Ostara Spring Equinox-Part 2

One of the most beautiful things associated with Ostara is the egg.  An old wise tale says that many, many years ago, pagan children would give eggs to the goddess as gifts in return for spring coming.  Eggs and seeds alike are full of promise of new life.  It is a sign of rebirth and fertility in all creation.  Many cultures believe the egg symbolizes the whole universe. The egg is a symbol of balance, light and dark, male and female. The golden yoke represents the Sun God and the white represents the Goddess... it is a perfect balance.

Placing eggs on your altar is not only beautiful but has a lot of meanings.  You can use herbs to naturally color eggs.  You will need, water, white vinegar and herbs, fruits and vegetables. Put the eggs you want to color into a pot and add enough water to cover the eggs and cook until they are done. Everyone has different methods, I cook my eggs for 11 minutes others will bring them to a boil, cover turn off heat and allow to set for a little while. Regardless of your method, allow the cooked eggs to completely cool.

 For every cup of herb, fruit or vegetable you make, you will add 3 teaspoons of white vinegar.  Let's say you want to make some purple dye, one choice would be to use purple cabbage. Cut up a handful of purple cabbage, cover with about 1 1/2 cups of water bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the cooled liquid into a bowl or jar and add 3 teaspoons of white vinegar. Your children can use crayons and draw pictures and designs on the egg than place them into the dye and let them set over night in the fridge.  The colors will not be as bright using herbs, fruits and vegetables but they will be beautiful pastel colors. 

  

Here are just a few examples of natural dyes you can make: Blue: you could use blueberries, elder berries Yellow: marigold petals, turmeric, Orange: carrots, paprika Green: spinach , rosemary Pink: beets, raspberries Purple: red cabbage, red grape juice. Just remember, bring vegetable, fruit or herb to a boil, simmer for 15 minutes, allow to cool, strain and add 3 teaspoons of white vinegar for each cup of liquid you have for each color.

Ostara is a chance of seeing new life, more light and most of all rebirth for everything you want to start over. Blessed Ostara to those who  celebrate it... Happy Spring for those who don't.