Ostara is a holiday about rebirth, new growth, courtship, and fertility. In the Wheel of the Year allegory, the God and the Goddess are romancing and getting to know each other as romantic partners. They’re in the first date stage of their relationship. The land is becoming green again, and snow is turning to rain. There are a number of myths that correspond with Ostara that are perfect to incorporate into ritual or to share with your children.
Eostre, the sabat’s namesake, is a Germanic goddess of Spring, rebirth, and fertility. One myth that strongly ties to the season is Eostre and the Egg. A hare came across a perfect egg one day and wanted to give it to his Goddess. But he was worried that the meager offering wouldn’t be enough. So he gathered plants and herbs and dyed the egg the colors of the sunrise. The hare gave it to Eostre, who was enchanted by the gift. She charged the hare with sharing this art with the world.
Also, the myth of Persephone and Demeter is appropriate for both Ostara and Mabon. While the Homeric Hymn to Demeter is the primary source for this story, there are a lot of great retellings. Starhawk’s version, which can be found in Circle Round, is a particular favorite of mine.
As the God is a young man, myths that deal with trickster gods are appropriate for this sabat. Hermes, Loki, and Coyote are all possible candidates to honor during ritual. A favorite story for this holiday is Hermes’s First Day, during which he discovered the lyre and stole Apollo’s cows. Check out a classical mythology book for the full tale.
© Ariadne Woods