Spring Equinox circa March 21   Ostara, or the Spring Equinox, is an enchanted borderland time outside of time where a magickal seam joins dark and light. From this moment on, the Sun God begins his seminal journey across the sky. His light and warmth overtake the darkness of Winter until his power peaks at Summer Solstice in June. Ostara is a time of new fire. The light and dark are in perfect balance, but the light is growing and the Sun is about to burst forth with new energy. It is a season of fertility and growth. Eostre or Ostara is the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring to whom offerings of cakes and colored eggs were made at the Vernal Equinox. Rabbits were sacred to her, especially white rabbits, and she was believed to take the form of a rabbit. ALTAR: For the Ostara altar: -- Candles should be light green. -- Incense may be jasmine. -- Decorate the circle with spring wildflowers. -- Place an earthenware or wooden bowl containing soil or a large seed of some kind on the altar. HERBS to use in your magic at Ostara: lily of the valley, tansy, lavender, marjoram, thyme, tarragon, lovage, lilac, violets, lemon balm, dogwood, honeysuckle, oakmoss, orrisroot, sunflower seeds, rose hips, oak, elder, willow, crocus, daffodil, jonquil, tulip, broom (Scotch or Iris), meadowsweet, acorn, trefoil (purple clover), vervain. STONES: Clear quartz crystal, rose quartz, agate, lapis lazuli, amazonite, garnet. ACTIVITIES :  Perform a seed blessing and indoor planting ritual.  Have a traditional breakfast of buns, ham, and eggs.  Make natural egg dyes from herbs.  Color hard boiled eggs and add symbols for the Fertility God, the Goddess, the Sun God, unity, fire, water, agriculture, prosperity and growth, strength and wisdom, spring, love and affection, and protection.  Consecrate the eggs: In the name of the Goddess of Spring, (name); and the ever-returning God of the Sun, (name); By the powers of the four elements -- earth, air, fire, and water; I do consecrate these eggs of Ostara.. Point the athame at the eggs, make the sign of the pentagram, and see the energy flow through the blade into the eggs, and say: New life lies within as new life shall enter the soil. Let those who seek this life find it and consume it, for all life feeds on life. The eggs may be hidden and an Ostara Egg Hunt commences.  Make pysanky and krashanky, magickal amulets of fertility, protection, and prosperity.  Make hot cross buns to honor the union of the earth and the sun for Spring. Slash the "X" with the bolline and bless the cakes.  Toss crushed eggshells into the garden and say: For fairy, for flowers, for herbs in the bowers, The shells pass fertility with springtime flowers.  Wear green clothing. Eat an egg you have empowered with a quality you desire. On Ostara Eve, light a purple or violet candle and burn patchouli incense. Carry them both through the house, and say: Farewell to wintry spirits and friends; On morrow we greet the spirits of spring. Our blessings to thee as your way we wend; And merry we'll meet next winter again. Blow out the candle and say: Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again. At this time, witches cast spells for careers, relationships, and love. It's a time for planting new ideas. Seek harmony and balance in the incredible energy of the season, and project good health, good fortune, and confidence in achieving goals. FOOD: Eggs! Spring lamb, cream and milk, bake bread with a decorated egg inside, spring salad, hot cross buns.