Happy Ostara

I spotted this blackthorn blossom during my morning walk yesterday, a beautiful sign of life after months of cold days and slumbering trees.

I'm publishing this at 9.01 am on Thursday 20th March, the spring equinox, one of two instances each year when our sun aligns with the Earth's equator. While meteorologically, spring started on March 1st, this is the real deal – when winter finally yields to the season of new life and fresh starts.

In the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, the equinox is known as Ostara, a celebration of rebirth and balance, and a chance to put those plans you've been making into action.

In her short book The Earth's Cycle of Celebration, artist and writer Glennie Kindred says of the Spring Equinox:

"Everything in nature is coming alive. The sun is gaining strenght and the days are longer and warmer. It is the time to throw off the restraints of winter and reach out for what we want, make plans, journey forth, take risks."

Make plans. Journey forth. Take risks.

I like that and will be adopting it as my mantra for the coming months. The beginning of 2025 has been brutal in so many ways, with several of the things I planned becoming stymied along the way. No more. I'm going to take Ostara as my chance to start fresh, pushing on with projects that, I hope, will bear fruit in the year ahead.

May your spring be bursting with life and excitement!

What new adventures are you planning for spring? Let us know in the comments below!