Ostara: A moment of balance and beginnings
Falling halfway between Imbolc and Beltane, Ostara (the Spring Equinox) is a threshold — a pause between what has been and what is beginning. For a brief moment, light and dark are equal, before we move fully into the brighter half of the year.
Celebrated around 20th March, Ostara marks the start of spring. After the stillness of winter, nature begins to stir from its slumber, and the first green shoots push through the soil. This is a moment to pause, and contemplate the possibilities that lie ahead.
Ostara at a glance
When: 20 March (Spring Equinox)
Position on the Wheel: Between Imbolc and Beltane
Seasonal themes: Balance, renewal, growth, fresh starts
Associated elements: Light, air, fertility
Colours: Green, light blue, soft pink, pale yellow
Foods: Eggs, dairy, fresh greens
Flowers: Daffodils, Tulips, Crocuses
A season of possibility
Ostara invites gentle renewal, the planting of seeds, and a mindful preparation for the growth and change of the season. As the days lengthen, energy returns, and life begins to bloom again.
The festival is named for Oestre, the goddess of fertility and rebirth, and has long been associated with symbols of new life, like hares and eggs, which later found their way into Easter traditions (chocolate eggs, anyone?). Traditionally, celebrations were simple: welcoming the returning sun, honouring fertility, and enjoying foods made with eggs, marking the first signs of abundance in the season.
Ostara energy in life and work
In the rhythm of the year, Ostara is a chance to gather the thoughts and ideas that have emerged through winter, nurturing them so they can grow and be celebrated later in the year. The shift in energy this season also makes it a perfect time to start turning those ideas into gentle plans — and just a few small steps can carry you forward.
This is a time for gentle, thoughtful action:
What ideas have grown quietly since midwinter?
What small seeds can I plant this spring?
Where do I need more balance — in work, creativity, or rest?
There’s no pressure to make any sudden or dramatic changes. Ostara isn’t about rushing forward. It’s about tending to what’s already stirring, and allowing it to unfold at its own steady pace.
Ways to celebrate Ostara
Ostara is a gentle shift rather than a dramatic one, so it doesn’t need fanfare. It’s something you can mark in small, meaningful ways, without pressure or perfection. Choose simple gestures and rituals that feel special to you. That’s more than enough.
Some gentle ways to mark Ostara:
Wake a little earlier to greet the morning light.
Spend a few minutes outside each day, noticing what’s changing.
Plant something — a few seeds in the garden or herbs on a windowsill.
Decorate with signs of spring, like seasonal flowers.
Reflect on your own balance — where do you feel steady or stretched?
For me, Ostara often brings the urge to make space, so I’ll usually spend some time decluttering and tidying my home and studio space. Once the frost has passed, I love to get outside in the garden — potting up seedlings and planning what I’ll grow. And of course, there’s always cake! I usually bake something citrusy, because lemon always feels like sunshine in cake form.
Moving gently towards what’s next
Ostara isn’t about suddenly switching from semi-hibernation to action. It’s about noticing the shifting season and the quiet stirrings of growth all around you.
Whether you mark it with a sunrise stroll, planting seeds, a creative project, or a simple moment of reflection, Ostara invites you to tune in to what’s emerging and take one small step towards what you’re ready to nurture.
However you choose to celebrate, may it be gentle, nourishing, and full of possibility.
For more gentle seasonal reflections and practical prompts, you can subscribe to Notes from the Studio or listen to my podcast, Seasons in Business.
And if you’d like a little guidance for planning the season ahead, my 2026 Spring Planning Guide is launching soon. It’s full of gentle prompts, reflection questions, and ideas to help you turn your intentions into action.
