Ēostre, also known as Ostara, is a Germanic goddess associated with spring and dawn. Her name is thought to be the root of the modern Easter celebration. Ēostre symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and fertility, embodying the transition from the cold, dark winter to the warm, light-filled days of spring.
Celebrations in Ēostre's honor were thought to include feasts and rituals to welcome the changing season and encourage fertility in crops and livestock. Although details about her worship are sparse due to limited historical records, Eostre's legacy endures in cultural traditions and linguistic connections related to springtime festivities.
Symbolism Associated With Ēostre:
- Hares or Rabbits — Perhaps the most prominent symbol linked to Ēostre is the hare or rabbit. We traditionally see this symbol used in modern Easter traditions, but its roots are linked to the pagan celebration of Ēostre. The hare and rabbit are both seen as a symbol of fertility and rebirth, aligning with the themes of springtime and new beginnings that Ēostre embodies.
- Eggs — Eggs represent new life and rebirth, making them another fitting symbol for Ēostre. The tradition of decorating eggs in spring celebrations is thought to have roots in ancient customs honoring deities like her.
- Spring Flowers — Flowers such as daffodils, lilies, and primroses are connected to Ēostre due to their emergence in spring. These blooms symbolize growth, renewal, and the awakening of nature after winter's dormancy.
- Sunrise — The rising sun ties into themes of light and life returning after the dark winter months, making it a symbol associated with Ēostre. Her festival is believed to coincide with the dawn of longer days.
- Spring Equinox (Ostara) — The timing of Ēostre's celebration around the spring equinox represents the balance between day and night, highlighting harmony and transition as winter fades and spring blossoms.
For us at Astarte's Temple, we've spent a great deal of time and energy researching the connection between the Canaanite goddess Astarte and the Germanic Ēostre.
The goddesses Ēostre and Astarte share intriguing similarities based on name etymology, which suggests potential historical or linguistic connections. Ēostre, a Germanic goddess associated with spring and renewal, is believed to have a name derived from the Proto-Germanic word *austrōn*, meaning "dawn" or "to shine." Similarly, Astarte, a deity from the ancient Near Eastern pantheon, is linked to fertility and love, with her name potentially originating from the Semitic root *ʿṯtr*, which also conveys ideas of brightness or shining.
Both names suggest themes of light and renewal, aligning with their respective roles in mythology related to fertility and rebirth. Although their cultural contexts differ, this shared etymological foundation highlights the ways in which ancient societies often conceptualized their deities through similar symbolic language.
On the 27th March 2013, The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science (Official) posted a meme to their Facebook Group stating that the Anglo-Saxon Goddess Eostre, and the Christian festival of Easter, had their origins in the Goddess Ishtar-Astarte. This meme was met swiftly with fury and derision. Firstly by Christian Groups who were horrified that a Pagan Goddess of 'death and resurrection' was even suggested to be linked with their Saviour's own 'death and resurrection' festival. Especially one whose name sounds exactly like 'Easter'.
But what happened next would set the stage for a decade to come. In a strange turn of events, the Germanic Neo-Pagan community took up the cause with a score to settle. For the next nine years they would dispute and debunk any and all links between Ishtar and Eostre. They would claim that "Ishtar-Astarte is a foreign Goddess of Middle Eastern descent" and that "she wasn't venerated anywhere outside of that region."
However, therein lies the problem. A rigid academic investigation into the subject shows that Ishtar-Astarte's worship was prevalent not only in the "Middle East" but down the Levantine Corridor, into Egypt and across Northern Africa, through ancient Greece and Rome, across Europe, up to Iberia, and even into the British Isles where she had at least SEVEN altars dedicated to her.
From there, her worship spread to the Germanic sources. We have at least THREE Germanic Academic texts which categorically state that Eostre and Ostara was originally the Goddess Ishtar-Astarte. All of which predate Jacob Grimm's 'speculation' on Eostre by quite some time. She was the Goddess who endured. From her first Temple in Mesopotamia c.3600 - 3200 BCE to her first Temples in Egypt c.1427 - 1400 BCE. From her first Temple in Cyprus c.1200 BCE to her first Temples in North Africa, Spain, and Portugal during the Phoenician Expansion Period c.900 BCE.
From her first Temple in Rome around c.217 BCE to her first Altars in Britannia c.117 to 138 CE, and to the point where her worship finally died out around c.1900 CE in modern Turkey, only a few hundred years ago. The fact that the endurance of Ishtar-Astarte worship spans almost six millennia, and half the world over, should not be taken lightly. This was a Goddess elevated above all others during much of her history, and who went on to influence a great many other deities. No other Goddess in recorded history was venerated for so long and by so many.
Steff V. Scott, From Ishtar to Eostre: Reframing the Near Eastern Origins of an Anglo Saxon Goddess
Honoring Ēostre Today
Honoring the goddess Ēostre during the Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara, can be a meaningful way to connect with the season of renewal and rebirth, though she can be embraced all year long as well.
Create a Spring Altar — Set up a dedicated space with symbols of spring such as eggs, flowers, and rabbits, all associated with Ēostre. Add candles, crystals like rose quartz or amethyst, and representations of the sun to honor the balance of light and dark.
Go On Nature Walks — Spend time outdoors observing the awakening of nature. Collect items like fresh flowers, budding branches, or stones that resonate with the energy of spring. Use these items in your altar or as offerings to Ēostre.
Egg Decorating — Eggs are traditional symbols of fertility and new beginnings. Decorate eggs in bright colors and patterns as a tribute to Ēostre, incorporating themes that represent growth and potential.
Planting Rituals — Engage in gardening by planting seeds or flowers. This act symbolizes sowing intentions for personal growth and aligning with nature's cycle of rebirth.
Seasonal Feasting — Prepare a meal featuring seasonal foods such as greens, sprouts, eggs, dairy products, and seeds. Share this feast with friends or family as a celebration of abundance and gratitude.
Meditation and Reflection — Take time to meditate on themes of renewal and balance. Journaling about personal goals or changes you wish to manifest during this time can also be powerful.
Rituals and Prayers — Perform simple rituals or recite prayers dedicated to Ēostre, asking for her blessings in bringing new beginnings into your life.