As the wheel of the year turns, we arrive at Ostara — the Spring Equinox — when day and night stand in perfect balance before the light begins to take over. This is a time of renewal, fertility, and new beginnings. A celebration of nature's awakening as the land stirs after winter's rest.
Here on the Isle of Man, where the ancient rhythms of the seasons are woven into our folklore and landscapes, Ostara is a powerful moment to realign with nature and embrace the transition into brighter days.
This year, Ostara also marks a special moment for the island's creative and environmental community — as Ciara Hardisty and Adam Morgan step into their new roles as the island's Biosphere Photographers in Residence. Their work will shine a light on the deep connection between people, nature, and heritage, capturing the changing seasons and the stories they hold. What better time to begin than at the turning point of spring?
In partnership with
- Visit Isle of Man
- Manx Wildlife Trust
- Biosphere Isle of Man
The Spirit of Ostara: Balance, Growth, and Renewal
Ostara is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, whose symbols of hares and eggs continue to echo in modern springtime traditions. It is a time to embrace balance — between light and dark, rest and action, past and future.
Our ancestors thrived by living in harmony with these natural cycles, and we can do the same by attuning ourselves to the changing season.
"Our ancestors thrived by living in harmony with these natural cycles. Ostara is an invitation to do the same — to step from the dormancy of winter into the fertile energy of spring."
— Ciara, wildislandmedia.com
The Isle of Man in early spring — the land stirring, the light returning.
Six Ways to Celebrate and Thrive This Season
If you want to make the most of Ostara on the Isle of Man, here are six ways to honour the season — just as our ancestors did.
Get outside and connect with the land
The Isle of Man's landscapes come to life at this time of year — from the first green shoots in the hedgerows to the return of migrating birds. Take a walk along the coastal paths, breathe in the sea air, and feel the land stirring beneath your feet. Visit sacred sites like Cashtal yn Ard and reflect on how our ancestors would have marked this seasonal shift.
Forage for spring's first gifts
Our ancestors thrived by knowing the land's offerings. Wild garlic and nettles begin to appear — all packed with nutrients to help shake off winter sluggishness. Gather mindfully and use them in soups, teas, or fresh salads to connect with the earth's seasonal gifts.
Honour the balance of light and dark
This is a powerful time for setting intentions — just as the land awakens, we can plant the seeds of new ideas and projects. Take time to reflect on what needs to be released from winter and what you wish to cultivate in the months ahead. Journaling, meditation, or a simple moment of gratitude can bring clarity.
Celebrate with fire and feast
Fire festivals have long been part of the Celtic calendar. Ostara is a wonderful time to honour the sun's return with candlelight or a small outdoor fire. Gather with friends and family, cook a seasonal meal, and celebrate renewal with simple rituals — such as decorating eggs, an ancient symbol of rebirth.
Rewild your daily life
Ostara reminds us that we are not separate from nature but a part of it. Whether through local folklore, seasonal crafts, or sharing meals made from local produce, embracing community traditions keeps this connection alive. Seek out local events, create your own seasonal rituals, or simply share the joy of spring's arrival with others.
Embrace the light ahead
Ostara is a threshold moment — where we step from the dormancy of winter into the fertile energy of spring. By taking cues from the land and the traditions of those who came before us, we can thrive in this season of renewal, just as they did.
The coastal paths of the Isle of Man in early spring — the land coming back to life.
Embracing the Light Ahead
As Biosphere Photographers in Residence, Ciara Hardisty and Adam Morgan will be capturing this journey through the seasons — celebrating the wild beauty of the Isle of Man and our place within it. By taking cues from the land and the traditions of those who came before us, we can thrive in this season of renewal, just as they did.
Whether through small personal rituals or larger community celebrations, this is a time to honour life's cycles and step forward with intention, strength, and joy.
How will you welcome the return of the light on the Isle of Man this Ostara?
She has Celtic roots. Obviously.
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Field notes from the ancient North — mythology, landscape, slow fashion, and the seasonal pulse of the Celtic world.
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