The procession begins...
Spring Equinox
(Ostara)
At the Community Gardens (Golden Bay, New Zealand), on 23rd September 2006, a magical procession of the Maiden of Spring, Ostara, and Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit elements wove their magic. The cry went out:
"Join us as we gather to celebrate the Spring Equinox! Follow us!'
A drum began to beat a steady rhythm, as the procession started to wend their way through the blooming gardens, many joining along the way.
The procession begins...
At last everyone gathered in a circle. Standing in the middle of the circle by the altar, Ostara gave the Maiden of Spring a chalice of blood:
"Drink now the Blood of Life and become the Woman of Spring."
The transformation of the Maiden into Womanhood
Drinking from the chalice, the Maiden, accompanied by Ostara, walked around the circle, offering the blood onto the Earth.
"May the Blood of Life awaken the fertility of the Spring!"
Ostara then gave the golden egg to the Woman of Spring.
The golden egg...
The egg cracked open and she held aloft a seed:
"Behold the Seed of Life!"
The five elements came forward and were given seeds from the golden egg. They walked around the circle giving everyone a seed:
'Take now the seed of your intent! What you sow you shall reap!"
As the frequency of the drumming increased to a crescendo, the performers stepped back, hands outstretched, people joining in union, chanting:
"Blessed Be! Blessed Be! Blessed Be!"
Magic happens when you hold hands!
Ostara, the element Air, and the Woman of Spring
Our Goddess
Clockwise from left: Air, Earth, Water, Spirit, Master of Ceremonies, the Woman of Spring and Ostara.
Written by Clair Fones
Photos by Richard Dundass