In the rich tapestry of mythology and ancient beliefs, the Goddess Ēostre, or Ostara, holds a prominent place as a symbol of new beginnings. A Germanic deity associated with the spring equinox, Ēostre represents the rebirth of life and the awakening of the earth after a long, cold winter. Her presence ushers in the season of growth, renewal, and vitality, providing a fitting backdrop for the celebration of Spring and the Easter season. As we embark on our exploration of art, self-love, and strength within our community, it is essential to remember the lessons and inspiration drawn from Ēostre’s mythology. Her association with new beginnings serves as a powerful reminder that change and transformation are inherent in the fabric of life, providing us with the opportunity to continually evolve and flourish.

Easter, traditionally a time of new beginnings, offers a unique opportunity for reflection and renewal. As an artist and co-founder of Create Change, a safe-space community platform, I want to explore the significance of Easter in the context of art, self-love, and growth, and how we can use this time to focus on taking care of ourselves and others.

Embracing Art as a Means
of Expression and Growth

Art has always been a powerful tool for expression, especially for marginalized communities like the LGBTQIA+ community. This Easter, let’s take a moment to appreciate the transformative power of art and the way it allows us to express our identity, emotions, and experiences. As we create and share our work, we not only learn to understand ourselves better but also encourage others to explore their own feelings and embrace their true selves.

By using art as a means of personal growth, we open ourselves up to new beginnings and the opportunity to continually evolve and improve. This Easter, let’s challenge ourselves to experiment with different artistic mediums, techniques, and styles as a way to expand our horizons and discover new facets of our identity.

Fostering Self-Love
and Personal Improvement

Easter is an ideal time to focus on self-love and personal improvement. It’s essential for us to recognize our worth and practice self-compassion, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community, where discrimination and negative stereotypes can often lead to feelings of self-doubt and insecurity.

This Easter, make a conscious effort to treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Embrace your uniqueness and take steps towards self-improvement, be it through learning new skills, setting achievable goals, or simply taking time to practice self-care. By focusing on self-love and personal growth, we create an environment where we can flourish and inspire others to do the same.

Taking Care of Ourselves and Others

As we celebrate new beginnings this Easter, it’s crucial to remember the importance of taking care of ourselves and others. The LGBTQIA+ community, in particular, can benefit from fostering a sense of unity and support. Reach out to friends, family, and members of the Create Change community, offering encouragement and understanding. By sharing our experiences and creating a network of support, we can collectively work towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

From Poppies to Butterflies

Poppies, as flowers, provide nourishment for butterflies in the form of nectar. In return, butterflies help pollinate the flowers, allowing them to reproduce. This symbiotic relationship showcases a process of growth and renewal in nature, where both the poppies and butterflies benefit from each other’s existence.

Easter, much like the captivating relationship between poppies and butterflies, symbolizes the potential for renewal and transformation, both in our art and our lives. As members of the LGBTQIA+ community, let’s harness this season’s energy, inspired by the Goddess Ēostre, to cultivate our artistic expression, self-love, and personal growth. By nurturing ourselves and others, we can embody the essence of Easter and Ēostre’s promise of new beginnings, joining forces to shape a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.

—A.L.

Above generative artwork by Angelo Lagdameo. Based on the reinterpretation of Chyler’s ‘From Poppies to Butterflies’ concept.