Candlemas falls on the day before the Full Moon, which could add the energy of “making things happen” to your event.
Candlemas image from Winchelsea Church.
“Spring Fever, spring is here at last/Spring Fever, my heart’s beating fast/Get up, get out, spring is everywhere.”
Monday, February 2, 2015, is Candlemas, also called Imbolc, Candalaria, and Brigit’s Day; a fire festival celebrating Lord Sun’s renewal and vigor. In 2015, Candlemas falls on the day before the Full Moon, which could add the energy of “making things happen” to your event.
The same date as Groundhog Day, Candlemas celebrates spring in all its forms. Notice the sprouting bulbs. In my garden, it’s narcissus; in other parts of the country it could be crocus or other spring-bloomers. You may use representations of these flowers in your decoration, but you should not include cut flowers as it is taboo to pick or cut any plants on Candlemas Day. You may also include Corn Dollies, Candle Wheels, and Brigit’s Crosses in your decorating scheme.
The colors pink, white, pale yellow, light green, and light blue will be of value in your decor. Pink represents love; Tuesday’s Full Moon may be called a Lovers’ Moon, which could be considered a precursor of Valentine’s Day on February 14, and much loving energy could also be part of your festivities. The Goddess is honored as a Maiden Deity, young, virginal, pure, at the beginning of her journey. Celebrate her with joy and delight.
Spring cleaning is another important part of Candlemas. All shiny surfaces should be polished so as to reflect whatever light is near them, be it daylight or moonlight, candlelight or firelight. Shiny surfaces include: mirrors, tiles, polished wood, porcelain, and glass. Anything and everything that can reflect light should be able to do so. Placing candles on or in front of mirrors will increase the light element and is encouraged.
By cleaning, cleansing, and blessing our homes and workplaces, we open the door to new, fresh energies in the months to come. If, as part of this cleaning, we rid ourselves of worn out or no longer useful things or attitudes or ideas, so much the better. New cannot enter if the space is still filled with Old.
Serve your guests a feast incorporating seeds, dairy products, capsicums, alliums, hearty protein and spiced wine. A sample menu could include: a salad of thinly sliced bell peppers(capsicums) of various colors tossed with thinly sliced young onions (alliums) and topped with a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds and grated cheese; curried lamb or chicken with sour cream or plain yogurt; vegan chili with cornbread; hot spiced red wine; poppyseed cakes or cookies. Spicy foods encourage Lord Sun to continue his growth; dairy products reinforce the seasonal aspect of birth and renewal.
If you have a fireplace, it is recommended to put out and reignite the fire in it. At sundown, parade through your home with a light (a flashlight would probably be safer than a lit candle), shining the light into all drawers and closets. Turn on all the lights in each room as you enter; turn them off as you leave; Lord Sun will understand the economic necessity.
This rhyme may please you and your guests:
If Candlemas Day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight;
If Candlemas Day be shower and rain,
Winter is gone and will not come again.
[Kate Braun was a contributor to the original Rag. Her website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Read more of Kate Braun’s writing on The Rag Blog.]
