Aislin.'s Blog, page 8

The Wheel of the Year — Beltane and Its Lore

Also known as Bealtien, La Baal Tinne, or May Day, Beltane falls on May 1st. It is considered one of the most important days in the Wiccan calendar, second only to Samhain. Like Samhain, it is a day when the veil between the worlds is thin, but it is not a day of the dead. Instead, this thin veil allows trickery and confusion to rule the day. Because of this, divination readings may have unexpected results.



As part of the Wheel of the Year, Beltane is the time when the Goddess sheds her robes as Maiden and becomes the Mother. The God, grown now, comes to Her side as Consort instead of son. The Goddess and the God celebrate Their union, mating in the spring warmth and conceiving a child.



The Themes and Practices of Beltane



The main themes of Beltane are the great fires of Bel and the associated fertility rites. The sexual union of the Goddess and the God is traditionally celebrated by performing the Great Rite. Symbolically, the Great Rite is represented using a chalice and athame. The chalice, representing the womb of the Goddess, is filled with liquid (usually wine, but juice works for the non-alcoholic crowd) and placed upon the altar. The athame, representing the phallic nature of the God, is lowered into the chalice. Usually, this is part of a greater ritual and is not done on its own.



The Great Rite can also be performed literally, as a part of Pagan sex magick. This is only done by a consenting adult couple.



Since this Sabbat represents the marriage of the Goddess and the God, many Wiccans and other Pagans celebrate with a wedding, handfasting, or simple renewal of vows. In times of old, the fertility of livestock and people was important, so marriages would take place and animals would be driven between two large bonfires to encourage fertility. People would then jump the bonfires to help ensure their own fertility in the years to come.



Some of the symbols associated with Beltane include:

Daisies
Fairies
Flower garlands
Balefires (bonfires)
Passion and sensuality
The Feast of Beltane

 

Since Beltane is the celebration of the marriage between the Goddess and the God, it is time for a major feast. Consider it a wedding supper. If you live in a climate conducive to outdoor meals, consider making this the first picnic of the year. This would also allow you to plan games and activities that can be held outdoors, which is traditional for Beltane.

 

Some popular dishes for Beltane include:

Roast pork
Apple sauce
Lightly cooked or raw spring vegetables and herbs
Cucumber soup
Deep fried elderflower heads
Roast chicken
Salads
Egg recipes
Beverages for Beltane

 

Drinks appropriate for Beltane are similar to those consumed at the Spring Equinox. Make your own Honey Mead or look for other sweet wines and liqueurs. Elderflower wine or cordial made with a sparkling mineral water is also an excellent selection. Cool fruit teas or light fruit drinks are an excellent alternative for the non-alcoholic crowd.

 

In ancient times, mineral water would have been considered festive because spring is the time when ice has just melted. To spruce up your mineral water, add a squeeze of fresh fruit juice. Try to choose fruits that are in season in the area where you live.

 

Celebrating Beltane

 

There are many ways to celebrate Beltane. One of the most traditional is the selecting of a May Queen/King to preside over the Beltane festivities. The Queen or King directs the celebration and organizes any rituals or ceremonies to be performed. She or he also organizes the dance around the May Pole. If you’re worried about anyone feeling left out, let the selection of May Queen/King be random by drawing lots. Allow the selected person to choose their partner. To make the celebration more elaborate, have special cloaks and thrones prepared for the royal couple.

 

Make chains of daisies or other seasonal flowers for everyone in your group. These can be worn around the head or around the neck. Children especially love to make these, so put the children in your family to work weaving chains of flowers.

 

Set up a May Pole for your merrymakers to dance around. While a large pole with multiple ribbons might be traditional, you can make a smaller pole with a broomstick or umbrella pole. Even a flagpole will work. Bury the pole into the ground so that it is secure. Make sure a random child or animal can’t knock it over. Tie a number of ribbons or streamers to the top of the pole. You should have as many ribbons as you will have dancers, and you should always have an even number of dancers. Have your dancers assemble and instruct half your dancers to dance clockwise, the other counterclockwise. Your clockwise and counterclockwise dancers should alternate and weave in and out of each other. This may take a little practice, so have your dancers do a test run if necessary.

 

To make the May Pole dance more traditional, place a flower garland at the top of the pole before the dance begins. As the ribbons weave around each other and around the pole, the garland should descent gracefully. If you don’t think you can manage to set up a May Pole dance, look around your area for events that might have one. They are becoming more and more popular as time goes by.

 

Most Wiccans also mark Beltane with a ritual. As Sabbats are celebratory in nature, magick is generally not performed. However, if there is a true emergency, such as healing, an exception may be made.

 

Dressing for Beltane

 

Like most holidays, fancy dress is an excellent way to get into the spirit of things. You might wish to wear ritual robes or choose simpler clothing. While there is no firm rule, try to make it special for the occasion. Traditional colors for Beltane include green and the bright colors of the rainbow. Colors associated with the Maiden and Her Lover include bright red or silver for the Goddess and green and gold for the God. Alternatively, consider blue and gold for the Goddess and red and gold for the God. You can use the colors for your clothing or simply to decorate the ritual space.

 

Beltane is regarded as a sacred time for Wiccans around the world. It is a time to celebrate the natural cycles of the earth and look forward to the coming heat of summer.

 

 

First published at Suite101: The Wheel of the Year — Beltane and Its Lore | Suite101.com http://leigh-ann-andersen.suite101.com/the-wheel-of-the-year--beltane-and-its-lore-a397811#ixzz1lngFYopg

The Broom or Besom in Wiccan Practice

Of all the tools of the Craft, the broom is probably the most well known. For better or for worse, it has been the image of Wicca and Witchcraft for generations. The picture of a powerful Witch riding through the air, though far from accurate, is something almost every has seen before. But the true nature of the broom in Wicca is more complex.


The broom, in one form or another, has been in use magickally and mundanely for thousands of years. In ancient times, it was used during ritual as women would straddle a broom and jump, showing the crops how high they should grow. Today it is used primarily for cleansing, and the broom is still found in most households today. However, it also has more symbolic purpose.



The Symbolism of the Broom



Typically, the broom is thought of as a masculine tool due to its phallic nature. However, it may also be considered a balanced tool. The handle (or stave) is certainly phallic, and so is masculine. The bristles, on the other hand, receive the stave much as the female receives the male. In this way, the broom can be said to embody both the male and the female.



Ritual Uses of the Broom



The broom can be used for a variety of purposes. It can serve as a decoration, especially in the winter month. More commonly, Wiccans will use the broom to cleanse a ritual area. This is done by sweeping your ritual space, often the Magick Circle itself, in a clockwise motion, visualizing the negative energy leaving the Circle. Some Wiccans will chant as they do this, perhaps saying something like: “As I gently sweep this place, I cast out negativity from this space.” It doesn’t have to be complicated.



Brooms are also laid across the entrance to a coven circle or hung on doors for protection. They can also be used during a wedding, in some traditions. In this case, the broom is laid before the newly-wedded couple, who proceed to ‘Jump the Broom’ to seal their commitment to each other.



How to Make Your Own Broom



The traditional broom of the Witch is a besom, a broom that is rounded instead of flat. These are very easy to make at home. First you’ll need a stave, traditionally made of ash. However, you may use any wood you choose. You’ll also need twigs, straw, or herbs for the bristles. If you are making a traditional besom, you’ll want birch twigs for your bristles, but really you can use anything that works for you.



The twigs should be gathered to the stave and tied together tightly. You can use rope or twine or even a leather thong to bind to the twigs. Keep the bristles as even as possible, and bind them only tight enough to secure them to the stave. If you bind them too tightly, they could break.



The broom is a common tool of Wiccan practice. Though surrounded by much myth and legend, the modern use of the broom is for ceremonial cleansing and protection.

Wiccan Sabbat Ritual Recipes — Spring Eggnog Recipe

Any good celebration needs a festive beverage. In Wiccan and Pagan practice, eggnog is not just for Yule, but is a great addition to your annual Ostara celebration. The word ‘nog’ really just means ‘strong ale’ and is not connected to a particular season. Eggs, however, are connected to spring, and so eggnog is very appropriate for spring gatherings.



Ingredients for Spring Eggnog



Have the following close at hand:

12 eggs, preferably medium in size
1 ¾ cups confectioner’s sugar (sometimes called powdered sugar or icing sugar)
1 ¾ liter cream of rich milk
A pinch of salt
1 tsp powdered nutmeg
1 tsp powdered cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Traditional eggnog often calls for the addition of rum. You may or may not decide to add rum to your own eggnog, depending on your personal preference and those with whom you will be sharing your eggnog. Regardless, to make preparing your eggnog easier, gather all necessary ingredients beforehand.

 

Preparing Spring Eggnog

 

Begin by separating the white and the yolks of the eggs. There are devices you can purchase to do this, or you can simply pass the yolk from one half of the eggshell to the other. Do this over a bowl to catch the whites as they drain. If you have never done this before, you might need some practice, to have a few extra eggs, just in case.

 

Beat the egg yolks in a large saucepan until they are smooth. Mix in the sugar, cream, and salt. Heat on low until barely simmering, stirring frequently. Keep an eye on the mixture, because the cream will curdle if it gets too hot.

 

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff, but just barely. Fold the egg whites into the cream mixture. Add the spices and the vanilla extract. Simmer the entire mixture for several minutes, stirring constantly to kill any bacteria.

 

Cool the eggnog completely, then refrigerate for at least six hours before serving. Overnight is better, as it will allow the flavors to develop. If you’d like to add rum, do so immediately before consuming your eggnog. If you have not consumed all the eggnog in three or four days, discard unused portion.

 

This recipe makes approximately two liters of eggnog. Spring Eggnog is a favorite of many Wiccans and Pagans around the time of the Vernal Equinox. It will make a wonderful addition to any Ostara feast table, especially when paired with Baked Sandwiches or Ostara Egg and Artichoke Pie.

 

 

First published at Suite101: Wiccan Sabbat Ritual Recipes — Spring Eggnog Recipe | Suite101.com http://leigh-ann-andersen.suite101.com/wiccan-sabbat-ritual-recipes--spring-eggnog-recipe-a352117#ixzz1lkgTZ2cR

Wiccan Sabbat Ritual Recipes — Baked Sandwiches Recipe

Eggs are a traditional food in the spring and summer, and they are associated with the Sabbat of Ostara. There are many different ways to use eggs to create a meal, but if you’re serving a large group, such as a coven, Baked Sandwiches are a simple way to feed everyone a delicious bunch or lunch.



Ingredients for Baked Sandwiches



Have the following ingredients close at hand:



12 slices of bread without crusts;




2 cups of milk;




4 medium eggs;




1 cup of grated Cheddar cheese;




1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese; and




2 cups of diced ham.



To make preparing the sandwiches a little easier, ensure you have gathered all ingredients beforehand. If you like more of a bite to your food, the Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese. Also, instead of ham, you could use pork, chicken, turkey, tofu, or even alfalfa sprouts. It is also possible to use regular sandwich meat to create this dish.

 

Preparing Baked Sandwiches

 

Take a 9”x13” cake pan, preferably glass, and grease it well. Line this greased pan with six slices of bread. You can use your favourite bread, such as white, whole wheat, French, Italian, or rye bread. Consider who will be eating your sandwiches when making your selection.

 

On top of the bread, evenly distribute the diced harm (or other filling, if you choose). Add ½ cup each of the grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of the filling. Cover all of this with the remaining six slices of bread.

 

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs gently with a fork. Add the milk and blend well. Pour this mixture over the sandwiches, being careful not to splash the milk and egg mixture outside of the pan. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake the sandwiches for approximately one hour, or until the top of the sandwiches are golden brown. Be careful not to over bake your sandwiches.

 

For those people who’d like to use less bread, line the pan with your six slices of bread and add filling as describes. However, instead of topping with additional bread, simply pour the milk and egg mixture on top and bake as directed.

 

This recipe makes eight to ten servings. Baked Sandwiches are a favorite of many Wiccans and Pagans around the time of the Spring Equinox. Though you can serve this dish all year round, it is especially appropriate in the spring, as it is light and delicious. It will make a pleasing addition to any table, especially when paired with baked white fish or gammon ham.

The Sabbat of Ostara — Eggs as Amulets and Talismans

The magick of eggs has a long and varied history. From being used for spells and rituals to being decorated as gifts for the Goddess, the archetypal symbolism of the egg is powerful indeed. However, egg magick doesn’t have to be as complicated as a structured ritual or spell. There are many ways in which a simple egg can be used as an amulet or talisman.



Egg Talismans to Promote the Growth of Crops



In eras past, both the Teutons and the Anglo-Saxons would bury eggs near gardens and fields in the hope that this practice would bless gardens and farmland with abundance. The idea of using eggs to encourage crops to grow quickly spread across Europe and Asia. This is still practiced by many Wiccans and Pagans today.



If you wish to follow this tradition, take a raw or hard-boiled egg and draw upon it symbols of fertility and growth. This can be done with a brown or green crayon, as both are colors of the earth. Dig a small hole near or in your garden using your bare hands. Place the egg in the hole while visualizing your garden as lush and healthy. Cover the egg and continue tending your garden as normal.



Eggs as Fertility Talismans



The Teutons often used eggs as talismans. They would bury eggs under animal dwellings to encourage the livestock housed there to breed. To encourage human fertility, eggs were sometimes placed beneath beds.



Some modern Wiccans and Pagans will use crushed eggshells to create a fertility amulet. This can be done by making or purchasing a small green drawstring bag. Into this bag can be placed the crush eggshells, fertility stones such as geodes or holey stones, and two or three fertility herbs or other natural items. Consider:


Honeysuckle;


Juniper;


Rice;


Acorns;


Pine cones;


Cedar;


Barley; or


Lemongrass.


Place these all inside the bag and pull it closed, visualizing your end goal; in this case, you probably would focus on a baby. Ensure that the bag is closed well enough that the contents cannot fall out. Wear this amulet as often as possible.

 

Other Egg Magick

 

There are many other ways to use eggs for magick that do not involve spells or rituals. To bring abundance and fertility into your home, use a broom to sweep a hard-boiled egg from outside your home to inside. You could also decorate a plastic or wooden egg as a fertility talisman.

 

Brown eggs are particularly associated with animals. Brown eggshells can be added to protective or healing magick for your pets or livestock. Traditionally, brown eggs were placed around an animal in labor, as these were thought to help ease the birthing process. This is still occasionally done today.

 

In times of old, when food could quickly become scarce in the winter, eggs were sometimes used to keep everyone safe and ensure an adequate supply of food. This was done by burying one egg at each of the cardinal points of a property. The cardinal points are: north, east, south, and west. Some Pagans still follow this practice, and it has seen a resurgence in recent years.

 

Eggs are often used for magick around the time of the Spring Equinox. They can be decorated, buried, eaten, or crushed (only the shells, of course!) to invoke their ancient power.

The Hedonistic and Sexual Nature of Ostara

With the spring comes the irrepressible urge to experience joy and indulgance. The sun begins to warm the earth, and us as well, and we revel in our ability to remove the heavy winter clothing of past months, exchanging parkas for T-shirts. The arrival of the Spring Equinox breathes new life into all of the natural world.



The Atavistic Hedonism of the Vernal Equinox



There’s no doubt about it. Ostara’s arrival causes a primal shift in our consciousness, no matter how hard we might try to repress it. At the first hint of warm spring weather, we move our activities outdoors under the sun. We bask in the gentle caress of the sun upon our bare flesh. And we anticipate the sensual feeling of cool water over hot flesh on a steamy afternoon.



We also rejoice in more practical things, such as the sudden companionship of other that is often curtailed by the cold of winter. We find it easier to get out of bed in the morning as the sun begins to rise earlier. We head to the local swim shop to purchase new bathing suits, and gather on beaches and in parks with those who feel a similar impulse.



These powerful impulses are still with us today, even in a world full of air conditioning, electricity, and convenience stores. Imagine, then, what spring must have meant to our ancestors. The long winter months brought with them the very real possibility of starvation or freezing to death. Spring brought relief from all of this.



There was also very little entertainment to be had. Theaters and libraries, if they existed at all, were difficult to access with the roads covered in ice and snow. Shopping malls didn’t exist in their current form. The only mobile forms of entertainment — poets, storytellers, and musicians — had as difficult a time traveling as anyone else. It wasn’t until spring that minstrels could make their rounds once more. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that music and dance are intimately tied to the rites of spring.



Sex and Ostara



Spring brings with it the necessary impulse of shedding heavy winter clothing. As this clothing is replaced by bathing suits and shorts, we cannot help but feel just a little sexy - sexier than we did in heavy parkas, at any rate. This feeling is implanted in the human psyche, and has been since the time of our earliest ancestors.



We are all a part of the human experience, regardless of our various backgrounds. We all share the same primal coding, though many people in the modern world try to suppress this. Even in denial, it is not possible to ignore the sexual nature of spring. Animals emerge from hiding in search of mates to create offspring. Plants and lowers begin to emerge from the earth. Seeds are planted within the earth, creating new life through an almost miraculous process. Fertility is the one overriding theme of spring. And fertility is inseparable from sex.



Throughout ancient Europe, it was common for a man and his wife to have sex on freshly ploughed fields immediately prior to planting. It was through that this act of symbolic planting would invoke the blessings of the Goddess and help ensure the fertility of the land. Sex was considered a divine process, thoroughly connected to the Goddess and the God. The divine pair were conceptualized as mating in the spring and giving life back to the earth. Spring sex at festivals such as Ostara became a sacrament to ancient man, a way in which to receive divine blessings.



The Use of Symbolic Sex



Sacred sex does not have to involve sexual intercourse. Instead, sex can be a symbolic act, and symbolism can be understood through ritual. Just as the symbol of a stone, glyph, herb, or rune is understood in magick to represent a certain goal, there are many symbols of the joining of male and female. The act of an athame being lowered into a chalice is common in many Wiccan and Pagan rituals. The inverted triangle, often called the Triangle of Manifestation, is the symbol of the masculine and the feminine coming together in an act of creation.



The ritual union of the male and the female, either symbolically or literally, is called the Great Rite. The Great Rite is the foundation of most Pagan belief systems. It is our creation myth, representing the principle of creation that gave birth to the universe. This is reflected in the old axiom, “As above, so below.” In other words, what the deities do in the macrocosm is reflect by what we do in the microcosm.



Spring is a powerful time of year in the human psyche. The atavistic impulses that arise within us should be embraced and appreciated as the cold of winter is banished for another year.





First published at Suite101: The Hedonistic and Sexual Nature of Ostara | Suite101.com http://leigh-ann-andersen.suite101.com/the-hedonistic-and-sexual-nature-of-ostara-a357310#ixzz1lkWsFlSo

The Sabbat of Ostara — Egg Spells for Ostara

Many Wiccans and Pagans practice spells and rituals to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Since eggs are so closely linked to Ostara, it makes sense that many of these spells would involve the magick of eggs. Eggs are typically used for spells relating to fertility and rebirth, but here are other options.



An Egg Rebirthing Spell for Ostara



This is a spell designed to bring something back into your life, such as luck or romance. This spell should not be directed toward a specific person, but is rather aimed at bringing about a set of circumstances to accomplish your goal.



Place a raw egg in boiling water. As you watch the egg boil, concentrate on something you would like to manifest in your life. See this desire as being trapped within the egg, waiting to spring forth. Visualize this as clear as you are able for at least five minutes.



Allow the egg to cool, then decorate the egg in a way that symbolizes your desire. Perhaps a pink egg with a heart for love, a green egg with a dollar sign for money, etc. You may use crayons, markers, paints, dyes, or any other medium to decorate your egg.



Bury your egg near your front door. When you walk past this spot, reaffirm your desire. Soon, the egg will begin to break down and decompose, giving rise to your desire. This symbolic life, death, and rebirth is linked by magick to your intention, and will help to birth your stated desire.



A Caxcarone Love Spell for Ostara



A cascarone is a hollowed-out egg filled with certain things such as herbs, rice, or other grains. Make one by poking two small holes in either end and gently blow into one end. The yolk and white of the egg should slowly emerge from the other end. Wash out the shell and let dry before proceeding.



Fill the egg with an herb associated with attracting romantic love. Some of these include:

Yarrow;
Apple blossom;
Lavender;
Rose petals;
Daisies;
Willow;
Rosemary; and
Lemon verbena.
Herbs connected to lust may increase the effectiveness of the spell. Consider adding:

Dill;
Cinnamon;
Clove; and
Damiana.
You may use any combination you like, but do not fill the shell more than three-quarters full. Begin decorating your egg using dyes, paints, jewels, stickers, or anything else you desire. Focus on your intent as you decorate your egg.

 

Make sure you seal the ends of the egg with wax or tape and save it until Ostara. Traditionally, you would break the egg over the head of your love, but this may not be appreciated! As an alternative, visualize the face of your love clearly, holding the image in your mind. Break the egg into a flowing river, visualizing the contents finding their way to your beloved.

 

There are many other spells that might involve eggs. Eggs can also be used for divination or simply for decoration. The possibilities for using eggs to celebrate the Vernal Equinox are limited only by your own creativity.

 

 

First published at Suite101: The Sabbat of Ostara — Egg Spells for Ostara | Suite101.com http://leigh-ann-andersen.suite101.com/the-sabbat-of-ostara--egg-spells-for-ostara-a351913#ixzz1lkV6gTy2

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.



For a slightly different variation, try this video: