On February 2nd, We Celebrate……
Candlemas (Europe)
PROSERPINA
Themes: Divination; Protection; Purification
Symbols: Candles; Corn; Pomegranate
About Proserpina: In ancient Roman mythology, Ceres (an earth and vegetation goddess) sought out her daughter, Proserpina, in the underworld where Hades held her captive. During this time nothing grew on the earth. As she searched, Ceres illuminated the darkness of Hades’ realm with candles (see also January 6 and January 27). Symbolically, this indicates a time of soul-searching, of finding any dark corners in our spiritual lives and filling them with purity and light. In works of art, Proserpina is depicted as a young, lovely corn goddess. In Greek stories she’s known as Persephone.
To Do Today: In magical traditions, people light candles in the Yule log today, giving strength to the sun and chasing away some of the figurative dark clouds that winter left behind. If candles aren’t prudent, turn on every light in the house for a few minutes for a similar effect. Do not burn the Yule log, however; keeping it intact protects your home from mischief.
Another traditional activity for Candlemas is weather divination, which we commonly recognize on this day as Groundhog Day. So, get up and look out the window! Poor weather portends a beautiful spring and a mild, enjoyable summer. Snow today foretells twelve more snowfalls before April 22 (Saint George’s Eve).
365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess
Patricia Telesco
Witches Of The Craft® 