Eostara Traditions and History - Meetup

Eostara Traditions and History

Eostre (pronounced E-oast-ra) was the Anglo-Saxon goddess of the dawn, from whom "East" (where the sun rises) and "Easter" got its name - as the fertility goddess of the Northern European peoples, her legend was manipulated by the invading Romans - newly Christianized, they merged Eostre's spring legend to coincide with the time of Christ's resurrection. She is also goddess Ostara, the maiden, in German mythology, celebrated when night and day are equal and balanced (the spring equinox for the northern hemisphere). Interestingly, the word "estrus" (referring to an animal in heat) is also derived from Eostra as her consort was a rabbit with an extraordinarily high libido! According to legend, Eostre became angry with the rabbit and cast it into the heavens. Eostre gave Lepus the gift of laying eggs once a year, which, combined with the symbolism of new life (Christ's resurrection), is why we have a modern day myth of "Easter Bunny" delivering Easter eggs to children.

Spring's Vernal Equinox, on approximately March 21, is the mid-point of the Waxing Year. The spark of light that was born at Winter Solstice has reached maturity, and from this point forward, the days grow longer than the nights. Spring is the time for a celebration of planting and of the greening of the Earth. People start to talk about having `Spring Fever' and doing `Spring cleaning', as the brighter sunshine provides a needed morale boost. We have survived another Winter and are once more surrounded by the delights of Spring. Some authorities say that this was probably the time that the Christian Church should have chosen to celebrate as the birth date of Jesus, since this would have been the time for paying taxes in ancient Jerusalem and, according to the myth, Mary and Joseph were traveling to fulfill that obligation. It is also the season of lambing, the only time shepherds would `watch by night'. This is the time of balance, of equal day and night. Feeling anxious, angry or fearful? Slow yourself down, and find time every day to meditate. Feeling listless or depressed this time of year? Time to `spring' into action! Make a list of tasks you've been avoiding, and vow to complete at least one today!

SUGGESTED AFFIRMATIONS:

~ I live life without fear

~ My creativity is energized

~ I feel absolutely supercharged

~ I embrace life in its absolute fullness

~ Today is my chance to be healthy

~ My vital energy resurfaces naturally

~ I find my path following my inclinations

~ My whole being reaches for the new dawn

~ I embrace Eostre's passion for new life and let my life take the new direction I have wanted

Magickal Eostara Eggs

Eggs are one of the predominant symbols of Eostara, because they represent the life and rebirth that

occurs in the Spring. A traditional past-time for Eostara is to color eggs, a craft seen these days around

the Christian version of the holiday. But don't insult Mother Earth by dousing your eggs in chemicals and

synthetic dyes! You can use everyday items from your kitchen to create a whole rainbow of colors. To

make them magickal, draw magickal symbols on the eggs with crayons or using masking tape before

dyeing them. Each color applied to the decorated eggs has a meaning or purpose. To make 4 cups of

dye, you'll need 4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and your dye material. Most spices only

require a tablespoon or so, but if you are using chopped fruit or vegetable matter, you'll need a few cups.

Bring everything to a boil, then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool, then strain. Dip your hard-boiled eggs

into the dye for at least 15 minutes. Longer dying = darker color. ? Pink (love) - beet juice, cranberries, raspberries, red cabbage, red grape juice, cochineal ? Red (passion, hope, bravery, sexuality) ? lots of red onion skins ? Orange (power, endurance, ambition) ? yellow onion skins, paprika ? Yellow (wisdom, spirituality) ? turmeric, lemon peel, carrot tops, cumin, celery seed, saffron ? Green (rebirth, wealth, growth, happiness) ? spinach, cabbage, elderberry ? Brown (enrichment, stability) - coffee, tea, chili powder, black walnut shells ? Blue (health, tranquility) - blueberries, grape juice, red cabbage leaves ? Purple (faith, trust, power) ? small amount of grape juice, violet blossoms with lemon juice

Egg Ceremony for later

Set the eggs on a plate or basket on a table that faces East. Set two candles on either side of the plate, white candle on the right, black on the left. These candles represent the balance between night and day. Light the candles, meditating on your wishes and visualizing them manifesting, saving the shells and a small bit of egg. Find a secret place in your yard or in a wild area near your home. Bury the wax and shells, giving a little back to the Goddess.

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