Crafty Kitchen Witch

Symbols of this holiday (Ostara/Eostre/Spring Equinox) include the Goddess, the egg, rabbits, lambs, green grass, the Sun, and spring blooming flowers.  Our ancestors looked for these early signs of spring and offered them to the Goddess or thanked her for their blessings of continued life. During the long, cold winter much indoor crafting was done and most of the items made were of a utilitarian nature.  Things like baskets were woven from collected and dried materials (if you have the notion this would be a nice time to weave a basket for your altar) and clothing for the coming year was made.  In more recent times, folk would create wonderful new garments for springtime...embellished with magic symbols and beautiful spring embroidery! Perhaps you would like to create a special spring ritual garment and work some magical embroidery on it..perhaps a ring of flowers embroidered around the neck of a garment...or maybe elemental symbols stitched to the sleeves, front and ...

Many Holidays, Many Names: The word Ostara is just one of the names applied to the celebration of the spring equinox on March 21. The Venerable Bede said the origin of the word is actually from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring. Of course, it's also the same time as the Christian Easter celebration, and in the Jewish faith, Passover takes place as well. For early Pagans in the Germanic countries, this was a time to celebrate planting and the new crop season. Typically, the Celtic peoples did not celebrate Ostara as a holiday, although they were in tune with the changing of the seasons. A New Day Begins: A dynasty of Persian kings known as the Achaemenians celebrated the spring equinox with the festival of No Ruz -- which means "new day." It is a celebration of hope and renewal still observed today in many Persian countries, and has its roots in Zoroastrianism. In Iran, a festival called Chahar-Shanbeh Suri takes place right before No Ruz begins, and people p...

Lavender has a cleansing scent (who hasn't used lavender soap) and is associated with passion. It is supposed to provoke passion, but is also used to encourage chastity. I find that lavender incense 'brightens' and 'clears' a room, but then it's one of my favorites. In addition, lavender is a relaxing herb; its flowers and their oil are used in all kinds of destressing and restful remedies.   Basic Destress Oil In a carrier oil (massage oil works well), blend a few   drops lavender, camomile, melissa, and bergamot oils. Let sit in a closed   container for 24 hours if possible. Use whenever you are feeling stressed   out. Note: some people are allergic to the scent of lavender. Lavandula angustifolia Lavender is a traditional cottage garden plant. Its gray-green spikes of foliage and purple flowers provide color all year. Since the Middle Ages, the dried flowers have been one of the main ingredients of potpourri. Fresh sprigs are included in her...