As the veil thins, the earth stretches and yawns, bursting with vibrant life. That's Ostara.

Ostara, also known as the vernal equinox, heralds the return of light and the blossoming of hidden magic.

At Langtree Botanics, we honour this ancient turning of the Wheel of the Year, drawing upon the lore of the old ways and the vibrant energy of the burgeoning spring.

Join us as we discover the mysteries of Ostara and discover how to weave its enchantment into your life with nature's gifts, including our sustainable candles and natural soap.

Photo by Simon Wilkes on Unsplash

What is Ostara?

Ostara, named after the Goddess Eostre, is a moment of perfect balance. Unlike solstices, which celebrate the longest night or day, the equinox marks the parts of the year where day and night are of equal length. In the UK, it is a gateway to the lively energy of spring. Think of it as nature's big "hello" after a long winter.

Ancient Symbols and Whispers

To truly understand Ostara, we can look to the ancient symbols that have long been associated with this time of year. These symbols carry deep meaning and connect us to the essence of spring:

• The Sacred Egg. A vessel of potential, representing new life and hidden potential.
  
  
• The Swift Hare. A messenger of the Goddess Ostara, embodying fertility and the wild spirit of spring.
  
  
• First Blooms. The vibrant colours of spring, a testament to earth's awakening, showing nature's rebirth
  
  
• Hidden Seeds. The promise of future harvests, holding the secrets of growth and abundance.

Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

Honouring Old Traditions

For centuries, people have marked the arrival of spring with rituals and celebrations. These old traditions remind us of our connection to the natural world and the cycles of life.

Ancient rites honoured the sun's return, celebrating the fertile earth and the reawakening of nature's magic.

The equinox symbolised the balance between light and dark, and many cultures used this moment to perform rituals of purification and renewal.

It marked the beginning of the planting season. Rituals often involved blessing seeds and fields to ensure a bountiful harvest. These blessings were usually done with herbs, flowers, and spoken incantations.

People would create wreaths and garlands of spring flowers to decorate their homes. Flowers were seen as symbols of rebirth and the earth's fertility. Offerings of grains, fruits, and flowers were left at sacred sites to honour the Earth and the deities associated with spring.

Communal gatherings and dances were a common way to celebrate the equinox. These gatherings occurred outdoors, in fields or forests, to connect with the natural world. Dances and songs were performed to welcome the spring and express gratitude for the earth's renewal.

Photo by Vince Veras on Unsplash

Crafting Ostara Magic with Langtree Botanics

We believe in using nature's gifts to bring magic into your life. Our natural candles and soaps are made to connect you with the seasons and celebrate the festivals of ancient folklore.

Light the Vernal Nature Sprite Candle to create a cosy atmosphere with its warm glow and enchanting fragrances of neroli, orange and cedarwood. This aromatic blend invokes the essence of spring, making it perfect for refreshing your space. The candle's natural pastel yellow colour beautifully represents the season's charm.

Place our laser engraved wheel of the year wooden log slices upon your altar as a focal point for all your rituals.

Simple Ostara Rituals

• Vernal Spells. Recite the Vernal Nature Sprite's ancient words in "A Spell to Nurture and Protect All Living Things." Let these words resonate within you, planting seeds of intention in your soul. Use them as a focal point for your meditation, reflecting on the importance of nurturing yourself and the environment and respecting all living creatures.
• Woodland Walk. Walk in the forest and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring. Listen out for the magical Nature Sprites.
• Sow Seeds. When you plant seeds, think about how your dreams can grow just like them with care and time.
• After your walk, wash your hands and cleanse your soul with our natural vegetable oil-based soaps made to help you feel fresh and connected to nature.

Langtree Botanics vegan soap

Bringing Wellbeing and Magic into Your Life

Ostara is a time for transformation and self-care. Here are some simple ways to embrace spring:

Crafting your Magick!

To celebrate the arrival of spring, tap into your creativity by expressing yourself through art, poetry, or song. You can also create a unique space for your rituals, using flowers and symbols related to Ostara. This space will help you connect with the season and enhance your spiritual practices.

Moving with the Earth's rhythms

Try gentle movements like yoga, tai chi, or dancing to feel the energy in and around you. These activities can help you relax and stay balanced. Also, spending time outside in nature lets you enjoy the sounds of the forest and refresh your mind.

Set Intentions for manifestation

Think about what you want to achieve in life. Clearly define your goals, as it will help you in making decisions. Ostara, a spring celebration, represents new starts, making it a perfect time to work on your dreams. Use this moment to focus on your goals and take action toward achieving them.

Ethical, Vegan & Natural

We use ethical ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and support tree planting. Choosing our products helps both you and the planet.

• Our rapeseed wax blend is a sustainable alternative to soy wax.
• We use natural colourants (which we infuse the wax with in our own kitchen) and essential oils that are ethically sourced.
• All of our products are cruelty-free and are certified by the Vegan Society.
• Our packaging is crafted from recycled and biodegradable materials.
• We minimise our environmental impact through careful packaging choices.
• We partner with Tree-Nation to plant trees for every purchase, helping to restore forests and combat climate change.
• We encourage giving back to nature through planting in your garden or window box, ensuring the magic of nature endures.

Conclusion

Ostara is a time of awakening, a moment to embrace the magic that stirs within and around us. With Langtree Botanics, you can weave the enchantment of spring into your daily life, honouring the ancient rhythms of the earth. May your Ostara be filled with light, magic, and the joy of renewal.

Visit www.langtreebotanics.com to discover the magic of our seasonal offerings, including vegan candles, natural soaps, and wheel-of-the-year gifts. Shop our Ostara collection now and bring the spirit of spring into your home.