Hi! Welcome to this special edition of the Mystic Moss Magick Newsletter, where we will be embarking on an ancient journey many of our ancestors took, in learning more, and celebrating the change of the season known as Ostara.
March 21st marks the day of the next upcoming pagan holiday on the wheel of the year after Imbolc. Closely related to the Christian holiday, once again, this one is also celebrated as Easter. The celebration goes as far back as the changing of the seasons however, as it marks the changing from Winter’s cold and short days into the longer and warmer days of Spring where the earth begins to awaken and starts its rebirth. This is a time of the year where new life surrounds us both physically and internally, as this is a symbolic time for internal rebirth and new opportunities for change and growth. In the northern hemisphere the celebration traditionally lasts between March 19th and March 22nd, and as there are now many modern ways to celebrate and honor the season, there are plenty of similarities to the way our witchy ancestors honored it as well!
Ceremonies involved many familiar aspects such as bunnies, eggs, herb gardens, gathering seeds, and no shortage of crafts. The holiday is named after the Germanic and Celtic Goddess Ostara, and while it is speculated whether Easter or Ostara came first, and who got their ideas from who, the festival happens every year without fail as long as there are Springs that follow Winters. Take time this year to celebrate on your own that the darkness did not last forever even though there were many times we thought it might. Take comfort knowing that there are many opportunities growing around you, and the seeds you wish to plant and harvest are ready now to take root and begin their growth as well. All things manifested in the Winter were just ideas, where the Spring Equinox brings us the perfect time to put them into action and start a new chapter of transition and beginnings.
Here are a few things you might consider adding to your practice this year.
Ostara Activity Ideas:
There are many activities you can add to your practice for this time of year, they can help instill passions and motivation to create the life you desire. We will dive deeper into these practices individually the more you read on.
Make Your Own Spring Equinox Tea:
(For the best results, I recommend using cut and sifted herbs that have been dried and are ready to steep)
You will need:
- Nettle
- Dandelion
- Mint
- Lemon Balm
- Cardamom powder or pods
- Honey
Mix 1 part of nettle, and dandelion to half parts mint and lemon balm into a container and fill a tea ball or tea bag with the contents. Boil 8 ounces (or just the size of a regular tea cup) of water and steep for about 5 minutes or longer if desired. Add honey to taste.
Ostara Altar Items and Offerings:
An altar is a dedicated space where you keep all of your magical tools and use it as a sacred place to practice your crafts, pray to deities, and make offerings to guides.
- Seeds
- Live flowers
- Feathers
- Eggshells
- Crystals like moss agate, citrine, quartz and rhodonite
- Yellow candles (or any color available)
- Bones (if you have access to bones found humanely)
- Fresh dirt
- Flower bulbs
- Pomegranate if available (pictures or statue form would work just as well)
Use any of the mentioned items above to symbolize new beginnings, rebirth and transitions, growth or simply as an offering to Persephone or your guides.
There are various scents and tools that can be used to cleanse your space and yourself. Essential oils can be diffused, or as a blend to wear on yourself as a reminder of hope and renewal. Incense can be used to cleanse and lift the vibrations of any space and declutter any energy that may be stuck! All scents below can be found as essential oils and incense.
Sage; Healing, Cleansing, Purifying
Lemon balm; Calming, Uplifting, Balancing
Cherry Blossoms; Creation, Spirituality, Feminine
Floral scents like Jasmine or Rose; Rebirth, Protection, Love
Sandalwood; Abundance, Beginnings, Awareness
Cedar; Clarity, Ceremony, Love
Honoring Persephone During the Equinox:
Persephone is the Goddess of Spring, rebirth, the underworld, and enhances new beginnings. Her symbols are seeds, torches, pomegranates, doves and bats. You can offer her things like seeds, breads, mint, eggshells, or live flowers or any of the above altar items. She can bless you with heightened manifestation goals and the power to achieve them, she can also offer assistance during times of growth and transition that may be uncomfortable or hard to initiate. She unblocks paths so that our spirit may grow through trials and darkness.
Manifestation and Abundance Ritual:
Materials Needed:
- A small pot or container filled with soil
- Seeds of your choice (preferably symbolic of your desires or goals)
- Watering can or a cup of water
- A white or green candle
- Matches or a lighter
- A journal or piece of paper
- Pen
Ritual Steps:
- Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet, outdoor space if possible, such as a garden or balcony. If outdoors is not an option, choose a well-lit room with a window.
- Set Your Intention: Sit or stand comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Visualize the abundance you wish to attract into your life during this season of renewal. Focus on feelings of gratitude and excitement as if your desires have already manifested.
- Light the Candle: Light the candle, representing inspiration and growth. As you do so, recite a simple affirmation or invocation, such as, "With this flame, I ignite the abundance within and without. May the blessings of the Spring Equinox flow freely into my life."
- Plant Your Seeds: Take the seeds and hold them in your hand. Infuse them with your intentions by visualizing them growing and flourishing in alignment with your desires. As you plant each seed in the pot or container of soil, say aloud what you wish to manifest. For example, "As this seed grows, so does my abundance in [specific area of your life]."
- Watering Ritual: Use the watering can or cup of water to gently water the seeds. As you do so, imagine the water nourishing and nurturing your intentions, helping them take root and grow. Feel the energy of renewal and growth flowing through you and into the soil.
- Write Your Intentions: Take your journal or piece of paper and write down your intentions for the season ahead. Be specific and affirmative, expressing gratitude as if your desires have already manifested. Write freely and from the heart.
- Charge Your Intentions: Hold the paper in your hands and close your eyes. Visualize your intentions manifesting with clarity and ease. Feel the energy of the Spring Equinox supporting and amplifying your desires. Once you feel a strong connection to your intentions, fold the paper and place it near the planted seeds.
- Closing: Take a moment to express gratitude for the abundance already present in your life and for the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank the elements, the earth, and any spiritual guides or deities you work with for their support and blessings. Trust in the process of growth and manifestation. Know that the seeds you've planted will flourish in divine timing. Blow out the candle, symbolizing the completion of the ritual and the release of your intentions into the universe.
- Action: Take inspired action towards your goals and remain open to receiving the abundance that flows into your life. Continue to nurture your intentions with love, patience, and faith.
Keep the planted seeds in a place where you can see them daily. Water them regularly and observe their growth as a reflection of your own manifestation journey. Journal about any insights or synchronicities that arise along the way.
Tarot / Oracle Spread for Ostara:
Tarot and oracle can both be very enlightening and revealing forms of divination. It is a way for the universe or your higher self to communicate your needs and desires effectively. It can share with you ways to handle situations, emotional stirrings you are unaware of, and assist you in finding alignment within and without yourself. 