OSTARA: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring

The vernal equinox has long been regarded as the most earthy of the solar festivals, and McCoy's guide to the pagan celebration of Ostara/Eostre ably instructs readers in the holiday's historical association with fertility and sexuality, as well as its symbolic nature as a harbinger of spring. McCoy includes some useful history, as well as rituals, recipes and spells for the March 22 festival. The writing can be gimmicky ("Eggs-actly Ostara" is a bit much for an opening chapter title), but this is an engaging and helpful guide to Pagan ritual. (Feb.)