Monthly Archives: February 2021
In ancient Europe, the winter’s ice began to thaw during the Celtic Month of Ash Moon. People ventured out of their homes and villages for the first time since the darkening days of late autumn. It is perhaps for this reason that this month is linked with journeys of all kinds. Energy directed now should focus on transformation, moving you into a new space either physically or spiritually.
The month of the Ash Moon is a good time to start planning your summer holiday and to acclimatize your body to spending time outside. Cast energy forward that takes your inner energies on an excursion by harnessing natural forces, such as floating wishes downstream in a paper boat, or blessing a feather and letting it fly on the wind. Valentine’s Day also occurs near the time of the Ash Moon, so cast love energy that focuses on sharing your journey in the year ahead with someone special.
- Dates: February 18 – March 17
- Irish/Gaelic name: Nuin, Nion
- Themes: Balance, Endurance, Strength, Protection.
- Language of Flowers: Grandeur
- Qualities: Balance, Stability, Strength, Protection, Connection, Vitality, Fertility, Justice, Wisdom, Connection
- Associated With: Prophetic Dreams and Spiritual Journeys.
Ash is one of our mightiest trees. A huge physical specimen when mature, and also a tree with some of the most impressive myth, meaning and folklore around it.
In ancient Europe, Ash trees were enormous, towering high above the landscape with a thick trunk and deep roots. The Celts interpreted three distinct things from this tree, expansion, growth, and higher perspective. The incredibly complex root system also symbolized remaining grounded despite how much growth was taking place in one’s life.
This belief was perfectly aligned with the esoteric message of the ash. The Druids and the Norse peoples believed all the realms were connected via branches of a giant mystical ash tree known as Yggdrasil.
This World Tree, Yggdrassil, was an almighty ash tree that joined together the heavenly realms in its branches, the earthly realms in its trunk, and the realms of the underworld through its roots.
The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. One of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), the month of the Ash tree is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self and spells that focus on spiritual journeys, and prophetic dreams.
The wood of the ash tree was used extensively in ritual practices as it burned with an intense heat, even when green. The ash was often the Yule log – feted and decorated as it was brought into the home, farmstead, or inn, fed mead or wine and then burnt on the hearth with the charred remains kept as kindling for next year’s Yule log. The ashes of the Yule log were often used to protect the home from lightning.
The most productive magickal tools are made from the branches of the Ash tree. Ash has also historically been used to make staffs or staves. An early Iron Age find on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales was a staff of ash with a ribbon of copper spiraling around it, thought to be a druid’s staff. It’s also the wood traditionally used for witches’ broomstick handles (birch for the brush part).
Ash is very much associated with rain and water, especially with thunderstorms and their associated downpours. Thor, the god of thunder had a spear of ash. It’s thought that the tall height of the ash tree may attract lightning.
A country rhyme tells us:
“Avoid an ash,
for it courts a flash”
While its association with wet weather is recognized in the old weather lore:
“Ash before the oak,
We shall surely get a soak,
Oak before the ash,
We shall only get a splash”
The Greek god of the sea and storms, Poseidon, was also associated with the ash tree. The Norns watered and tended to the tree and covered its bark with clay to protect it. They also gave the (burnt) fruit of the tree to women in childbirth and so it is associated with childbirth as well.
The ash tree is about balance and stability. Its roots grow to the same size as its branches which means the tree is very stable and grounded with a good inner balance. As the World Tree, it provides balance between the earthly realm, the heavens, and the underworld.
Ash provides strength, endurance, and protects what we hold dear. It is justice, protection, and healing. It is life-giving rain and fertility in spring.
Ash the Enchanter
Free thinkers are born under the Ash Celtic tree astrology sign. They possess vivid imagination, intuition and their second nature is to be artists. They can see the world crystal clear, but have the tendency to be moody and withdrawn at times. Don’t think that they have some sort of a bipolar disorder. It’s all due to the fact that their inner world is constantly moving and changing.
These enchanters from the Ash sign are drawn towards art, writing, spiritual matters, and even science. Good partners for this Celtic tree astrology sign are the Willow and Reed signs.
Walking meditation
Practicing this technique during the Ash Moon will free your mind from stress and attract solutions to your problems. You will need a smudge stick, a bunch of herbs – usually white sage – that is used to ‘smudge’ or cleanse an area with smoke.
Light a smudge stick, then take time to relax and breathe deeply. Direct the smoke around your body, taking time to cleanse your aura, and say,
“Spirit I walk this journey and invite you to join me.
May each step be sacred.”
Set out on a walk that takes you through nature. Everything on your journey has a message for you, so relax and enjoy it.
On your return write down any animals you encountered and unusual sights or flashes of inspiration you received.
Sources:
Ekādaśī Tithi, the eleventh lunar day (Tithi) between the New Moon and Full Moon is an important day in Hinduism and Vaishnavism tradition. Ekadashi, also spelled as Ekadasi, is a day of self purification, redemption and spiritual progress. It is also known as Hari Vasara because it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a day of fasting and prayers for all Hindus.
Our current Calendar has the dates of these days listed for every month. It can be found here.
Those who fast on this day are considered to get rid of malefic planetary influences, experience happiness, and gain the right peace of mind to think of Ishvara and attain moksha. It is a day of Vishtikarana, a day of malefic influences. Vishtikarana coincides with the second half of Ekādaśī Tithi and is avoided for all functions associated with worldly prosperity.
Ekadasi occurs twice in a Lunar month, in the bright fortnight and the dark fortnight. It is recommended to do a strict fast which means not to eat and drink at all because food is filled with our sins and bad karma. On this day, taking food increases our bad fortune. but if we fast this day we “burn” bad karma and and increase good fortune.
Fasting gives the body a chance to give rest to the digest system, instead of regular heavy meals three times a day, more fruits and light food is consumed, by doing so person goes for more of a spiritual life. It also teaches better control over body and mind. One of the biggest gains is staying healthy.
It is also important to give the physiological system some rest once a while. It may be overworked due to overeating or indiscrimination in diet. These irregularities get rectified in one day. Thus the observance of Ekadasi has many advantages — physical, astral, spiritual — and because this day has connection with the relation of the mind and body together with the moon, it helps improve meditation and contemplation.
The reason is because the planet itself is in a certain state on that day, so if we keep our body light and available, our awareness will turn inward. The possibility of opening the door within is more on that day. If you have a full stomach, and you are unaware and dull, you will not notice it. So to stay alert and also to purify the body, you go without food on that day – you ate dinner the previous day and the next thing you eat is dinner on Ekadashi.
Hinduism puts forth the idea that spiritual ascesis during Ekadashi helps a person to “jump out” of life and death cycle. Ayurveda recommends fasting to improve one’s health. Follow your personal features:
- If you have “dosha kapha” – keep dry fasting.
- If you have “Vata” then drink lemon water.
- If you have “Pita” drink milk or juice (use 40% of milk and 60% of water, pour some sugar)
Depending on your state of health, work load, and other factors you can choose your personal diet taking into account the recommended food for the day.
If you are unable to go without food – because your activity levels are such and you do not have the sadhana to support you – you can go on phalahara or fruit diet, which is light on the stomach so that your inner doors will open. Forceful denial of food is not the point. The point is to make everything into a conscious process. We do not want to compulsively eat like this, we choose.
How to abide by Ekadashi
In the Ekadashi morning you should take a shower, calm down and clear your mind and body. It is important to understand that fasting is not just rejection of food or any other stuff. If you give vent to anger or moral deficiency – you are not actually keeping a fast, you are just not eating. Avoid daytime sleep, oil massage and shaving.
If you are not fasting eat no more than one time per day (after midday) during Ekadashi.
If you happen to miss the Ekadashi – you can do the fast it the next day (Dvadashi) and stop fasting on the 3rd day (Triodashi). If the Ekadashi coincides with dashas (the 10th lunar days) there’s no need to fast, buf if it coincides with the Dvadasha (12th Lunar day) it calls “pure Ekadashi” (Mahadvadashi) and it can be kept strictly.
Stop fasting the next morning 2-3 hours after the sunrise. The first meal should consist of fresh fruits or juices. Be careful with your ration. Your stomach is not working during fasting so do not overload it with heavy food when your fast is over.
It is recommended to prepare yourself for the first time fasting during the Ekadashi. Calm your mind and body. Do not overeat the day before fasting, do not take animal food. Vegetables, fruits, porridge are advisable. You can perform cleaning procedures (clyster, etc.). When you stop fasting drink juices, eat vegetables, fruits, cereals, etc. but not too much.
The Mantra For Ekadashi
The Vishnu mantra chanted on this day is:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
Hare Krishna maha-mantra to chant 108 times:
“Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Or:
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare,
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Sources:
There is a lot to celebrate in February. This is a list of pretty much everything that goes on during the second month of the year. Many of these dates change from year to year. The days that change are marked with this » symbol.
February Lore and General Info:
Astronomical Events
- 11 » New Moon
- 27 » Full Moon –Full Snow Moon or Quickening Moon
Astrological Events
Depending on which astrological system you adhere to, these are the signs that show up in February of 2021. Be aware that some of these dates will vary from year to year. Unlike the Sun signs which might just shift by 1 or 2 days, the dates of the various Moon signs will vary widely from year to year. The same holds true for the Chinese Zodiac. The Celtic Tree Signs are based on an arbitrary system and stay the same from year to year.
Western Astrology
The February Sun begins in Aquarius and finishes up in Pisces:
- Aquarius: Jan 19 thru Feb 18 » Sun in Aquarius
- Pisces: Feb 18 thru Mar 20 » Sun in Pisces
The February 2021 Moon cycles through the signs as follows. You will notice that the Moon might begin the day in one sign and by the end of the day may have moved into another sign, so timing matters if you are wanting to be precise:
The moon cycles through the signs are as follows:
- Libra » Feb 1 – Feb 3: Moon in Libra
- Scorpio » Feb 3 – Feb 5: Moon in Scorpio
- Sagittarius» Feb 5 – Feb 7: Moon in Sagittarius
- Capricorn» Feb 7 – Feb 10: Moon in Capricorn
- Aquarius » Feb 10 – Feb 12: Moon in Aquarius
- Pisces » Feb 12 – Feb 14: Moon in Pisces
- Aries » Feb 14 – Feb 17: Moon in Aries
- Taurus » Feb 17 – Feb 19: Moon in Taurus
- Gemini» Feb 19 – Feb 22:Moon in Gemini
- Cancer » Feb 22 – Feb 24: Moon in Cancer
- Leo » Feb 24 – Feb 26: Moon in Leo
- Virgo » Feb 26 – Feb 28: Moon in Virgo
- Libra » Feb 28 – Mar 2: Moon in Libra
The Celtic Tree Signs in February:
- Rowan: Jan 21 thru Feb 17 – Rowan Tree Month
- Ash: Feb 18 to Mar 17 – Ash Tree Month
The Alternative Celtic Zodiac is as follows:
- Poplar: Feb 1 – Feb 10
- Larch: Feb 11 – Feb 20
- Pine: Feb 21 – Mar 2
The Chinese Calendar and Zodiac
The month of February begins in the Chinese Year of the Rat. The year of the Ox (sometimes referred to as the Cow) kicks in on February 12th (Chinese lunar New Year Day) and lasts until January 31st, 2022. This will be a White Metal Ox year. Each Month is also assigned a specific animal. Here’s what shows up in February 2021.
- Cow: Jan 5 – Feb 2 (Chinese Zodiac)
- Cow: Jan 13 – Feb 12 (Lunar Calendar – 12th Lunar Month)
- Tiger: Feb 3 – Mar 4 (Chinese Zodiac)
- Tiger: Feb 12 – Mar 12 (Lunar Calendar – 1st Lunar Month)
Note: The traditional Chinese Astrology birth chart is built by the Chinese Stem Branch Calendar, not the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which I think is really confusing. Because of a difference in time zones, the lunar months will have different pattern between China and the USA.
Lucky and Unlucky Days
You might want to plan moving, traveling, major purchases, court dates, and weddings around these dates, avoiding the unlucky days and utilizing the lucky ones.
- These are the lucky days in February:
11, 21, 25, and 26. - These are the unlucky days in February:
1, 3, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17, 18 and 23.
Fatal Days
The fourth day bringeth down to death,
The third will stop a strong man’s breath.
Holidays and Holy Days
Many of the holidays begin on the eve of the night before and end on the eve of the day of. It’s also important to remember that the dates of archaic festivals and feast days may vary widely depending on the source.
February 1
- 1: Vasant Panchami
- 1: Là Fhèill Brìghde
- 1: Imbolc Eve
- 1 thru 14: Old Greek Festival of Dionysus.
- 1 thru 7 » Sami Week and Reindeer Race (Norway)
February 2
- 2: Groundhog Day
- 2: The Bear Wakes Up
- 2: Saint Brighid’s Day
- 2: Disting – The Charming of the Plow – dates vary
- 2: Candlemas
- 2: Imbolc
- 2: Lammas or Lughnasadh (Southern Hemisphere)
- 2: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Oya, Orisha of Death and Rebirth.
February 3
- 3 » Pagerwesi (Bali) celebrates Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru, god of teachers and creator of the universe. Offerings are made to stave off evil forces, and also for the uncremated dead.
- 3 » Bean Throwing Ceremony (Shinto)
- 3: Setsubun
February 4
- 4: King Frost Day
- 4: Li Chun (Chinese) – Auspicious day
February 5
- 5: Tibetan New Year
- 5 » Kitchen God Festival (Xiao Nian Festival)
- 5: St Agatha’s Day
- 5: Primrose Day
- 5: Fornacalia – The Day of the Ovens – anytime between Feb 5 and Feb 17
February 6
- 6 » Dakini Day (Tibetan)
- 6: The Feast of Aphrodite
- 6 » Burning the Hom Strom
February 7
- 7: Day of Selene
- 7 » Day of Ekadashi (Hindu)
February 8
- 8: Festival for the Broken Needles
- 8: Nirvana Day – celebrated on Feb 15 in some areas
- 8: Hari Kuyo, Japan
- 8: Kite Flying Day
February 9
- 9: Feast of Apollo
February 11
- 11: Pattern Day
- 11 thru 12 » Mauni Amavasya
- 11 thru 13: The Anthesteria
February 12
- 12 » Chinese New Year – Year of the Ox (sometimes referred to as the Year of the Cow)
- 12 » The Noumenia
- 12 » Night of Hekate Suppers
- 12: Festival of Artemis – the Greek goddess of the hunt
- 12 thru 14: Borrowed Days (see also March 29-31)
February 13
- 13 » Celebrating The Agathos Daimon
- 13 » Tumpek Landep (Bali) – Celebration of all tools and appliances made of iron.
- 13 thru 21: The Parentalis – festival to honor the spirits of the ancestors
February 14
- 14: St. Valentine’s Day
- 14: Feast of Vali
- 14 » Meatfare Sunday
- 14 » Transfiguration Sunday
- 14 » Cheese Fare Sunday
February 15
- 15: Sigfrid’s Day
- 15: Lupercalia – the festival of Lupercus, the Roman god of flocks and fertility.
- 15: Kamakura Day
February 16
- 16 » Sarasvati Puja – Vasant Panchami
- 16 » Shrove Tuesday
- 16 » Mardi Gras
- 16 » Pancake Day
February 17
- 17 : Feast of Shesmu
- 17 » Ash Wednesday
- 17 » The 40 days of Lent begin
- 17: Toshigoi – Shinto rite honoring the Kami and offering prayers for a bountiful rice harvest.
- 17: Festival of Quirinus – god of war, storms and thunder
February 18
- 18: Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
- 18 and 19: Spenta Armaiti (Zoroastrian)
- 18: Rain Water begins (Chinese Farmer’s Calendar)
February 19
- 19 » Everyman’s Birthday
February 20
- 20: Day of Tacita
February 21
- 21: Feralia – an ancient Roman Day of the Dead
- 21: Toshi-goi-no-Matsuri known (also as the Yakuyoke festival) – Shinto rite honoring the Kami and offering prayers for a bountiful rice harvest.
February 22
- 22: Caristia – Roman holiday of family reunions
February 23
- 23: Festival of Terminus
- 23 » Day of Ekadashi (Hindu)
February 24
- 24: Flight of the King – Regifugium
February 25
- 25: Day of Mut
February 26
- 26: Day of Nuit
- 26 » Lantern Festival (China)
- 26 » The Great Fifteenth
- 26: Hygeia’s Day
February 28
- 28: Saxon Cake Day – cakes offered to the God and the Goddess.
- 28: Kalevala Day – the epic poem, Kalevala is celebrated by the Finns.
- 28: Old Slavic Velja Noc – Spirits of the dead visit their living relatives, overseen by Veles, Lord of the Dead.
Saint Days
There is a surprising amount of magick associated with Saint days This is a very short list of the Saint days in February, there are many many more. As time goes by I may end up listing them all, but for now, this is what I have.
- 3: St. Blaze Day
- 3: St. Anskar’s Day
- 3 thru 5: Festival of Saint Agatha
- 4: Feast of St. John de Brito
- 9: St. Apollonia’s Day
- 11: St. Caedmon’s Day
- 14: St. Valentine’s Day
Recipes For February
- Breasts of St Agatha – St Agatha’s Day
Many more seasonal recipes, including recipes for new and full moon ceremonies, ancient Greek and Roman holidays, Asian festivals and etc can be found here: Seasonal Recipes.
Notes:
Any February lore, almanac, astrological, and celebration dates that have been shared after this post was published can be found by searching the February posts to see what’s new.
A lot of work went into this post. It was compiled from various sources by Shirley Twofeathers for The Pagan Calendar, you may repost and share without karmic repercussions, but only if you give me credit and a link back to this website. Blessed be.
I think it's time to go shopping... maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!
