SECTION ONE - HOLIDAY LORE

Ostara, A Harp In The Distance - Ahneke Greystone
Eostre - the herald of spring - Druantia Moonwillow
Flower Song - Contributed by Luna Willowsong 
Pagan Pysanky - Druantia Moonwillow

OSTARA
A HARP IN THE DISTANCE
By Ahneke Greystone

To the seasons of life and of fresh beginnings.
It is a time for all which is good,
For all beings which are new and small,
And of promise for the future.

Ann Moura, Green Witchcraft


Some of the older traditions of Wicca practiced only the four sabbats of the cross-quarters: Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. These celebrations were intimately tied to the ancient agrarian cycles of sowing, growing, reaping and lying fallow. In the grand scheme of things, celebration of quarter-days (Ostara included) might be considered relatively recent.

There is proof, in the stones of megalithic sites, that the ancients did track and monitor the seasonal changes of the quarters. These may well have been solemn times of reading of omens and portents, and were probably not the colorful celebrations we associate with the four major sabbats. Little is known about the ancient celebrations of the lesser sabbats. It appears, though, that they passed, if not out of favor, perhaps just a bit more into the background.

Celebration by the "regular" folk of the Winter and Summer Solstices in more modern times joined the four original sabbats after the Teutonic invasion, with the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox celebrations being more evident after the Roman invasions. The Roman holidays may have brought back to mind ancient pagan memories of those celebrations, as communities celebrated Roman/Greek holidays in combination with the heritage of their own ethnic past.

Some Wiccans refer to Ostara as Lady Day, and that may be the older reference to what we generally now call Ostara. That day is sometimes celebrated on the fixed date of March 25, or, as seems more common now, it is celebrated at the Vernal Equinox. Ostara is sometimes celebrated at the Full Moon, and many Wiccan practitioners feel that it is important to celebrate it as an esbat due to its honoring of the Anglo Saxon Moon Goddess Eostara. Others, however, celebrate the holiday at Sunrise on the first day of Spring, in honor of the Greek Goddess of Dawn, East and Rebirth, Eos.

No matter what day or time of day a particular tradition chooses to celebrate the holiday, most celebrations honor a myth of resurrection. Spring, when the world, seemingly dead, is miraculously reborn, has been a symbol of Universal Truth throughout human time. We see that in the tales of many of our traditions, such as the stories of Balder, Cybele and Attis, Demeter and Persephone, Dionysus and Semele, Osiris and Isis, and Tammuz and Ishtar.

For those of us raised as Christians or living in Christian communities, we see the reflection of these myths in the celebration of Easter and the stories of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. Many of the symbols of the Easter celebration (including Sunrise services, colored eggs and egg hunts, the Easter Bunny and rabbits, lambs, the lily and the wearing of new clothes in celebration of the day) have pagan origins and have been preserved in the modern celebration of Christianity.

Vivianne Crowley says that the God at Ostara is at his most "Pan-ish." He is the Lord of the Greenwood. He has not yet discovered his connection to others. He lives totally for himself, with no sense of impending doom and no feeling that he is mortal. He lives for each moment, and lives vivaciously and completely. He is balanced at this time between his animal instincts, his totally free spirit, and the moment when he begins to acknowledge that he has a role to play. Responsibilities. A certain fate. This culminates at Beltane, when by accepting marriage to the Goddess he is accepting the birth of his decline.

The Gods of Spring are represented by:
Adonis, Attis, Bran, Cernunnos, Dagda, Danh, Dylan, Gwali, Hercules (the child), Mithras, Pan

The Goddess at Ostara is seen in her guise of Mother, as Demeter who greets the return of her beloved daughter by regreening the sleeping world. And as the Maid of Spring. The Maiden is dancing just beyond the reach of the young God. Whether she deigns to permit physical contact or not isn't what matters. It is that she does not reveal herself to him. She is being a bit of a tease. At Beltane, when they become wife and husband, there is a sharing which has not occurred at Ostara. In the Spring, she is the Maiden, who has no need of another. She is independent, and she is complete within herself.

The Goddesses of Spring are those of Maiden and Mother, and are many, some being: Anna Fearina, Aphrodite, Arianhod, Athena, Blodeuwedd, Chalchiuhtlique, Coatlicue, Copper Woman, Cupra, Cybele, Demeter, Diana, Doda, Eoestre/Astrate/Ishtar/Esther, Erce, Eriu, Flidais, Flora, Freya, Gaia, Garbhog, Guadalupe, Hera/Juno, Hina, Iris, Ishtar, Isis, Kore, Kwan Yin, Libera, Lilith, Madhusri, Ma-Ku, Mary, Melusine, Menvra, Minerva, Morwyn, Nepthys, Oddudua, Oshun, Ova, Parvati, Persephone, Renpet, Rheda, Salamaona, Venus, Vesna, Vesta.

Foods of Spring: Biscuits, cakes, cheeses, ,eggs, fish, ham, honey, leafy,/green vegetables, seeds (such as sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, pine nuts), sprouts.

Incense of Spring: Jasmine, lemon, rose, tansy, violets.

Herbs of Spring: Catnip, celandine, cinquefoil, lemon grass, marjoram, meadowsweet, rose hips, spearmint, tansy, tarragon, thyme, vervain.

Flowers of Spring: Crocus, daffodil, dogwood, honeysuckle, iris, jonquils, lavender, lilac, lily, Lily of the Valley, narcissus, rose, snowdrops, strawberry, tulip, violets.

Stones of Spring: Agate, amazonite, clear quartz crystal, garnet, lapis lazuli, rose quartz.

As modern pagans, we feel the sap running in this season. It flows through the trees, as it courses through the veins of our body. We may witness the bloom of daffodil and forsythia or notice that more are prone to take their lunch hours on city park benches. The signs are all around us. The time of day and night is balanced, and there is a feeling of suspension. Of something about to happen. We may have reached this moment of the soul also, this instant immediately before we give birth to an idea or a make a major decision. We are eager for the Spring. “Enough of Winter!” we say. Z. Budapest calls the energy of the season “fresh energy.” This is not a time where old energies are recycled. For we have used the power of Winter and its days of deep reflection and introspection to begin anew in this Springtime. Carrying the essence of last year’s life into this new year. But creating anew with each step forward.

As the natural world around us blooms and bursts forth in renewed vigor, we, too, stand on the verge of rebirth. There is a sacred moment in Springtime when we understand the power within us to transform. As the Earth warms, so the fire in our soul expands and rises to greet the new world.

Bright Blessings of the Lady who is Maiden and her Lord of the Greenwood!

Ahneke Greystone, Ostara 2000

It's Spring

Spring unfurls its blue ribbon
To flutter in the air again.
Sweet, familiar breezes
Brush the earth with promises.
Violets, already dreaming,
Are eager to arrive.
Listen -- a harp in the distance!
Yes! It's you, Spring!
I knew you were coming!

Eduard Morike

Eostre - the herald of spring
By Druantia Moonwillow

Of the eight Sabbats, Eostre (or the spring equinox) is one of my favourites. Sometimes known as Oestre or Ostara, this time heralds the lengthening of the days and the return of the sun. The name of the Christian holiday Easter is derived from Eostre. As well, they haveborrowed many other elements of the Pagan celebrations, such as Easter eggs, rabbits and hot cross buns.

In Pagan ceremony, the blessing of fertility is represented by a rabbit (a proper allegory, as rabbits are infamously prolific). Eggs are another sign of fertility, holding within them the promise of new life to come. Eostre, for whom the holiday is named, is a Teutonic goddess of the Spring.

THE LEGEND OF EOSTRE

According to legend, Eostre had a special fondness for children. Wherever she went, they followed, and she loved to sing and entertain them with magic. One day, while sitting in a garden with her young entourage, a lovely songbird fluttered down to sit on her hand. She spoke a few quiet words, and the bird was transformed into Eostre's favorite animal, the rabbit. This delighted the children, until they noticed that the rabbit was trembling with fear and anguish. They realized that the rabbit was unhappy with the transformation, as it could no longer soar in the sky or sing. Instead, it had been changed into a mute, defenseless, unhappy creature.

The children petitioned Eostre to reverse the spell, but having broken the "an' harm none, do as ye will" rule, she found her power diminished, and was unable to permanently do so. The bunny remained forever thus, except at the onset of spring, when Eostre's power is at its height and the rabbit has the power to transform into a bird for a short while, and to lay its eggs in celebration of Eostre. In celebration of its brief freedom and to reward the children who begged the goddess to transform it back, Eostre's rabbit carries its eggs to children throughout the world.

To remind the world of her folly, Eostre has etched the outline of a rabbit in the face of the full moon, where you will see it facing left with its ears going back to the right. People can watch it soar safely against the clouds, far from the perils of life on earth.

TO REMEMBER

Eostre is a wonderful time for spring cleaning, for the weeding out of old, unused and unloved things to make room for new and spiritually rewarding things. Perhaps it means cleaning out your flower bed or your clothes closet, or perhaps it has a more incorporeal meaning for you. What have you been holding onto that you cannot make positive use of? What new things would you like to grow in your heart, and what needs to be done to speed the process?

Depending on where you live, Eostre may be time for planting, or for digging up the garden. Some Pagans bury a colored egg in the garden to ensure a fertile year. In some areas, such as northern Canada, the earth is still frozen and covered with snow. Northern Pagans can celebrate the holiday by ordering seeds or trees to be planted later, or by sowing indoor plants or planning a garden on paper. Taking a walk in the fresh air or opening the windows for a few (albeit cold) minutes will let out the staleness of winter and welcome the change in seasons.

Volunteer time, if you don't have a garden, at your local conservatory or greenhouse. Some will welcome the extra hands, in these times of cutbacks, and it does feel incredible to sink your fingers into the rich black soil after a long, cold winter.

Remember your animal and bird friends as well. Early spring, before growth starts, is a very hard time for those steadfast beings who stay the winter. Fill your feeder and the bird bath (water is very important as well) for them. Don't forget suet for the insect-feeders.

If you have children, or even an inner child, don't forget to color eggs! Whether you choose a commercial dye method or try your hand at the intricate designs of Pysanki (Ukranian Easter Eggs), this is a splendid way to celebrate the season. This issue of C & B has an article on Pysanki for Pagans.

THE TASTE OF SPRING

Bake Hot Cross Buns for your loved ones. These famous provisions aren't just for Christians, you know. The equal armed cross is in fact more suited to Brighid's Cross, made at Imbolc, and many Pagans feel that the four arms represent the seasons, or the four elements (earth, air, fire and water), or the four points on a compass. Raisins embedded in the bread represent future growth, just as raisins are the seeds from which grape vines will grow.

Another favorite of my household is Oestre Muffins. With yellow pineapple, white coconut and red cherries, they're not only delicious and healthful, they cover three of the four colors associated with Oestre (white for purity, yellow for the sun, green representing birth and new growth, and red for life) and are ideal as cakes during ritual. Of course, there are other colors associated with the holiday as well: blue, purple and orange, the colors of the blossoms spring will usher in.

OESTRE MUFFINS:

Drain 1 - 19 oz can crushed pineapple thoroughly. In a large bowl mix 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup butter, 1 egg, ½ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla. Add 1 ½ cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp each soda and salt, and stir. Gently fold in the drained pineapple, ½ cup coconut, and 12 chopped maraschino cherries. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes. Makes 12 large muffins.

However you celebrate your Sabbat, do so in the spirit of the season. Do it with energy, with laughter, with joy and with love.

Flower Song
Contributed by Luna Willowsong

I like to incorporate song and other music into my Sabbat rituals but it is not always easy to find something appropriate. Browsing different sites on the web, I came across this "carol". I think it's beautiful, easy to sing, and quite appropriate for use at Ostara. I've been singing it ever since I found it! It's not difficult to imagine spring with the unseasonably warm temps we've had here this week but I imagine it will be a while before there are any flowers in the north. "The Flower Song" paints images of the maiden as she ushers in Spring. This carol is from the "Oxford Book of Carols". It is sung to the tune of Good King Wenceslas, although Oxford claims that Good King Wenceslas actually borrowed the tune from "Flower Song".


FLOWER SONG

Spring has now unwrapped the flowers.
Day is fast reviving.
Life in all her growing powers,
Toward the light is striving.
Gone the iron touch of cold,
Winter time and frost time.
Seedlings working through the mould
Now make up for lost time!

Herb and plant that Winter long
Slumbered at their leisure,
Now bestirring green and strong,
Find in growth their pleasure.
All the world with beauty fills,
Gold the green enhancing.
Flowers make glee among the hills.
And see the meadow dancing!

Through each wonder of fair days
She herself expresses.
Beauty follows all Her ways
As the world She blesses.
So, as She renews the earth,
Artist without rival,
In Her grace of glad new birth
We must seek revival!

Pagan Pysanky
By Druantia Moonwillow

Ukranian easter eggs (called pysanky) are a beautiful way to celebrate
Eostre with your family. Their history predates Christianity, going back well over 2000 years, when it was believed that the egg represented the return of life and warmth to the earth and had powers of prosperity and fertility. The symbology on the eggs can be personalized for individual ritual use. They can be made as simple or as intricate as you choose, and make a wonderful keepsake through the years.

SUPPLIES;
A hand-decorated pysanky is a very personal and potent gift, containing the wishes of the person who crafted it as well as the messages inscribed by the marking pen (called a kitska. One kitska, two kitsky). The necessary supplies may be found at Ukranian supply stores or cooperatives. Here in western Canada, a kitska costs about $1.75, each dye color packet costs $.75 to $1.50, and a small roll of beeswax is $2.25. I have found the hardest part is locating a supplier of eggs, because the eggs that are used in pysanky may not be pre-washed. Do not ever boil an egg that is to be used in pysanky. They must come straight from the chicken, with only a brief dry wipe clean, or the dyes will not take (also, be sure not to use hand creams when handling the eggs or the dyes won't take). Usually, a Ukranian supply store will be able to point you in the right direction, though. The dyes, if made with distilled water and sealed well, will last a year or more. I use mason jars and put them away each year for the next, replacing colors that have gone bad. The kitsky, if not burned to a crisp, will last for many years.

As well as the dyes, kitsky and beeswax, you will need a candle, a baking sheet lined with paper towel, a surface covered with several layers of newspaper, extra paper towels, a pencil and spoons for immersing the eggs in the dyes.

INSTRUCTIONS;
The dyes should be prepared and at room temperature before commencing your project. Draw a dividing line around the egg's longitudinal axis, and another line so the egg is divided into 4 long quarters with an x at the top and bottom. Then draw a line around the latitudinal axis (equator) of the egg. Never erase a mistake you've made with the pencil. You guessed it - the dye won't stick. Picky stuff, this dye... Fill the reservoir of the kitska with beeswax, and heat it over the candle flame until a small dribble comes out of the bottom, sort of like writing with an old fashioned ink pen. You'd be best advised to try your hand at doing this on paper first, to get familiar with the amount of heat needed to get the optimum flow. Then, keeping the kitska at right angles to the egg, you trace along the dividing lines, and fill with wax any other portion of the egg which you want to remain white. The grip of the kitska will feel odd, but you'll find the way that's best for you. Then, immerse the egg in the lightest (usually yellow) dye bath for several minutes, until it has reached a desired color.

After removing the egg from the dye bath, pat it dry (don't rub) and heat the kitska, drawing on the egg all the parts you want to remain yellow. Next, green or light blue are added, using a cotton swab to paint onto the egg and covering those sections with wax. Then immerse it into the next darkest (usually orange), and so forth. Always go from lightest to darkest, immersing the egg in dye except for the blue and green which are very powerful dyes and so must be painted on.

Once the egg design is completed, dip the egg into the final dye bath, which may be black, dark red, royal blue or purple. The most intriguing part of the process is watching the egg come to life as the dyes are removed and the brilliant colors emerge. This can be done by heating the egg over a candle and gently rubbing off the melted wax, but I've found that carbon from the candle can darken the lighter dyes. I prefer the oven method of placing the eggs on a baking tray lined with paper towel into a 200 degree oven with the door open. When the wax begins to melt, remove the egg and wipe clean with a tissue.

The eggs are varnished for maximum shine, and placed on a rack. For those worried about an egg breaking after a period of weeks or months (ewww.... it does smell horrible), the eggs may be blown out after varnishing. Make a hole in the ends with a small drill or needle, being sure to pierce and stir the yolk inside. Blow through one end. The yolk and white will slide out the other. When empty, rinse with clear water and blow again to remove the extra water.

Store on a rack out of direct sunlight. Do not let eggs freeze or overheat, and they will store for years. They need to have air circulation too, don't forget!

SYMBOLISM;
So now you know how to make one. What do you draw on it? Let your imagination run wild. You may use runes if you wish, to convey a wish or a message, or draw a cauldron, pentagram or broom on the egg. You might include one of the four Tarot suits (cups, swords, pentacles or wands) or you may use more traditional symbols.

Circles stand for protection, the cycle of life, and incarnation into the next life. Triangles represent fire, the triple goddess, or the sun, moon and stars. Dots usually represent stars in the sky, and curls are for protection. Spirals indicate the mystery of life and death and immortality. Crosses may represent the four elements, Brighid's cross or the four directions. Other basic shapes used on pysanky include stars (success, knowledge), suns (the sun god, prosperity, good fortune or the male aspect) and moons (the goddess, fertility, the feminine). Waves, zigzag lines and ribbons drawn around the egg stood for reincarnation and life's continuity.

In bygone days, many of the signs on pysanky were related to agriculture. Plants indicated the desire for fertility and a good harvest, rebirth and nature. Trees represented the interconnected nature of life, strength, and wisdom. Fruit was drawn to render the image of love, fruition and continuation, and wheat represented a plentiful harvest.

Animals present the egg crafter with a huge range of possibilities. You may choose your totem animal, or a traditional symbol such as stags (the sun god, leadership, masculinity), horses (wealth, speed and passion), birds (communication with the gods and goddesses, fertility, good harvest) or butterflies (the soul's change to another incarnation). Spiders were used to depict patience, healing, good luck and skill. Fish have traditionally represented the element of water, spirituality, regeneration and sacrifice.

When picking out your colors, you may want to consider the color meaning from your particular beliefs as well as the conventional color meanings. White is purity, innocence and trust. Yellow stands for enlightenment, spiritual seeking and happiness, and is associated with Air. Red, the fire color, of course, is passion, love and earthly desires. Orange is power, strength and energy. Green is renewal and rebirth, and brown stands for the earth itself. Both are representative of the element Earth. Blue is air, freedom, and seeking spiritual knowledge. Blue is the color attuned to water, as is purple, which stands for fortitude, depth of spiritual knowledge, and attainment of vitality. Black indicates eternity, protection, banishment, constancy and respect.

Whatever symbols and colors you wish to incorporate into your egg, you can be sure that the finished product will be a powerful and beautiful reflection of your intent. Good luck, and happy egg hunting!