The Spring Equinox is upon us, which means that Pagans throughout the Northern Hemisphere are gearing up to celebrate Ostara, one of their main Sabbats.

Ostara usually occurs on or around the 20th of March every year, coinciding with the Spring Equinox. Typically it is a pagan holiday marking the beginning of the long-awaited springtime.  Although the majority of Pagan holidays have a Celtic history, Ostara is actually a Germanic tradition that is named after the Goddess Eostre, a fertility goddess that is associated with rabbits and eggs.

However, there are many different Pagan celebrations for the passing of winter: The Norse and Asatru tradition celebrates Summer Finding; Buddhists and Hindu’s celebrate Hoi; Ancient Romans celebrate Hilaria in honor of the Goddess Cybele; In the Hellenic tradition, the celebration of Liberalia is held around the 17th of March – this is in honor of the fertility gods, as well as in celebration of the cultivation of wine.

Just as there are different pagan paths, so too are there different ways in which this time of the year can be celebrated. However, the main theme of each tradition’s celebration is that of fertility, rebirth, new birth, love, growth, and agriculture. There are many colors, food, flowers and crystals associated with this time of the year. To learn more, please read: Ostara Spring  Equinox.

No matter which pagan path you follow, you will need to have Ostara oil or incense on hand during your ritual celebrations. Here is an easy recipe for Ostara oil:

6 drops Rosewood

4 drops Geranium

4 drops Chamomile

3 drops Myrrh

2 drops Cedarwood

1 drop Bay

1/2 oz. Carrier Oil such as Jojoba or Almond

All of these ingredients can be bought locally from the Kindred Paths store located at 3804 S Highland Drive in Salt Lake City.