Jump to a Section
The Magick of Ostara: Seed Sowing and Garden Planning
In the wheel of the year, Ostara marks a time of renewal, balance, and the awakening of the Earth from its slumber. As witchy women who find solace and connection in the natural world, this sacred time beckons us to embrace the ancient art of seed sowing and garden planning. Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, heralds the arrival of longer days, warmer temperatures, and the promise of new life bursting forth from the soil. It is a time of fertility and growth, making it the perfect moment to harness the magick of gardening and cultivate our own sacred spaces.
At its core, Ostara celebrates the return of the light and the triumph of life over death. It is a time of balance, as day and night are of equal length, symbolizing the harmonious dance between light and darkness. Just as the Earth begins to awaken from its winter slumber, so too do our spirits stir with the desire to nurture and create. As we honor the cycle of the seasons, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all living things and our role as stewards of the Earth.
Central to the celebration of Ostara is the act of seed sowing. In ancient times, this ritualistic practice was imbued with deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the planting of intentions and the cultivation of dreams. Today, as modern witches who honor our ancestors and their wisdom, we continue this tradition with reverence and intention. Whether we sow seeds indoors or directly into the Earth, each planting is a sacred act of co-creation with the natural world.
As we embark on our journey of garden planning, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to know your growing zone. Understanding the climate and environmental conditions specific to your region will help you select plants that thrive in your area. Consult gardening resources or use online tools to determine your growing zone and learn which plants are best suited to your climate.
Next, consider the space you have available for your garden. Whether you have a small balcony, a modest backyard, or acres of land, there are countless ways to create a magical garden oasis. Think creatively about how you can maximize your space, whether through vertical gardening, raised beds, or container gardening. Even the tiniest of spaces can be transformed into lush, thriving gardens with a bit of ingenuity and love.
When choosing plants for your garden, consider both their practical and magickal properties. Selecting a variety of herbs, flowers, and vegetables allows you to cultivate a diverse ecosystem that supports pollinators, attracts beneficial insects, and nourishes your body and soul. Research the magickal correspondences of different plants and choose those that resonate with your intentions and goals. Whether you seek healing, protection, abundance, or love, there are plants that can aid you on your journey.
In addition to selecting plants based on their magickal properties, consider their practical needs and requirements. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Pay attention to soil quality, drainage, and water requirements to ensure the health and vitality of your garden. Take into account the needs of each plant and plan your garden layout accordingly, grouping together those with similar growing conditions for optimal success.
As you envision your garden, think about the overall aesthetic and energy you wish to cultivate. Do you envision a wild, untamed garden filled with lush foliage and winding paths? Or perhaps you prefer a more structured, formal garden with neatly trimmed hedges and symmetrical plantings. Whatever your vision, let it be a reflection of your unique style and personality. Your garden is a canvas upon which you can express your creativity and connect with the natural world.
In addition to considering the physical aspects of your garden, remember to tend to its spiritual and energetic needs as well. Take time to attune yourself to the rhythms of nature, observing the subtle changes in the seasons and the cycles of the moon. Incorporate rituals and ceremonies into your gardening practice to honor the Earth and invoke blessings upon your garden. Offerings of water, herbs, and crystals can be placed throughout the garden to imbue it with positive energy and intention.
As you embark on your journey of garden planning and seed sowing, remember that gardening is a deeply intuitive and rewarding practice. Trust your instincts and listen to the wisdom of the natural world as you co-create with the Earth. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you learn and grow, knowing that each season brings new lessons and opportunities for growth.
Ostara is a time of seed sowing, growth, and renewal. As witchy women who plant gardens, we are called to embrace the magick of this sacred season and cultivate our own sacred spaces. By honoring the cycles of the Earth and tending to the needs of our gardens with love and intention, we can create vibrant, thriving ecosystems that nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits. So let us heed the call of Ostara and begin our journey of garden planning and preparation, knowing that with each seed we sow, we sow the seeds of our dreams and intentions.
Planting Intentions: A Ritual for Ostara Manifestation
As witches, we understand the profound connection between ourselves and the natural world. Our intentions hold power, and what better way to manifest them than by tying them to the act of planting seeds? In this ritual, we will infuse our intentions into the very soil, nurturing them as we nurture the plants that grow from them. This simple yet potent ritual serves as a reminder of the work we need to do to reach our goals and manifest our deepest desires.
Materials Needed:
1. Seeds of your choice (herbs, flowers, or vegetables)
2. Small pieces of paper
3. Pen or marker
4. Soil
5. Planting container or garden bed
Steps:
1. Set Your Intentions:
Before you begin the ritual, take a moment to center yourself. Close your eyes and visualize your goals and intentions clearly in your mind. What do you wish to manifest in your life? Whether it's love, abundance, healing, or protection, allow your intentions to take shape in your consciousness.
2. Write Your Intentions:
Take the small pieces of paper and write down your intentions. Be specific and concise, using affirmative language as if your desires have already been fulfilled. For example, instead of saying "I want to find love," you might write "I am surrounded by loving and supportive relationships." Write each intention on a separate piece of paper.
3. Choose Your Seeds:
Select the seeds you wish to plant, keeping in mind the correspondence between the type of plant and your intentions. For example, if you seek abundance and prosperity, you might choose seeds for herbs or vegetables associated with wealth, such as basil or mint. If you seek love and healing, you might choose seeds for flowers known for their healing properties, such as lavender or rosemary.
4. Prepare the Soil:
If you're planting in a container, fill it with soil partially, leaving enough space for your intentions and then more dirt (2-3 inches) before the seed layer. If you're planting in a garden bed, prepare the soil by loosening it with a shovel or garden fork and removing any weeds or debris. Dig deep enough to plant your intentions and have 2-3 inches on top of the small pits of paper before you plant your seed.
5. Bury Your Intentions:
Take each piece of paper containing your intentions and bury it in the soil, directly beneath the place you plan to plant the seeds. You may need to dig a small hole with your finger or a gardening tool. As you bury each intention, say a few words aloud, affirming your commitment to manifesting your desires. For example, you might say, "As this seed takes root, so too shall my intentions grow and flourish." Cover your intentions with 2-3 inches of dirt before moving on to the next step.
6. Plant the Seeds:
Following the instructions on the seed packet, plant the seeds in the soil at the appropriate depth. As you place each seed into the soil, visualize your intentions merging with the seed, infusing it with your energy and purpose. Feel a sense of connection between yourself, the seed, and the Earth beneath your feet.
7. Nourish Your Plant:
Water the soil gently, moistening it enough to support the germination of the seeds. As you water, visualize your intentions being nourished by the water, just as the plant will be nourished as it grows. Feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to co-create with the Earth and the universe.
8. Care for Your Garden (or plants):
In the days and weeks that follow, tend to your garden (or potted plant) with love and care. Water your plants regularly, ensuring they have enough sunlight and nutrients to thrive. As you care for your plants, reflect on the intentions you've planted and the actions you can take to bring them to fruition. Each moment spent in the garden is an opportunity to reconnect with your intentions and reaffirm your commitment to manifesting them.
By tying our intentions to the planting of seeds, we align ourselves with the cycles of nature and tap into the magickal energy inherent in all living things. As we nurture our plants, we nourish and remind ourselves of the work we need to do to reach our goals and manifest our intentions. So let us embrace this simple yet powerful ritual, knowing that with each seed we plant, we sow the seeds of our dreams and aspirations.
Shadow Work: Personal Growth
Ostara, the celebration of balance and renewal, invites us to reflect on our own inner equilibrium and growth. As the Earth awakens from its slumber, so too can we awaken to the deeper aspects of ourselves through shadow work and journaling. Consider this prompt in connection to this turn of the wheel's ritual (as outlined above):
"In the spirit of Ostara, reflect on the balance between light and dark within yourself. Take a moment to sit in quiet contemplation, allowing your thoughts to drift to the areas of your life where growth is needed. With each breath, acknowledge the shadows that linger within you, the fears, doubts, and insecurities that hold you back from reaching your full potential.
Now, imagine planting a seed representing your intentions for personal growth. As you write these intentions on a small piece of paper, consider how they align with the themes of Ostara – rebirth, renewal, and transformation. Visualize burying this seed in the earth, knowing that as you nurture the plant, you are also nurturing your own journey towards wholeness.
With your journal in hand, explore the ways in which you can nourish this seed of intention within yourself. What actions can you take to cultivate a sense of balance and harmony in your life? How can you tend to the shadows within, acknowledging their presence while also embracing the light?
As you journal, embrace this process with compassion and curiosity, knowing that through introspection and self-awareness, you can emerge stronger and more aligned with your true essence.
As the wheel of the year turns and Ostara approaches, may you find solace in the balance between light and dark, and may you nurture the seeds of personal growth with love and intention."
Coven Coloring Club: Eostre and the Hare
This beautiful Art Nouveau inspired coloring sheet will be a fun little activity for grown ups and kids alike. Color your picture, post it on socials and be sure to tag us so we can see all of your pretty, interesting, etc. work! We are on most social sites @midwestcovencast or you can use #covencoloringclub! We can't wait to see them!
Southern Hemisphere Shoutout: Mabon
Blessed Mabon to our witchy friends in the Southern Hemisphere. May the Autumnal Equinox bring you many blessings as the days get shorter and the balance begins to shift towards the night. Check out how we celebrated Mabon during our last turn of Mabon by reading our last Mabon Newsletter.
Calendar
19 March Ostara begins
Spring Equinox
25 March Full Worm Moon (2:00 AM CST)
8 April New Moon (1:20 PM CST)
23 April Full Pink Moon (6:48 PM CST)
1 May Beltane begins