candle and dedicate it to the Spring Sun OR the goddess Brigid. 7. Cleanse, Charge and Refresh Your Altar If you keep an altar, Imbolc is a wonderful day to cleanse, charge and refresh it. Take everything off, clean the altar and tools, then cleanse with smoke or holy water. Following, pray over your altar and tools to charge with renewed energy. In addition, decorating your altar in Spring colors and decor invite the coming season and honors Imbolc at the same time! Colors include: white, light blue, light pink, pastel colors and green. Decorations include: flowers, representations of Brigid, sheep, baskets, and more! 8. Burning Rituals Since Imbolc is indeed a fire festival, use this element’s energy to your utmost magical benefit. In addition to lighting a fire for Brigid and the sun, plan and carry out a powerful burning ritual. Burning rituals are used to “burn away” bad habits, toxic relationships, and old ways of life. Conversely, you can also toss wishes and other desires for manifestation into the fire. As we’ve said before, fire has the power to destroy AND create. 9. Brigid Blessing Linen On the eve of Imbolc, place a linen tablecloth, sheets, doily, napkin, etc. outside. Tradition has it that Brigid travels over the land this night and will bless any linen laid out. Then you can use that linen throughout the year to bestow blessings upon the household: love, peace, inspiration and protection.

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Egg Magick: 13 Ways to Use Eggs in Your Witchcraft

kitty fields — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 01:13:39 +0000

Kitchen witches and witches on a budget take heart! You have so many magical tools and ingredients already in your house just waiting to be used. I’ll bet you keep a dozen eggs in your house at any given time. And guess what? Eggs have a long history in witchcraft. Here’s 13 ways to use eggs in your magick! Egg Magick and Witches: Fun Folklore First, we have to talk about the connection between witches and eggs. It was commonly thought in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period that witches could use empty eggshells to “fly” to their sabbaths. Eggshells were also thought to be used as vehicles for the fairies, so it was highly encouraged to destroy your eggshells before such magical beings could put them to use. Eggs symbolize fertility, birth/resurrection, Spring, and protection. 1. Cascarilla (Eggshell) Powder If you’ve ever studied American folk magick, you might have heard of cascarilla powder. Cascarilla powder is simply eggshells ground down into a fine powder. This magical powder is used for different magical purposes but mainly for protection. Wash out your eggshells, let them dry, then grind them down in your mortar. Save the powder and use in protection rituals and spells. Sprinkle it around candle workings, to mark magic circles and sigils on the ground, in witch’s bottles and spell bags, to dress candles, and more. Also useful for fertility spells. Learn more about the magick of Cascarilla here. 2. Egg Divination The eggs from the grocery store aren’t the best for this form of egg magick, though it may work with some creativity. Farm fresh eggs or if you have your own chickens, eggs with spots can be read for messages from the Divine/gods. Look for patterns, symbols, clusters of numbers, etc. Also, you can crack an egg open, break the yolk, and read the swirls. These are old school methods of divination. 3. Egg Magick Healing Using eggs in healing and cleansing rituals dates back centuries in American and Mexican folk magick. Today people call it an egg cleanse. By taking an egg and rubbing it all over your body from head to foot, it’s thought the egg itself will absorb negative energy and/or illness in the body. Then crack the egg open. If there’s blood in the yolk, malevolent forces may have been at work (Pow Wow). OR you can read the pattern of the yolk, it’s colors, etc. to determine the cause of the illness (Mexican). 4. Decorating Eggs Eggs are a symbol of the Spring and henceforth Easter and Ostara. The tradition of painting and decorating eggs pre-dates Christianity and spans multiple cultures. To appease the gods and the spirits of Spring, decorate and paint eggs, then leave them at the foot of trees as offerings. Decorating and hanging the eggs on an ornamental tree indoors is an old Easter German tradition still upheld today. Decorated eggs in the home in Spring ensures abundance and health in the coming months. 5. Magical Baking with Eggs If you’re a kitchen witch and love to bake, then you’ll understand how important eggs are to bakers. Nearly every cake and dessert calls for an egg or two. By simply acknowledging the egg(s) being used in your baking, you are adding magick to the dish. Next time you crack an egg into a bowl, tell it what you want it to do. “An egg to increase fertility and increase my chances to conceive,” as an example. “An egg to protect all who eat this cake.” Etc. 6. Burying Eggs in the Garden An old school superstition, which we all know is actually magical in nature, is to bury an egg in the garden in early Spring. This ensures an abundant crop and appeases the nature spirits present in your garden. 7. Egg Magick on the Roof While I don’t necessary condone throwing a bunch of eggs on your roof, one egg or eggshell thrown on the roof of the house can protect you from another witch’s hexes. You can also place them in the threshold of the door or in windowsills to guard against evil magic. 8. Cook with Eggs Obviously one of the BEST magical things to do with eggs is to cook with them! Make them for breakfast, yes, but you can also make them for lunch and dinner. I adore egg scrambles with various veggies, cheeses, and herbs for any time of the day! Eat more eggs to boost your fertility, not just for making babies but for “birthing” new ideas and goals! 9. Magical Warding with Eggs In a past article, Allorah Rayne taught us how to lay magical wards to protect our homes. A simple alternative to using stones as warding elements is to use eggs in the four corners of your property. Obviously the eggs will have to be replaced at least on a monthly basis, but eggs are protective and work well in warding rituals and spells. 10. Make a Cleansing Egg Wash In the Long Lost Friend, an old Pow-Wow book, eggs are used to “remove mortification”. The recipe is to hard-boil the eggs in hot ashes, then fry the yolks, then use this as a “plaster” to remove mortification. I don’t fully understand the Catholic/religious concept of mortification but I translate this in modern times as a cleansing method. And instead of calling it a “plaster”, it’s an egg wash. The recipe also says to add rue to it, which is a super potent cleansing herb. Add a bit of this to your bath or floor washes, etc. 11. Eggshell Candles By saving your eggshells, you can make them into tiny magical candles! You’ll need a wick, wax, and the clean eggshells, plus a fireproof container to hold it up. This is a fun craft to do in the Spring for Ostara or Easter. Perfect for candle spells geared towards protection, resurrection, healing, abundance, and fertility. 12. Magical Easter Egg Tree During the Spring Equinox (Ostara) season, eggs […]

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Witchy Book & Tea Pairings for Spring: Favorite Fiction & Nonfiction

kitty fields — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:06:50 +0000

Spring is in the air! And witches still be readin’ and drinkin’ tea. Here’s our recommendations for the best Spring witchy reads (fiction and non-fiction) accompanied by matching, delicious teas. Grab a witchy book, pour a magical cup of tea, and lay a blanket down under a tree. DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism. 1. The Girl Who Drank the Moon with Blue Moon Milk The Girl Who Drank the Moon Guess who introduced me to this amazing witchy book? My daughter! The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill won the Newbery Medal and is a favorite of young readers…but don’t let the genre fool you. It’s an incredibly imaginative, magical witchy book that I guarantee any witch would enjoy reading. While set in a fantasy world, the main characters are a swamp witch, bog monster, dragon and a girl who’s accidentally fed moonlight. Read this witchy book this Spring with a cup of blue moon milk. 2. Circe with Chamomile Tea Circe Circe by Madeline Miller isn’t your every day mythical fiction book. Sure, the Percy Jackson books are inspired by Greek mythology and are fun to read, but this. book. right. here. It will have you on the edge of your seat, foraging in the woods for magical herbs, and crying out loud with Circe the main character. Circe is a Greek nymph-goddess who’s exiled to a magical island called Aeaea, where she teaches herself witchcraft and transformative powers. Pair this witchy book with a cup of chamomile tea – it’s a traditional Greek tea. 3. The Green Witch with Green Tea The Green Witch This non-fiction book by Arin Murphy-Hiscock is a lovely reference and guide to the witch who wants to brush up on her green witchcraft skills. I find many green witch books lean towards herbs only, but The Green Witch dives into a little bit of everything including stones, oils, and flowers. When reading this witchy book this Spring, sip on a cup of green tea…because…well, green = green, right? 4. Garden Spells with Rose and Apple Tea Garden Spells One of my favorite authors hands-down is Sarah Addison Allen, if only for this one book – Garden Spells. What witchy book is more perfect for Spring than this? A fictional story based on two magical sisters (sort of like Practical Magic but imo better!), you won’t want to put this book down. Pair with rose and apple tea – there’s a magical apple tree in the sisters’ garden, as well as rose bushes. 5. Hungry Spirits with Mint Tea Hungry Spirits Book 2 of the Cotton Family Series The second in the Cotton Family Series by Nicole Canfield, Hungry Spirits brings us to a magical farm in Maryland where Lucy Cotton battles restless, evil spirits, the Devil himself, and her own personal demons. Midsummer feasts, mojo bags, and shapeshifting will have you wanting more of this series. If you haven’t read the first (Familiar Spirits), you’ll want to before reading this one. Sit on the front porch with this witchy book and sip on a glass of iced mint tea. It’s one of Lucy’s favorites. 6. The Illustrated Herbiary with Passionflower Tea The Illustrated Herbiary The Illustrated Herbiary by Maia Toll introduces thirty-some magical plants to the reader in a delightful way. When I think of Spring, I think of plants – herbs and flowers. I also love to read about plants in the Spring to inspire my magic. This witchy book doesn’t just educate, it provides little rituals for the reader to do to enhance the learning process. Drink passionflower tea while reading this book, as Maia Toll says passionflower is for “exuberant quietude.” 7. The Rules of Magic with Red Rooibos Tea The Rules of Magic Ever read or watched Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman? While I adore the movie, the book Practical Magic felt a little lackluster. HOWEVER, the second book in the Practical Magic series – The Rules of Magic – which was released last year – was BEYOND magical! I absolutely adored this book and didn’t want it to end. It’s a prequel to Sally and Jilly’s story based on the two aunts’ perspectives. The setting is in New York City (mostly) and in the 1970’s. You don’t want to pass up this witchy book this Spring. Match it with a hot cup of red rooibos tea because… enchantments and LOVE. 8. Women Who Run With the Wolves With Orange Spice Tea Women Who Run With the Wolves Clarissa Pinkola Estes wrote a classic that we feel every witch should read at least once in her lifetime. It not only empowers women, it empowers witches who have felt the need to hide who they are. This isn’t a quick read, it’s a longer, take-your-time-digesting-it-read. But it’s totally worth the time and effort spent. Read it in small sittings and sip on a cup of orange spice tea to complete the vibe. 9. Outlander Book 1 With Scottish Breakfast Tea Outlander Book 1 If you haven’t jumped on the Outlander bandwagon yet, now’s your chance. But do it with the book instead of the series and I promise you, you won’t regret it. At first glance, it might not seem like a witchy book but with magical elements of time travel, witch trials and eternal love, you’ll quickly change your mind. Pair this witchy read for Spring with Scottish breakfast tea, because, well…it’s just appropriate seeing as how the setting of this book is Scotland. 10. The Witch and the Vampire Paired with Hibiscus Tea The Witch and the Vampire The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores is set to be released in Spring of 2023. I, for one, already have it on my to-be-read list. A romance between witch and vampire? Yes, please. I […]

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Ostara’s Meaning, Traditions & A Simple Ostara Ritual

kitty fields — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 19:29:31 +0000

The Spring Equinox is knocking on our dew-stained windows, beckoning us to remember its beauty and release. Many Wiccans, witches and Pagans celebrate the Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara, which falls around March 21st on the calendar each year. Learn all about Ostara’s meaning, how to celebrate Ostara with old and modern traditions, and adapt our simple Ostara ritual as your own. Ostara and Easter’s Similar Origins The word Ostara originates from a Spring Goddess’s name—Eostre. The symbols of Ostara are uncannily similar to the traditions of the Christian holiday Easter. Why is this? To find Jesus’ Resurrection Day on the calendar – look at the first full moon following the Spring Equinox, and Easter will be on the first Sunday following the full moon. If it happens the first full moon of Spring falls on a Sunday, then Easter will be on the following Sunday. Easter & Fertility The word Easter looks a lot like the Spring Goddess’s name Eostre, doesn’t it? There’s no coincidence there! Ostara (the Spring Equinox) was celebrated by Germanic people and by the Anglo-Saxons. Fertility and rebirth of the earth were the two main reasons for Ostara festivities. The earth is returning to its abundant greenness and the sun is returning to the high skies. Flowers are budding, lambs are bleating in the fields, and the whole of nature is singing. Ostara Symbols and Traditions The Easter Bunny is an image on a pedestal with the likes of Santa Claus and The Tooth Fairy. But where does the Easter Bunny come from? Just like so many other historical Holiday icons and traditions, the Easter Bunny was born from Pagan customs. Bunnies are cute, fluffy, and hippety-hoppety. But they’re also known for mating. LOTS of it. It should come as no surprise the Rabbit is one of Ostara’s original symbols of fertility. In addition, there’s speculation the goddess Eostre once had a consort who was part-rabbit. Easter Eggs Easter Eggs are another symbol of fertility and rebirth. Christians claim Easter eggs represent Christ’s Resurrection – an egg inevitably means new life or birth into a new life. The “dying of eggs” tradition may have its roots in the ancient Zoroastrians’ painting egg ritual on the Spring Equinox. Painting eggs is a common activity at various times of the year for many countries, including Ukraine, the U.S., Austria, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Bulgaria. Flowers Another image that is widely associated with Ostara and Easter…the flower. The symbol of the flower is new life. Flowers have an uplifting effect on us. Their bright colors prove even though there is a time for death, there will always be a time for rebirth. This Ostara, pick some wildflowers and place them in a vase on your table or altar. Or decorate your table with Spring greenery. It will remind you of the beauty of Spring and of the true meaning of Ostara (and Easter, for that matter) which is new life. 12 SIMPLE Ways to Celebrate Ostara Celebrating Ostara and the Spring Equinox is as easy as going outside and enjoying the new season. But if you’re looking for a few simple ways to participate in this sabbat, here’s our top 12: 1. Decorate Eggs Painting eggs in celebration of Ostara, Easter and Spring in general is a tradition that crosses continents and cultures. Make this Ostara tradition simple and purchase a premade egg decorating kit from your local convenience store. OR go au naturel and learn how to dye eggs with natural items like herbs, teas, and plants. 2. The Ostara Bunny and Baskets If you have children, carrying on the Easter Bunny – Easter basket tradition is a fun way to celebrate Ostara. The Easter Bunny, after all, is not a Christian invention. He is an ancient fertility symbol and represents new life. You can always have the Ostara Bunny come the eve or day of Ostara instead of Easter. Our Ostara bunny brings special baskets full of candy and treats for the children and hides them. So the morning of Ostara, my kids have to go on a hunt to find their baskets. 3. Pick Wildflowers Go into the woods or a field and pick wildflowers for Ostara. If you have no access to wild land, simply paying a visit to your local florist works too! Tulips, in particular, are popular near the Spring Equinox and are affordable. Plus they come in many different colors. 4. Cleansing Rituals to Celebrate Ostara Ever heard of Spring cleaning? Why do you think that is a thing? We take the old energy from Winter and cleanse it…ready for renewal and fresh energy in the Spring. We recommend performing your Spring Cleaning and spiritual cleansing rituals in the weeks leading up to Ostara. That way, when Ostara comes, your home is clean and vibing high! Don’t forget to clean out your closets, cabinets, garage, and sheds for a really deep clean. Then cleanse with the smoke from an herb bundle, spreading floor powders or floor washes, washing down your front door, or perform whatever cleansing ritual you prefer. 5. Refresh Your Altar After you’ve cleansed the house and your altar, it’s time to refresh the energy of your sacred space. When we cleanse, we remove negative energy to make way for the positive. Now it’s time to redecorate your altar, add new offerings, and invite your gods and spirits back into the space. 6. Decorate for Spring One of my favorite ways to celebrate Ostara is to decorate my house. Add greenery: a Spring wreath to the front door, green or floral garland around the house, and flower bouquets in vases throughout the home. Fun items like rabbit figurines, birds nests, and Easter decorations add an element of whimsy. 7. Have an Ostara FEAST We all love to eat, especially on the holidays. While everyone else eats a big dinner on Easter, you can do the same on Ostara. A few options for Ostara dinner include leg of lamb, […]

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Eostre: Goddess of Spring, Ostara and the Germanic People

kitty fields — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 06:35:22 +0000

Hear her song carried gently on the Spring breeze. It’s quiet right now, but the sound will grow louder as Ostara (the Spring Equinox) rounds the corner. Eostre Goddess of Spring is ripening and preparing to emerge as the maiden of the Spring Equinox. Full of youth and innocence, and yet ready to become much more. Who Revered Eostre the Goddess of Spring? You’ll see quite a few people online poo-pooing on the idea that Eostre was a goddess at all. That she’s a concept “made up” by Bede the Venerable. My response is this – how do we know any god or goddess wasn’t just “made up” by a scholar, historian, or storyteller? We hear their tales from one person or another, see the evidence in archaeology or long-held traditions, and we believe. Or we don’t. For me, I believe Eostre was indeed a deity to the West Germanic people, then taken to England with the Angles and Saxons before the rise of Christianity. Here’s Bede the Venerable’s passage on this Spring Goddess: Bede’s Passage on Eostre: “In olden time the English people — for it did not seem fitting to me that I should speak of other people’s observance of the year and yet be silent about my own nation’s — calculated their months according to the course of the moon. Hence, after the manner of the Greeks and the Romans (the months) take their name from the Moon, for the Moon is called mona and the month monath. The first month, which the Latins call January, is Giuli; February is called Solmonath; March Hrethmonath; April, Eosturmonath; May, Thrimilchi; June, Litha; July, also Litha; August, Weodmonath; September, Halegmonath; October, Winterfilleth; November, Blodmonath; December, Giuli, the same name by which January is called. Nor is it irrelevant if we take the time to translate the names of the other months. …Hrethmonath is named for their goddess Hretha, to whom they sacrificed at this time. Eosturmonath has a name which is now translated “Paschal month”, and which was once called after a goddess of theirs named Eostre, in whose honour feasts were celebrated in that month. Now they designate that Paschal season by her name, calling the joys of the new rite by the time-honoured name of the old observance. Thrimilchi was so called because in that month the cattle were milked three times a day…” From De ratione temporum 15. (The reckoning of time, tr. Faith Wallis, Liverpool University Press 1988, pp.53-54) pulled from Roger Pearse’s Pages – The Tertullian Project. Eostre Goddess of Spring in Maiden Form Today The Goddess of Spring to pagans (old & new) is Eostre (pronounced O-star-ah). Her name is representative of the Spring Equinox and has been adapted to modern pagan customs. The Spring Equinox is also called Ostara (which is the pronunciation of Eostre’s name). Scholars believe her name means one of the following, “to shine, bright light”, “towards the Dawn”, “morning” or “eastwards”. I find it particularly interesting that Eostre is connected to the sunrise, and Christians in certain churches hold sunrise services on her day (but in the name of their god instead). Eostre Goddess of Spring represents the Maiden aspect of the Wiccan Triple Goddess – the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The Maiden is young and pure, growing and blossoming in her youth and therefore represents birth and beauty. See Eostre’s face in the newborn lambs and hear her voice in bird-song. See the Goddess of Spring in the blooming tulips and sprouting patches of green grass. Who was Eostre Goddess of Spring to the ancient peoples of Europe? What is her original Ostara (or Easter) story? Eostre Goddess & The Ancient Story of Spring Have you ever wondered where the term “Easter” came from? The word isn’t written in the Bible, yet Christians refer to Jesus’ resurrection day as “Easter”. The term “Easter” actually originates with the Goddess of Spring’s name – Eostre. Eostre was the Goddess of the Spring and her reign began on the Vernal (Spring) Equinox. She was worshiped by the Germanic people of Europe before the rise of the Church. In Bede’s eighth century writings, he refers to Eostre as the Goddess who was worshiped in the Spring and by whom the holiday Easter is named after. How the Church “Won” Easter The Germanic people celebrated Eostre Goddess with huge feasts the entire month of the Spring Equinox (March). Apparently the merriment continued until the Christian Church spread throughout Europe and sought to convert the pagans to Christianity. Eostre-month had to be erased or diminished in some way to rid the countryside of Pagan Spring customs. So the Christian Church calculated that the first Sunday after the first full moon, directly following the Spring Equinox would be called “Easter” and would honor Jesus’ day of resurrection. What better way to honor his re-birth than to honor it in the Spring when the mother earth is being reborn? Spring: The Promise of New Life Spring was when our ancient ancestors celebrated the return of the Sun and its warmth, after surviving the torturous winter months. In particularly harsh winters, the people would gnaw on bones to quench their hunger. When Spring arrived, it offered promise for a new life and happiness. Think of this: it’s below twenty degrees and there’s no getting warm no matter how many furs you throw over you. There’s nothing left to eat but bones and bread crumbs. Then Spring comes. There are animals being born, the animals who have been in hibernation are awake again, and the earth is giving forth food once more. How thankful would you be? That’s how the ancient people of Europe felt, and so they gave thanks to the Goddess of Spring every year. Eostre, Rabbits, Eggs, and Fertility! Spring is a beautiful young woman, or Eostre Goddess, flanked by rabbits and a basket of Easter eggs in her hands. But what do the rabbits and eggs represent? Fertility! Eostre Goddess of Spring is also a representation of fertility, the earth’s fruitfulness getting ready […]

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Pagan Things to Do in Spring: 30+ ULTIMATE List of Activities

kitty fields — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 23:13:42 +0000

Just admit it. You’re glad Winter is gone and Spring is here. What pagan doesn’t love the Spring? Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and baby animals are everywhere! Now’s the time to shake off the Winter dust and get outside. Here’s the ULTIMATE list of 30+ pagan things to do in Spring. Pagan Things to Do in Spring Spring has sprung and pagans are about to have some fun. Winter’s given way to a burst of life not only in nature but within ourselves. In the Spring, we feel refreshed, revitalized, and ready to create new memories. Ready to grab onto new opportunities, maybe make new friends, start new projects. And celebrate some of our ancestors’ ancient Spring festivals: 1. Celebrate Imbolc The first stirrings of Spring are marked by Saint Brigid’s Day on February 1st, also known as Imbolc. Celebrate the first coming of Spring and Brigid’s honor with a bonfire and a brisk walk to find the first blooms (i.e. snowdrops, azaleas, etc. depending on your location). 2. Make Brigid’s Crosses Before, during, or even after Imbolc, craft Brigid’s crosses from reeds or fronds. They’re a traditional representation of Saint Brigid in Ireland. Hang above your door to ward off illness and negative energy in the days ahead. 3. Plant Seeds It’s time to plant seeds in the garden! Try a mixture of herbs, flowers, and vegetables this Spring. Don’t have room for a full-blown garden? Plant seeds in pots and watch the plants grow. Pagans have had a connection to trees and plants for thousands of years. 4. Start a Fairy Garden Witches and pagans have been connected to fairies for hundreds of years. This Spring, start a fairy garden with your kids (or by yourself). Set up little houses, furniture, and a place to leave the fairies offerings. Fairies are very active in the Spring. This is one of my favorite pagan things to do in Spring. 5. Walks in the Park If you live in the city or suburbs, Spring is the perfect time to take walks in the park. Get outside, connect with the elements and Mother Earth, and allow your gods and goddesses to speak to you through nature signs. Not to mention, it’s just healthy for you to get outside. 6. Take Historical Field Trips Do you know all about the land where you live? The indigenous people who lived there before you? Have you visited any of the historical or sacred sites in your area? If not, Spring is a great time to check out those sacred sites and natural landmarks. You can also take a sacred pagan pilgrimage. 7. Create a Genius Loci Profile This one is SO important. If you haven’t already, create a genius loci profile this Spring. A genius loci profile details the land where you live including its wildlife, plants, trees, landscape, etc. This really gets you in touch with the land spirits/guardians (genius loci) where you live. 8. Find the Flowers When Spring first arrives, get outside and find the first blooming flowers you can find! This will vary depending on location but might include snowdrops, daffodils, azaleas, etc. Don’t pluck them…let them grow! 9. Plant a Tree The Celts worshiped trees, and you should too. Plant a tree this Spring to honor Mother Earth and the trees. And study tree magic. 10. Sidewalk Messages Write nice messages to passersby on the sidewalk with chalk. You can do this with the kids. Smiley faces, trees, suns, etc. Sayings like “smile”, “I love Mother Earth”, “today’s a great day”, etc. 11. Read a Book Outside Pick up a good book and go outside to read it. Sit in a swing, rocking chair, lay in a hammock, or pull up a seat on the grass. Enjoy breathing the fresh air and hearing nature’s sounds while reading. 12. Cleanse & Redecorate Altar Spring means spring cleaning! The season has changed, so it’s time to cleanse and refresh your altar. Take down all the Wintry decor, dust your altar off, spray it with sage spray (whatever you do to cleanse your altar), then charge your items and redecorate for Spring. Include things like flowers, eggs, birds, suns, etc. to represent the Spring season. 13. Celebrate Ostara The Spring sabbat known as Ostara marks the Spring Equinox, or the first official day of Spring. Celebrate with your family by painting and hiding eggs, carrying on the Easter bunny tradition, picking flowers, and making sweet treats. 14. Divination Outside Let the nature spirits talk to you through divination. Take your oracle and tarot cards, rune set, pendulum, etc. outside for a Spring fortune-telling spin! 15. Horseback Riding What’s more fun than trying something new and playing with animals? Try going horseback riding. Many farms offer trail riding or horseback riding lessons. You’ll get outdoors and connect with the majestic animal the horse. 16. Look for Four Leaf Clovers Four leaf clovers are considered good luck. This Spring, find the luck of the Irish by searching for four leaf clovers in your yard or neighborhood. When you find it, take it home and preserve it in a photo album. 17. Spring Cleaning & Smoke-cleansing Spring cleaning applies to Pagans, too! Give your house a good cleaning – physically – top to bottom. Wash the curtains and linens, dust, vacuum, and de-clutter. Once you’re done physically cleaning the house, cleanse the air by smoke with sage, rosemary, cedar, palo santo or sweetgrass. 18. Butterfly Gardening One of my favorite pagan things to do in Spring is butterfly gardening. The butterfly is one of my familiars and nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing butterflies in my garden. Plant butterfly host plants and nectar plants. You’ll see the butterfly’s full life cycle. Be sure to get the kids involved as they’ll get a science lesson and pagan activity in one! 19. Magical Foraging Another fun pagan thing to do in Spring is magical foraging. This is when you go out in to nature […]

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