The Sabbat of Ostara — The Magick of Eostre's Eggs

Eggs are a powerful symbol of spring and the decorating of eggs is common throughout the world. For Wiccans and Pagans, however, this is often more than just a craft. Eggs can be used as charms, simply by using colors and symbols to imbue the egg with your intent.

Colors for Ostara Eggs

The color you use to decorate your Ostara eggs can have an effect on what the eggs can be used for. Though traditional colors include pink, blue, green, and yellow, other colors should not be ignored. Some colors that might be used are:

• Pink — one of the most popular Ostara colors, pink is used for household peace and romantic love;
• Red — the color or blood and linked to life, death, and rebirth, red can be used for charms involving desire, lust, sexuality, courage, and strength;
• Orange — a solar color, orange can be used in spells involving attraction, friendship, drive, and willpower;
• Yellow — yellow is the color of the sun and egg yolks, and represents creativity, intellect, communication, and the power of the mind;
• Green — this color represents abundance, fertility, prosperity, and personal appearance, but it can also be used to induce calm or encourage love;
• Blue — blue is the color of peace, healing, fidelity, unity, sleep, dreams, and astral projection;
• Purple — a powerful color in many parts of the world, purple represents spirituality, metaphysical mysteries, past lives, communication with higher beings, and the divine;
• White — used for healing and purification, white is an all-purpose color that can be substituted when you’re unsure of what color will work best; and
• Black — though not a common Ostara color, black can be used in spells to absorb and dispel negative influences.

Symbols for Ostara Eggs
 
There are many different symbols that could be used to decorate your Ostara eggs. Anything that rings true for you will work well. However, runes are easy to draw and very popular. You could use runes that represent wealth, protection, strength, or wisdom. Or, anything else you can think of. There are many rune systems available on the internet, so do your research and pick a rune that represents your intent.
 
Though Eostre’s eggs can be used for simple decoration, they can also be utilized in the casting of spells and rituals surrounding the Spring Equinox. Egg spells are simple and numerous, but you can make egg talismans as well. They also make a fun craft for children and are an exciting way to teach youngsters about the magick of spring.

The Sabbat of Ostara — Decorating Eostre's Eggs

The decorating of eggs to celebrate the coming of spring is a tradition that stretches back to the legend of Eostre’s Bunnies. Often called Easter eggs, these fun crafts are an excellent way to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Commercial kits are available for this art, but natural dyes can also be used.

Egg-Decorating Kits and Their Value

Around the time of Ostara, you can go into almost any store and purchase a kit to dye your Ostara eggs. These kits include dyes and stickers and many little things to make your egg decorating experience complete. The colors are bright and resilient, and most kits are fairly inexpensive and easy to use, and come with specific directions. These artificial dyes, however, are not always very good for the environment.

Natural Dyes for Decorating Eggs

Many Wiccan and Pagans prefer natural dyes for decorating their Ostara eggs. These dyes are better for the environment and allow you to decorate eggs the way our ancestors did. In addition, plant material can be used to imbue individual eggs with specific magickal tasks.

Of course, there are downsides to natural dyes. It is almost impossible to produce colors as rich and dark as commercial dyes, and the finish tends to be fragile. In the case of most natural dyes, it is quite easy to scratch or rub the color off the eggs. Natural dyes also take more preparation, and drying times will also be increased.

Preparing and Using Natural Dyes for Decorating Ostara Eggs

Before you begin dying eggs, you’ll have to choose your plant material. I have personally used the following materials to produce these colors:

• Carrots — yellow;
• Daffodils — yellow-green;
• Dandelions — orange;
• Heather — pink;
• Bracken — green;
• Red cabbage — blue, like a robin’s egg;
• Blueberries — blue; and
• Beets — blue-violet.

There are other options, of course. I have heard that grapes produce decent colors, and raspberries will probably also make an excellent dye. Think about what plants stain your fingers when you touch them. These plants usually make good dyes. Experiment and see what works. However, make sure you’re using only non-toxic plants. You don’t want to make yourself or your family ill.
 
When you’ve gathered you plant material (you will need a generous amount), add it to 3-5 cups of boiling water. Reduce heat slightly (to a low boil) and wait until the water takes on a very deep version of the shade you want. Stir occasionally. You may need to add more plant material to achieve the desired shade.
 
When ready, strain out the plant material and bring the water to a light simmer. Add a pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of cream of tartar. These will help to set the dyes. Mix well and remove from heat, allowing the mixture to cool.
 
Place your hard-boiled or hollowed eggs into the dye until they achieve the desired shade. This may take some time, so be patient. Once removed from the dye, the eggs will have to completely dry before you handle them. Remember that natural dyes might rub off on your hands, so keep handling to a minimum.
 
Dying your own eggs is simple, whether you use a commercial dye kit or natural dyes. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy Ostara, Easter, the Spring Equinox, or any other spring holiday you choose to celebrate.

Wiccan Sabbat Ritual Recipes — Ostara Egg and Artichoke Pie

Eggs have traditionally been associated with the coming of spring, as the Vernal Equinox is when chickens naturally begin to lay eggs. As such, they are often used to create many holiday dishes for the Spring Equinox, Easter, and many other spring celebrations. One of these dishes is Ostara Egg and Artichoke Pie, often known as Ostara Quiche.

Quiches, a French dish which is essentially an egg pie, are typically thought of as quite delicious but difficult to concoct. However, this particular recipe is a little less elaborate than some traditional quiches, and is much easier to prepare. With a little patience and some planning, you can make a delectable quiche for you and your family to enjoy this Ostara season.

Ingredients for Ostara Egg and Artichoke Pie

Have the following ingredients close at hand:

• 6 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 can artichoke hearts
• ½ cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup onions, diced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 deep dish pie shell

You can add other ingredients as well, if you like. Try sundried tomatoes, spinach, ham, or turkey to change the flavor of your pie. Experiment and discover what you prefer. The options are limited only by your own creativity.
 
Preparing the Ostara Egg and Artichoke Pie
 
Drain the artichoke hearts thoroughly. Chop them into small pieces, no more than a quarter inch in size. Beat the eggs for several minutes with a fork. Add the milk to the eggs and blend well.
 
Combine the milk and egg mixture with the artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and onions, mixing well. Add the salt and pepper and stir, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
 
Preheat the over to 325ºF. Pour the egg mixture into the deep dish pie shell. Place the pie in the oven and bake for approximately forty minutes. Check frequently, and if the edges of the pie crust seem to be baking too fast, cover the pie with foil. This will help even browning and prevent burning.
 
After forty minutes, check the pie for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the pie is done. If not, leave it in the oven for an additional five minutes. Allow the pie to sit for at least five minutes before serving.
 
This recipe makes eight to ten small servings. Ostara Egg and Artichoke Pie is a favorite of many Wiccans and Pagans in the spring. It is especially delicious when paired with Spring Eggnog or Eostre's Chili Eggs.

Wiccan Sabbat Ritual Recipes — Eostre's Chili Eggs Recipe

Eggs are associated with Ostara and are a traditional breakfast food. However, the same old eggs can eventually become a little boring. Instead of having your eggs hard-boiled, scrambled, or fried, try Eostre’s Chili Eggs. This delicious recipe can add some spice and zip to your morning meal.

Ingredients for Eostre’s Chili Eggs

Have the following ingredients close at hand:

• 1 can green chili peppers;
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, cubed;
• ½ cup Cheddar cheese, cubed;
• 1 ½ cups salsa;
• 8 large eggs;
• ½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded; and
• Salt and pepper.

The salsa you choose may be any kind you like, and of any intensity. Consider those who will share your meal when deciding on a salsa. If there will be small children dining with you, opt for a milder salsa. For crowds that enjoy a little more spice, feel free to use a medium or hot salsa.
 
Additional ingredients can be added, if you like. Pork or chicken are particularly suited to this dish, but you can choose whatever you prefer. It can be made spicier by the addition of cayenne pepper, or milder by the omission of pepper. The options are limited only by your own taste.
 
Preparing Eostre’s Chili Eggs
 
Drain the chili peppers thoroughly and beat the eggs well. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking pan, taking extra care in the corners to prevent sticking.
 
Line the bottom of the pan with the chili peppers, distributing evenly. On top of the peppers, place the cubed cheeses (both the Monterey Jack and the Cheddar), but set aside the shredded cheese. Cover with 1 cup of salsa, reserving the remaining ½ cup.
 
Over this pour the beaten eggs and top with the remaining salsa and the shredded Cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the chili peppers and salsa will already give you a spicy dish. Be careful with the pepper, or you might overwhelm the flavors already present.
 
Bake for twenty minutes, or until the top starts to turn gold. Insert a toothpick into the center to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, the eggs are done. If not, bake for an additional five minutes.
 
This recipes make eight to ten small servings. Eostre’s Chili Eggs are a favorite of many Wiccans and Pagans around the time of the Spring Equinox. They are especially delightful when paired with Ostara Eggs and Artichoke Pie or Spring Eggnog.

For a similar recipe, check out this video: