February Eve
In early February, the days are cold, the winds are bitter and snow may blanket the ground. We have celebrated the birth
of the Sun God at the winter solstice and the lengthening of the day is more readily apparent. It is now the quickening of
the year, when the goddess returns to us refreshed and renewed in the aspect of the Maiden. Under the layer of snow, the
ground that is the Earth Mother is awakening and will soon be reunited the life-giving rays of her lover to bring forth the
bounty of fields and animals as blessings to her children.
The major/greater Sabbat of Imbolg, celebrated on the eve of February 1st or 2nd, marks the transition from winter to spring. As the earth is preparing to be reborn, so should we clean out the old and prepare for the new. This is the cleansing tide, when we rid ourselves of old ideas, misbegotten projects and harmful habits. Welcome this opportunity to assess your life and your progress in the previous year. Note what has and has not been accomplished, which endeavors were positive and also those that were not as beneficial. Take pride in the undertakings that have proven fruitful and ask why others were not.
For the ancient Celts, who honored the goddess Brigit on this day, Imbolg was a fire festival. Rather than the heat of
fire, the focus here was on the light of the fire and the promise of renewed life that the increasing light of the sun would
bring. In Old Ireland and England, as acts of sympathetic magic, balefires were lit on hilltops to welcome and encourage
the returning sun. Often times, the greenery from Winter Solstice celebrations was burnt in the balefire to symbolize the
ending of winter. As further evidence that the life cycle would continue, the sheep began to lamb and cows to calf. Imbolc
means “in the belly”, a reference to the pregnancy of these domesticated animals. The milk produced by the mothers to
nourish their young gave Imbolg its other name, Oimelc, which translates to “ewe’s milk”.
In Rome, wolves rather than sheep heralded the coming of spring. The festival of Lupercalia was held on February 15th, which is closer to the date of Candlemas Old Style, which is celebrated when the sun reaches 15 degrees Aquarius. The Lupercalia was held near Lupercal, the cave in the center of Rome that provided a home for Rome’s founders Romulus and Remus and their wolf foster mother. The beginning of February also begins the wolf’s mating season. Since wolves mate for life, their union was seen as an earthly representation of the sacred union of the God and Goddess. The banquets, festivals and religious rites proclaiming the coming of spring held fertility connotations as well. Women who desired to become pregnant engaged in a playful chase with the priests of Lupercus, the “Golden Wolf” who chases away the wolves of darkness. The priests struck the women with a strip of goat hide to instill in them the fertility of the goat.
Followers of Norse traditions observe the Feast of Vali to mark the strengthening of the sun’s power and their survival
through another cold winter. This solar festival is complemented by a lunar festival held in honor of Vera, the goddess who
witnesses sworn oaths. To capture the coming fertility, young couples were married at Vera’s festivals and vowed their love
in front of the goddess and the gathered crowd. The blossoming fertility extended to the fields as well. Plows were brought
out of storage, decorated and blessed to ensure a good crop at the rites of Disting-tid.
In keeping with the tide of the seasons, many modern covens perform coven initiations at this time. It is also a perfect time for solitary practitioners to hold dedication ceremonies or to renew their commitment to their chosen path. Hold rituals that flow with the cleansing tide, let go of old concerns and focus on renewed energy, creative inspiration and the growth that is possible in the future. Fill the home with glowing candlelight to welcome and lure back the sun. Leave buttered bread or a saucer of milk out for the fairy folk who are closely associated with the goddess Brigit. Cleanse coven and ritual tools in the sacred flame and rededicate them to their purpose. Scry into the flames of the fire or incense smoke to glimpse events in the year to follow. Allow the creative inspiration of the Goddess to take control of ritual planning and flow freely to create new celebrations.
As much as Imbolg is a festival time, it is also a practical time of preparation and planning. Before the convenience of
neighborhood supermarkets, root cellars and smoke houses preserved the harvest through the winter. By February, supplies
were dwindling. If you are one of the many people returning to a simpler lifestyle, take stock of what is left in the root
cellar, refill pantries and begin planning for the spring planting. Backyard and windowsill gardeners can also take this
time to decide what to grow, order seeds and gather tools. Do not forget the magical cabinet. Rotate oil and herb stocks,
dispose of unusable supplies properly and gather the items needed for the coming year. Make or purchase a new stock of
candles, then cleanse and bless them for ritual use. Take this time to blow out the stale winter air from house, open the
windows and let the crisp air refresh the home. After the house is clean, perform a house blessing or protection ritual.
February may seem and feel like the depths of winter, but with the strengthening rays of the sun and the return of the Maiden, we see the promise of the future that lies just a few weeks away.
Brigit, Kore
Persephone
We call to thee
Come warm the earth
We light your hearth
The sun swells strong
The days grow long
Brigit, Kore
Persephone
Continue to February Eve :: Correspondences
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