WICCAN TRADITION, Festivals Spring Equinox, Ostara March 21st

Correspondence for Ostara

Herbs
African Violet, Angelica, Betony-wood, Bluebell, Bracken, Briony, Broom, Burdock, Camellia, Cattail, Clover, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Cowbine, Cowslip, Crocus, Cuckoo-flower, Daffodil, Daisy, Dandelion, Dock, Edelweiss, Elderflower, Eyebright, Foxglove, Frankincense, Ginger, Gorse, Grass, Hemlock, Henbane, Hyacinth, Iris, Kcalbs Cross, Lady's Slipper, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lilac, Lilly of the Valley, Lovage, Mandrake, Marigold, Mugwort, Narcissus, Orchids, Pansy, Periwinkle, Pimpernel, Primrose, Purslane, Rose Geranium, Snap dragon, Sorrel-Wood, St Johns Wort, Wisteria

Oils
Frankincense, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lilac, Rosemary.

Trees
Apple, Apricot, Ash, Birch, Cherry, Hawthorn, Hazel, Juniper, Magnolia, Maidenhair, Oak, Pine, Rowan, Willow, Yew.

Stones
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Calcite-Blue, Carnelian, Diamond, Emerald, Flint, Jasper-Green, Moonstone, Opal, Peridot, Quartz, Ruby, Salt, Sapphire, Topaz.

Metals
Brass, Gold, Mercury, Meteorite, Silver, Steel.

Associated Colours
Gold, Green, Yellow.

Spring Equinox
Ostara, Eostre
March 21st to 23rd

Traditions at Ostara
Celebrates the birth of spring, some dedicate the rite to the Goddess Eostre, it is a tradition to collect wild flowers for this rite but modern laws may prevent this, if you do collect any plants or flowers from the countryside NEVER PULL THEM UP BY THE ROOTS! Always show kindness and courtesy to the plants and always remember to thank them for their generosity.

Also this is a good time to experience the outdoors, plan a long walk in the countryside take in the spring sights and smells.

It is also a good time for starting a magical herb Witches garden or for maintenance of an existing garden that has over wintered and needs a helping hand.

Rites for Ostara
Place on the Alter a green candles, decorated eggs, Fresh flowers, leaves and buds, of the season, these can also be worn. A pot plant possibly one planted for Yule, burn incense of Jasmine, sage or floral fragrances.

Christianity and Ostara
Christians base their holiday of Easter on this period, The Easter bunny is a representation of the Moon Hare which is sacred to many of the Lunar Goddesses. The Hare as a fertility symbol represents rebirth and resurrection. The colouring of Easter eggs has pagan beginnings, Eggs which are symbols of fertility and reproduction were decorated by pagans with magical symbols and used in fertility rites as offerings to the Goddesses. Some eggs were painted in Gold, Oranges and yellows in honour of the Sun Gods.

Feasting at Ostara
Floral wines are such as Elderflower are good for this festival, as well as Lamb and fish, leafy vegetables are good for feasting. Biscuits like scotch shortbread are really good as a desert.