Ostara

earth balanced, light and dark even

Poems written between Ostara and Beltane (20 March – 29 April)

Background

Ostara / Spring Equinox / Vernal Equinox, March 21-22.

Ostara falls at the Spring Equinox, a moment of perfect balance when day and night are equal in length. Light and dark, inner and outer, masculine and feminine all stand in harmony — just for a moment. From here, the light begins to grow stronger, and the earth bursts into life. What was promised at Imbolc is now clear and visible: spring is here, and the season of growth begins in earnest.

This festival takes its name from the goddess Ostara (or Eostre), who was honoured with celebrations of renewal, fertility, and rebirth. From her traditions come many familiar spring symbols — hares, eggs, and even the Christian festival of Easter.

Symbols of Ostara

The Hare: a symbol of fertility, vitality, and new life. The Egg: a universal symbol of potential and creation, holding the promise of new beginnings. Eggs remind us of balance — the bright yolk like the sun, wrapped in the white that protects and holds it. Together they symbolise the harmony of opposites, just as the equinox holds balance between light and dark before the year tips fully toward growth and expansion.

Ways to Celebrate Ostara

Ostara is a joyful festival of balance, renewal, and new life. You can mark it in simple, meaningful ways such as:

• Decorate or paint eggs as symbols of creativity, fertility, and fresh beginnings.
• Plant seeds (in the garden, in pots, or even herbs on a windowsill) to honour growth and set intentions for the months ahead.
• Take a walk in nature and look for signs of spring — buds, blossoms, birds building nests — reminders of the earth’s renewal.
• Light a candle at sunrise or sunset, celebrating the balance of day and night.
• Cook a seasonal meal with fresh greens, eggs, or other spring foods, sharing it in gratitude for the earth’s abundance.
• Balance activity with stillness — do something energising and also something restful, reflecting the harmony of the equinox.

Even small acts of noticing, creating, or sharing help you connect with the spirit of Ostara and welcome the turning of the season.

Poems

• Solitude
  My spirits lifted as we walked, and talked And saw the swallows of the spring Over fields and lanes to… Read more: Solitude
• Ostara – Spring Equinox
  The world on a seesaw Perfectly balanced Between dark and light Masculine, feminine Inner and outer But as tomorrow dawns… Read more: Ostara – Spring Equinox
• Dungeness and Rye
  We sit mesmerised, watching Harriers battling in the sky Fighting, flirting, just displaying We know not what or why We… Read more: Dungeness and Rye
• Superheroes
  Skylark A frantic frolic through the high notes Wings beat triple time Their shrill sound dominates the landscape Only beaten… Read more: Superheroes
• Bluebell walk
  I feel like a guest in your wood Imagining fairies lying drunk on your sweet fragrance Of the bluebells carpeting… Read more: Bluebell walk
• Messy hedges
  Immersed in the sounds Of male nightingales setting up home Waiting for the females, taking their time To fly north… Read more: Messy hedges
• Castle cove
  This is the place To rest and relax To feel the light breeze And the suns warmth To be The… Read more: Castle cove
• Haikus
  End Feb Awake and alive I wallow in my cold plunge The joy of birdsong Sauna heats my bones Shimmering… Read more: Haikus