Ostara, the Vernal Equinox, occurs around 21st March - although the date varies from year to year depending on when the actual equinox occurs astronomically, so it's more accurate to say that it falls between 20th-23rd March. Ostara marks the beginning of Spring in the pagan calendar, and is opposite Mabon in the wheel of the year.

A time of new life and fresh growth, Ostara is the perfect time to sow seeds (either for your garden, or just for symbolism as you can watch them progress through the wheel of the year) and put your garden in order. 'Spring cleaning' is something which most of us do, even if we don't realise it: we put our lives in order, our finances (with the end of the financial year looming), and for witches and pagans it's a time to put your spirit and soul in order too.

Being the beginning of Spring, Ostara is also an ideal time to perform fertility spells (if you're that way inclined!), and basically any other spells in which creation and growth play a part.

I celebrate Ostara very quietly, and not always on the actual day of the equinox. As a gardener, to me Spring begins when the soil has warmed and my plants are starting to respond - although if I do mark the beginning of Spring before the actual equinox, I still make time to spend a while in the garden in quiet contemplation on the day itself.

There are many flowers, colours, and foods which are traditionally associated with Ostara - but as is usual for me, I use things which mean something to me. I see very little point in going out of my way to find a flower listed in a book as corresponding to this Sabbat (or any other for that matter) if (a) I don't relate it to the occasion or time of year, and (b) there are other, more seasonal, plants in bloom. It's my personal way of doing things, although I know that others may feel differently.

For those who are interested, I would list the following as plants I relate to Ostara: narcissi, bluebells, celandine, primroses, lungwort and periwinkle, as well as many more - these are just the ones I have in my garden and therefore have access to.

As for colours? Well, green springs immediately to mind as new shoots on plants are beginning to come through and everything looks so fresh. White and blue also come to mind, althought that's again a very personal view based on the flowers I see most often in bloom at this time of year.

Food for the Spring equinox? Doesn't really cross my mind much as I don't generally have a 'feast' or dedicated meal for the occasion. If pressed, I would probably suggest seasonal goods - but not being much of a vegetable eater, I'm a little stuck for actual names...

So, in a nutshell, Ostara is a time of new beginnings, birth and rebirth, fertility and, if you're a gardener, much frenzied planting!