by Mary Winter The clocks spring ahead, the stores are filled with luscious chocolate rabbits (many of whom end up ear-less), children and those who are still kids at heart dye eggs in rainbow hues, the temperature grows warm, and at last, we rejoice. It's spring time.

The first day of spring (this year March 20), is the middle of the three spring time festivals. Imbolc in February celebrates the return of the sun. The Spring Equinox heralds the start of the warmer, growing spring season. It's no surprise then that Oestara is a fertility festival. Eggs, bunnies, blooming flowers, all of these things have their roots in ancient fertility rites. And as an erotic romance author, one of the best things about Oestara is that fertility equates with sex!

Whether the fertility rite in question has a maiden being taken by the god, or couples frolicking in the fields to assure a good harvest, the main theme of spring is the union of sun and earth, male and female, and the bounty which ensues from such a joining. Sure makes you think about Easter eggs and chocolate rabbits in a whole new light, doesn't it?

So what can you do to properly celebrate Oestara? Aside from planting flowers, or starting seeds, dyeing eggs, and other "Easter" celebrations, try stealing a few hours away with your significant other, or if you lack a significant other, just yourself, and celebrating the true intent of the season. Have sex!

Sacred sexuality needs no other components than one, two, or more individuals interested in exploring the realm of their sensuality. No holidays are required, though if there's a convenient one nearby (such as the first day of spring), it makes things more festive. Adorn yourself or your bed with flowers. Light a floral candle or burn incense. I especially enjoy apple blossom incense this time of year. Perhaps even taking your love play outside will bring in the season in a most satisfactory fashion.

When it comes to celebrating spring, you're limited only by your imagination. Though if you can come up with a kinky use for marshmallow peeps, let me know. Happy Oestara and happy spring everyone!

Bio

Mary Winter lives in the Midwest with her partner and a menagerie of animals including an opinionated horse, pet birds, and six cats. She's published over twenty stories of erotic romance, and makes her Changeling Press debut with the upcoming Elemental Elves 1: Horse Play. She loves blending the magical and the mundane.

Under another name, Mary has written numerous articles on metaphysical topics such as tarot, Wicca, paganism, and spirituality. She is a second level Reiki practitioner who focuses her work on companion animals and those close to her. She's practiced paganism for nearly fifteen years and believes sex combines the divine feminine and masculine into a beautiful whole.

Visit her website at www.marywinter.com or her myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/mary_winter