As I look around this time of year, I see the grass struggling to turn green, the temperatures widely fluctuating between hot and cold, and the squirrels and birds busy preparing their homes to welcome new young.  I thankfully see the days getting longer until finally on March 21st the day becomes longer than the night.    The energies of nature are in full motion as they shift from the sluggishness of winter to the exuberant expansion of spring.   This is the time we think of renewing ourselves. We renew our thoughts, our dreams, and our aspirations. We think of renewing our relationships. This is an excellent time of year to begin anything new or to completely revitalize something.

Because our minds have a great affinity to crystals and gems -- as evident in our thriving jewelry industry -- many people turn to crystals to help them focus their feelings and thoughts more intensively.  As we know, and modern studies of psychology prove:


So when I was asked to write an article on crystals for Ostara, I began my search for the perfect crystal to use for this Sabbat.   Unfortunately I soon found that there was no shortage of opinions and recommendations available, especially among vendors that sold crystals. 

For example, I found many authors and vendors that suggested that any crystal or gemstone that reflects the shape or color of eggs is a good choice.   This did not provide me much help as my visits to the KC Gem and Mineral Show has shown me that just about every gemstone can be obtained in the shape of an egg.  And besides, I was hoping for something more specific.

A review of a number of Wiccan publications and sites did not help much as I was able to find all of the following crystals and gems recommended: amethysts, rose quartz, moonstone, aquamarine, jasper, citrine, calcite, light tourmalines, agate, lapis lazuli, amazonite, and garnet.   

Contemplating on how I was going to narrow this list down, I decided to look into the birthstones for this time of year.  I discovered that the “official” birthstones for the United States were chosen in 1921 by the American National Association of Jewelers (ANAJ).  They had decided that the aquamarine should be used for the month of March and the diamond for April.  Further research on this topic though found this was not a world view.  In Tibet the birthstone for March is considered the Jade.  In the Ayurvedic (India), Arabic, Hebrew, Polish and Roman traditions it is bloodstone.  And in Russia and Italy, it is jasper.   For April, there was agreement between the ANAJ and the Ayurvedic, Hindu, and Polish traditions.  But the Arabic, Hebrew, Italian and Russian traditions use sapphires, and in Tibet they use the opal.   

Since Sabbats do not line up well with the Western Calendar anyway, I looked at astrology for ideas.  The period following the Sabbat is ruled by the sun sign, Aries, which I found was traditionally associated with the bloodstone or diamonds.   But the ruling planet is considered Mars which is associated with jasper, red coral, carnelian, hematite, and bloodstone. 

Even more study revealed specific suggestions based on size, color, shape, texture, frequency, brilliance, chakra association, geometry, clarity, carats, etc.

As I felt the pull from these different suggestions, I remembered that the true power of the crystal lies not within the crystal but in how the crystal is used to help YOU focus your feelings and thoughts.  Since all of us have different futures, needs, and desires then maybe there is no universal crystal for this Sabbat.  Maybe each of us needs to determine what crystal is appropriate for Ostara based on our individual goals for the upcoming year.  Maybe each of us needs to establish these goals, go to a metaphysical store, look around at all the crystals and stones and choose one that helps YOU focus your feelings and thoughts.   In addition, if you feel that you need to strengthen you connection to this crystal, you can consider clearing, cleaning and programming your crystal with your intent.  The final result will be the perfect Ostara crystal for you!