Ostara (Spring Solstice)

Ostara (March 21st), is the celebration of the transition of Spring.

 This Ceremony is traditionally done outside. A tree is selected to give offerings and tie prayers to.

The ceremony begins with the horn being sounded three times (optional); during this time all the participants prepare for the ceremony.

 If the Ceremony is performed at sunrise, the Prayer to Delling is offered, if the Ceremony is performed at sunset, the Prayer to Billing is offered.

It is at this point that the Area Blessing is performed, afterwhich the Godhi or Gydhja sings the following invocation: 

     Hail to thee, Ostara, Vanic One,
     with your might you have  triumphed;
     Hail to thee, Guardian of Life,
     your gifts are ever with us, we see this.

    All hail the givers of gifts, in kindness,
    gifts to be returned with gifts, in kindness;
    just as the gods ward our ways, we give back,
    and so the gods grant givings, we give back.

The Godhi or Gydhja then pours the mead from the decanter into the blessing bowl, blesses the mead, and holding the bowl high sings:

     The Aesir and Vanir have blessed us, we learn,
     from the learnèd we teach, others learn;
     these gifts aid others, as gods aid ourselves,
     may each one come forward with their offerings.

Each family comes forward with their Prayer Ribbons (small ribbons with a personal prayer written on it) and they tie the ribbons in the branches of the tree, those that wish to be blessed are blessed (the yew twig is then wet in the Ale and each one is then sprinkled with the sacrèd mead).

The twig is then consumed on the recels (with adequate ventilation of course), and the mead is offered to Ostara and the wights of the tree.

Optional: Each individual prepares an uncooked egg, decorated to their liking and a prayer written thereon. Each takes a turn at throwing their egg into the air, and catching it. If one catches the egg they will have luck in the coming year, if one drops it the opposite occurs.

So ends the Ceremony of Ostara.

Sumbel follows the ceremony.

Needed Items:
Godhi or Gydhja (or volunteer member)
Prayer Ribbons
One yew twig
Recels
One blessing bowl
One drinking horn or cup
Ceremonial Hammer
Decanter or container for the mead
Various offerings for Ostara and the land-wights. 
Mead for the Ceremony

Glossary

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