the spring equinox / ostara

The Spring Equinox Tarot Spread

the spring equinox / ostara

The daffodils are out in full bloom after the sun is finally making an appearance here in the North of England. It’s happening just in time for the Spring Equinox tomorrow.

Jump to the Spring Equinox Tarot Spread

Spring Equinox and Ostara Myth and Lore

The Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara among the Wiccan and witchcraft communities marks the balance between light and dark, day and night. It is celebrated when the sun crosses the celestial equator. This alignment heralds the first day of spring and the start of Aries Season. It brings in a season of renewal and rebirth. Ostara is named after the Germanic goddess of spring and dawn, Eostre, and this very goddess has lent her name to the Christian holiday of Easter. The goddess Eostre, often depicted with hares and eggs, symbolises fertility and the blossoming of life, themes deeply woven into the fabric of springtime celebrations.

In Wiccan tradition, the Spring Equinox is one of the eight Sabbats in the Wheel of the Year, an annual cycle of seasonal festivals. This time is celebrated with rituals honouring the resurgence of nature’s vitality and the fertile earth. The revival of plants and the birth of new animals are seen as divine manifestations of the goddess and god in their youthful aspects. As spring unfurls its greenery, Wiccans embrace the burgeoning energies around them, engaging in spells and rituals to encourage growth, healing and balance. The equinox is a pivotal moment to cast off winter’s stagnation and to look ahead to the possibilities that arise with the longer days.

Resurrection Symbolism

The lore surrounding this period is rich with symbols of fecundity and resurrection. Myths often speak of deities or supernatural beings triumphing over the vestiges of winter, effectively painting a vivid lore of life’s triumph over death. Eggs, as emblems of new life, and the rabbit or hare, known for its reproductive vigour, are potent symbols that many Wiccans incorporate into their Spring Equinox celebrations. The lighting of fires represents the return of the sun’s warmth and light. Bells or chimes reawaken the earth and announce the arrival of spring.

Decorating an Ostara Altar

When decorating a traditional Ostara altar, think of mimicking the blooming world outside. Consider adorning your sacred space with spring flowers like daffodils, tulips, or violets to invite the essence of spring. You may also want to include items that symbolise fertility and new beginnings. Examples of such symbols are painted eggs or representations of rabbits. You may also wish to use fresh flowers and leaves to welcome the life force of nature.

Place a symbol on your altar to reflect the balance of the equinox. This could be a lemniscate, a balancing crystal grid, or a representation of the god and goddess. Choose paste colours for your altar cloth and candles in light greens, yellows, and purples to emphasise the theme of burgeoning life. Finally, you can have a small dish with seeds or a pot with soil ready. Plant these as part of your ritual to embody the act of growth and the cycle of life anew.

These are just suggestions. The altar space is personal to you and should always reflect where you’re at so please feel free to modify or ignore the traditional suggestions above. Perhaps you are a minimalist and wish to have a white cloth, a white candle and a single white feather to represent the lightness of heart you feel at the return of the light. Always go with what feels right for you!

The Spring Equinox Tarot Spread

This Spring Equinox Tarot spread is designed to help you harmonise with the energy of the season. Reflect on the themes of rebirth, fertility, and the blossoming of life as you lay out the cards.

the spring equinox tarot spread

Card Positions

  1. Balance of Light and Dark — This card represents the balance you currently hold. What is in equilibrium in your life right now?
  2. Emerging Light — What is coming into the light for you? This card shows what you’re becoming aware of at this time.
  3. Seeds of Potential — What seeds are you planting this season? This reflects the new intentions or projects that are beginning.
  4. Fertile Ground — Which aspect of your life is most fertile right now? Where should you focus your growth efforts?
  5. Grace of the Goddess — How can you embrace the nurturing and creative energies of the aspect of the Goddess (does not have to be Ostara) you have chosen to work with in your life?
  6. Spring’s Gift — What blessings is the spring equinox bringing you? This is the outcome or what to expect in the near term as you align with the season’s energy.

Sample Tarot Reading with the Goddess of Love Tarot

sample reading with the goddess of love tarot
The Goddess of Love Tarot

1. Balance of Light and Dark — King of Cups

The King of Cups (Crone) speaks to a balanced state of emotional maturity and control. You have cultivated a serene nature, which allows you to navigate through your feelings and those of others with compassion and understanding. The equilibrium in your life right now might be the harmony between your emotional intelligence and your ability to lead without letting personal feelings cloud your judgment.

2. Emerging Light — Queen of Wands

As the Queen of Wands (Witch) emerges into the light, it highlights your growing awareness of your own charisma and determination. This card suggests that leadership skills and passion for your ambitions are coming to the forefront. This is a time when you’re starting to embrace your confidence, your social prowess, and the magnetism that draws others to your cause.

3. Seeds of Potential — Page of Swords

The Page of Swords (Maiden) symbolises the beginning of intellectual pursuits or the spark of new ideas. The seeds you’re planting this season are likely related to learning, gathering information, or gearing up for new communication projects. It’s an indication of your curiosity driving you to explore different ways of thinking. Alternatively, it’s an invitation to start a new dialogue.

4. Fertile Ground — The Sun

The Sun (Sekhmet) illuminates the most fertile ground in your life, which right now, appears to be an area filled with positivity, success, and vitality. This card suggests that you should focus your growth efforts on where you find joy, clarity, and energy. Your endeavours will likely be fruitful, and happiness will bloom under the Sun’s encouraging rays.

5. Grace of the Goddess — The Empress

The Empress (Venus) invites you to embrace the nurturing and creative energies of the divine feminine. The grace of the Goddess in your life is manifesting as abundance, sensuality, and possibly giving birth to a project or creation. It’s also a call to connect with nature. Engage in artistic activities and trust in your ability to bring forth life in its multitude of forms.

6. Spring’s Gift — King of Wands

The King of Wands as Spring’s Gift suggests that the equinox is bringing you dynamic leadership abilities. This card often represents a visionary who is bold, adventurous, and influential. The season’s energy is aligning to imbue you with the initiative to manifest your dreams and ambitions. This is a sign that now is the time to step into a role of authority. Act on your passions with courage and inspiration!

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love raven liora

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