Ostara - March 21. This ritual acknowledges spring's beginning, and celebrates the Goddess in Her maiden form. Ostara or Oestra is the goddess of springtime. It is a time for fertility rites and the pruning of spring blossom. The ritual celebrates the glory of the coming of springtime and the banishing of darkness.

It is the time when life quickens within the Goddess and She manifests her beauty in the pastel colors of springtime. The God reveres the process of constant renewal. Decorated eggs have been used to celebrate this time since the time of the Ancients. A Solitary or Group ritual can make use of the old customs.

(1) Fresh Flowers, (2) Green and Yellow candles, (3) Cauldron, (4) Hard boiled eggs (one for each member of the group or 3 if solitary), (5) Incense (1 Jasmine, 1 Rose and 1 Violet).

NOTE: Cauldron can be as simple as a clay flower pot, five or six inches diameter at the top. You can also find cauldrons online at various websites although they tend to be rather expensive.

Cast Circle as usual. Then, After raising power:..

Sprinkle Fresh Flowers on Altar, letting them fall to the floor around it. Place the regular candles in NorthEast corner of Altar (still lit). Place Green and Yellow candles in center of Altar, one on each side of cauldron. Light the candles and the three incenses. Fill the cauldon with the eggs (any remaining eggs should be placed in the circle).

NOTE: The filled cauldron here represents the womb of the Goddess.

If the cauldron is small enough, raise it in both hands or, if not, place both hands on it, and say:

"Hallowed be the Great Goddess, our Mother and provider. The bleak winter storms subside leaving life to flourish outward. It peeps out quietly, refreshed by the God and Goddess's power. I/We feel you. I/We thank you for all your gifts."

Pause for a moment while concentrating on the flowers, then say:

"May I/We carry within me/us a total understanding of all living creatures, both great and small. Mother Goddess, Father God, show me/us how to worship the earth and all it holds."

CALL:  "Blesed Be."

RESPONSE:  "Blessed Be."

NOTE: If this is a group ritual, the prayers above can be broken up between various people. Each person saying one of the sentences. It will require memorizing and practice before the ritual proper. There are six lines. "We feel you. We thank you..." counts as one line.

Now is the time to decorate your eggs. This should be a time of joy and laughter. Perhaps hold a simple feast.

Close Circle as usual.

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