#candlemas day

[jessdyet]

Takeuchi Seiho ― The vibrant life of nature

[ladyhawthornsfolkloricguild]

Have a Blessed Imbolc Everyone!

[ancestorsalive]

Starting fire with the gromnica.

- Radom Ethnography Museum

[mysterious-secret-garden]

Marianne Preindlsberger - Candlemas day, circa 1901.

[poetry-lair]

Hi everyone!!

In occasion of Imbolc a.k.a Candlemas and the arrival of firsts signs of springs, which is celebrated the 1st and 2nd February,

I’ve made a special little video with not only a literary suggestions based and inspired by the characteristic elements, like the mythical figure of Brigid and her power of Fire, Healing and Poetry, of Imbolc and Candlemas, but also a poem dedicated to this event:

From the depths of the earth,

a familiar warmth

wakes me from my slumber.

As I rise

from the ground,

I let

the sun’s rays

wrap me

in their splendor,

in a new guise

and a new life.

If you have some suggestion or do you like the poem,

you can write in comments section below,

or in my website.

Have a Nice Day!!

Poem (C): Me

Ruth Sanderson (1951) (C): “Illustration"

Harry Clarke (C): ” Head & Halo of St. Brigid" (St.

Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe, County Mayo)

All the rights of the images, effects and GIF belong to their respective owners.

Made by Creative Cloud Express: Design and Canva

Official Instagram’s Link:

[dionysianivy]

𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚

What is Lupercalia?

Celebrated on February 13th - February 15th, Lupercalia was an ancient Roman holiday dedicated to the god Faunus, the wild horned spirit of nature, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The festival is believed to have far more ancient origins than its association with these mythical figures, likely stemming from earlier fertility rites and purification ceremonies.

The name of the festival, Lupercalia, is derived from the Latin word lupus (wolf), tying it to the legend of the she-wolf who rescued and nursed Romulus and Remus in the cave known as the Lupercal. This cave, located on Palatine Hill, became the heart of the festival’s rituals, emphasizing the protective and nurturing symbolism of wolves.

At its core, Lupercalia celebrated the themes of fertility, purification, and the harmony of nature. It honored two deities: Faunus, the primordial spirit of wild nature and fertility, and Juno Februata, the aspect of Juno associated with purification and the passions of love. The name "February" itself originates from Februare (to cleanse) and Juno Februata, underscoring the month’s ties to this festival.

The festival began with sacrifices of goats, symbolizing fertility, and dogs, representing purification. These sacrifices were followed by ceremonial rituals performed by Faunus’ priests, known as the Luperci. After consuming the sacrificial meat, the Luperci smeared themselves with the blood of the animals and dressed in strips of goatskin, referred to as "Juno’s cloak." They then ran through the streets of the Palatine Hill, carrying whips made from goatskin called februa.

Women who wished to conceive strategically positioned themselves to be struck by the whips, believing this act would enhance fertility, ensure conception, and guarantee safe childbirth. This ritual also served as a broader purification rite for the community, cleansing it in preparation for the coming New Year, which in the Roman calendar began at the vernal equinox.

The nine days of Lupercalia, from February 13th to the 21st, were believed to be a liminal time when the souls of the dead wandered the earth. Offerings of food and drink were left for them, with the living honoring the spirits as part of the festival's traditions.

Over time, the festival's elements shifted and evolved, blending with other traditions. February 14th, now celebrated as Valentine’s Day, originally marked the first day of Lupercalia, dedicated to Juno Februata and Faunus, when women prayed for fertility and blessings.

Lupercalia continued to be celebrated for centuries until it was officially abolished in 495 AD by Pope Gelasius I, who replaced it with a Christian feast day. Now, in modern times, even though Lupercalia is no longer a widely celebrated festival, it is often associated with modern Valentine’s Day or even a celebration of self-love. Today, it’s all about love, fertility, and connection. You can spend the three days of Lupercalia by offering yourself love and understanding, doing things that nurture your self-appreciation, and spending special time with your loved ones.

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Magic Correspondences:

Colors: red, white, pink

Crystals: rose quartz, milky quartz, selenite, moonstone, ruby, garnet, lepidolite, green aventurine, emerald

Deities: Juno, Lupercus, Faunus, Venus, Aphrodite, Pan, Hera, Dionysus, Eros, Mars, Freyja, Cernunnos (deities associated with love, fertility, and abundance)

Animals: dog, goat, wolf, dove, swan, dolphin, ladybug, lovebirds, horse

Flowers: lavender, roses, snowdrops, hyacinths, tulips, orchids

Herbs: cinnamon, basil, jasmine, vanilla

Fruits: figs, cherries, grapes, bananas, strawberries, pomegranate, raspberries, apples

Symbols: phallus, hearts, wolves, whips, goat

Magick: fertility and abundance spells, self-love magick, sex magick, purification

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

Activities to do:

🐺 Take a relaxing long bath, and add some rose essential oil if you like

🐺 Spend time with your dog(s)

🐺 Watch some romance movies

🐺 Treat yourself to things that make you feel good, like lotions, perfume, or new clothes

🐺 Light red, pink, or white candles

🐺 Collect flowers and put them in your altar or room

🐺 Drink goat milk

🐺 Perform love, fertility, and purification spells

🐺 Give flowers to loved ones

🐺 Spend some time in your home, simply being naked because why not?

🐺 Bake heart-shaped cakes

🐺 Support dog shelters with a donation

🐺 Spend time with your lover

🐺 Listen to your favorite music

🐺 Show appreciation for your body

🐺 Take your health medicine

🐺 Decorate your space or altar with heart-shaped objects

🐺 Spend time and meditate in nature

🐺 Eat lots of chocolate

🐺 Practice yoga

🐺 Connect with deities associated with love, fertility, and purification

🐺 Drink some red wine

🐺 Dedicate a day to self-care, doing what feels healthy and good for you

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

Food and Drinks:

Drink red liquids like wine, cranberry or strawberry juice, consume goat dairy, cakes, muffins, chocolate, honey, cherries, champagne, grapes, hazelnuts, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, any food with meat, apple pie, strawberries.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

sources: Wicca: A Modern Guide To Witchcraft & Magick; Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World by Judika Illes

[astral-witch]

IMBOLC

Imbolc (pronounced IM-byolk) is also known as St. Brigid's Day or Candlemas. It comes from the Gaelic pagan/prechristian traditions in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man and is celebrated from the early evening of February 1 through the night of February 2 in the northern hemisphere (August 1-2 in the southern hemisphere). Imbolc is the halfway point between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It heralds the first glimmers of spring and is celebrated with a feast, celebration, and gatherings of friends.

To celebrate, you can light candles symbolizing the return of the sun, perform cleansing rituals, create a sacred space with spring-themed decorations, eat Imbolc foods such as pancakes and dairy products, make crosses of St. Brigid, and focus on new beginnings and the warmth of spring. Going naked for at least part of the holiday, as with all the sabbats (pagan feasts), is nice. I recommend a sauna or a bath by candle light.

(photo is Jack Kilmer)

[lavendermoonlove]

Blessed Imbolc everyone🌼🩵

Blessed Imbolc everyone! However you choose to celebrate it :). I myself woke up feeling a bit sick today, but still very excited for today. I had a lovely walk to work yesterday where I noticed the snowdrops and daffodils popping up to let me known spring is coming. It's magical to me to notice these little things that indicate the energy is shifting and a new season is coming. Therefore I highly encourage anyone to take a walk outside today and mindfully be aware of the little signs of spring around you. Even if this walk is just 10 minutes, I mean my walk to work was a rushed 10 minutes one because I was running late. You'd be surprised at the lovely signs of new beginnings and life the earth is giving you. I can't wait for what more this lovely Imbolc season will bring to me. Even though Imbolc is not on my top 3 sabbat list, this year it has a special place in my heart. What are your plans for this Imbolc? I'd love to hear them!

[pagan-stitches]

In my folkloric Christian practice the beginning of February is an important time. It marks the half way point of winter and is dotted with Saints’ days. My primary altar remains focused on Morana, but the smaller altar is focused on the saints.

February 1 — Saint Brigid’s Day, important to my Irish and Scottish ancestors and celebrated on the altar with a holy card inherited from my great-aunt Sister Margaret Mary (photo 5), a Brigid’s cross (photo 9), and an embroidery (photo 8) featuring a Brigid cross that I use as a dress when I make a Brigid doll. I have also placed Snake ( @graveyarddirt ) more prominently as this was believed to be the day snakes came out of their holes (photo 4).

February 2 — Hromnice/Candlemas/Presentation of Jesus at the temple. The yellow embroidery in the back of many of the photos was designed specifically for this holiday (adapted from a Slovakian folk pattern). There is also an old hromničky (thunder candle, photo 6) that I will probably melt down for this year’s candle. In Photo 3 you can also see the dried mullein stalk that I will also be using in this year’s candle.

February 3 — Saint Blaise’s Feast Day, as he is the patron saint of cattle among other things, I have placed cow figurines (photo 2) and a cattle horn filled with wheat (photo 6). His feast day was important to my Czech ancestors and featured baking of buns (to be blessed by the church and used in folk magic for healing/preventing throat disease) and caroling by teachers and students.

February 5 — Saint Agatha’s Feast Day, also important to my Czech ancestors, this was a day that bread, salt, and water (photo 10) were blessed by the church and saved for use in folk magic.

February 6 — Saint Dorothy’s Feast Day, in Czechia this was once the occasion of Saint Dorothy plays (postage stamp in photo 7) often featuring the Saint, a king, an executioner, and čert (the folkloric devil).

[indynerdgirl]

Today, February 2nd, is the Feast of the Presentation & Candlemas Day, the official & traditional end to the Christmas season.

"If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have another fight. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter won't come again."

[vox-anglosphere]

The mystery of Candlemas in Winchester 's ancient cathedral

[jessdyet]

Jusepe de Ribera - St.Paul the Hermit in Meditation(1610-1611)

When St. Paul is bright all crops stand well.

[ladyhawthornsfolkloricguild]

Imbolc Eve

As the light returns and the earth awakens, May the blessings of Brigid be upon you. May the seeds of your intentions grow, And the warmth of the sun fill your days. May the gentle whispers of the earth guide you, And the joy of new beginnings be yours. Blessed be.

[murderousink23]

02/02/2025 is Crêpe Day 🌎, World Wetlands Day 🌎, Candlemas 🕯🇲🇽, Inventors' Day 🇹🇭, Groundhog Day 🇺🇸, National Heavenly Hash Day 🇺🇸, British Yorkshire Pudding Day 🇬🇧

[magdaleneanthony]

Michael Ramsey, The Gospel and the Catholic Church

[datshitrandom]

Three Kings Cake for Epiphany Day