Put The Spring Into Your Step

Spring will soon be arriving and March has roared in like a lion and if we're really lucky, it will roll out like a lamb. Meanwhile, on the 20th of this month, we have Ostara to celebrate. It's the time of the vernal equinox of you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and it's a true marker that spring has come. There are many different ways you can celebrate this sabbat, depending on your tradition.This sabbat is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring, when light and darkness are in balance but the light is growing stronger.

The forces of masculine energy and feminine energy are also in balance and this day paves the way for the coming lushness of summer. Ostara is a time for the celebration of fertility and balance, a time when all elements within and without us are brought into harmony. A time of new life and rebirth, as well as the end of winter.I thought that I would add my favorite chutney recipe and a really fun creative project Ostara Oil, which I use to anoint my candles with.

Ostara Mint Chutney

Ingredients:

3 C. fresh mint leaves, off stems

1/2 C. fresh cilantro

1/2 C. fresh parsley

1/2 C. green pepper, chopped

1/2 C. red pepper, chopped1 small onion, chopped

1/2 Tsp. sea salt

A dash of lemon juice water

Preparation:

Throw everything in your food processor or blender and chop until it forms a paste. Add water gradually to thin it out, and continue blending until the water and paste have formed a smooth sauce. Refrigerate if you're not going to serve it right away.


Ostara Oil

2 parts frankincense

1 part benzoin

1 part dragon's blood

½ part nutmeg part violet

½ part orange

½ part rose

Mix the ingredients well and use a funnel to fill any small decorative bottle that you choose.