Looking for more information on Ostara? Check out these guides:

• Ostara Guide – Everything you need to know about celebrating Ostara from correspondences, rituals, altar ideas, history, and more.
• Ostara Overview – Free resource for getting started with your Ostara celebrations and rituals.
• All Ostara Resources

Breakfast: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Bright and zesty, lemon poppy seed muffins are a perfect way to start an Ostara morning. Lemon symbolizes purification and new energy, while poppy seeds represent abundance.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Main Dish: Spring Vegetable Quiche

Eggs are a classic symbol of Ostara, representing fertility and potential. This quiche pairs them with spring vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or your choice)
• 1 cup chopped asparagus
• 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the pie crust. Layer the asparagus, mushrooms, and green onions on top.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and slightly golden on top. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Springtime Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This elegant stuffed pork tenderloin is filled with a vibrant mixture of spinach, leeks, and fresh herbs, reflecting the fresh bounty of the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 leek (thinly sliced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1/4 cup goat cheese (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Kitchen twine (for tying)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the leek and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in goat cheese and breadcrumbs (if using), then season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Slice the pork tenderloin lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open it up like a book.
5. Stuff the pork with the spinach mixture and tie it up with kitchen twine. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
6. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted baby carrots or a spring salad.

Side Dish: Honey Glazed Carrots

Carrots, with their bright orange hue, bring the energy of the sun to your Ostara table. This simple side dish is sweet, earthy, and delightful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp butter (or vegan butter)
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil the carrots until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the carrots to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the glaze thickens slightly. Serve warm.

Dessert: Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Lavender symbolizes calm and harmony, making these cookies a lovely treat to close your Ostara celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the flour, lavender, vanilla, and salt until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Drink: Spring Blossom Herbal Tea

Celebrate the blooming season with a soothing tea blend made from dried flowers and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried chamomile
• 1 tsp dried hibiscus
• 1 tsp dried rose petals
• 1 tsp dried mint leaves
• Honey or sweetener to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the dried herbs and flowers in a teapot or tea infuser.
2. Pour boiling water over the blend and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain and sweeten to taste. Serve warm or over ice.

Ostara is a time to embrace the energy of renewal and the abundance of nature. By preparing these seasonal recipes, you’re not only nourishing yourself and your loved ones but also honoring the spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal, may your Ostara be filled with light, joy, and delicious food.

The post Ostara Recipes appeared first on Soft Spirituality.

What Is Ostara?

Ostara marks the spring equinox, a day when light and dark are in perfect balance. It’s one of the eight sabbats in the Wheel of the Year and is often associated with fertility, growth, and the awakening of the earth. Many of the traditions we associate with modern spring celebrations—like eggs, rabbits, and blooming flowers—have their roots in ancient Ostara customs.

Looking for more information on Ostara? Check out these guides:

• Ostara Guide – Everything you need to know about celebrating Ostara from correspondences, rituals, altar ideas, history, and more.
• Ostara Overview – Free resource for getting started with your Ostara celebrations and rituals.
• All Ostara Resources

Step 1: Set the Tone with Decor

Transform your space into a haven of springtime energy with decorations that embody the season.

Ideas for Ostara Decor:

• Fresh Flowers: Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and other early spring blooms.
• Pastel Colors: Incorporate soft yellows, greens, pinks, and blues in your tableware, napkins, or banners.
• Symbols of Fertility: Display eggs, bunnies, and bird nests.
• Natural Touches: Add greenery, moss, and small potted plants.
• Candles: Use green or yellow candles to symbolize growth and sunlight.

Pro tip: Create a seasonal altar or centerpiece with candles, flowers, and meaningful symbols to honor the equinox.

Step 2: Plan a Seasonal Menu

Celebrate the bounty of spring with fresh, vibrant flavors. Choose dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients and nod to Ostara themes.

Sample Menu:

• Appetizers: Deviled eggs, asparagus tartlets, or a fresh veggie platter with herb dip.
• Main Course: A spring vegetable quiche or roast chicken with lemon and herbs.
• Side Dishes: Mixed greens with edible flowers, roasted baby potatoes, and crusty bread.
• Desserts: Honey cake, carrot cupcakes, or sugar cookies decorated like eggs or flowers.
• Drinks: Lavender lemonade, herbal iced tea, or a refreshing spring sangria.

Step 3: Create a Magical Atmosphere

Ostara is a time for joy, connection, and gratitude. Incorporate these elements into your party with thoughtful touches.

Music: Play light, uplifting music in the background. Consider a playlist featuring nature sounds, folk music, or acoustic tunes.

Lighting: Let in natural sunlight if possible. As the evening approaches, switch to soft lighting with candles or fairy lights.

Scents: Diffuse essential oils like lavender, lemon, or rosemary to evoke a fresh, spring-like ambiance…or make an Ostara Simmer Pot

Step 4: Plan Ostara Activities

Engage your guests with activities that honor the themes of Ostara. Here are a few ideas:

Egg Decorating:

Set up a station with natural dyes, paints, and stickers for guests to decorate eggs. This activity is fun for all ages and a nod to the fertility and new life associated with Ostara.

Planting Seeds:

Provide small pots, soil, and seeds for guests to plant their own “intention gardens.” Encourage them to set a personal goal or wish as they plant their seeds.

Nature Walk:

If weather permits, organize a short walk to appreciate the blooming trees, singing birds, and awakening earth.

Ritual or Meditation:

Host a simple group ritual to honor balance and renewal. Light candles, share intentions, or guide a short meditation focusing on gratitude for the season.

Ostara Egg Hunt:

Hide decorated eggs with small notes of wisdom, affirmations, or prizes for guests to find.

Step 5: Share Tokens of Gratitude

Send your guests home with a small token to remember the celebration.

Gift Ideas:

• Mini bouquets of fresh flowers
• Small jars of local honey
• Hand-rolled beeswax candles
• Sachets of seeds or herbal tea blends
• Personalized notes with Ostara blessings

Step 6: Reflect and Connect

As your Ostara party comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the day with your guests. Share what you’re grateful for, and encourage everyone to take the energy of renewal and growth into their own lives. Hosting an Ostara party is not just about celebrating the season; it’s about fostering connections and nurturing the seeds of joy and abundance within your community.

Embrace the Magic of Ostara

Whether your gathering is small and intimate or lively and elaborate, the heart of Ostara is about celebrating balance, new beginnings, and the beauty of nature. With thoughtful planning and an open heart, your Ostara party will leave everyone feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected.

The post How to Host an Ostara Party appeared first on Soft Spirituality.

Why Ostara is Celebrated:

Ostara marks the spring equinox, when day and night are equal and balanced. It symbolizes the returning of light over darkness, as the days lengthen and nature begins to really bloom. The name “Ostara” is believed to have been derived from Eostre, the goddess of spring and fertility.

Spiritual Themes of Ostara:

1. Balance: Ostara celebrates the equilibrium of day and night. During Ostara season we can focus on how important balance is in our lives in all things. Where is your life not quite in balance? Where are you balancing well? Take time this season to do your best to achieve more balance.
2. Fertility: As we honor Eostre, the goddess of fertility, we can call in growth within our lives. What do you want to create this season? What intentions are you hoping to birth/create? Take action to grow those intentions into manifestations during Ostara season.
3. Renewal: The world is blooming and waking up, now is the time for a fresh start. With the beginning of the astrological year of Aries season, treat this time as a period of renewal. Go after your goals, take chances, have courage. You have a whole universe of possibilities in front of you, what will you choose to become?

Ostara Correspondences and Facts:

• Date: March 19-21
• Themes: Fertility/Creativity, New Beginnings, Growth, Potential
• Time of Day: Dawn break
• Generational Cycle Correspondence: Maiden
• Season Correspondence: Start of Spring
• Astrological Correspondence: Aries season
• Moon Energy: First Quarter Moon
• Tarot: The Empress
• Crystals: Moonstone, Aquamarine, Rose Quartz
• Colors: Lavender, pastels, yellow
• Symbols: Eggs, hares/rabbits, flowers, butterflies

Ostara on the Witch’s Calendar

• Generational/Universal Time – Maiden: Ostara is a time for fresh starts and exploring. Like maiden energy it’s time for focusing on you and having adventures.
• Season – Spring: Ostara marks the beginning of spring.
• Astrological Seasons: Aries – Midway through Taurus Season
• Moon Phase – First Quarter Moon: Like the first quarter moon we’re in the ‘action’ phase of the cycle and making moves towards your goals aligns with the energy of this season.
• Time of Day – Dawn: The day is breaking and the world is waking up. Like dawn, Ostara season is the time to get moving on what you want to do and take action towards it.

If you want to learn more about Sacred Cycles, check out this post: Cyclic Magic

Ostara Rituals:

Ostara is a time of rebirth and fresh starts – now is a great time to take action on your intentions and get back out in the world after hibernating through winter.

Here are my favorite rituals for Ostara Season:

1. Egg Decorating: You’ve probably been doing this ritual since you were a child. This Ostara decorate eggs to honor Eostre, the goddess of fertility and abundance, to honor the season of the maiden, and to celebrate the hatching of your dreams and intentions as you take action towards them this season.
2. Tap into your creativity and craft something: Ostara is a season of abundance and fertility – take advantage of the heightened energy by creating something. This could be weaving a basket, knitting, baking, gardening, anything that makes you feel excited about life.
3. Take action on intentions: We planted our intentions during Imbolc and now is the time for those intentions to really start taking shape. How can you take forward steps towards those goals?
4. Spend time outside: With the return of the lighter days and warmer weather, go outside and enjoy it. Gather with friends for a bonfire, tidy your garden, go on a picnic, fly a kite, make a flower crown.
5. Inner Child Practices
6. Abundance Spells
7. Create a new altar
8. Share a meal with friends and family
9. Honor the balance of day and night on the equinox
10. Do things that make you feel joyful and playful
11. Take action on something on your to-do list
12. Learn something new
13. Move your body with intention
14. Visit a place that makes you feel free
15. Practice gratitude
16. Lean into fresh starts
17. Do the hard tasks
18. Call in more of what you want
19. Start a new adventure
20. Lean into the unknown
21. Inner Child Play
22. Celebrate the abundance around you
23. Take action on the intentions you set during the winter
24. Do a tarot spread for this season
25. Set 1-3 intentions for this season

Ostara Altar Ideas:

• Honor Eostre: Place items on your altar that correspond to fertility and abundance. This could be eggs, rabbits symbols, money spell bags
• Honor Nature: With the returning of the light and warmer weather, now is the time to celebrate the return of being outside in nature. Gather twigs, fallen nests, seeds, or other items that symbolize nature and the spring.
• Items to motivate you: With Ostara comes Aries season and the beginning of the astrological year. Now is time to work on the seeds you planted during Yule and Imbolc. Decorate your altar with items that will remind you of what you’re working towards and keep you motivated throughout the action seasons.
• Items to honor the season of the Maiden: What made you feel alive and joyful as a child? Place items that bring joy and inner child happiness on your altar during Ostara.
• Other Altar Decorations: Fresh flowers, eggs, seeds, fertility symbols, items with pastels/lavender/yellow, honey, aquamarine, lavender stalks, rose quartz, butterflies, money and abundance symbols  

Ostara invites us to embrace the changing seasons, celebrating the return of life and the promise of growth. Through rituals, crafts, and a connection with nature, we can align ourselves with the powerful energies of this equinox. As we witness the Earth blooming with vitality, let Ostara inspire us to cultivate our own inner gardens, nurturing the seeds of potential that will blossom in the warmth and light of the coming season. May this festival be a time of joy, balance, and the renewal of both the natural world and our own spirits.

Learn More:

• FREE 2024 Calendar (includes each Sabbat of the Wheel of the Year, the Astrological Seasons, and the Daily Moon: Free 2024 Witch’s Calendar here.

The post Ostara: Welcome to Spring appeared first on Soft Spirituality.