Embracing Ēostre’s Promise: Growth, Renewal, and Pride

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.

 

‘Love Connects Us All’ Illustration by Angelo Lagdameo

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.

Poppies to Butterflies
Original ‘From Poppies to Butterflies’ artwork by Chyler Leigh.

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.

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Ronnie
11 months ago

Thanks so much for this Angelo. Talk about coincidental timing (or not since I don’t believe in coincidences). This came at just the right moment in my life. I’m at a crossroads and trying to figure out my next move when it comes to what I want to do with it. This time of year is a time to move forward and take those thrilling, yet scary, leaps into what we can only hope is something positive even when the negativity may cloud our judgment. We have to be inspired by hope to keep going. I like your talk about art. It certainly has inspired me to do my own. It’s not about being great. Heck, even stick figures are okay, what matters is that we express ourselves in however or whatever shape or form.

On a side note, this is also a coincidence (or not), that I am reading a book titled “Your Brain on Art: How The Arts Transform Us” by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross. It talks about how art has the power to change lives in general and on mental health so this book certainly coincides with your article as well as your artwork.

Keep creating everyone!

anaclau
11 months ago

Wow I’m speechless. Your art is amazing, beautiful, touching and inspirational. Your article just reinforced my moment in life of rebirth (it so makes sense to me). I’m thankful for your work and passion! May the spirits of light continue to illuminate your journey.
A.C.

Riley
11 months ago

Loving everything about this – I have somehow ended up alone this Easter for a few days, but it’s a blessing in disguise. I use up so much of my energy looking after other people and animals that I’ve been able to really relax and take some time to myself, on my own. I’ve been able to work on creative projects, editing like I used to, and really take a BIG deep breath.

Hoping now that I have recharged a little, I can continue to stand with the LGBTQ+ community right now. I’ve really learnt this past year I have to look after myself before anyone else, and you’ve summed it all up in this article. Thanks for sharing, and it’s always interesting revisiting work months or years down the line! There’s always something new to pick up or think about from the original piece, and you may even be looking at it with a fresh pair of eyes.

Adrienne
11 months ago

Angelo,
Your artwork is incredibly beautiful and your words truly inspiring. Thank you for this reminder of self growth and rebirth. I’ve overcome a lot in the last 3 years and this article just reminded me to keep going on that journey. I think I’ve finally found my purpose and have discovered what I truly want to do. I’ve learned a lot about myself and am grateful for where I’m at. It hasn’t always been easy but I am continuing to not let what has happened in the past bring me down. I hope everyone is doing well and I wish you all the best

Last edited 11 months ago by Adrienne
Carson Stanton
11 months ago

Angelo, every word of this article filled my heart with happiness. When I first found the Create Change community, I was at a point in my life where I felt lost. Finding my place within our community helped me find and ground my direction in life. Currently, I’m at a point where I’m feeling very drained, almost like I’m on autopilot. I think it might be a depressive episode. So I think a callback to the Create Change community and creativity is exactly what I need. Thank you!

Debbie Roth
Admin
11 months ago

Angelo, as everyone has expressed, your article and artwork are absolutely amazing and on target! This winter has been strange and way too long, I am so ready for Spring, rejuvenation and inspiration, thank you.

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