Candlemas Ritual, February 2

Candlemas, the highest point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, is also known as Imbolc, Brigid’s Day, and the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin. Many Wiccans use this sabbat (holy day) as the special day to initiate new witches. Brigid, the Celtic goddess and saint honored on this day, is connected with both the elements of fire and water, both with powerful purificatory powers.

Essential elements for this Candlemas ritual are a cauldron, white candles, a bough of cedar, a small bough of pine, a small bough of juniper, a small bough of holly, incense, red cotton thread or yarn, a stone for an altar, and a bowl of water.

The leader of the circle should purify the circle with the fire of the incense while invoking the four directions to raise power. Place your altar stone north of the circle and place white candles on and around the altar. Cast the circle:

Face east and say:

Welcome, Guardians of the East, bringing your fresh winds, the breath of life. Come to the Circle of Candlemas.

Face south and say:

Welcome, Guardians of the South, bringing us heat and health. Come to the circle on Candlemas.

Face west and say:

Welcome, Guardians of the West, bringing the setting sun and light rains. Come to the circle on Candlemas.

Face north and say:

Welcome, Guardians of the North, brining life-bringing rains and snow. Come to the circle on Candlemas.

Meditating on the concept of purification, make a bouquet of the four branches and wrap it with the red cord. The red symbolizes Brigid’s fiery aspect, while the four trees stand for purification. Bow with it to each of the four directions. Bow last to the north, over the altar stone, and say:

Bright Brigid,

Sweep clean our homes and spirits on this sacred day. Purify our souls of the dullness of winter, and help us prepare for the light of summer.

Brigid of the white hands, Brigid of the golden curls, Bless us all. So mote it be.

All respond:

So mote it be!

The ritual leader dips the branches in the water and sprinkles the circle, and the participants, saying:

Blessed Brigid, may your water heal us, and make us whole.

Leave the bouquet on the altar stone as an offering to Brigid.

February Holidays

February 1, Saint Brigid’s Day

February 2, Candlemas

February 3, Folklore Day (South Korea)

February 4, Porridge Day in Latvia

February 5, Fiesta de la Alcaldesa (Sicily)

February 6, Waitangi Day (New Zealand)

February 7, Ghost Exorcising Festival (Tibet)

February 8, Youth Day (Congo)

February 9, Chingay Procession (Singapore)

February 10, World Marriage Day

February 11, Kurban Bairam (Islam)

February 12, Chinese New Year (moves according to the lunar calendar)

February 13, Parentalia (ancient Rome)

February 14, St. Valentine’s Day

February 15, Lupercalia fertility festival (ancient Rome)

February 16, Heritage Day (Canada)

February 17, Tanis Diena, ancient Latvian festival honoring pigs

February 18, Spenta Armaiti festival of cultivators (Persian)

February 19, Copernicus birthday, 1473, revolutionary astronomer of the heliocentric theory—honor the sun!

February 20, Museum Day, commemorating to opening of New York’s Metropolitan Museum

February 21, Feralia, Roman festival to honor the dead 

February 22, St. Lucia’s Day (Christian)

February 23, Terminalia, honoring the Roman god of boundaries

February 24, Gregorian calendar begins, as established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582

February 25, Day of Nut (Ancient Egypt)

February 26, Purim

February 27, Ayyam I Ha, Day of Service and Giving (Baha’i)

February 28, Kalevala Day, commemorating the first publication of the Finnish mythological poem in 1835

February 29, Leap Day and Ladies Day

Although February is the shortest calendar month, it holds many rich festivals from several cultures. Celtic Pagans celebrate Imbolc, or Brigid’s Day, as the first sign of spring in the Wheel of the Year. Imbolc translates as “in the milk,” which reflects the lambing and calving season that begins around this time. The idea of purification also runs through February festivals such as Purim, Candlemas, and Lupercalia. Take the opportunity to start “spring cleaning” a bit earlier than you usually do to help chase away the winter blues. And of course, February holds Valentine’s Day, a now-secular celebration of affection and friendship.