ostara

6 Ostara Spells for Renewal, Growth and Spring Equinox Magic

From abundance magic to gentle emotional clearing, these Ostara spells tap into the equinox’s themes of balance, growth and new beginnings — perfect for weaving into your spring ritual or practicing on their own.

A dandy wearing a rabbit mask stands by a bonfire at night at the Wiccan festival of Ostara

Ostara arrives at the moment light and dark hold each other in perfect balance — the world softening, warming and waking. It’s the turning point between the quiet stirrings of Imbolc and the wild, bright momentum of Beltane, a threshold where everything feels possible again.

If you already worked with that early-spring spark while casting Imbolc spells, Ostara is where that seed you planted starts growing roots. And many of these spells fold naturally into a full equinox ritual, especially if you’re already celebrating with the traditions in your Ostara ritual.

Because this is the sabbat of balance, rebirth and gentle forward motion, the magic here leans into what spring does best: steady abundance, grounded love, soft shadow healing and the playful folklore of the season — including the old fertility symbols that eventually helped shape the modern Easter Bunny.

What follows is your seasonal spellbook — a full cycle of Ostara workings, each with its own purpose, ingredients and method, none repeating the same structure.

To make your magic even more powerful, it’s always a good idea to cast a magic circle.

OSTARA SPELL LINEUP 

A balanced mix of: prosperity, love, healing, growth, clarity and protection — all spring-themed.

  1. Spell for Renewed Self-Love & Worth

  2. Spell to Attract Love

  3. Spell for Opening Financial Roads

  4. Spell for Emotional Healing After Loss

  5. Spell for Breaking Old Habits or Patterns

  6. Spell to Invite New Opportunities

A young girl sits on a stool gazing into a mirror, with flowers around her, focusing on self-love

Spell for Renewed Self-Love & Worth

A gentle spring ritual using mirror magic and flower-infused water

What you need:

  • A small hand mirror

  • A bowl of warm water

  • A handful of fresh flower petals (rose, chamomile, violet or whatever you have)

  • A pinch of sugar or a bit of honey

  • A soft cloth or scarf

Step 1: Make the floral water

Place the bowl of warm water before you. Add the petals and stir clockwise with your fingertips.

As they soften, imagine your heart doing the same — thawing, loosening, opening.

Add the sugar or honey and let it dissolve.

Say:

Sweetness return where doubt has been,
Let my own light rise again.

Dip the soft cloth into the floral water and set it aside.

Step 2: See yourself clearly

Hold the mirror close enough that you can see only your face. Let this be about you, not the room around you.

Look for the softness returning — not perfection, not confidence, just presence.

Say:

As spring wakes earth, so I wake too.
I see myself in colors true.

Breathe once onto the surface of the mirror, allowing it to fog.
Wipe it gently with the dampened cloth — as if clearing winter from your reflection.

Step 3: Anoint the heart

Dip your fingertips into the floral water and touch your heart, then your throat, then your forehead.

Whisper:

Heart be tender, voice be kind,
Let worth and love return to mind.

Close your eyes for a moment. Picture a warm, pastel glow — soft pink or soft gold — blooming from your chest and moving through your whole body.

Let the feeling settle.

You can pour the remaining floral water at the base of a plant or tree to “root” your new self-regard in the world.

A man with glasses in a beekeepers outfit stands in a field of flowers, bees swarming around him, while he holds a heart-shaped honeycomb

Spell to Attract Love

A gentle egg magic-working for love that grows naturally

What you need:

  • One clean, empty eggshell (split neatly in half if possible)

  • A pinch of dried rose petals

  • A few sesame or sunflower seeds

  • A single drop of honey

  • A small scrap of paper and pen

  • A little soil (a houseplant works perfectly)

Step 1: Prepare the love vessel

Hold the eggshell cupped in both hands. Imagine it as a tiny cradle — fragile, hopeful, perfectly Ostara. Place the larger half in front of you. Sprinkle in the rose petals, then the seeds, then the drop of honey. 

Say:

Petal and seed, sweetness and start,
Call in the love that matches my heart.

Step 2: Name what you seek

On the slip of paper, write how you want love to feel — not who it should be. Words like: safe, exciting, reciprocal, steady, surprising, warm. 

Fold the paper once and tuck it gently into the eggshell. 

Hold it to your chest and whisper:

May love arrive in rightness and time,
A rhythm that matches the beat of mine.

Step 3: Hatch the intention

Take a small pot or a handful of soil from a healthy plant. Nest the filled eggshell gently into the earth. As you cover it lightly with soil, say:

As earth holds seed and spring holds sun,
Let love unfold when two become one.

Step 4: Let the symbol grow

Place the pot somewhere it can receive natural daylight. Each time you see it, touch the soil once with your fingertips — a reminder that love grows from care, not urgency.

End with the final whisper:

By root and bloom, by tender art,
Let true love come to a ready heart.

A man in a turban holds a coin with a plant sprouting from it as he walks through a lush garden toward an open gate and path beyond

Spell for Opening Financial Roads

A grounded prosperity spell using seeds and earth

What you need:

  • One coin that feels meaningful

  • A small bowl or pot of soil

  • A few seeds that sprout easily (basil, marigold, lettuce, etc.)

  • A bit of running or spring water

Step 1: Set the seedbed

Hold the coin between your palms. Feel its weight — small, simple, but capable of exchange and opportunity. 

Press it into the center of the soil. Cover it lightly and say:

Hidden like seed in warming earth,
Let new paths rise and show their worth.

Step 2: Plant opportunity

Make three shallow impressions around the buried coin. Drop a seed into each one. As you cover them, imagine life opening outward: new directions, new income routes, new possibilities waking up beneath the soil. 

Whisper:

Sprout and spread, make wide the way,
Let steady growth find me each day.

Step 3: Water the road

Pour a little water into your cupped hand, then let it drip into the soil over the planted seeds. Picture the earth softening, loosening, making room. 

Say:

Flow where stuckness used to stay,
Open the roads that lead my way.

Step 4: Invite steady return

Place the pot where it will receive natural daylight — a windowsill is ideal.
Touch the soil with two fingertips, grounding yourself into the promise of growth.

Say:

By root and shoot, by sun and rain,
Let abundance come in ease, not strain.

For the next week, return each morning and repeat the same gesture.
Touch the soil gently with two fingers and repeat the chant.

Each repetition reinforces the slow, steady growth you’ve set in motion.

A widow in black sits in an armchair and holds a picture of the husband she lost, as she cries in her living room, symbols of heartbreak and sadness around her, while her cat looks on

Spell for Emotional Healing After Loss

A gentle poppet ritual to comfort the grieving parts of yourself, allowing spring to soften what winter left behind

What you need:

  • A small scrap of fabric (any soft, comforting material)

  • A handful of cotton or tissue for stuffing

  • A pinch of dried rosemary

  • A pinch of chamomile

  • A slip of paper and pen

  • A stone or shell

Step 1: Make the tender figure

Cut the fabric into a simple doll-shape — nothing elaborate. Sew the edges, but leave an opening. 

Add the stuffing, rosemary and chamomile. 

On the slip of paper, write a word, feeling or name that embodies the grief you’re carrying. 

Fold the slip and place it inside. Sew the poppet closed and say:

Soft small form, made gentle and true,
Hold the hurt I’m walking through.

Step 2: Offer comfort

Sit with the poppet in your lap. Rock it slightly, stroke its back or cradle it — giving your sorrow the tenderness it was denied. When you feel your breath settle, whisper:

Where winter froze and shadows pressed,
Let springtime lay my heart to rest.

Step 3: Release what can be released

Take the stone or shell in your hands and imagine placing the weight of your grief into it — not the memory, not the love, only the heaviness. When ready, lay the stone beside the poppet and say:

This weight I set outside my chest,
To earth I give the strain I’ve kept.

Step 4: Return it to the world

Bring the stone to soil or a riverbank later that day. Press it into the ground or place it at the water’s edge — the earth and moving water both know how to carry burdens away. Walk away without looking over your shoulder. 

End with:

Root and river, wind and sun,
Heal me gently, one by one.

Ribbons spiral through the air around a woman in a green dress, the ribbons unraveling from a stake in the ground

Spell for Breaking Old Habits or Patterns

A knot-and-ribbon ritual for unbinding what no longer serves you and welcoming a freer spring

What you need:

  • One long ribbon (any color that represents “release” to you)

  • A small bowl or cup of water

Step 1: Name the bindings

Hold the ribbon stretched out between your hands. Let your fingers feel its length — one continuous line, like the habit you’re ready to break. 

Tie the first knot near one end and say the habit’s name softly. (Note: Don’t tie these too tightly; untying them is part of the ritual.)

Tie two more knots for the ways it affects your life. 

After the third knot, say:

Bound in thread, bound in mind,
Here I mark what keeps me confined.

Step 2: Unwind the pattern

Place the knotted ribbon in your lap. Take a slow breath, then begin untying the first knot — gently, deliberately, as if you’re loosening something inside your body.

As it comes undone, whisper:

Knot released, I loosen hold,
Let this pattern now unfold.

Move to the second knot, then the third, giving each one time. Let your hands symbolize the shift you’re choosing. Repeat the chant each time.

Step 3: Wash the thread clean

Dip your fingertips into the bowl of water, then run your damp fingers along the entire ribbon from end to end. Imagine washing the imprint of the old habit away. Let the ribbon soften and drink the water. 

Say:

By flowing spring and cleansing rain,
I clear the path to choose again.

Step 4: Mark a new beginning

Lay the ribbon flat on a windowsill where sunlight can touch it — dawn light is ideal, but any daylit moment works. Smooth it out with your palms, making it straight again. 

Whisper:

Unbound, unknotted, free to start,
Let new ways rise within my heart.

Let the ribbon dry naturally. Use it as a bookmark, tie it around a journal, or keep it somewhere you’ll see often — a quiet reminder that the bindings are gone and the path ahead is yours to shape.

A shirtless angel covered in tattoos stands solemnly by a door of brightness with flowers blooming

Spell to Invite Joyful New Opportunities

A bright, energetic sachet ritual to wake up joy and call in fresh possibilities

What you need:

  • A small fabric pouch or drawstring bag

  • A pinch of dried chamomile

  • A bit of citrus peel (e.g., lemon or orange)

  • A small charm that feels joyful (button, bead, trinket, etc.)

  • A few flower petals (fresh or dried)

  • A spoonful of dry rice or lentils 

Step 1: Build the joy sachet

Hold the empty pouch open and breathe into it once — a gentle exhale that sets the tone. 

Add the chamomile, citrus peel, petals and small charm. Last, pour in the rice or lentils so the sachet has a soft shake to it. 

Tie or pull the pouch closed and say:

Bright small bag of scent and sound,
Wake the joy that waits around.

Step 2: Wake the energy

Cup the sachet between both hands and shake it lightly three times. Let the sound mimic early spring: movement, curiosity, the world stretching after sleep. 

Whisper:

By stir and shake, by sunbeam’s play,
Let new doors open on my way.

Step 3: Offer it to the light

Place the sachet on a windowsill or threshold where sunlight can touch it. Let it sit for a moment while you rest your palms against the sill. Imagine the light infusing the pouch with brightness, opportunity, mischief. 

Say three times:

Sunlit path and breezes new,
Carry joy in all I do.

Step 4: Use it to call opportunity

Pick the sachet back up and shake it once — only once.

End with:

By rising spring and open way,
Let joyful chances come today.

Repeat this as an invitation whenever you feel stuck, heavy or closed off. You can keep the sachet in your bag, near your desk or by your bed. 

The Easter Bunny holds a basket of eggs and a star-tipped staff as it walks through flowers, decorated eggs at its feet

Ostara Magic

As the sun climbs higher and the earth softens beneath our feet, Ostara reminds us that growth rarely arrives in dramatic bursts. It begins quietly: a seed swelling underground, a bud opening one careful petal at a time, a spark of possibility warming the heart after winter’s long stillness.

These spells are simply invitations to participate in that unfolding. Whether you’re calling in love, healing old grief, opening new financial paths, or just shaking loose the dust of old habits, the magic of the equinox works best when we move with it rather than trying to force it.

For now, though, let the balance of day and night at Ostara hold you a moment longer — that brief, luminous pause where anything still feels possible. –Wally

How to Celebrate Ostara: Wiccan Rituals, Traditions and the Magic of the Spring Equinox

This Wiccan holiday marks the balance of light and dark, where renewal, fertility and abundance flourish as the earth awakens to spring.

An image symbolizing Ostara, with the sun, spring flowers and bunnies, is divided in half like the equinox

The earth hums with energy as daylight and darkness meet in perfect harmony. Budding flowers stretch toward the sun, animals stir from hibernation, and the air carries the promise of growth. All around, nature beckons us to awaken, just as the wheel of the year tips toward the season of light and abundance.

This is Ostara, the spring equinox, celebrated between March 20 to 23. Named for the mysterious goddess Eostre, Ostara is a festival of fertility, renewal, and planting both literal and metaphorical seeds. With its themes of balance and rebirth, this sabbat bridges the cold stillness of winter with the full bloom of summer ahead. Its mirror opposite on the wheel of the year is Mabon, the fall equinox and it follows Imbolc, which celebrates the first sprouts of spring in the frozen earth. 

But while Ostara is deeply connected to Wiccan and pagan traditions, its origins are layered and mysterious. Let’s dive into its history, symbols and ways to celebrate this vibrant time of renewal.

The goddess Eostre, her hair flowing out around her, in a flowing floral gown, rabbits hopping at her feet, surrounded by flowers and eggs

The Meaning and Myth of Ostara

Ostara is widely believed to derive its name from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre (also spelled Ostara). But here’s where it gets controversial: The primary historical source for Eostre’s existence comes from Bede, an 8th century monk, who wrote that her festival was celebrated in “Eosturmonath” (April). According to Bede, pagan feasts in her honor were eventually replaced by Christian celebrations of Easter.

And yet, no other historical records corroborate Bede’s account. Was Eostre a real goddess — or a poetic invention? Modern scholars debate this fiercely. While there’s no definitive proof of Eostre’s worship, her association with dawn, fertility and renewal fits neatly into broader pagan traditions. It’s possible that she embodies older, more universal myths tied to fertility goddesses like Freyja, Demeter and Persephone.

Regardless of historical certainty, modern Wiccans and pagans embrace Eostre as a symbol of spring’s arrival. Her imagery — rabbits, eggs and flowers — feels timeless, resonating deeply with the themes of balance, growth and new life celebrated at Ostara. Even Christians have co-opted these symbols in modern celebrations of Easter, including the Easter Bunny himself.

An ancient Ostara ritual, with oversized eggs, as a group of worshippers stand around a stone altar in the woods

Ostara Traditions Through Time

Ostara’s modern observance blends ancient seasonal rituals with contemporary creativity. These traditions connect us to nature’s rhythms and honor the balance of light and dark.

Eggs and Hares: Eggs and rabbits didn’t start with Easter — these fertility symbols were likely part of pre-Christian spring rituals. Eggs symbolize potential and the rebirth of life, while hares, sacred to Eostre (according to legend), represent abundance and connection to the divine.

A fun surprise? Ancient pagan stories suggest the hare was seen as a lunar creature, tied to moon cycles and magical energy. Some even believed hares laid eggs — an idea that later inspired whimsical springtime myths.

Equinox Celebrations: The spring equinox, when day and night are perfectly balanced, was observed by many ancient cultures. The Druids celebrated Alban Eilir, the “Light of the Earth,” and decorated eggs to honor fertility. And ancient Greeks marked Persephone’s return from the Underworld, signaling the earth’s rebirth.

Seasonal Planting: Spring has always been a time to sow seeds — both in the earth and in life. Farmers honored this time with blessings for fertile fields, while modern pagans plant both gardens and intentions, infusing the act with magic.

The symbols of Ostara, including a rabbit, decorated eggs and spring flowers

Symbols of Ostara

Ostara is filled with rich imagery that captures the essence of spring’s renewal. These symbols are perfect for decorating altars, crafting or inspiring seasonal rituals.

Eggs: Eggs represent fertility, creation and the promise of new beginnings. Try decorating them with symbols like spirals, suns or runes for added magical energy.

Hares: Hares, sacred to Eostre, symbolize vitality and fertility. Including figurines or images of hares on your altar connects you to the season’s abundant energy.

Seeds and Flowers: Seeds carry the potential for growth, while spring flowers like daffodils, tulips and crocuses embody renewal and beauty.

The Colors of Spring: Green for growth, yellow for sunlight, and pastel tones reflect the gentle awakening of the earth.

Long-haired male Wiccan performs an Ostara ritual with a bowl, bunny and candle, surrounded by flowers

Ostara Ritual: A Spell for Balance and Growth

At Ostara, Wiccans can align with the equinox’s energy by casting a spell to invite balance, harmony, and the promise of new growth into their lives.

What you’ll need (it’s OK to improvise if you have to):

  • Two candles (one white, one green)

  • A bowl of soil or seeds

  • A small dish of water

  • A flower or sprig of fresh herbs

  • A bell or chime

Step 1: Prepare the space. 

Set your altar or sacred space with the candles, bowl of soil and dish of water. Dim the lights and play soft music to create a peaceful atmosphere. Cast a magic circle if you wish.

Step 2: Light the candles. 

Light the white candle, symbolizing light and renewal, and the green candle, representing growth and fertility. Focus on the balance they create together. Say:

Light and dark, in harmony they meet,
Balance returns, the cycle complete.

Step 3: Plant your intention. 

Hold the bowl of soil or seeds in your hands. Visualize your intentions for the coming season: goals, projects or qualities you wish to grow. Speak your intentions aloud as you sprinkle the seeds into the soil. Say:

Seeds of potential, planted with care,
Grow with the season, strong and fair.
Earth below and sun above,
Balance returns, life and love.

These seeds I sow with hope anew,
Blessed by spring, they shall come true.

Step 4: Bless with water. 

Dip your fingers into the water and sprinkle it over the soil, blessing it with the promise of nourishment. Say:

By water’s flow and earth’s embrace,
Growth and balance fill this space.

Step 5: Seal the spell. 

Ring the bell or chime to signal the spell’s completion. Thank the elements and Eostre for their guidance. Extinguish the candles and keep the bowl of seeds in a sunny spot, tending to it as your intentions grow.

An Ostara feast laid out on a table, with eggs, greens, flowers, bread and other springtime dishes

Ostara Feasts

Celebrate Ostara with a feast that honors spring’s abundance and the promise of growth.

Fresh Greens: Nothing says spring like bright, fresh salads, featuring ingredients like spinach, arugula and edible flowers.

Egg-Centric Dishes: Quiches, deviled eggs or frittatas bring fertility and renewal to the table.

Seeded Breads: Baking bread with seeds, like sunflower or poppy, represents planting and abundance.

Spring Sweets: Consider desserts infused with honey, lavender or lemon for a refreshing touch.

Easter eggs dyed in natural colors, with red onions, cabbage and spices, and spring flowers in the background

Ostara Crafts

Ostara is the perfect time to channel your creativity and celebrate the themes of renewal and balance through hands-on projects. These crafts connect you to the energy of spring while incorporating natural, sustainable materials and a dash of magic.

Naturally Dyed Eggs

Decorating eggs is one of Ostara’s most beloved traditions, symbolizing fertility and the promise of new life. Skip the chemical dyes and craft vibrant, all-natural colors from items in your kitchen.

What you’ll need:

  • Eggs (white eggs will give you the brightest results)

  • Large pots for boiling

  • Ingredients for natural dyes (see below)

  • White vinegar

Natural Dye Ingredients and Colors:

Red: Beetroot, pomegranate juice or hibiscus tea

Yellow: Turmeric or onion skins

Blue: Red cabbage leaves

Green: Spinach or parsley

Orange: Paprika or more onion skins

How to make the dyes:

  1. Place your chosen ingredient in a pot with 2–3 cups of water. The more material you use, the richer the color.

  2. Add 1–2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the pot to help set the dye.

  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 20–30 minutes. Strain the liquid into a bowl and let it cool.

  4. Submerge hard-boiled eggs in the cooled dye for at least 30 minutes—or leave them overnight in the fridge for deeper colors.

Pro tip: Wrap leaves, flowers or herbs around the eggs before dyeing and secure them with nylon stockings for a beautiful stenciled effect.

Making herb-infused candles, with rosemary, lavender and other ingredients, as a hand holds a spoon dripping melted wax

DIY Herb-Infused Ostara Candles

Candles are central to Ostara rituals, representing the growing sunlight and the goddess Eostre’s energy. Craft your own herb-infused candles to bring the scents and symbols of spring into your home.

What you’ll need:

  • Soy wax flakes or beeswax

  • Candle wicks

  • Small glass jars or tins

  • Dried herbs (lavender, rosemary, chamomile or mint work well)

  • Essential oils

  • A double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water

How to make them:

  1. Melt the wax in a double boiler, stirring gently until fully liquified.

  2. Sprinkle a small amount of dried herbs into the bottom of your jars or tins.

  3. Attach the wick to the center of the jar using a bit of melted wax or wick stickers.

  4. Once the wax has melted, add a few drops of essential oil for extra fragrance. 

  5. Carefully pour the wax into the jar, covering the herbs, and let it set.

  6. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting.

Pro tip: Use herbs that align with your intentions: rosemary for protection, lavender for peace or chamomile for balance.

A springtime mobile with a branch, feathers, crystals and small charms

Springtime Mobile

A spring-themed mobile adds a touch of whimsy and Ostara magic to your space. Use natural materials to represent the elements and the energy of renewal.

What you’ll need:

  • A sturdy branch or piece of driftwood

  • Twine or fishing line

  • Seasonal items: feathers, flowers, leaves, small crystals, seashells and charms

  • Scissors

How to make it:

  1. Clean and dry your branch or driftwood.

  2. Tie lengths of twine or fishing line to the branch.

  3. Attach your chosen items to the dangling twine. Feathers can symbolize air, flowers represent earth, and crystals amplify energy.

  4. Hang the branch horizontally in a window, above your altar, or in a garden to honor the balance and beauty of spring.

Pro tip: Use biodegradable materials if you plan to hang the mobile outdoors.

Terracotta pots painted with swirling Art Deco designs, holding spring flowers like tulips and daffodils

Painted Terracotta Pots

Ostara is a season for planting, so why not decorate your garden pots with symbols of growth and renewal?

What you’ll need:

  • Terracotta pots

  • Acrylic or outdoor paint

  • Paintbrushes

  • Stencils or masking tape for patterns

How to make them:

  1. Clean and dry the pots to ensure paint adheres properly.

  2. Use stencils or masking tape to create patterns or designs. Think spirals for growth, sun symbols for light, or runes for magical intentions.

  3. Paint the pots, letting each layer dry before adding the next.

  4. Seal the design with a clear outdoor sealant if the pots will be exposed to the elements.

Pro tip: Use these pots to plant seeds during your Ostara ritual and watch your intentions grow alongside the seedlings.

Someone makes small balls of wildflower seed "bombs" in a meadow

Wildflower Seed Bombs

Seed bombs are a fun and eco-friendly craft that lets you spread the beauty of Ostara wherever you go. They’re great for attracting pollinators and adding bursts of color to bare patches of earth.

What you’ll need:

  • Wildflower seeds (native species are best)

  • Compost or potting soil

  • Powdered clay (available at garden centers)

  • Water

How to make them:

  1. Mix 2 parts compost, 1 part powdered clay, and your wildflower seeds in a bowl.

  2. Slowly add water, mixing until the mixture holds together like dough.

  3. Roll the mixture into small balls (about the size of a marble).

  4. Let the seed bombs dry for 24–48 hours.

  5. Scatter them in your garden, along trails, or in unused spaces to spread beauty and life.

Pro tip: Include a mix of flowers that bloom at different times to extend the season’s vibrancy.

Crafting at Ostara is a way to honor the energy of spring, connect with nature, and bring magic into your life. Whether you’re dyeing eggs with kitchen magic, crafting candles or scattering seed bombs, these projects celebrate the season’s themes of balance, fertility and renewal.

Four women in floral dresses dance in a flowery meadow to celebrate Ostara

Embracing the Magic of Ostara

Ostara is an invitation to align with the rhythms of nature, balance your life, and plant the seeds of your dreams. Whether through rituals, crafting, feasting or simply soaking in the spring air, this sacred celebration connects us to the cycles of life, death and rebirth.

May your Ostara be filled with harmony, hope, and the vibrant energy of spring. Blessed be. –Wally