The spring equinox & ostara

Written by Tamalynne Grant

20th March 2026

The Spring Equinox

The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, occurs between Imbolc and Beltane. Prehistoric communities of megalithic Europe calculated the arrival of the equinox using stone circles, observing the movement of the sun to mark the perfect equilibrium between night and day. The word “equinox” itself comes from Latin, meaning “equal night” (Merriam-Webster, 2025).

For over a thousand years, cultures across the globe have celebrated the spring equinox. In Persian tradition, it is known as “Nowruz”, meaning “New Day” (Wigington, 2023). The Mayans honoured the return of light through rituals dedicated to their serpent deity Kukulkan (Wigington, 2023). Modern folklore also suggests that the ancient Germanic Saxons celebrated the goddess Eostre, whose traditions were later adopted and adapted by ancient Britons as Ostara.

The spring equinox marks as a time of rebirth, abundance and leaving the cold winter nights behind us. It represents the perfect balance between all opposites (night and day, male and female, sun and moon) and marks the first day when we can look forward to the days becoming longer and the nights shorter, bringing new hope and joy into our lives.

Origins of Ostara

Within modern pagan traditions, the spring equinox is often referred to as Ostara. Its origins are believed to trace back to ancient Germanic societies and are referenced in the writings of the Brothers Grimm.

“Ostara” derives from Old High German and is linked to the name “Eostre” (pronounced Uh-Struh or Ee-Struh), the Germanic goddess of spring and dawn. Eostre is closely connected to the Greek goddess Eos, and both can be traced back to a Proto-Indo-European dawn deity. The names Eos and Eostre also form the root of the modern word “East”, meaning “that which rises with the sun” (Kaldera, 2014).

As with many ancient European traditions, there is limited written evidence describing how Eostre was honoured. The only known historical reference comes from the 8th-century monk Venerable Bede, who noted that Anglo-Saxon pagans in Northumbria held festivals in her honour during the month of April. This month was known as “Eosturmonath” or “Ostarmanod”, meaning “Easter Month” (Ravenswood, 2020).

To this day, scholars continue to debate the origins and historical accuracy of these traditions.

You may notice the connection between the word “Easter” and the goddess Eostre. Christianity often absorbed and adapted pre-existing pagan festivals, which is why the date of Easter changes each year according to the lunar cycle of the older solar-lunar calendar.

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (Ravenswood, 2020).

For example:

2026

Spring Equinox: 20th March

Full Moon: 1st April

Easter: 5th April

The spring goddess also represented fertility and rebirth. Hence, this is most likely why modern Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus by incorporating symbols of fertility and hope, which are associated with the goddess of dawn.

How to celebrate

Spring Clean:

Yes, the word speaks for itself “SPRING CLEAN”. It’s time to declutter and get rid of stale pent up energy that’s still lingering around your home. Not only will you be physically cleaning but also energetically and it will help to release and breathe anew. You can clean out your cupboards, wash your carpets or perhaps even wipe down your bathroom thoroughly (wherever you feel the energy may still be stagnant).

Connect to Mother Nature:

As simple as this task may sound, the spring equinox is the perfect opportunity to reconnect to the wonders of our beloved mother earth. When you go on your walk, notice how everything around you is coming back to life and bringing new exuberant energy. Let yourself be inspired and soak up all the magic around you. Performing rituals rooted in earth magic also helps welcome the gift of life back into our lives.

Feast:

Ostara is the perfect occasion to celebrate with your loved ones and to enjoy the abundance our earth has to offer. Celebrating the warmth and exuberant days ahead and finally leaving the darkest of nights behind us. Typically one would eat eggs and bake a hot cross bun.

Decorate Eggs:

This is optional due to everyone's dietary choices. However, during Ostara and to further honour the goddess, one can paint and decorate eggs in order to celebrate fertility and new life. Painting eggs different colours represented the flowers of spring. For example, Druids painted eggs red to symbolise the sun. Painted eggs were often given as gifts and/or fertility charms.

Work with Power Animals:

Call upon the power of the rabbit. Rabbits and hares were very sacred to the Germanic and Celtic people. These animals were affiliated with the goddess as they were known to procreate quite quickly and therefor also symbolised fertility.

Prayer to the Goddess Eostre:

Here is a prayer I wrote, dedicated to the Goddess Eostre. Feel free to use it within your rituals and ceremonies during the equinox

Goddess of the rising sun,

I feel your warmth.

Your brilliant radiance,

Is second to none.

Wrapped in your embrace,

Safe from harm.

I embody your divine grace,

And my restless soul,

Finally becomes calm.

Goddess of the rising sun,

In your light,

Your love,

I devote this prayer to you,

Dear giver of life.