Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book III: W heel of the Year 199
Ostara Ritual
By Crow Dragontree
On this Equinox, traditionally we look toward the lengthening of the day and the ongoing
emergence of the Solar God’s power. As he grows more virile, the Goddess blooms into full
maidenhood. This is illustrated beautifully in the Sonoran desert, as plants are often coming into
bloom during this time of the year. The sense that the sun’s power is growing becomes quite
obvious in the desert when temperatures begin to rise slightly and the air becomes just a bit drier.
Just as on Imbolc, we realize that the solar energy will become a scorching blaze within a few
short weeks, and our pleasurable outdoor activities will soon be somewhat limited.
It seems appropriate to take advantage of this time of youthful and developing solar
vigor to energize our own goals and development. As the fruits of our seeds sown on Imbolc
begin to germinate, it is no surprise to see many symbols of growth and new life, such as
baby chicks and eggs, abounding this time of year. Indeed, it is a common ritual tradition to
decorate an egg and hide it, to be found later during an “egg hunt.” It would not be a stretch
to note the symbolic nature of this act as the charging of the egg with intention (“decorating”
the egg), placing it within the womb of the Mother Goddess to germinate (“hiding” the egg),
and then bringing the goal to fruition (“finding” the egg).
In the ritual I am about to describe, we will be using the egg as the symbol of energy to
accomplish one’s goals, and will “absorb” that energy through the ingestion of the egg. You will
need a hard-boiled egg that has been decorated with a symbol of your intent. This symbol can
take just about any form, from a specific color, picture, rune, words, or any combination thereof.
Of course, the traditional foods of this celebration include eggs. Others might like foods
sweetened with honey, and dairy products are still appropriate at this time. In keeping with the
growing of the sun’s power, one might try to create a dish that balances spicy and sweet flavors.
Explanation of Ostara
The High Priest or Priestess takes their position before the altar while the coveners
focus on the concepts of balance and life. At the point that balance is perceived, call out:
The light and dark are balanced now,
Sun rules as long as Moon
And the night grows shorter with every hour
As the first buds start to bloom
The Maiden blossoms everywhere,
Her face shines in leaf and stem.
Her Earth-toned skin and grassy hair
Radiates from within.
The growing Sun shines warmly down,
We salute his yearly reign.
All around is growing power
And resonating strength.
Blessed Be!
Egg-Eating Exercise
Facing the celebrants, the High Priest or
Priestess guides them through an empowering
exercise designed to help them achieve a
given goal or intent:
Take up the egg you have decorated as a
symbol of your desires for this coming
season of growth.
This egg is the Mother’s symbol of life.
Growth begins within this shell.
Consider for a moment that which you used
to decorate this egg…be it color, designs,
or a combination thereof…and
recall what these things represent to you
personally.
The vitality of your goal for this season is
embodied by this egg.
Feel the energy of this egg.
After a few seconds sensing the power of your
goals within the shell of this egg, carefully
peel the egg, placing the shell fragments
in the bowl of Earth.
Hold the bare egg for a few seconds keeping
the visualization of this egg as an embodiment
of the power to grow and
achieve your goals.