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February gets it name from the word februare, meaning "to purify," This is likely due to the fact that February was the traditional month of cleansing in Rome, when people reprented of holiday excesses. The official day for focusing on purification is February 15. This cleansing theme aslo explains the prevalence of water-themed celebrations during this month, along with festivals for the dead. By now the hectic pace of the holidays has befun to settle down, and life returns to some semblance of normalcy. Nonetheless, the need for the Goddess does not go away during day-to-day activities. If anything, making life an act of worship means including her in even the simplest of things. In terms of energy, any magick focused on growth, well-being, purification, cleansing, or initiation is suited to this month's aspects. |
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February 16 Victoria's Day (Rome) Victoria Themes: Victory; Success; Excellence Symbols: Wings (or Feathers); Laurel About Victoria: Victoria, as her name implies, si the Roman goddess of attainment. Early in the year she inspires resolve within us to do everything we undertake, with excellence as a goal. In works of arts, Victoria is often depicted with wings that allow her to surmount any obstacle or problem. To Do Today: Drink a tea made from lemon balm, ginger, and a pinch of cinnamon to generate a successful attitude. Remember: if you think you can, you can! Put a bay leaf (a form of laurel) in your shoe so that Victoria's triumphant energy can walk with you all day long. Later in the day, burn a few bay leaves on a fire source to fill your home with success. Alternative aromas that invoke Victoria's favor are rose and red sandalwood. To make a victory charm, find a feather (or cut paper in the shape of a feather) and empower it with this incantation. With the wings of Victoria, I will rise About all areas where trouble lies. Through diligence and mastery I will see today begins my victory!
Carry this token anytime you feel your confidence waning, or when you need a boost to get over any seemingly insurmountable obstacle.
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February 17 Fornacalia (Rome) Fornax Themes: Home; Love Symbols: Stove; Fire; Wheat About Fornax: In Rome, Fornax guided the baking of bread, which, being the proverbial staff of life, was no small matter. Today Fornax still stands ready to watch over our hearths, as the goddess of the oven, which is the true heart of any home. If her fires go out, folklore says, warmth among the home's occupants dwindles soon thereafter. To Do Today: Fornacalia wa the Roman festival of ovens, in which Fornax was invoked by baking wheat breads and other grain-related foods. So think about dusting off your cookbooks, especially any recipes from your family, and start baking! Even people pressed for time can usually make a batch of bread from frozen dough. If you only own a microwave, have no fear - microwaveable soft-dough pretzels are readily available in the freezer section of your supermarket. Or, simpler still, have toast for breakfast this morning to internalize Fornax's warm emotions. On the other hand, if you'd like to give Fornax a much-needed break from her toils at your place, go out and eat! Just make sure to have some bread as part of the meal to welcome Fornax to your feast. Finally, take any dried bread you have and crumble it up for the birds. Focus on your desire for love and closeness in your life. The birds will convey your wishes to Fornax, the heavens, and the four corners of creation. |
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February 18 Parentalia (Rome) Lara Themes: Peace; Death; Protection Symbols: Rose; Violet; Wine; Crossroads About Lara: Lara, whose name means "mother of the dead," was the guardian of ancestral spirits in whose care is the home, the family, and by extension, the community. According to tradition, crossroads are sacred spots for Lara, being the meeting of two road, symbolic of an area where the temporal world and spirit world "cross" over one another. To Do Today: In Rome, Parentalia was part of a weeklong observance dedicated to one's ancestors. So, pull out the scrapbooks, discuss your family tree, and fondly remember those who have been a part of your family history. If possible, light a white candle in one of your windows to greet the ancestors and Lara. Or, leave an empty chair at your dinner table tonight with some of the deceased's favorite foods in the empty place at the table to welcome them and Lara into your home. This is also a time to visit grave sites, leaving roses, violets, wine and other gifts for the deceased. These actions propitiate the spirits and ensure the family of ongoing harmony through out the year. Finally, Romans settled any arguments with family members or friends today, so follow their example. If you can, arrange to meet the person with whom you've argued at a crossroads, so that your two minds can " meet in the middle." Scatter rose or violet petals where you meet to inspire Fornax's warmth. |
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February 19 Pisces Begins (Various Locations) Saga Themes: Foresight; Divination; Inspiration; Femininity; Psychic Abilities; Kindness; Tradition Symbols: A Cup; Fishes; Water About Saga: Saga, an attendant of Frigg, is a Scandinavian goddess whose name means "seeress." Saga is a student of the Universe, ever watchful and ever instructing us about the value of keen, observation. She is directly connected with the sign of Pisces, which governs artistic, expression, psychic abilities, and sensitivity toward other's needs. In artistic representations, Saga bears a long Viking braid, an emblem of womanhood and honor. According to the Eddas, Saga lives in a Sinking Beach, a waterfall, where she offers her guests a refreshing drink of inspiration from a golden cup. Later, her name got applied to the sacred heroic texts of the Scandinavian People. To Do Today: Tend your sacred journals today, Write about your path, your feelings, where you see yourself going and where you've been. Saga lives in those words - in your musings, memories, and thoughts - guiding them to the paper to inspire you now and in the future. Invoke any of Saga's attributes in your life today simply by practicing the art of obversation. Really look at the world, your home, and the people around you. As you do, remember that little things count. Saga's insight lies in the grain of sand and the wildflower as well as the stars. |
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February 20 Winterlude (Ottawa, Canada) Oniata Themes: Recreation; Good Sportsmanship Symbols: Early-blooming Flowers; Snow About Oniata: Oniata, an Iroguois goddess, embodies what it means to be a good sport. According to legend she came to live with the Iroquois, who found her beauty distracting, so much sothat men left their families just to catch a glimpse of her radiance. When Oniata found out about this rather, than getting angry with the men, she lefthe earth. The only trace of her beauty she left behind was the sprouting of spring flowers peeking out from melting snow. To Do Today: Plant some early blooming seeds today sothat when they blossom, Oniata's good humor and temperament can also bloom in your life. In Canada, people take this opportunity to enjoy the last remnants of winter by participating in various sporting activities (especially skating) and by making snow sculptures. Try the latter activity yourself; perhaps create a flower out of packed snow to honor and welcome Oniata. If you live in a warm climate, you can blend up some ice cubes to a snowy consistency for scultpting and make it into a snowcone afterward to internalize the energy! Or, consider going to an ice rink for a little rest and relaxation. Return outside and appreciate any flowers nearby. Oniata live in their fragance and loveliness. |
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February 21 Feralia (Rome) Libitina Themes: Death; Freedom Symbol: Fire About Libitina: Libitina is the kindly natured Roman goddess of funerals and pyres. In poetic writings, her name metaphorically equates with figurative or literal demise. Turn to her this month to "die" to outmoded ideas or be freed from bad habits. Or call on her to invoke peace for the spirits in Summerland. To Do Today: In Rome, Feralia was part of a weeklong festival honoring, appeasing, and communicating with the spirits of dead ancestors. If there's something you want to say to a departed loved oneor a token you want to give them, today is an excellent time to try this Libitina mini-ritual. Following Roman custom, toss a message or gift into a fire source, focusing on the individual for whom it's intended. Libitina bears the energy of the gift or note safely to the desired spirit. Emotionally, this type of ritual liberates you from lingering guilt and generates a sense of closure. Use the same ritual to rid yourself of old ideas or characteristics that fetter spiritual growth. Take any flammable objects that represents this characteristic. Hold it in your hands and channel that obsolete energy into it. Toss it into a fire, saying, Libitina, liberate me; as this burns, my spirit is freed. Turn your back to teh fire and don't look back until the symbol is completely destroyed. |
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February 22 Brotherhood Day (United States) Binah Themes: Peace; Cooperation; Communication; Unity; Spirituality Symbols: Bees; Lilies; Lead About Binah: In Cabalistic tradition, Binah embodies spiritual discernment, love, stability, and awareness. As the third sephirah of the Tree of Life, Binah becomes a divine mother, guiding her children toward attainment and comprehension. Her name literally translates as "the understanding," which gives form and function to all other aspects of life. Bees are sacred to her (as divine messengers), as are lilies (white in purity), and lead (which gives us a foothold in reality). To Do Today: Binah's energy was present in 1934 when Brotherhood Day began to bring people of diverse faiths together in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect. The thrust of the day is universal brotherhood, accenting our likenesses instead of our differences. So, take time today to learn more about other faiths and foster an open exchange of ideas. Perhaps visit a church or temple and observe quietly, seeing that the Goddess is there, too. To promote strong spiritual roots in your own life, as well as the understanding to nurture those roots, try this spell: Take a piece of lead (maybe from a pencil) and hold it in your dominant hand, saying, Binah, walk with me; understanding impart. Every day be part of my heart. Write this down and put the incantation in your shoe so that Binah will walk with you wherever you may be. |
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February 23 Terminalia (Rome) Minerva Themes: Earth; Home Symbols: Owls; Geranium About Minerva: This Etruscan/Italic goddess blended the odd attributes of being a patroness of household tasks, including arts and crafts, and also being the patroness of protection and of war. Today she joins in presprings festivities by helping people prepare their lands for sowing and embracing the figurative lands of our hearts, home, and spirits with her positive energy. To Do Today: In ancient times, this was a day to bless one's lands and borders. Gifts of corn, honey, and wine were given to the earth and its spirits to keep the property safe and fertile throughout the year. In modern times, this equates to a Minerva-centered house blessing. Begin by putting on some spiritually uplifting music. Burn geranium-scented incense if possible, otherwise, any pantry spice will do. Take this into every room of your home, always moving clockwise to promote positive growing energy. As you get to each room, repeat this incantation: Minerva, protect this sacred space and all who live within. By your power and my will, the magick now begins! Wear a geranium today to commemorate Minerva and welcome her energy into your life. |
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February 24 Festival of Shiva (India) Kali Themes: Rebirth; Cycles; Joy; Courage; Hope; Cleansing; Change Symbols: Flowers; Dance; Iron; Sword; Peacock; Feathers; Honey About Kali: Kali, a Hindu goddess whose name means "time," is the genetrix of natural forces that either build or destroy. Even in destruction, however, she reminds us that good really can come of bad situations. If you find your hopes and dreams have been crushed, Kali can change the cycle and produce life out of nothingness. Where there is sorrow, she dances to bring joy. Where there is fear, she dance in courage. To Do Today: Hindus gather today at Shiva's temples to honor his celestial dance of creation, and Kali dances with them in spirit. Beforehand, they fast and bathe in holy waters for purification. Doing similarly (in your tub or shower) will purge your body and soul of negative influences. Add some flower petals or sweet perfume to the bath to invoke Kali's cleansing power. To invoke Kali's assistance in bringing new life to stagnant projects or ruined goals, leave her an offering of honey or flowers, and make this amulet: Take any black cloth and wrap it around a flower dabbed with a drop of honey, saying, Kali, turn, dance, and change. Fate rearrange. End the devastation and strife; what was dead return to life. Carry this with you until the situation changes, then bury it with thankfulness. |
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February 25 Ta'Anith Esther (Israel) Asherah Themes: Kindness; Love; Divination; Foresight Symbols: Lion; Lilies; a Tree or Pole About Asherah: Asherah, a Canaanite goddess of moral atrength, offers to lend support and insight when we are faced with inequality or overwhelming odds. In art, she is often depicted simply as an upright post supporting the temple. This is a fitting representation, since her name means "straight." Traditionally, Asherah is a mother figure often invoked at planting time, embodying a kind of benevolent, fertile energy that can reinforce just efforts and good intentions. Beyond this she is also an oracular goddess, specifically for predicting the future. To Do Today: In Israel, this festival commemorates Esther's strength and compassion in pleading with King Ahasuerus to save her people held captive In Persia. It is a time of prayer when one looks to the divine to instill similar positive attributes within us. For help in this quest, we turn to Asherah with this simple prayer: Lady, make me a instrument of kindness and mercy; let my words be gentle and true, my actions motivated by insight and fairness. Where there is prejudice, let me be the bearer of tolerance. Where there is uncertainly, let me share your vision. Where there is disharmony, let me sow love. Amen Plant a tree today to remember Asherah, and tend it often. As you do, you tend her attributes in your heart. |
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February 26 Ku-omboko (Zambia) Oba
Themes: Protection; Manifestation; Movement; Energy; Restoration; Flexibility
Symbol: Water About Oba: Oba is the Nigerian and Santarian goddess of rivers, which figuratively represent the flow of time and life. Turn to her for assistance in learning how to "go with the flow," or when you need to inspire some movement in sluggish projects or goals. To Do Today: This holiday's name literally translates as "getting out of the water." Due to the annual flood cycle, people must make their way to higher ground this date. So consider what type of figurative hot water you've gotten into lately. Oba stands ready to get you onto safe footing. To encourage her aid, take a glass half filled with hot water, then slowly pour in cold water up to the rim, saying, Bt Oba's coursing water, let ____ improve, to higher and safer ground, my spirit move. Drink the water to internalize the energy. Oba can abide in any body of flowing water, including your tap or shower. WHen you get washed up or do the dishes today, invoke her energy by uttering this chant (mentally or verbally): Oba, flow - blessings bestow, Pour, pour, pour...restore, restore, restore Let Oba's spiritual water refresh your energy and your magick. |
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February 27 Cherry Blossom Festival (Hawaii) Laka Themes: Traditions; Heritage; Weather; Arts Symbols: Lei Flowers; Dance; Yellow About Laka: Laka is the Hawaiian goddess of Hula, through which the myths, legends, and histories of the Hawaiian people are kept intact. Today she charges us with the sacred duty of collecting the treasure of our personal legacies and recording them for sharing with future generations. In stories, Laka is the sister of Pele (the volcano goddess) and a nature goddess who can be invoked for rain. Artistic renditions show her wearing yellow garments, bedecked with flowers and always dancing. To Do Today: The cherry blossoms of this festival in Hawaii are spiritual, not real, symbolizing the power of tradition among the predominantly Japanese community. On this day people gather together and honor their heritage by participating in martial arts, Japanese dances, weaving, and arts competitions. So, if there's any art or craft you learned from an elder in your family, take the time to display that craft or work on it today to commemorate Laka's attributes. If possible, get together with member of your family and begin crating a family journal that will record all the important events in your lives. Cover the journal with yellow paper dabbed with fragrant oil to invoke Laka's tending care on the sacred documents. |
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February 28 Kalevala Day (Finland) Luonnotar Themes: Creativity; Tradition; Fertility; Beginnings Symbols: Egg; East Wind; Poetry About Luonnotar: A Finno-Ugric creatrix, Luonnotar closes the month of February with a abundance of creative, fertile energy. Her name means "daughter of earth," and according to legend she nurtured the cosmic eggs from which the sun, moon, and stars developed. In the Kalevada, Luonnotar is metaphorically represented as the refreshing east wind - the wind of beginnings. She also created the first bard, Vainamolen. To Do Today: The Kalevala is the epic poem of more than twenty thousand verses that recounts the history and lore of the Finnish people, ballad with her energy. If there's anything in your life that needs an inventive approach or ingenious nudge, stand in an easterly wind today and let Luonnotar's power store your personal muse. If the wind doesn't cooperate, stand instead in the breeze created by an fan facing west! To generate fertility or internalize a little extra resourcefulness as a coping mechanism in any area of your life, make eggs part of meal today. Cook them sunny-side-up for a "sunny" disposition, over easy to motivate easy transitions, or hard boiled to strengthen your backbone! |
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February 29 Leap Year (various locations) Lilith Themes: Freedoms; Courage; Playfulness; Passion; Pleasure; Sexuality Symbol: Apple About Lilith: In Hebrew legends, Lilith is a dangerously beautiful goddess who refused to subordinate herself to Adam, feeling she was created as an equal. This makes Lilith perhaps the first true liberationist, and she resolves to make modern life similarly equal for all people. She also boldly instructs us to stand up for what we believe in, unbridled and courageous, no matter the cost. According to legend, Lilith was turned away from paradise for her "crime," and she has been depicted in art as a demon. To Do Today: Leap Year day occurs every four years to keep our calendar in sync with the solar year. Customarily, women break loose today, asking men out or proposing marriage. In today's liberal society, actions like this aren't overly surprisnig. Nonetheless, Lilith charges us with the duty of ever seeking after equality, not just for women but for all of earth's people. If there's someone you've wronged with presupposition or prejudice, make amends today. To internalize Lilith's fairness, bravery, or exuberant lustiness, eat an apple today. Quite literally take a bite out of life, and enjoy some daring activity to its fullest without fear or guilt. Like, Lilith, you are the master of your destiny. |
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