Groundhog Day, or the Celtic festival of Imbolc is on February 1-2. Here is a brief review. Also known as Candlemas and the Feast of St. Brigid, it is a popular observance derived from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition, which has come down to us through old German Candlemas lore. In the past, animals were often regarded as weather forecasters. The practice of watching for the groundhog to come out and see his shadow began during the 1800s in German speaking communities. Today Punxsutawney Phil, of Punxsutawney, PA is the leading authority. If he sees his shadow, he will retreat back into his den and there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will arrive early.
(The Crescent Moon with the Aquarius Sun on January 22, with the Venus Saturn conjunction.)
In ancient times, a festival was celebrated on February 1 or 2, commonly referred to as Imbolc or Candlemas. It is a pagan holiday that marks the midpoint of winter, and in ancient times, the actual beginning of spring. Rituals to honor St. Brigid, the protector of the home, were observed, feasts were held and it was a popular time for divination (fortune telling). Celtic neo-pagans and Wiccans have recently revived Imbolc as a religious holiday. Symbols include corn husk dolls, St. Brigid’s crosses (made of straw), white flowers and candles. Foods such as milk and dairy products, onions, garlic, potatoes, bread, butter, honey and eggs are served. Do spring cleaning and air out your home. Bonfires and fertility rituals are held.
The Wheel of the Year. (XYUandBeyond: holidays in Ireland)
The traditional pagan holidays throughout the year are as follows: The Summer Solstice (other names: Litha, Midsummer, Gathering Day, Alban Heffyn, Feill Sheathain) and Winter Solstice are the two most important festivals during the year, followed by the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and Autumn Equinox (Mabon), then the minor festivals Groundhog Day (Imbolc, Candlemas), May Day (Beltane), All Hallows Eve (Samhain), and Lammas Day, August 2. (Lammastide, Lughnasadh) Each of these holidays celebrated the different seasons, birth, fertility, harvest, death and rebirth. (From Celestial Navigation, February 2019 and February 2016)
With this holiday, winter is half over and we are that much closer to spring. Notice the changes in daylight, the return of certain birds to mate and a lightening of the spirit. I get a little spring fever in February, don’t you?
Celestial Almanac: Leo Full Moon February 5, Pisces New Moon February 20. The Chinese New Year was celebrated on January 22, the year of the rabbit. Gong Hey Fat Choy! Mardi Gras is on February 21. Party on. Around February 25 start looking for Venus to connect with Jupiter before sundown. The Crescent Moon will be there, too. Read on for the February forecast.
Jupiter is cruising along nicely in Aries. Good luck follows you all around. Opportunities are there if you keep your eyes open. Your health is good. Venus arrives on the 20th which makes things even rosier. Venus conjuncts Jupiter at the end of the month. (Look for it in the evening sky.) There may be a financial windfall. You are more attractive to others. Romance is favored. You find new friends and business connections. Spread the love around and do favors for others.
Uranus is on the move at last, and new ideas come to you. The first half of the month when Mercury trines Uranus. It gets better when Mercury enters Aquarius. A stroke of genius. Inventions and new ways of doing things. Sudden urges to make life changes. You may quit your job or run off with a lover, depending on your circumstances. The way will open. The Leo Full Moon on the 5th may bring a conclusion or climax to a situation at home, or conversely, at the workplace.
Mars in your sign is favorable, in a trine with the Sun. Things are moving along the same way as last month. Whatever you are trying to achieve will happen and nothing stands in your way. The road is clear. Your health is good and you have lots of energy. Work out more. Find a good project to get started on. The planets in Pisces are highly favorable for your career. There are meetings, new connections and possibly a business trip.
The planets in Pisces are generous to Cancer this month. Opportunity, travel, money, a chance to meet new people, especially while traveling or going to school. Lectures, seminars or daytrips are coming up. Cancer homebodies should get out more. Jupiter in Aries can be helpful to your career and public life. Now he is moving direct, and joined by Venus, there will be opportunities. People in retail, promotion or the arts will move up in the world.
Jupiter will bring more chances for travel this month. Clients abroad may bring in business opportunities. Take a course in a new field. Mars in Gemini is good for friendships and group activities. Maybe during the pandemic you were cut off and stuck at home. Time to start up that book club again. With the Sun and Mercury in Aquarius there is a focus on marriage and partnerships. There may be some excitement with the Leo Full Moon on the 5th.
Venus in Pisces brings romance back into your marriage. Rekindle the flame and have some pleasant times with your honey. Single folks will attract new lovers. When the Sun arrives in Pisces, even more the merrier. You can resolve disagreements, kiss and make up, at home or in business. It is a very nice, positive influence. Pisces New Moon on the 20th. This is a good day to make a fresh start. There is a new beginning of some kind. You may meet someone.
Jupiter on the move in your marriage house is good for many things. If you are planning a wedding, then get right on it now. Everything is in your favor. A proposal or engagement is coming. Set a date soon. This is also a good aspect for business partnerships and contracts. All the planets are in direct motion this month. Mars in Gemini favors travel. You will certainly have the urge. Plan a trip, and a honeymoon would also fall in line with this aspect.
The first half of the month when Mercury trines Uranus is favorable for communication and activities with your partner, and for business as well. Venus in Pisces is very good for romance and socializing. Go out with friends. Read about Pisces. Watch Valentine’s Day, it could be a lot of fun. Make a party, or send Valentine favors to your favorite people. Your partner or steady fellow will take you out or bring champagne and chocolates.
Venus in Pisces is good for the home fires and activities with the family. This is a good time to work out any problems you are having. Peace and harmony prevail. You may buy new furniture or art for your house, or give it a coat of paint. Mars on the move is very good for partnerships. Romance may be picking up, and some couples will get engaged. The Leo Full Moon on February 5 will favor travel and adventure, so plan a trip.
The planets in Aries will shower blessings upon you this month. Mostly with your home life but possibly in your career and public life. Jupiter brings opportunity, fame and fortune. When Venus arrives, well who knows? Women, fashion, the arts and entertainment are favored. A woman may give you a good connection or recommendation. You may find love in your own back yard. You may buy a new home. There may be a baby on the way.
Saturn is winding down his stay here. On February 16-18 the Sun crosses Saturn. You may feel more serious or lonely that day so find a good project to do. This too shall pass. Mercury arrives here on the 12th, and he is at his best (exalted) here. All communications go smoothly. This is a good time to buy a new phone or computer. New solutions for old problems present themselves. Inspiration, creativity, the arts, writing and technology are favored.
Venus the love planet is exalted here. On February 14-16 Venus will conjunct Neptune. This is a beautiful transit for love to be expressed, and for forgiveness, understanding and unconditional love. Perfect for Valentine’s Day. On this day, work out problems with lovers, friends and associates. Kiss and make up. A friendship could turn into romance. A secret admirer could make his presence known. Creative pursuits, diplomacy and humanitarian activities are favored. All you need is love!