Ostara - The Promise of Spring

According to Sandra Kynes, author of A Year of Ritual, in the old days of Wales, Ostara was called Lady Day and celebrated the return of the Goddess after her winter hibernation. Like the avalanche lilies on Mt. Rainier, which magically appear in all their glory as the snows melt around them. So too the Goddess waits for us as Spring returns, we just need to seek her out.

How does one reach out to the Goddess? You have to find a way to tune out everything and everyone for a short time while you stop the madness, which we call modern life. Turn off the phone, the television and the computer! If possible go to the beach, the forest or the mountain. Get away from the noise, the hustle and the stress. You just need to find a way to stop and be still. Then ground and focus on your Goddess.

You'll know you’re ready when you can hear your heart beating. You are calm and the noise is gone.

I prefer to relax on Mt. Rainier or Baker's Beach in San Francisco or along a beautiful stream or in a forest cabin while I prepare to commune with my Goddess. Once I am calm, centered and focused it's a simple matter of reaching out to The Lady.

There is a trail from Paradise Lodge to Mt. Rainier, which I like to visualize. I come over a rise, there is a rocky outcrop on the right where marmots like to bask in the sun. I feel the warmth of a brilliant spring sun on my back. The marmots scurry away as I walk by. There on the left of the trail is a dark haired beauty who quietly watches my approach. As I near the Lady I am drawn to her eyes. Her eyes are constantly changing shape and colour reflecting every race on the planet. As we talk, I become accustomed to the changes. Stellar Jays interrupt our discussions chasing squirrels from their perch. The Lady is loving, warm and comforting as she answers my questions and provides guidance. The spring breeze brings the heady scent of avalanche lilies. It's absolutely glorious to be in intimate contact with my deity. Two marmots make a raucous noise over a warm place to soak up the sun. I look over my shoulder to see what the noise is all about. When I look back The Lady is gone.

I am warm and serene as I hike back down the trail towards the Lodge at Paradise. I am happy that there is plenty of time on the trail to relive my discussions with The Goddess and try to make sense of what I have learned.

I actually met The Lady at this spot once and it is the remembrance of this visitation, which is the method I use to reach out to her anytime I like. You can try a similar technique based on a favourite place of your own. It helps if you can practice going to your magick place so that you can easily return anytime you like.

This Ostara remember that we have left the darkness of Winter and have returned to the light of Spring. Remember too the promise of Spring and make the most of that promise given to us in Perfect Love and in Perfect Trust. Enjoy the light and life of the day and embrace the promise of the harvests to come. This is a day to show The Goddess your love for her.

This is The Way of The Witch.

Brightest Blessings,
Stormy)O(