The Spring Equinox is the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north, marking the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The word "equinox" is derived from Latin, with "eqi" meaning "equal" and "nox" meaning "night". Typically occurring around March 20th or 21st each year, the length of day and night are nearly equal during the 24 hours, with approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

The Spring Equinox has been celebrated by many pagan cultures, often with rituals that honor the balance between light and dark, in addition to the rebirth of nature, fertility and the renewal of life that comes with spring. Ostara is the name of the pagan festival that coincides with the Spring Equinox. It's part of the Wheel of the Year in modern Pagan and Wiccan traditions and is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre (or Ostara).

The association of fertility with Ostara and the Spring Equinox comes from the deep, ancient connections between earth's cycles of renewal, growth, and the fertility of both land and life. Signifying the mother of the earth and goddess of fertility and wisdom, Alchemy England's Danu Pendant is the perfect adornment for celebrating this special time of the year. Skillfully handcrafted in fine English pewter and enhanced with a stunning magical amethyst crystal from Austria, this is a wonderful way to honor the Divine Feminine.

Another fantastic way to mark the festival of Ostara (in addition to other events in the Wheel of the Year) is with Alchemy England's Pagan Calendar Globe Lamp. This battery powered LED light encompasses the universal philosophy of pagan belief. As the seasons turn and the deep wisdom of the earth and heavens is revealed to us, the triple goddess illuminates all with her blessings. This globe lamp is a delightful way to bring warmth and light into your home.

Lighting candles is also a common symbolic practice during the Spring Equinox. This is seen as a way of honoring the increasing sunlight and growing power of the sun as the days become longer and the earth awakens from the dark, cold winter months. Alchemy England's candle stick holders are perfect for your candles with a handful of designs, including Poe's Raven Candle Stick Holder, Faust's Familiar Candlestick Holder and the Owl of Astrontiel Candlestick Holder. Each is beautifully sculpted and promises to be a dark and dramatic addition to your dining table, boudoir or altar.

Ostara and the Spring Equinox provide a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the balance of light and dark and to honor the renewal of life that comes with the changing seasons. It's a time to consider your own place within the earth, the sun and the Divine. Perhaps make an offering and find a sense of balance and harmony between light and dark, winter and summer, warmth and cold. Pagan inspired pieces from Alchemy England's jewelry and homeware collection provide further ways to help mark this festival and celebrate the ever-present energy of life's cycles.

Explore more pagan jewelry and homeware on our Ostara page »