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March

Holy Day / Sabbat
Ostara
Vernal (Spring)Equinox

Ostara is a pagan holiday that is celebrated during the spring equinox, which usually falls around March 20th or 21st in the northern hemisphere and September 20th or 21st in the southern hemisphere. It is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring, the renewal of life, and the awakening of nature after the long winter.

The history of Ostara is somewhat shrouded in mystery, as much of what we know about it comes from ancient folklore and legends that have been passed down through the ages. However, there are a few key pieces of information that give us some insight into the origins and significance of this important pagan holiday.

One of the earliest known references to Ostara comes from the writings of the Venerable Bede, an English monk who lived in the 8th century. In his book "De Temporum Ratione," Bede describes how the Anglo-Saxon people of Britain celebrated a festival in honor of the goddess Eostre or Ostara, who was associated with the dawn, spring, and fertility.

According to Bede, this festival was held during the month of April and involved feasting, drinking, and the exchange of gifts. The people would also light bonfires and offer sacrifices to the goddess in the hopes of ensuring a fruitful growing season.

Many of the symbols and customs associated with Ostara can be traced back to this ancient pagan festival. For example, eggs and rabbits were both considered to be symbols of fertility and new life, and were therefore incorporated into the celebrations. The custom of dyeing eggs in bright colors can be traced back to this time, as it was believed that the eggs would become imbued with the power of the sun and would help to bring good fortune in the coming year.

The name "Ostara" is believed to have originated from the Germanic goddess Eostre or Ostara, who was associated with the dawn, spring, and fertility. The goddess Eostre was known by different names in different regions, such as Ostara in Germany and Ä’ostre in England.

The early Germanic people honored Eostre with a spring festival that was held around the time of the vernal equinox. During this festival, offerings were made to the goddess in hopes of ensuring a successful planting season and bountiful harvest. Some scholars also suggest that the tradition of lighting fires and candles during Ostara was a way of honoring the returning light of the sun and encouraging its warmth to nurture the new growth of spring.

In the 8th century, the Christian monk Bede wrote about the Anglo-Saxon celebration of a festival called Eosturmonath (which translates to "Eostre's Month"), which was held in honor of the goddess Eostre. This festival was celebrated during the month of April, and many of the customs associated with it, such as the exchange of gifts and the lighting of bonfires, bear striking similarities to modern-day celebrations of Ostara.

Over time, the celebration of Ostara became intertwined with Christian traditions, particularly the celebration of Easter. The Christian holiday, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, was traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. This date was chosen in part because it coincided with the pagan festival of Ostara, and many of the symbols and customs associated with Easter, such as the egg and the bunny, have pagan roots.

There are many different ways that pagans celebrate Ostara today, depending on their particular tradition and personal preferences. Here are some common practices:

  1. Spring Cleaning: Many pagans use Ostara as a time to do a deep cleaning of their homes and clear out any old or negative energy that has accumulated over the winter.

  2. Decorating: Pagans may decorate their homes with symbols of spring, such as flowers, eggs, and bunnies. These are all symbols of fertility and new life.

  3. Egg Hunts: Egg hunts are a common activity at Ostara, as eggs are a symbol of fertility and new beginnings.

  4. Planting Seeds: Pagans may plant seeds or start a garden at Ostara as a way of connecting with the earth and celebrating the new growth of spring.

  5. Rituals: Many pagans perform rituals at Ostara to honor the earth, the sun, and the goddess of spring. These may include lighting candles, offering prayers, and performing other symbolic actions.

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Correspondences:

  • Symbols & Decorations: eggs, rabbits, baby animals, flowers, the sun, hare

  • Colors: pink, yellow, green, lavender

  • Plants & Flowers: daffodils, primroses, violets, crocuses, celandine, catkins, pussy willow, lily, iris

  • Crystals/Stones/Minerals: aquamarine, rose quartz, moonstone, clear quartz

  • Trees: Birch, willow, oak, cherry, dogwood

  • Herbs: lemongrass, spearmint, rose

  • Oils & Scents: lavender, lemon, rose, jasmine, peppermint

  • Animals: hare, rabbit, snake, butterfly, robin, lamb

  • Nature spirits: faeries, woodland spirits, water nymphs, dryads, sylphs

  • Element: Earth, Air, Fire, Water

  • Direction: North, South, East, West

  • Foods & Beverages: Any egg dishes, squash dishes, edible flowers, seeds honey, fruits, lamb, cream, milk, hot cross buns, sprouts, early spring greens, mead, fruit-infused water

  • Altar decorations: painted eggs, flowers of the season, yellow, green, and pink candles, feathers, shells, stones, Statues or images of Deities

  • Activities: Paint eggs, bonfires, nature walks, picnics, plant seeds inside to ready them for the earth, make a birdhouse, participating in outdoor activities such as hiking or picnicking

  • Also known as: Eostre: This is a variant spelling of Ostara/Oestre, and is named after the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, Vernal Equinox: This name refers to the astronomical event that occurs during Ostara, when the day and night are equal in length, Spring Equinox: This is another name for the Vernal Equinox and is used interchangeably with Ostara, Alban Eilir: This name comes from the Welsh language and means "Light of the Earth". It is a reference to the increasing sunlight that occurs during the spring, Lady Day: This name was traditionally used to refer to the Feast of the Annunciation (celebrated on March 25th), which was often associated with the spring equinox, Festival of Trees: This name refers to the tradition of planting trees during the spring, as a symbol of new growth and renewal, Rites of Spring: This is a more general name that refers to the many different springtime celebrations and rituals that are practiced around the world.

  • Deities: Ostara, Pan

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Bury a raw egg by the entrance to your home to ensure abundance for the forthcoming year and fertility in your garden.

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Make an Egg charm and hang it in your house.

"Little charm made of shell as I hang you here may all be well. May all things grow. May all things flow. Blessings for the turning of the Wheel."

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Other Holidays
St. Patrick's Day
and more

St. Patrick’s Day is now associated with wearing green, parades and beer, the holiday is grounded in history that dates back more than 1,500 years. The earliest known celebration was held on March 17, 1631, marking the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick in the 5th century. The legend associated with St. Patrick is that he stood atop an Irish hillside and banished snakes from Ireland. The truth is there were no snakes to banish. Actually, those "snakes" were Pagans. St. Patrick headed the beginning of the catholic take over of the islands. Due to the true nature of the holiday, many Pagans do not celebrate this holiday.  The red-haired, green-clothed Leprechaun is part of St. Patrick’s Day. Belief in leprechauns likely stems from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny people who used their magical powers to serve good or evil.

The shamrock, a three or four leaf clover, has been associated with Ireland for centuries. It is called the “seamroy” by the Celts and is considered a sacred plant that symbolized the arrival of spring. The holiday is an American holiday a is the "traditional" dinner of corned beef and cabbage.

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Vernal Equinox

The Vernal Equinox, also known as the Spring Equinox, is an astronomical event that marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the sun's rays are directly over the equator, resulting in equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the globe. The Vernal Equinox typically falls on March 20th or 21st and is a time of balance and renewal. It's a time when the days start to become longer and warmer, and the natural world begins to awaken from its winter slumber. Many cultures around the world celebrate the Vernal Equinox with various customs and traditions, such as planting seeds, performing spring-cleaning rituals, and celebrating the return of longer days and warmer weather. The Vernal Equinox is a powerful reminder of the cycles of nature and the constant renewal of life, and it invites us to embrace the energy of growth and transformation that comes with the arrival of spring.

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Passover

Passover, also known as Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. The holiday begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nisan and typically falls in March or April. During the eight-day celebration, Jewish families gather to retell the story of the Exodus and participate in a traditional meal called a Seder. The Seder includes symbolic foods such as matzo, bitter herbs, and wine, and follows a specific order of readings and prayers. The holiday also involves the removal of chametz (leavened bread and other products) from the home, as a reminder of the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt. Passover is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration of freedom, and is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays around the world.

Nowruz

Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, is a major holiday celebrated in Iran and many other countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and parts of India, Iraq, and Azerbaijan. Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of a new year in the Persian calendar, usually falling on March 20th or 21st. The holiday is celebrated with various customs and traditions, such as setting up a Haft-Seen table with seven symbolic items that begin with the Persian letter "sin," visiting friends and family, and performing spring-cleaning rituals to welcome a fresh start. The celebrations often last for several days and involve feasting, music, and dance. Nowruz is a time for renewal, hope, and unity, and has been celebrated for thousands of years as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Persian people.

Holi

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of South Asia. The holiday typically falls in late February or early March and is celebrated over two days. The first day, known as Holika Dahan, involves lighting a bonfire to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The second day, known as Rangwali Holi, is the main day of the festival and involves throwing colored powder and water on each other, as well as dancing and singing to traditional music. Holi is a time for joy, forgiveness, and renewal, and is celebrated as a way to bring people of all ages, genders, and social classes together in a spirit of unity and camaraderie. The festival has become increasingly popular around the world, with Holi events and celebrations now taking place in many countries outside of South Asia.

Cimbric Spring Festival

The Cimbric Spring Festival, also known as Sankt Hans Aften, is a traditional Danish holiday celebrated on the evening of June 23rd. The festival has its roots in ancient pagan traditions and marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It's a time for celebrating the power of the sun and the abundance of nature, and is often associated with themes of fertility, growth, and renewal. The festival is typically celebrated with bonfires, feasting, and singing and dancing around the fire. In some parts of Denmark, it's also traditional to burn an effigy of a witch on the bonfire, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The Cimbric Spring Festival is a powerful reminder of the cycles of nature and the importance of honoring the changing seasons. It invites us to celebrate the abundance of life and to embrace the warmth and joy of the summer season.

Songkran

Songkran, also known as the Thai New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. The festival typically takes place in mid-April and lasts for several days. Songkran is a time for cleansing, renewal, and the casting off of negative energy and bad luck. The festival is best known for its water fights, with people throwing water on each other as a symbol of purification and rejuvenation. Songkran is also marked by the building of sand stupas, the offering of food to monks, and the release of birds and fish as acts of merit. The festival is a time for family reunions and visits to Buddhist temples, and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm throughout Thailand. Songkran is a powerful reminder of the importance of letting go of the old and embracing the new, and invites us to celebrate the power of renewal and transformation in our own lives.

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Full Moon / Esbat
Worm Moon

The Earth is waking up! It is time to start planting. Plant physically and emotionally. Make a plan for the coming months. Plant seeds...what are you wanting for the month to come? Do a ritual to plant your desires. This month is all about new beginnings, balance of Light and Dark breaking illusions and seeing the truth in your life however much it may hurt.

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Magickal Workings

* Change

* Cleansing

* Fertility

* Hope

* Luck

* Money Workings

* Motivation

* New Beginnings

* Optimism

* Plant Magick

* Prosperity

* Purification

* Transformation

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Correspondences:

  • Symbols & Decorations: earthworms, seeds, birds, eggs, hares

  • Colors: Green, yellow, light purple

  • Plants & Flowers: jonquil, daffodil, violet

  • Crystals/Stones/Minerals: Bloodstone, aquamarine, tin, plarinum, pewter

  • Trees: Dogwood, honeysuckle

  • Herbs: High john, apple blossom, pennyroyal, Irish moss, yellow dock, daffodil, violet, broom

  • Oils & Scents: apple blossom, sandlewood, honeysuckle

  • Animals: cougar, hedgehog, boar, sea crow, sea eagle

  • Nature Spirits: fairies, woodland, water, elemental, animal spirits

  • Element: Earth

  • Direction: North

  • Foods & Beverages: spinach, arugula, kale, sprouts, eggs, honey, strawberries, raspberries, apricots, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds

  • Altar decorations: flowers of the season. sprouts, seeds, branches with buds, aquamarine, bloodstone, moonstone, ferns, mosses, ivy, green, yellow, and light blue

  • Activities: planting seeds, spring cleaning, crafting, art work, meditating in Nature, Spring Equinox Celebrations

  • Spell types: cleansing, healing, manifestation, protection, fertility, Spring Equinox Spells

  • Deities: Ostara, Eostre, Persephone, Freya, Demeter, Brigid

  • Other names: Storm, Death, Chaste, Crow, Eagle, Goose, Crow Comes Back, Sugar, Wind Strong, Sore Eyes, Lenten Moon, Paschal Full Moon (first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox), Happy, Sugar, Lemon, Seed (if closest to vernal equinox), Full Spring Ahead, Wind, Plough, Chicken, Death, Rainbow, Gold, Eagle Moon – Algonquin, Wind Moon – Catawba, Moon of Winds – Celtic, Strawberry Moon – Cherokee, Sleepy Moon – Chinese, Big Famine Moon – Choctaw, Lenten Moon or Paschal Moon – Christia,  Goose Moon – Cree, Spring Moon – Inupiat, Sugar Moon – Ojibwe, Crow Moon – Mohican, Parrotfish Moon – New Guinea

 

Other
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New Moon

The new moon that occurs in the month of March marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. During this time, the moon is not visible from Earth, as it is positioned between the Earth and the sun. The new moon is a time of renewal, new beginnings, and setting intentions for the month ahead. It is a powerful time to focus on personal growth and self-improvement, and to release any negative energy or habits that no longer serve us. This new moon also falls during the astrological sign of Pisces, which is associated with creativity, intuition, and spiritual growth. This makes it an especially auspicious time to connect with our inner selves and tap into our intuition, as we work towards manifesting our goals and dreams.

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Correspondences:

  • Symbols & Decorations: crescent moon, water, fish, lotus flower

  • Colors: shades of blue and green

  • Plants & Flowers: daffodil, crocus, snowdrop, hellebore

  • Crystals/Stones/Minerals: amethyst, aquamarine, moonstone

  • Trees: willow, birch, hazel, rowan

  • Herbs: chamomile, lavender, jasmine

  • Oils & Scents: lavender, rose, eucalyptus, lemon

  • Animals: fish, otter, frog, butterfly

  • Nature Spirits: fairies, wood nymphs, sprites

  • Element: Water

  • Direction: West

  • Foods & Beverages: seafood, kale, spinach, chard, seeds, almonds, walnuts, pecans

  • Altar decorations: 

  • Activities: meditation, journaling, setting intentions for the coming lunar cycle, spiritual bath, ritual that focuses on emotional healing and releasing old patterns

  • Spell types: focus on emotional healing, setting intentions for new beginnings, releasing old patterns that no longer serve you

  • Deities: Hecate, Artemis ,Epona, Kuan Yin

  • Astrological sign:  Pieces

  • Planetary associations: Pisces

  • Tarot card: The High Priestess

  • Divination tools: oracle ​

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Mundane Magick
Child's
Guest Bedroom

There are so many things you can do in your Child's room to make it magickal! Let's begin with to door, the entrance to their safe and fun place. If you are like me, I am not fond of taping things to the doors. However, you can make a fun sign WITH your child that protects all who enter. The sign could be something as simple as their name with a few small Moons and stars. While my boys were young (and still to this day) one talisman they insisted on was a piece of iron under their bed.

Make a poppet for your child and pour all your magick into it. This protects from harm and guards physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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Here are some suggestions:

  • Create a small altar or sacred space where children can connect with the divine or spiritual forces that they resonate with. This space can include candles, incense, crystals, and other items that hold personal significance.

  • Use storytelling and mythology to introduce children to different pagan traditions and beliefs. This can involve reading books, telling stories, or creating imaginative scenarios and role-playing games.

  • Encourage children to explore nature and connect with the natural world through activities like gardening, nature walks, or observing the phases of the moon and seasons.

  • Create a ritual or ceremony to mark special occasions or transitions, such as birthdays, solstices, or new beginnings. This can involve creating a sacred circle, lighting candles, and making offerings to the divine or spiritual forces.

  • Use divination tools like tarot cards or runes to help children tap into their intuition and connect with their inner selves.

  • Incorporate music, dance, or movement into pagan-inspired activities to help children connect with the spiritual and energetic aspects of life.

  • Place a piece of steel under the bed to absorb negativity.

  • Tie a red string or red beaded bracelte on your child to ward off evil. Indigenous people of  Central America

  • Red string on the child's bed wards off the evil eye. Jewish

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