Ostara Origami: Kusudama Flower Fire

I have always been a firm believer in eclecticism when it comes to creating personal spell and ritual. As a Vanatru, I see the Norse mythos not as a literalist portrayal of the faith but rather as a guide for personal exploration, being that the Lore we have is often one-sided and very sparse on Vanic information. A big part of practical magic for me is personalization. Instead of being a stickler for tradition, using the lore as a play by play guide book for living, and spellcraft, as a Vanatru I am more focused on symbolic meaning and personal intent.

The following ritual is an example of that, and one that came to me as I was thinking of what my plans are for Ostara and what I want my own ritual to accomplish. Though I am true to the heart to my Vanir Gods, I have always been interested in culture and humanities, particularly the eastern aesthetic. This is compatible with my love of the Vanir due to the the absence of divine judgement within both Vanic and Buddhist and Zen spirituality. They are focused, at least in my opinion, on the way we live, and personal empowerment.

Goddess Ostara

Anyway, I am not arguing here for a combination of Norse and Eastern tradition, as they have similarities they also have important differences as well. What I am arguing is the importance of tailoring our own loves and personal interests into ritual and spellwork as a way of deepening our emotional and spiritual intent, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of our endeavors.

Finding a recent love of creating the Kusudama origami flowers for some craft decor, in thinking of a relevant ritual for Ostara, the beautiful traditional Kusudama flower, being both aesthetic and made of paper, popped into my head as a great addition to Ostara ritual and magic. What better way to communicate with the Goddess of Spring than to herald her attention with some lovely, colorful flowers?

The Kusudama flower balls are traditional origami, commonly used as decor or gifts when several are strung together in the form of  a spherical flower ball. Kusudama it self is combination of two words, kusuri (medicine) and tama (ball). The Kusudama medicine ball is believed to have originated as bundles of flowers and herbs which were used for healing purpose, or perhaps incense, hence the term medicine ball.

Examples of the common Kusudama origami flower

Though they may look complex, I have found that so far they are perhaps some of the simplest origami creations in existence. Each petal of the flower is a separate piece of paper, which are then glued together to form the traditional five petaled flower. So all that is really needed are five square sheets of paper, glue stick, and something to hold them down for a few moments as the glue dries. Paperclips can also do the job efficiently.

Since there are so many tutorials on this common flower online, I won't create my own here. The easiest instructions I have found are here at origami-instructions.com, a great resource for many kinds of origami creations. One can also find several you tube tutorials in a search for Kusudama flower, if you prefer video tutorials.

It is also worth mentioning that there are many paper folding designs which can correspond to Ostara, such as the rabbit, any flowers, birds or cranes, or one could even simply use paper eggs for this ritual. Whatever is most significant in relation to the Spring holiday can be utilized in paper. I simply chose the kusudama flower because of it's personal aesthetic value, correspondence to spring and healing, and the fact that though it is simple it does take a bit of time and effort to complete the flower itself. I enjoy magical acts that involve crafting and creation.

Simple Ostara Origami Ritual or Spell

Familiars Welcome!

Supplies needed:

paper

ritual pen or pencil

glue if needed

fire

Instructions:

1. The first step is to find a purpose and intent. This could be many things. You many simply wish to communicate with and honor the spring goddess. You may wish to make the ritual devotional or utilize  the medium as a spell for relevant interests. Possible uses are fertility, healing, creation, blessing for the coming season, or even a simple thank you for the gift of spring itself.
2. Since I find personalization valuable, I won't create a specific spell or ritual phrase, but rather encourage you to compose your own that are specific to intent. The phrase could be as simple as "Blessings to Ostara" or as in depth as you please.
3. Each piece of paper should be ritually inscribed with your particular messages to the Goddess, taking care to focus energy in the act of creation. This would also be the time to cast a circle or hallow the ritual area beforehand if this is part of your practice. 
4. Once your paper is inscribed, you may create the flower itself, all the while keeping the energy flowing  through ones hands and into what is being created. If a more simple approach, such as a cutout is used, this time can simply be utilized in holding the image and directing magical energy into the paper through the hands. 
5. The paper can either be set aside now for a time in hallowed space, or the ritual can begin at this time. The ritual is of course your own, I will not give instructions besides make it your own, and give Ostara your intent to communicate.
6. A ritual fire is needed, so be sure that this is created with safety in mind. If traditional kusudama flowers are used, this would be best performed outside, as with normal paper they are about five inches wide, and the fire needed would be unsafe in most houses without a hearth.
7. Concentrate your energy and intent once again on the paper, as well as the fire. Visualize the fire as a means of transmission, the flames which will consume the message and allow it to transcend the physical and in turn be transmitted as energy to Ostara. A simple galdr or chant may be created to aid this process, for example...    "Power of Kenaz, Force of Muspell, May my message reach home, In the heart of Ostara." 
8. If such forces are invoked, of course some sort of protection or warding should naturally be created beforehand.
9. Give your creation to the fire, and take a few moments of silents to visualize your communication reaching the goddess, your spells success, and be open to any messages you may receive from the Goddess herself. Give yourself time to interpret and meditate on the working and communication.
10. Complete your ritual as you would normally, cakes and ale, or offerings to personal gods, the ritual drink, etc. This ritual is meant to simply be an addition to your personal ritual or ceremony.

Great guide for Ostara Symbolism, and beautiful to boot!

There you go, I hope that you enjoy the ideas I put forth here. I do not like to dictate the ritual of another, so this is intended simply as a suggestion of how paper can be used to create ritual and spell craft. I have found that the most successful spiritual endeavors are often those which are dependent upon energy, effort, and intent, rather than formalized ritual and expensive tools and crafts. The simplest items can often be used to create real, tangible results here in Midgard. I believe the Gods are more concerned with action, than expense. 

May you be Blessed with passion, joy, and all good things in the coming season, HAIL OSTARA!

In Frith,

Cena