Ostara (pronounced o-star-ah)... This weekend we celebrate the spring/vernal equinox, Ostara. Here in the northern hemisphere the sun is slowly gaining strength, and the days and nights are of more equal length. It is a time to honor the fertility and abundance of nature...
Buds and blooms, green things growing, new beginnings... With the awakening of the natural world outside, we can take this spirit of renewal into our inner life and our daily doings. Say goodbye to the old, make way for the new! Ritual cleaning or spring cleaning can be a good idea just now as we shake off winter. Open the doors, open the windows... of the home, of the mind. Let the fresh spring breeze inside...
There aren't too many signs of spring just now outside here in southern Norway. We are very much covered in snow still. But to celebrate the changing season I created a temporary tabletop collage of springtime happy here at home with floral papers, lace & fiber, a silk & feather butterfly, a purple candle lit in offering, and some jasmine incense...
AWAKE!
The Earth comes alive
once more
let us rejoice
in the return of spring!
Wishing you all, should you happen to live north of the equator, a very BEAUTIFUL and Joyful Springtime! Everyone south, I wish you autumn comforts and delights. :o)
With Love,
There's so much beauty in celebrating the seasons and I find it makes so much sense.
Since there's still so much winter around me, although there ARE signs of spring too, I'd like to make Vernal Equinox about making small shifts to my pace. Refocusing and making plans for summer and harvest...
Happy Ostara, Tracy!
Posted by: Kate England | March 20, 2011 at 09:27 AM
I can't believe you still have snow! It goes on so long. Though having said that, there was snow in Scotland last week. Today is quite bright here and yesterday was so sunny. I love the feeling that comes over me at this time of year of awakening. I am sure us humans are meant to hibernate and so the really dark and cold months are a struggle even if you don't realize it at the time. It is only now as it starts to warm up and get lighter that you realize how hard it was. I love your table top display. Particularly the butterfly. I have just been through my wardrobe this morning and put about six or seven items in the charity shop bag-I should do more while I am in the mood!
x
Posted by: Sarah | March 20, 2011 at 02:50 PM
I love the name of this celebration...it must have a name because for me it is just THE best, most wonderful time of the year. I love the awakening...I love the feeling I get within myself of something ready to burst forth. I feel the change in my bones, under my skin and in my brain. I come "awake" again. Happy Ostara Tracy!
Posted by: Sherry Smyth | March 20, 2011 at 03:06 PM
such a promising time of year as much still lies under snow here, too ...
Posted by: S. Etole | March 20, 2011 at 03:19 PM
Happy Ostara to you sweet Tracy! Here signs of Spring are starting to finally show and my heart is beating a bit faster ;-)
Your butterfly is sure lovely, beautiful Springtime collage for the occasion.
Posted by: Anyes | March 20, 2011 at 04:29 PM
You have given me something new, and of course coming from you, it is something full of light and hope!
Thank you, and Happy Ostara!
Posted by: Natalie VV | March 20, 2011 at 04:52 PM
There are more signs of spring appearing here - I love watching the garden come back to life! Love Anne x
Posted by: Anne Donald | March 20, 2011 at 05:46 PM
I love Spring and always welcome it! :0)
Posted by: ellen b | March 20, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Happy Ostara Tracy! Love your delicate picture!
Tomorrow, 00.21 hrs (only 5 hours to go) it’s SPRING! We had a lovely sunny Spring day today here, Midas and I enjoyed sitting in the garden, though it’s only 8o C.
Hugs))
Posted by: nicolette | March 20, 2011 at 07:26 PM
I would be joining you in throwing open the windows if it were not so cold outside today! Friday was glorious, but today is a return to winter.
Happy Spring my friend.
Marie x
Posted by: Wild Rose | March 20, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Happy Spring Tracy! I'm so happy that we made it through another winter. It's cooled down to the 30's and 40's again this weekend, but Friday it was 70 here! : )
Posted by: Lisa | March 20, 2011 at 07:50 PM
Happy Ostara! The days are becoming longer AND warmer. Couldn't help but wonder at the amazing seed moon last night, the brightest for 17 years! Wondrous! have a good week. Ros and Oscar
Posted by: SNOOPYDOG | March 20, 2011 at 08:44 PM
I'd almost forgotten that spring was here although I've had signs of it for quite a while. My daffodils are finished blooming, in fact, but happily lots of other flowers are starting to appear.
Posted by: Caroline | March 20, 2011 at 11:59 PM
And in honor of the first day of spring, it is pouring driving pounding rain here ;-) I don't suppose you get much of "signs of spring" for many weeks yet. I love your little butterfly.
Posted by: nikkipolani | March 21, 2011 at 03:41 AM
It's hard to feel the Spring here in NY....It's snowing as I type this. But, it will come. Your table display is lovely. Anything with a little lace wins over my heart.
Posted by: Jodi | March 21, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Our spring equinox started with successive days of rain. It's been a soothing sound to hear while I fall asleep at night. And everything is becoming a lush green.
That's a cool idea to do a temporary collage tabletop. You always have wonderful ideas for decorating the rooms.
Here's to longer days!
Posted by: Gallery Juana | March 21, 2011 at 02:25 PM
Happy spring to you. I am certainly ready for renewal, more of a renovation really.
Posted by: P.K. | March 21, 2011 at 04:40 PM
a lovely display to welcome spring!
Posted by: Leslie | March 21, 2011 at 06:09 PM
We don't have snow here, and we are experiencing the birth of Spring. I know you are much ... further north. But, Spring will be smiling at you soon.
Thank you for sharing you Spring feelings.
Posted by: | March 21, 2011 at 06:44 PM
It's officially Spring ~ wonderful! Love your collection of pretty objects inspiring you :)
Posted by: MrPuffy | March 21, 2011 at 09:52 PM
Blessings to you on the Spring Equinox time. Lovely artwork.
Posted by: Marilyn | March 21, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Happy Ostara. Today in NYC, it's all gloomy and cold. Still, I'm happy Spring is here officially. I know soon the trees and plants will come alive again, there will be blue skies and warm weather.
I like your lovely table to Spring.
Posted by: Shell | March 21, 2011 at 10:50 PM
do you have daylight savings? that helped a little this past week. allowing us an extra hour of light in the evening. what a gift!!
Posted by: margie | March 22, 2011 at 02:25 AM
Happy Spring, Tracy!
Posted by: gayle | March 22, 2011 at 02:28 AM
Hmmm. Ritual cleaning. I cannot get excited about that yet. (I'll be more excited about it when the sun comes out and the dirt is less hidden. ;) Maybe I shall do some ritual cleaning of my mind instead.
Posted by: elizabeth | March 22, 2011 at 03:17 AM