Spring arrived with the Sun's entrance into the cardinal sign of Aries last night at 8:07 pm, EDT. My celebration took place this morning with Aries energies firmly in place. I had to change a few of my traditional ways of celebrating since we are still under a half foot of snow here in Southern New Hampshire.
This amount of snow is not unheard of at this time of year. Indeed, we may have a few more inches of white before we're done, however, I am usually able to walk around the yard and hold ritual outdoors. This year it was an indoor event. I still called out a blessing to the gardens and welcomed the Green Man as the ruler of the light half of the year. I indulge my love of Hot Cross Buns on this day, regarding the decorative sugary cross as a solar representation.
Those who practice Wicca call this holiday Ostara. Wiccans consider this one of the four lesser Sabbats and celebrate at the Spring Equinox when the Sun reaches zero degrees Aries.
Also called: Mean Earraigh, Eostre, Lady Day, Co-Thad-Thrath, Alban Eilir, Vernal Equinox
Moon phase equivalent: First Quarter Moon
Direction: East Time of Day: Dawn
Colors: Pale Green, Yellow, Lavender, Pastel Colors
Herbs: Acorn, Daffodil, Dandelion, Frankincense, Lavender, Oakmoss, Primrose, Sandalwood, Tulip, Violets
Gemstones: Aquamarine, Red Jasper, Bloodstone, Amethyst
Themes: Balance, rebirth, new beginnings, planting seeds, coloring eggs as symbols of fertility, first flowers, baby animals being born in the wild, spring cleaning well underway, make a new besom, cleansing of the body.
