Ostara
I feel like heaving a huge honkin’ sigh of relief. It is Ostara, the Spring Equinox, and I finally feel like I made it through another grey season intact.
Now, to me, we’re halfway through Spring rather than it beginning today. We do transition into Aries though, and believe me all the fiery energy is kicking my bum already at work. It’s a little easier to take now that it’s nice enough outside to go and take a deep breath and smell growth and renewal rather than just…wet. Still not fun, but better.
My ritual habits are very simple. Usually a small bit of food to reflect the season.
Apologies for the poor pic, but it’s still pretty low light here today. I don’t know if you can see the “trees” in this, but I picked this up at that shop in Port Townsend and immediately felt the energy buzzing up my arm. It was the offering bowl I didn’t know I was looking for. It’s perfect and gorgeous and I love it.
Again a poor pic, but this one looks like the ripples and streams of a slow moving stream are captured within the grain of the wood.
I have a very small vase that matches the bowls that I’ll use for a flower as an additional offering, but of course I forgot to take a picture of this! I think Fire and Air will be represented by the incense and candle I’ll burn during ritual.
All are hand crafted from California redwood. Holding them brings to mind a small, secret clearing nestled among the towering elders, where shafts of sunlight pierce the morning fog and brilliantly illuminate the loamy forest floor. In my minds eye I can hear the calls of the birds and animals that live within the forest, and hear the trickle of the stream as it winds it’s way through the area. It is very peaceful, and perfect, and even though it’s in my mind’s eye only, it’s a refuge and a sacred space that I am grateful to visit.
This new year, beginning with Ostara, I hope to use these tools to celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year, and give thanks for all I’ve learned, have and will become.
May your year be bountiful and amazing, and filled with joy, love and laughter!