As I was taking my clothes out of the dryer yesterday, the freshly-scented heap woven into a clean bundle in my lime green laundry basket, I noticed a central theme to all my clothing—color, color, and more color. Crouched before my dryer, staring at this clean pile of cotton, I became convinced I will be that crazy old lady who dresses in hot pink pants with purple polka dot shoes and a straw hat with massive neon daisies hot glued to it.
I hot glued them on, of course. You simply haven't entered full-on old lady crazy until you start making your own clothes with dollar store supplies.
Even now, in present day, I write this post while standing in pink pajama pants with little yellow tulips stamped across the fabric and a tank top in a beautiful shade of dusky lavender.
You didn't know all bloggers write while wearing pajamas? It's actually law— statute 238, section 3, part B.
Vibrant color and thriving vitality is unquestionably the best part of spring! Flowers bloom, bees are hard at work, and the scent of fertile earth perfumes the air. I'd like to think it's my love for spring that influences my confetti-esque wardrobe, but there's really no way of knowing. At the very least, I'm grateful I can manage to color coordinate my outfits. I am far from a sharp dresser, but most people don't point and stare.
Most.
Ostara is the spring equinox, that glorious day in March (taking place between the 20-22) when sunlight and nighttime are equal. After today, the light overtakes the darkness by roughly one minute a day as winter ebbs and spring takes root.
Haha, horticulturist jokes. They are a feisty bunch, those horticulturists.
Like Mabon (autumn equinox), the vernal equinox is about finding balance, a time to shed the old and embrace the new. Have you always been curious about a new hobby, maybe knitting or wood work? Now is the time to take action and explore a new endeavor. Unlike Mabon, which is more focused on letting go (like the leaves of autumn trees), Ostara is more about embracing the fresh and new—new hopes, aspirations, spells, desires, etc! In other words, it's time to spring clean your life by opening those proverbial windows and letting a little fresh air and sunshine in! ;)
Metaphorically, the Goddess is in her maiden state as the God's virility peaks. We see this in nature as Mother Earth awakens, enlivening the lands with blossoming plants and tender grass. And in the sun (God) as it gains strength and warmth, maturing towards summer.
Eggs are a common incorporation of Ostara rituals, representing growth, potential, and fertility. Rabbits, a sacred symbol of the Goddess, also represent fertility and birth. It's considered good luck to see a rabbit or hare on Ostara! Though the over-sized fuzzy white mall attraction doesn't count, no matter what shade of pastel bow tie he wears.
I mean, who the hell wears a bow tie without a cummerbund? Seriously! Totally uncouth, mall rabbit.
If you're planning an Ostara feast, make sure to include lots of fresh, cleansing vegetables and herbs in your dishes. Asparagus, dandelion, nettles, seeds, leafy greens, goat cheese, young meat (such as lamb or cornish hen), and dairy are all appropriate additions to your equinox spread.
Looking to cleanse and renew? Why not cast an energy-cleansing spell you can eat?
Crafting an altar? Choose the colors of the season to beautify your sacred space. Light/pastel colors are fitting, especially green and yellow (Goddess/God respectively). Treat yourself to some tulips, which represent the fertile womb of the Goddess. Or take a few extra moments to create a natural altar, like my Ostara altar below!
If you're eager to celebrate but short on cash (those chocolate bunnies don't come free!), check out these FIFTEEN ways to celebrate Ostara without spending a dime!
...and stay out of the dollar store when seeking apparel. No one should ever hot glue their clothes together. =/
Happy Spring, everyone! 🐰🌷🥚
Journal Prompt: What is your favorite thing about spring?
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