How to Create an Altar for Ostara | Spring Equinox
Ostara, the Spring Equinox, is the Sabbat of awakening and rebirth, new beginnings and new life. This Sabbat is usually celebrated on March 20 or 21 and it’s when both day and night (light and darkness) are at equal length. It’s the time of the year where nature is bursting with fresh new energy and new beginnings. The Sun now enters into the fire sign Aries - the zodiac sign of innovation, new beginnings and willpower.
And I mean, just take a look around you! Here, in the Northern Hemisphere, the spring flowers that were merely peeking through the soil at Imbolc are now preparing to reveal their most stunning dresses. Soon, vibrant crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths will paint the landscape in shades of purple, pink, yellow, and blue. And I cannot wait for that! The first hints of green return to the once-barren branches of trees, promising a season of growth and abundance - once again.
So a wonderful way to celebrate this light-hearted time of the year is to create an Altar - a sacred space - that represents everything that you connect to this time of the year!
Symbols to Include on Your Ostara Altar
I encourage you to take a look around in your surroundings. You really want to get inspired by Mother Earth :) Include all the energies and impressions that you received into your practice, celebrations and altar decorations, because this will make all of it unique to you.
Many symbols are associated with this Sabbat, each carrying deep meaning tied to fertility, growth, and transformation. Here are some of the most common and powerful symbols of Ostara and the Wheel of the Year:
Eggs: Eggs have long been a symbol of fertility, new beginnings, and new life. They represent the potential of what’s to come, making them a perfect addition to any Ostara altar.
Nest: A nest symbolizes safety, and new beginnings. It shelters baby birds, who will soon spread their wings and take flight - just as we embrace new opportunities in the coming season!
A Basket Filled with Eggs: A basket full of eggs is a classic Ostara decoration, representing abundance and the blessings of the coming months.
Baby Animals: Spring is a season of new life, and animals such as baby chicks, lambs, rabbits, and hares are powerful symbols of fertility, rebirth, and the renewal of nature. The hare, in particular, is deeply connected to Ostara and fertility goddesses, making it a sacred animal for this Sabbat.
Spring Flowers: In the Northern Hemisphere, some of the most common flowers associated with Ostara include: Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Eranthis and Hyacinths as these flowers symbolize renewal, beauty, and the return of warmth and light.
Seeds: Seeds are deeply connected to Ostara and spring rituals, symbolizing the promise of new beginnings, future harvests, and the cycle of life. Many people honor this time by planting seeds or performing a seed ritual, setting intentions for all the growth in the months ahead.
Butterflies: Butterflies undergo a profound transformation, emerging from their cocoons as symbols of rebirth, change, and renewal - all central themes of Ostara and the Spring Equinox.
The Fairies & The Good People: Fairies and the Good People are often associated with the reawakening of nature.
Willow Catkins: One of the first signs of spring (where I live), willow catkins are soft, fluffy buds that appear as the earth re-awakens. To me, they look like tiny rabbits, so they are a cute and symbolic addition to any Ostara altar or nature display. :)
Colors associated with Ostara | the Spring Equinox
The colors associated with Ostara and the Spring Equinox (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) are deeply inspired by the vibrant colors of nature’s awakening. And during this season, you’ll find these colors reflected in nature all around you:
Light Pink – Love, compassion, and new beginnings
Light Blue – Serenity, clarity, and open communication
Light Purple – Spiritual awakening and intuition
Yellow – Joy, warmth, and the returning sun
Pastel Colors in general
And if you ask me to choose just one color to represent Ostara, I simply couldn’t! Because that’s the true magick of this season! The magick lies in all these beautiful colors that are showing up now, and this diversity of colors, that is growing with every day in nature.
Include Deities in your Altar Set-up
If you’d like to incorporate deities into your Ostara altar, there are several goddesses deeply connected to the Spring Equinox. Honoring them through images, statues, offerings, or artwork can help you align with their energies of fertility, renewal, and transformation.
Here are some deities to research and include in your Ostara altar setup:
Eostre: The Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and dawn, Eostre (or Ostara) represents rebirth, fertility, and the returning light. Many associate her with hares and eggs, which have become key symbols of the Spring Equinox.
Freya: The Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, Freya is a perfect deity to honor during Ostara. She embodies passion, renewal, and the blossoming of life—all themes of the spring season.
Hretha: A lesser-known Germanic goddess, Hretha is associated with victory and renewal. Some believe she was honored in March, making her a fitting deity for Ostara rituals focused on strength and new beginnings.
Persephone: The Greek goddess of spring and the underworld, Persephone represents the cycle of death and rebirth. Her return from the underworld each year symbolizes the earth’s awakening, making her a powerful figure to include on your Ostara altar.
You can include these deities in your altar setup through statues or images representing them, offerings, handwritten poems, or symbols associated with their myths. Work with deities that resonate with you and that you are creating a meaningful connection with them. :)
I also created a Witch’s Guide on how to celebrate Ostara | the Spring Equinox:
I hope this gives you some inspiration to create your unique Ostara Altar. Don’t forget that an Altar is highly personal and there is no right or wrong. 😊 BTW: I would love to see your Altar - so if you want, tag me on Instagram @bbswitchlife in your Stories or Reels 😍
I hope you have a wonderful week!
All my love,
Bebea