February Februum Waning Moon Purification

The month of February is named after the Latin term ‘februum’ which means purification.  This is because of the purification ritual called Februa which was held at the full moon in February, usually around the 15^th February. Traditionally the festival was used for deep personal and household cleansing,

as well as the cleansing and purifying of any sacred spaces. The purification was in preparation of the new year which began in March.  The twin themes of purification and fertility come together in the Roman February holiday called Lupercalia.

Lupercalia, the ancient feast of fruitfulness, or fertility, was celebrated on February 15. The feast was used to avert evil spirits and purify the city this had the effect of  releasing health and fertility to enable them to flourish.

In Roman mythology, Lupercus is the god of shepherds, sometimes identified with the Roman god Faunus, who is the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Pan.

 ( see post on Valentine’s Day for more information)

The waning moon that we have at the moment brings with it a period of inward thinking, we are less inclined to start big projects and more inclined to reflect and meditate. We can use this natural inclination to look at what needs to be removed from our lives to perhaps create areas of clarity where they are needed.  The more we use the moon’s rhythms to create harmony in our lives the more we will find that our lives will run on a more even track.

This is an ideal time therefore to carry out your own February purification. You may want to clear out a drawer or box from your loft or tackle a whole room. Whatever you decide to do your space will benefit from it. By making space in your life you are allowing an area to be created for the positive energy to flow in.

Waning moon blessings to you, AstarteAlison