February: Magickal Year
Ancient Origins and Etymology
The name February originates from the Latin word Februa, which refers to an ancient Roman purification festival held during this month. The festival, also known as Lupercalia, was celebrated to cleanse the city of Rome and ensure fertility and prosperity. The word februare means “to purify,” and February became associated with rituals of purification and renewal. This connection to cleansing and preparation aligns with the transitional nature of February, as it bridges the cold depths of winter and the gradual approach of spring.
In ancient Roman times, February was originally the last month of the year in the old Roman calendar, making it a time for reflection and preparation for the new year ahead. This association with endings and beginnings adds a layer of introspection to the month. In other traditions, such as Celtic culture, February aligns with Imbolc, a festival marking the halfway point between winter and spring. Imbolc honors the goddess Brigid and celebrates the return of light and life. February’s etymology and historical significance make it a time for purification, renewal, and hope.
Planetary Influences and Energy
February is ruled by the planet Uranus, which governs innovation, rebellion, and transformation. Uranus brings a spark of change and encourages us to break free from old patterns and embrace new perspectives. Its revolutionary energy can feel disruptive at times, but it ultimately leads to growth and progress. February’s Uranian influence urges us to think outside the box and welcome unexpected opportunities.
Astrologically, February begins under the sign of Aquarius (ruled by Uranus and Saturn) and transitions into Pisces (ruled by Neptune). Aquarius’ energy emphasizes individuality, community, and forward-thinking, making this an excellent time for brainstorming, collaboration, and exploring new ideas. As the month shifts into Pisces, the focus turns inward, encouraging introspection, compassion, and spiritual connection. These dual energies make February a dynamic month for both external progress and internal growth.
Divine Connections
February’s divine energy is closely tied to Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire, poetry, and healing. Brigid is honored during Imbolc, which falls on February 1st or 2nd, and marks the return of light and life after the dark winter months. She is a goddess of inspiration, creativity, and renewal, making her energy perfect for February’s themes of purification and transformation. Working with Brigid can involve lighting candles, writing poetry, or performing healing rituals.
Another deity linked to February is Juno Februata, an aspect of the Roman goddess Juno associated with love and purification. Juno Februata was honored during Lupercalia, a festival that included rituals to promote fertility and romance. Modern practitioners can connect with Juno Februata to enhance self-love, deepen relationships, or cleanse emotional wounds.
Eros (Greek) and Cupid (Roman), gods of love and desire, are also significant during February, particularly around Valentine’s Day. Their energy reminds us to embrace passion, connection, and joy in our lives. Additionally, Aphrodite and Venus bring themes of beauty, love, and self-worth, aligning with February’s focus on relationships and emotional renewal.
Other Deities:
❍ Hestia (Greek): Hearth, home, and purification
❍ Persephone (Greek): Renewal, cycles, and rebirth
❍ Osiris (Egyptian): Transformation and resurrection
❍ Kuan Yin (Chinese): Compassion, love, and healing
❍ Freya (Norse): Love, fertility, and beauty
Magical Correspondences
Primary Colors: Red symbolizes passion, love, and vitality; Pink represents compassion, self-love, and emotional healing; White signifies purification, clarity, and renewal; Violet embodies intuition, spirituality, and transformation.
Elements: Water reflects healing, emotions, and intuition, while Air signifies clarity, communication, and inspiration.
Numbers: The number 2 represents partnership, balance, and duality; 6 symbolizes harmony, love, and nurturing; 9 signifies completion and spiritual growth.
Directions: West is associated with emotional healing, intuition, and water energy, while East represents new ideas, inspiration, and air energy.
Tarot Cards: The Lovers symbolize connection, relationships, and choices; The Star represents hope, renewal, and inspiration; The Two of Cups embodies partnership, harmony, and emotional balance; The Moon signifies intuition, dreams, and the subconscious.
Animals: The Swan represents grace, love, and transformation; the Dove symbolizes peace, purity, and devotion; the Rabbit embodies fertility, abundance, and creativity; the Fox signifies adaptability, cleverness, and intuition; the Fish represents flow, intuition, and spiritual connection.
Natural Allies
February’s natural allies include herbs and crystals that support love, purification, and transformation.
Herbs such as lavender and rose are ideal for promoting love, healing, and emotional balance. Chamomile soothes the mind and body, while mint refreshes and revitalizes energy. Myrrh is excellent for purification and spiritual connection, and violet brings gentle healing and inspiration.
Crystals like amethyst and rose quartz align perfectly with February’s themes. Amethyst enhances intuition and spiritual connection, while rose quartz promotes self-love and emotional healing. Carnelian boosts passion and creativity, garnet reignites vitality, and moonstone supports transitions and new beginnings.
Essential Herbs:
★ Lavender: Calms the mind, promotes love, and enhances emotional healing.
★ Rose: Symbolizes love, beauty, and compassion, perfect for heart-centered work.
★ Chamomile: Soothes stress, promotes relaxation, and aids in purification.
★ Mint: Refreshes energy, stimulates the mind, and brings clarity.
★ Myrrh: Cleanses energy, deepens spiritual connection, and aids in transformation.
★ Violet: Brings gentle healing, inspiration, and emotional balance.
Power Crystals:
☆ Amethyst: Enhances intuition, supports spiritual growth, and soothes emotions.
☆ Rose Quartz: Promotes self-love, emotional healing, and harmony in relationships.
☆ Carnelian: Boosts creativity, passion, and motivation.
☆ Garnet: Reignites vitality, strengthens commitment, and enhances courage.
☆ Moonstone: Supports transitions, enhances intuition, and connects to lunar energy.
☆ Aquamarine: Encourages emotional healing, communication, and courage.
☆ Clear Quartz: Amplifies intentions, brings clarity, and supports transformation.
Magical Works and Rituals
February is an excellent time for love spells, purification rituals, and creative magic. The month’s energy supports deep emotional healing and transformation, making it ideal for rituals focused on self-love, forgiveness, and releasing emotional wounds.
Purification rituals are particularly effective, as February’s connection to cleansing aligns with removing negativity and creating space for renewal. For example, take a cleansing bath with lavender and rose petals to release stress and invite love into your life. Creative magic, such as writing spells or crafting sigils, also thrives under February’s inspirational energy.
Optimal Activities:
❍ Love spells to strengthen relationships or attract new love
❍ Self-love rituals to boost confidence and emotional healing
❍ Purification baths or smudging rituals
❍ Candle magic for passion, creativity, or emotional renewal
❍ Divination for clarity in relationships or personal growth
❍ Creating sigils or charms for love and harmony
❍ Offering gratitude to deities of love and purification
Featured Ritual: The Flame of Brigid
Purpose: To ignite inspiration and renewal in your life.
Materials:
☆ A white candle (for purification)
☆ A red candle (for passion and creativity)
☆ A small bowl of water
☆ A sprig of lavender or rosemary
☆ A piece of paper and pen
Instructions:
➪ Begin by lighting the white candle, symbolizing purification. Hold the sprig of lavender or rosemary and pass it through the flame, visualizing it cleansing your energy.
➪ Dip the sprig into the bowl of water and sprinkle the water around your sacred space, saying, “I release what no longer serves me. I welcome renewal and light.”
➪ Light the red candle, symbolizing passion and creativity. Write down your intentions for inspiration and renewal on the paper. Focus on the flame as you visualize your intentions taking shape.
➪ Burn the paper in the flame of the red candle (safely), and as the smoke rises, imagine your intentions being carried into the universe.
➪ Thank Brigid for her guidance and extinguish the candles, knowing your intentions are set in motion.
Modern Applications
February’s energy can be integrated into daily life through acts of self-care, creativity, and emotional connection. Take time to nurture your relationships, whether through heartfelt conversations or small gestures of appreciation. Journaling about your emotions or dreams can help you tap into Pisces’ intuitive energy later in the month.
For busy practitioners, simple acts like lighting a candle or carrying rose quartz can help maintain a connection to February’s themes. Incorporating fresh flowers or herbal teas into your routine can also bring a sense of renewal and love into your daily life.
Daily Integration Ideas:
❍ Write affirmations for self-love and place them where you’ll see them daily.
❍ Carry rose quartz or amethyst for emotional balance and intuition.
❍ Drink herbal teas like chamomile or lavender to promote relaxation and renewal.
❍ Light a candle during meditation to focus on love or purification.
❍ Perform small acts of kindness to nurture relationships.
❍ Take a cleansing bath with essential oils or herbs.
❍ Dedicate time to creative pursuits like writing, painting, or crafting.
Sacred Space Setup
To create a sacred space aligned with February’s energy, focus on symbols of love, purification, and renewal. Use a pink or red altar cloth to represent passion and emotional healing, and include candles in shades of white, red, or pink. Add fresh flowers like roses or violets to bring beauty and vitality to your space.
Incorporate crystals like rose quartz and amethyst, and place a small bowl of water to represent emotional healing and purification. Offerings to Brigid, such as poetry, candles, or seeds, can also enhance your altar. For a modern touch, include a journal or creative tools to honor February’s inspirational energy.
Essential Altar Elements:
★ Pink, red, or white candles
★ Crystals like rose quartz, amethyst, and garnet
★ Fresh flowers or herbs like lavender and roses
★ A bowl of water for purification
★ Offerings to Brigid, such as poetry or seeds
★ A journal or creative tools
★ Symbols of love, such as hearts or swans
By embracing February’s sacred energy, you can cultivate love, renewal, and inspiration in your life, creating a foundation for growth and transformation.
