On or about March 21 Witches celebrate the vernal equinox, sometimes called Ostara. This is the time when night and day, dark and light, are equal, and the light begins to grow greater than the dark. The circle might be decorated with spring flowers -- daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, pussy willows -- or bowls and baskets of colored eggs. This is the time for the ritual blessing of seeds, and as they did in ancient times, Witches make offerings to the Goddess with colored eggs and cakes, sometimes inscribed with solar crosses. At this sabbat the Goddess is honored in her aspect as the Maiden and the God as her brother / consort the Sun God. 

Solitary Practice

Flowers should be laid on the altar, placed around the circle and strew on the ground. The cauldron can be filled with spring water and flowers, and buds and blossoms may be worn as well. A small potted plant should be placed on the altar. Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, cast the circle, and invoke the God/dess. Stand before the altar and gaze upon the plant as you say:

"Mother Earth, You have freed yourself from the icy prison of winter. Now is the greening, when the fragrance of flowers drifts on the breeze. This is the beginning. Life renews itself by Your magick. Sky Father stretches and rises, eager in His youth, And bursting with the promise of summer."

Touch the plant. Connect with its energies and through it, all nature. Travel inside its leaves and stems through your visualization -- from the center of your consciousness out through your arm and fingers into the plant itself. Explore its inner nature; sense the miraculous processes of life at work within it. After a time, still touching the plant, say:

"I walk the earth in friendship, not in dominance. Mother Earth and Father Sky, instill within me through this plant a warmth for all living things. Teach me to revere the Earth and all its treasures. May I never forget."

Stop before the altar, holding aloft the candle. Gaze at its flame. Visualize yourself blossoming with creativity, with renewed energy and strength. Meditate upon the changing of the seasons. Feel the rousing of energies around you in the Earth. Celebrate the Simple Feast and release the Circle. * Adapted from the book "Witchcraft Today", an article by Pauline Campanelli, & "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, and some of the Spoken Words were Personalized by Ambrosia Knight.