Hi, my dear friends!
Welcome to my weekly Thursday edition of "Energy of Nature". Only ten days separate us from the magical Ostara - the day of the spring equinox. So I think now is the right time to start talking about it.
Ostara, the goddess of spring and soon summer, is an ancient figure that has been revered for millennia. She is typically associated with fertility and nature, as she is credited with reviving nature, germinating seeds, and bringing the first flowers of the year. Her presence is said to bring life and color to the world, and her coming brings joy and song to migratory birds.
Ostara is a goddess of fertility, but her power lies more in the fertility of the land and the growth of plants than with human fertility. She is often seen as the keeper of the keys to the bright half of the year, holding them on her belt and unlocking the heavens when the time is right. This is why when the month of March arrives and the winter chill still lingers, Ostara comes and unlocks the earth and water, allowing them to be warmed and revived by the sun.
On the day of Ostara, the world is reawakened and the landscape begins to bloom with an array of vibrant colors. The holiday also usually falls on the first full moon after the Equinox, further emphasizing Ostara’s association with the moon.
Ostara’s presence is a reminder to us of the beauty and abundance of nature, and how it is possible to experience so much joy and peace in the world. She is a symbol of hope, renewal and fertility, and an invitation to us to take part in the celebration of the coming of spring.
The pagan period is shrouded in mystery and speculation, with many rituals and practices lost to time. But one tradition that has fortunately been preserved is the German folklore tradition of Ostara, a magical maiden or woman dressed in white garments with long braided hair, who appears in crevices of rocks or high in the mountain at the dawn of Easter day.
As Ostara appears, spring begins to take hold. Wherever she steps, snow melts and flowers begin to bloom, often carrying with them important plants that should not yet be in bloom in March, such as flowering flax, bean pods, or freshly ripened spikelets. Ostara is also said to carry primroses, snowdrops, bluebells, primroses, and lilies of the valley in her hands, and these will not wither. But if a person shows her courtesy and reverence, these will turn into precious stones and gold.
Ostara is a powerful symbol of fertility and renewal, and her appearance marks the beginning of the new season of growth and life. Her story is a reminder that, despite the darkness of winter, spring will eventually return and bring new life and hope.
The German folklore image of the white maiden is closely intertwined the goddesses of spring and winter: Ostara and Holda (or Berhta). Together, these two divine figures form a single image, the white maiden. It is believed that she embodies the transition from winter to spring, from darkness to light.
The white maiden is portrayed as a beautiful woman dressed in a white dress with braided braids and long hair, a green, richly embroidered raincoat, luxurious gold jewelry and the golden belt that adorns her waist, and bright shoes. She is often seen at the top of a hill or mountain, warmed by the first sun, and then descends into the valleys, bringing spring.
In her hands, the white maiden carries a large bundle of keys, which symbolize the keys to spring, earth, waters, heavens, and sun. She also carries a basket with painted eggs and magical flowers and plants, which are said to bring blessings upon those who receive them.
The white maiden is a powerful figure in German folklore and is closely tied to Ostara, the goddess of spring and fertility. Her image is a reminder of the beauty and promise of a new season, and of the power of nature to rejuvenate and restore life. Ultimately, she symbolizes the power of hope and renewal, and the return of life and light after dark winter months.
I did not know the history of this ancient goddess, it is fascinating.. I loved every photograph! Greetings from Venezuela!
We appreciate your work and your publication has been hand selected by the geography curation team on behalf of the Amazing Nature Community. Keep up the good work!