In Person  OSTARA - Spring Equinox  Cacao Circle and Retreat

Shona Mary is an accredited NeuChem coach and facilitator, shamanic reiki healer, cacao enchantress, Moonologer TM, circle holder, and is passionate about helping people be the best version of themselves.

Shona Mary

Celebrate Spring Equinox/Ostara, and and the turning of the wheel of the year.

Bourne End Library

Ostara is a pagan festival that celebrates the Spring Equinox, typically falling around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a time of balance, as day and night are of equal length, symbolizing harmony and renewal. Ostara is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre (sometimes spelled Ostara), who is associated with spring, fertility, and new beginnings.The festival marks the arrival of spring and the awakening of the Earth after the stillness of winter. It’s a time to honor the cycle of life, rebirth, and growth, as the energy of the season shifts towards light, warmth, and expansion.Key themes and symbols of Ostara include:<ul><li>Balance and Harmony: As day and night are in perfect equilibrium, Ostara is a time to bring balance into our lives—emotionally, spiritually, and physically.</li><li>Fertility and New Beginnings: Spring represents new growth and fertility, both in nature and in our personal lives. This is the time for planting seeds—whether literal, like in a garden, or metaphorical, like setting intentions for the future.</li><li>Eggs and Rabbits: These are common symbols of fertility, new life, and rebirth. Eggs often represent potential and the promise of what’s to come, while rabbits (or hares) are symbols of abundance and creativity.</li><li>Flowers and Plants: Spring flowers like daffodils, crocuses, and primroses are often associated with Ostara, as well as seeds that can be planted for the upcoming season.</li><li>The vernal equinox always falls between 20 and 23 March each year. It is the precise point that day and night are once more of equal length and in balance. Balance is one theme of this time. Another is fertility and growth. Nature is busy and everything is happening. Birds are arriving to nest here and leaving to nest elsewhere. Badgers and foxes are nurturing young in their sets and holes. Spring Lambs are in the fields. You may have noticed the first bumble bee or butterfly. Flowers are blooming and the leaves on trees and bushes are unfurling.</li></ul>To our ancestors this was a time to start working on the land. Although the saying ‘don’t cast a clout until the may is out’ means they were sometimes caught off guard by nature, as we can be too. (May refers to the blossom of the blackthorn rather then the month of May. )Join me to explore the themes of balance and fertility on this evening. Learn about the traditions of bunnies and eggs today. Drink Keith's cacao, listen to music, journey and join like minded souls in an art experience to connect you back to your heart and to Mother Earth. While ceremonial cacao is generally considered safe for most people, there are some contraindications and precautions to keep in mind. By partaking in the ceremony you aggree to take persoabl responsibility for your experience.Here’s a list of situations in which cacao might should be used with caution:<h3>1. Heart Conditions (Cardiovascular Issues)</h3><ul><li>High / Low Blood Pressure: Cacao can stimulate the cardiovascular system due to its natural caffeine content and other compounds like theobromine, which may increase heart rate and blood pressure. If someone has hypertension or heart disease, they should consult a healthcare professional before consuming cacao. Cacao can lower blood pressure so be aware if your BP is already lower. </li><li>Arrhythmias: The stimulant effects of cacao might exacerbate irregular heart rhythms or palpitations in those with heart arrhythmias.</li></ul><h3>2. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding</h3><ul><li>Pregnancy: Cacao contains caffeine, theobromine, and other stimulants, which may not be ideal during pregnancy. While moderate consumption is generally considered safe, it’s always a good idea for pregnant individuals to consult their doctor before drinking cacao.</li><li>Breastfeeding: High amounts of caffeine or theobromine could potentially affect breast milk production or the baby’s sleep patterns. Again, moderation is key, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.</li></ul><h3>3. Medications &amp; Drug Interactions</h3><ul><li>Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Cacao contains compounds that can interact with certain medications, particularly MAOIs (used for depression). This could lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure.</li><li>Blood Thinners: Theobromine in cacao can act as a mild blood thinner, which may interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.</li></ul><h3>4. Sensitivity to Caffeine</h3><ul><li>Cacao contains caffeine (though less than decaf coffee), and some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Those who are sensitive might experience side effects like jitteriness, difficulty sleeping, or headaches.</li></ul><h3>5. Allergies</h3><ul><li>Food Allergies: Some people may have allergies to chocolate or cacao itself, as it belongs to the same plant family as other common allergens, such as tree nuts. Always check for any signs of allergic reactions (like rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing) after consuming cacao.</li></ul><h3> </h3>

Agenda

Ostara Cacao Ceremony Agenda
Welcome 

Introduce Ostara and its connection to the Spring Equinox.
Setting Sacred Space 

Intention Setting 

Grounding meditation.

Cacao Ceremony


Guided Meditation/Visualization
Focus on balance, renewal, and new beginnings.
Heart activation and visualization of intentions blossoming.
Sharing Circle (Optional) 

Closing Ritual 


Ostara Cacao Ceremony

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