Ostara is upon us!

At Yule, our Sun was born once again, and began to grow in strength and vitality. Life, stirred anew at Imbolc, has now taken root and thrives. Our hope for future bounties has been established but is still vulnerable in its youthful state, making nurturing vigilance a necessity.

The Great Wheel is in constant motion and now turns to Ostara, one of the most exhilarating times of the year.

In terms of solar activity, we see the vernal equinox- a day of perfect balance between darkness and light. Agriculturally, Ostara represents a season in which life flourishes and life-giving light grows bolder with each passing day.

Fire is a vital element of this season. It urges the other elements into action by reviving them from their dormant, winter state. Molecules of each element are being energized by heat and light from the Sun and that energy is stirring them to life.

Water, roused from its frozen slumber, actively rejoins the cycle in its various states of matter: mists, dew, rain, streams, rivers and oceans. It ensures life is sustained as it ebbs and flows through nature.

Earth is being revived, awakening into the cycle of reincarnation: birth, life, death and rebirth. Life is springing into action, taking root in every crevice, being supported and protected by the nurturing foundation of this element.

Air is warming and blowing. It’s in a state of flux, even volatile at times. It stirs and gusts to perpetuate life. It carries Water in the form of rain, Earth in the form of dust and fuels the intensity of Fire.

Our God is growing in his strength. He’s youthful, carefree and spry. He’s mischievous but never malevolent. He sees the world through the eyes of an innocent; he revels in the rains. His thunderous laughter is carried on the winds. His feet pound the earth as he joyously races through the forests that are his own. His body is the physical manifestation of fire: the thrill of action, a deep passion for life, the desire for happiness. He is the Greenman and he is with us.

Our Goddess has been restored to her youth and beauty. She walks in wonder through the Earth, reborn. Her spirit carries within it, the echoes of a crone’s wisdom and a mother’s compassion, but her consciousness is new, innocent and unblemished. She sees beauty in the entirety of creation, for all of life springs from her. She dances skyclad and carefree in the rain. Her new song is carried the winds. She wanders the fields, gathering bouquets of wild flowers. And, she is drawn to the fire embodied by her God. She is the Maiden and she is with us.

Spirit encircles us in new growth and renewed life. Spirit is the thread that weaves us together through the fabric of existence, joining us one to another-element to element.

Spirit urges us to use this season of fertility to labor as one, to unite in community. Now is the time to sow that which we want to reap. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to work!