Beautiful in its simplicity, fragile yet enduring, across cultures and times, the egg has long been steeped in magick lore. Holding beneath its surface the promise of new life, it is symbolic of the fertile earth in spring, and associated with the concept of rebirth. Offerings of eggs were placed on or in graves throughout the world and were often used as substitutes for living sacrifices, for they contain within them "future life".

The yolk of the egg is symbolic of the Sun God, who is reborn each spring and brings new life to the earth. For the Romans, the egg was an important part of their spring festivities, in which they honored Castor and Pollux, who were born from the eggs of Leda, a swan. Jupiter had transformed Himself into a swan and seduced her, fathering Pollux. Though Castor was not actually Pollux’ twin but rather his older brother, the two came to be known as the "twin" sons of Jupiter. Later, they became associated with the constellation of Gemini. During their festival, races were run on egg shaped tracks and prizes and gifts of eggs were dispensed.

Eggs were a major component of men’s festivals. Festa de Marzo, the Feast of Mars, occurred at this time of year. Interestingly, eggs in many cultures are dyed red, the color of Mars. Though eggs have come to symbolize the Sun, the Mars color association may make sense considering the broad geographical area that the Roman Empire influenced. Mars also is equated with lust, and egg recipes were often considered aphrodisiacs. Eggs are also associated with health and the fighting off of disease, linking them again to Mars, as well as Apollo and the sun.

Eggs in and of themselves are quite magickal, but eggs that are dyed (usually with natural plants)1 and eggs that are decorated, in many cultures, are blessed with a special enchantment.

One particular type of egg dying magick is called pysanky and has its roots in the Eastern European land called the Ukraine. The word pysanky is derived from "pysaty", which means "to write". The technique used in psysanky is basically a form of batik. These are passed down from father to son or mother to daughter, depending on the region.

There are various legends and beliefs connected with the creation of pysanky. One states that for every pysanky egg created, a bit of evil in the world is dispelled. Stories are told of a chained monster, who is only kept in bondage by the creation of pysanky. Every year, the tradition must be upheld and eggs must be created, or the monster will break free and destroy the world.

In the Ukraine, eggs are customarily decorated at night. Before any work is actually begun, it is typical to undergo a spiritual cleansing and to pray for the proper state of mind. While working, the crafts person often sings in order to soothe the Dukhe—the wandering souls of the night.

Traditional designs are inscribed upon the raw egg using a tool called a kitska. This tiny funnel holds melted beeswax, which is used to draw the first designs. When I was a child, my grandfather and dad used birthday cake candles to create designs, but honestly, this is actually more difficult. (Pysanky tools can be purchased online at Pysanky Supplies-- http://www.babasbeeswax.com/Catalog.htm

After the first designs are drawn, the egg is submerged in a light colored dye-bath—usually yellow. Next, those areas that the crafts person wishes to remain yellow are covered in wax and the egg is again bathed in dye. This time, the color is slightly darker, often green or blue. The process is repeated. Each time, an area needing to remain the desired color is covered in wax and the egg is bathed in a progressively darker color. After the last color (usually black) has been applied, the egg is often entirely covered in wax. It is then held over a candle flame so that the wax may soften and the egg may be wiped clean, revealing the intricate patterns and vibrant hues beneath. Today, eggs are often coated in varnish, to guard against spoiling, but times past, these eggs were not necessarily meant to be "permanent".

Eggs given to children often contain large areas of white, the color of purity and innocence. Yellow is symbolic of increase, and green of spring, fertility and fruitfulness. Blue signifies health, and orange and red are generally associated with happiness, health, the sun and life. Red’s symbolism may have to do with red being the color of blood. Later, this correspondence was Christianized and said to be representative of the blood of Christ.2 Black recalls the darkest part of the night. Eggs which are primarily dark in color are often given to the elderly. Upon the eggs created for the elders are designs of gates and ladders, signifying the passage into the next world.

If you are holding a Spring ritual or planning to dye eggs, use some of the following symbols in your work. This doesn’t have to be done in the traditional way—even markers can be used. Patterns can even be combined with traditional pagan symbolism. For example, an eighth grade Wiccan student invented his own veve’ by combining the traditional spiral (to trap negative energy) with a banishing pentagram. Patterns can also be used on candles, talismans, mojo bags, etc. Remember, it is the intent that counts!

At this time of rebirth and new beginnings, a large amount of energy is being put into creating pysanky. Tap into this world energy for your own spellwork. Remember, you don’t have to be of Baltic heritage to use this energy. These symbols and concepts span many cultures and have been given to us by the Gods . Trust your instincts and get creative. Above all, remember, if something is meaningful to you, your work with it will mean something to the Gods!

1. Eggs should be boiled with the following natural products to achieve the colors listed:
Bluish purple—red cabbage;
olive green—spinach;
golden to red brown—onion peels;
pink—fresh beets;
yellow—marigold petals or tumeic.
For additional suggestions, see
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/1956/egg-dyes.html
http://crystalforest3.homestead.com/CRAFTostaraeggdyes.html
http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa042003a.htm

2. Many pysanky symbols were eventually Christianized. Triangles eventually became the Trinity, crosshatching a reference to fishing net, for Christ, the Fisher of Men. Solar crossed became Christian crosses, and the sun, representative of Christ.

Pysanky Designs

Birds~Rebirth, spring and good fortune.  (Possibly linked with an ancient Bird Goddess)

Roosters~Roosters and hens signify fertility, fulfillment and good fortune.  Eggs decorated with hens are given
to brides.  If a bride should fail to become pregnant, her husband is given an egg decorated with a rooster.

Stags~wealth and prosperity

Sheaves of Wheat~prosperity, wealth

Stars~good luck and good fortune

Spring Flowers~Love and charity

Solar Cross (and variations)~the Sun God

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Triangle~earth, sky and water; man, woman and child; the Triple Goddess

Spiral~used to catch wandering “demons” and negative energies by trapping them at the center

    Circles, Waves & Meanderings~protection, rebirth, new beginnings (especially when drawn as one continuous line around the egg)

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Ladders and Gates~transitions to other realms; dedications, initiations and rebirths (also may be one continuous pattern around the egg)

Miscellaneous~Eggs represent agrarian fertility and therefore, on farms, are buried in fields or fed to animals.
For protection purposes, they are hung in barns and buried in the foundations of new homes.  Bowls of eggs are believed
to keep away fire and lightning, and to bring good luck and happiness into the dwelling.