If You Were Born Today, February 14:

Youthful no matter your age, you are spirited and playful, yet you are no stranger to hard work. Your ideas are unique and well ahead of your time. You are a natural born entrepreneur with seemingly unlimited ideas for not only making money but also for unique products and services. Many of you have a strong interest in history. Given to some worry, this does help you to meet your responsibilities and commitments, but keeping a fresh perspective is something you need to work on in order to avoid pessimism or nervousness.  Famous people born today: Florence Henderson, Jack Benny, Gregory Hines, Meg Tilly.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Youthful no matter your age, you are spirited and playful, yet you are no stranger to hard work. Your ideas are unique and well ahead of your time. You are a natural born entrepreneur with seemingly unlimited ideas for not only making money but also for unique products and services. Many of you have a strong interest in history. Given to some worry, this does help you to meet your responsibilities and commitments, but keeping a fresh perspective is something you need to work on in order to avoid pessimism or nervousness.  Famous people born today: Florence Henderson, Jack Benny, Gregory Hines, Meg Tilly.

This is an excellent year for teaching, guiding, and promoting. You may be turned to for advice more frequently, and you are very willing to offer your help. This is a strong year for publicity and any other endeavors that involve spreading the word. As well, your ability to be objective–or to see the “big picture”–can be especially pronounced and rewarding this year.

You have Uranus transiting in harmony to your Sun this year, and exciting changes and new interests characterize the period ahead. It’s easier than ever to express your unique individuality, and if this involves changing careers or jobs, a new love affair, or an entirely new hobby, it’s something that takes you forward into unexplored territory. You are more willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and unfamiliar situations this year. It’s a good time to join organizations and groups and to attend meetings or social events. You are able to find creative solutions to problems now. Flexibility is the key to success under this influence. Your personality is sparkling this year, which is sure to attract new circumstances and people into your life.

Another strong influence that enters the picture this year is also beneficial in a different way. You receive practical support from a harmonious Saturn transit to your Sun. You are practical in your choices (for the most part), keeping your feet on the ground and paying attention to, and honoring, tradition as well as tried-and-true methods. You have the power of practicality, realism, and caution on your side during this period. Work you have done in the past begins to pay off – not necessarily in dramatic ways, but in small, measurable ways. You may be recognized or rewarded in some way for the efforts you put forth. Because you project a more responsible and credible “you”, people in authority are more inclined to appreciate you and recognize your work.

This is a year in which you put your life in order in some significant manner. Improved concentration, a more realistic outlook, and a practical awareness of the limits of time all help you to make steady progress, particularly in your career. Your concern for your future this year is stronger than usual, and you may find that projects you start, or investments you make, this year will benefit you for years to come.

This is a time when you’re more likely to be doing what you enjoy, and enjoying what you’re doing, particularly related to career, work, and life path matters, but extending to other areas of life as well. This can be a time of breakthroughs and new structures in your life. There is an opportunity to combine stability and improvement or excitement with good results. The same can be said of innovation and tradition.

Mental pursuits, new learning, and all forms of intellectual activity are especially favored. There can be animated discussions, debates, lectures, and travel in high focus. You are quick to take the initiative and to put your thoughts into action. You may enjoy increased activity with younger people or friends. Once you get going on an area of study or project, you bring great energy to your endeavor.

There is a special charm in the ways you present your ideas this year, certainly helping to smooth over differences in your personal relationships. It’s a powerful year for selling, particularly creative works, writing, designing, and publishing.

Personal magnetism is tremendous this year. You are playfully competitive and might win a major competition, if applicable. This is a good period for creative projects and joining with others in pursuing a common goal.

This is a powerful year for learning, teaching, and studies. You can be in high demand. You are confident and more light-hearted than usual this year, as you’re taking things in stride. You enjoy making long-term plans and learning about a variety of subjects. Studies, publishing, and travel are favored. Always receptive to new ideas, you are absorbing a lot of information. Increased popularity, in general, is likely and personal magnetism is high. You are more decisive than usual this year.

2017 is a Number Eight year for you. Ruled by Saturn. This is a year of power and accomplishment. Actively seeking to expand, taking educated risks, and moving forward are highlighted. This is a year of opportunity, particularly in the material and business world, and opportunities need to be seized. It’s generally not a year to find a new love partner, simply because the focus is on the material world and your place in the world. This is a problem-solving year in which you can expect real, tangible results. Advice – take action, plan ahead, seize opportunities.

2018 will be a Number Nine year for you. Ruled by Mars. This is a year of completion and transition. It is a time when we need to let go of things that no longer serve their purpose, and hold on to things that have a future. It is a time of cleaning out dead wood, not necessarily for new beginnings. It can be a time when a burden has been taken off your shoulders, and it can be a year of giving of yourself. Advice – let go of things that are holding you back, give of yourself and express your sympathetic, compassionate side.

Source

Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, February 14th

Aries 

Aries

Today’s energies favor pleasant conversations and cooperation, dear Aries. There can be a rather sudden awareness that you need some time to yourself, and while you’re especially motivated to get things done, don’t ignore your need for down time. We are approaching a Mercury station, which can bring some challenges when it comes to being understood, but later today, the general intent is positive and cooperative, so it’s important to pay more attention to gestures than specific words chosen to express ourselves. There can be a pleasant feeling of devotion to a person, fantasy, or the idea of love today, and this can inspire creative works or ideas.

Taurus

Taurus

While the first half of the day can be somewhat temperamental, dear Taurus, there is generally good energy for warm, affectionate conversations and overtures. Surprising news may be part of it. There is particularly nice energy for combining friends and family or home life in pleasing ways, and for having an especially positive faith in the people you care about and domestic matters in general. You are more idealistic than usual, and happily, most people around you are unlikely to burst your bubble. Happiness is natural and easy, as it’s coming from within.

Gemini

Gemini

Life can be hectic in many ways today, dear Gemini, and you can find some obstacles to your personal plans, but fortunately your mood is surprisingly peaceful at heart now so that you are far more tolerant of problems. A warm communication might occur now that boosts your spirits and makes you feel understood or cared for. Your sensitivities are heightened now, and you can be especially creative in your work or projects. Artistic achievement is favored. Mercury is approaching a direct station in your sign, so that it’s important to take more time to digest events and ideas in the coming few days.

Cancer

Cancer

Tensions in the first half of the day are very likely to be resolved, and quite satisfyingly at that, in the second half, dear Cancer. This morning, you may be wrestling with restlessness and unsure of where to direct your energy. Don’t allow restlessness to rule you or to choose your mood for you. As the day advances, you can find very creative ways to satisfy a desire for safety and comfort, as well as the need to feel more adventurous and experience different things. There is good energy for making, spending, or sorting out money, taking care of valuables, as well as for a feeling of abundance.

Leo

If you’ve been ignoring your needs for deep connections, intimacy, or time to yourself recently, you’ll feel the imbalance today, dear Leo. As much as you enjoy and benefit from friendly interactions, emotionally you’re craving a little more. As the day progresses, you’re likely to come to peace with someone, and also with yourself, as your emotions smooth out. In fact, you are able to find creative ways to express your feelings and to connect with others. There may be compliments or other shows of appreciation coming your way. You might attract an admirer.

Virgo

Virgo

If you’ve been too busy to really spend time with a significant other or friend recently, dear Virgo, today you’ll feel the lack and you are likely to be quite anxious to make things right. It’s not easy to find that balance, however, as you can be pulled in different directions. It may be difficult to understand a partner or a job requirement, as messages you are receiving are unclear and conflicting right now. As the day advances, though, life remains busy but you’re more likely to let go of the tendency to overthink. There is very good energy for finding creative ways to satisfy your various needs and spend time with others. You can be especially gracious, and a partner or special person can be especially comforting and accepting.

Libra

Libra

Today and the next few days can be somewhat challenging if you’re looking for clear facts or conversations, dear Libra, with Mercury approaching a direct station. However, today is wonderful for imagination, and if you pay closer attention to the intentions of the messages you’re receiving, you’ll find people are really quite cooperative. Avoid premature decisions, but enjoy the opportunities of the day, as you’re likely to get quite close to a friend or associate. While the morning can present a conundrum involving responsibilities, as the day progresses, you can find wonderful ways to satisfy your need to set things straight and tend to work, as well as your desire to socialize and network.

Scorpio

Scorpio

There can be some tension that results from a conflict between your will and your emotions with a Last Quarter Moon occurring just before noon today, dear Scorpio. Today and in the next few days, try to give in to the idea that you won’t get the whole picture now, and let go. Matters will reveal themselves to you soon, and you don’t have to push anything. This can be a real load off your back! As the day advances, the pace is likely quite busy, but more pleasantly so. There is very creative energy that ties your sector of romance and entertainment with your sector of career and responsibility. You may feel freer to express yourself through your work, or your more playful side to others.

Sagittarius 

Sagittarius

If emotions are being released in spurts, or if you are not expressing yourself confidently, then your outbursts may be confusing to others, dear Sagittarius. Although we’re often encouraged to express our feelings, it’s sometimes kinder to ourselves and others if we sort out some of the less evolved ones on our own before releasing them. The Last Quarter Moon this morning can stimulate a strong need for comfort and groundedness, but others are also drawing you out, so you’ll have to find a balance. As the day advances, though, there is better energy for finding comfortable solutions, particularly as you may be able to satisfy the desire for familiarity as well as adventure in creative ways. A nice message or conversation can take place that puts you right at ease.

Capricorn

Capricorn

Responsibilities to others or to your work can seem to clash with a sudden and strong need to explore your own interests or have an overdue conversation, dear Capricorn. While you can have a bit of a struggle trying to juggle too many activities, you’re also likely to find creative ways to tend to a variety of needs by combining them or adjusting your expectations of each. There can be a very lovely, accepting, and healing conversation or discovery of a more intimate or personal nature today. Diplomacy can help an important sale or advance today.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Relationships may be a little puzzling in the first half of the day, dear Aquarius. Your feelings may not be see-sawing, but your fears or worries may very well be. Money matters may also be an issue or cause for some concern. Even so, there is powerful energy for finding creative ways to satisfy a variety of seemingly conflicting needs. You can find ways to take risks or to enjoy yourself that don’t leave you feeling spent or overly indulgent. There is also beautiful energy for coming to an understanding with a partner or significant person. This can be due to a sense of shared values or respect for differing ones. There is more acceptance in the energy of the day that becomes you. This is a strong time generally for personal appeal and solutions to relating problems that are much more than just cosmetic.

Pisces

Pisces

People are especially amenable today, dear Pisces, and health or work can be pleasing. You are able to relax sufficiently to let your guard down. You are seeing more beauty in family, work, or simply circumstances around you, and life through this “lens” is more entertaining. You are imaginative by nature, but today this is enhanced, and can be in full force when it comes to finding different ways to enjoy your daily life. It’s a wonderful time to beautify your surroundings. It’s also a strong day for personal appeal.

• General Horoscope

  It’s a happy week for love. On Tuesday, the Sun will sextile Saturn. In the United States this is Valentine’s Day which is an annual celebration of romance. With the Sun at a friendly angle to Saturn, you can expect plenty of commitment-themed events. In other words, many of your friends will be showing off engagement rings all over social media. In other news, Mercury will sextile Mars on Thursday, helping you and your lover enjoy a lively debate without it turning into a battle. Then, on Saturday, the Sun will move into Pisces. The lovers and the dreamers unite.

• 

  Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

  Your love life may feel like a mind-expanding adventure this week. It’s possible that your sweetheart will prompt you to explore new territory either physically or intellectually. This can be anything from a decision to travel overseas together to the two of you signing up for a fascinating continuing education course. Another possibility is that you’ll study more about philosophy or a certain religion together. It’s all good, and will bring you closer than ever!

• 

  Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

  Although there might not be many romantic bells and whistles happening this week, you’re in a good, solid place when it comes to love. It’s nice knowing that you have someone you can rely on, and who can be your rock when you need one. This week you’ll be reminded that even if your sweetheart isn’t the flamboyant type, his or her love burns strong and steady — and it’s just for you.

• 

  Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

  You and your partner will work productively towards a mutual goal that may not only expand your horizons, but also help solidify your relationship. This might have to do with a plan to thoroughly explore your genealogy in order to learn as much as possible about your roots. Whether you’re from similar backgrounds or not, you’re likely to learn so much more about your pasts. It’ll be a fascinating journey you enjoy taking together.

• 

  Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

  You and your partner could make a lightning-fast decision this week about your shared resources. This may have to do with an investment opportunity, but can just as easily be about a decision for one of you to support the other financially as a new professional goal is pursued. Whatever the details, there won’t be any second guessing this choice, and you’ll both be completely on board. Wonderful!

• 

  Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

  This week your love life will surely be a focus. On Tuesday, it’s Valentine’s Day in the United States, and it looks like you and your sweetheart will be ready to make a few promises to each other. They’ll be ones you both intend to honor! Then, on Thursday, a conversation with your lover about intimate matters could heat up quickly — in a good way! Another possibility is that you’ll ambitiously pursue learning a new subject together. It’ll be quite intellectually stimulating.

• 

  Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

  You and your partner will come up with a practical solution this week to help tackle a mutual financial problem. Don’t waste time stressing out over this situation because together you’ll develop a plan that will quickly get executed. Consider it solved! After Saturday, you’ll be in a stronger position to focus on your relationship. Spending time with your partner and sharing your dreams will be top priority.

• 

  Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

  A mental connection between you and your mate will spark extra passion in the bedroom. Pay special attention to conversations that happen Tuesday through Thursday — they will light your fire! If you’re in the United States, then Tuesday is Valentine’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate love, and you’ll have no shortage of sweet words to whisper into your partner’s ear. A decision that you and your partner make will be exciting and stabilizing to your relationship all at once.

• 

  Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

  An office romance will heat up. You and your new lover might start to talk openly about the fact that you’re dating, and if so, it’ll spark great interest amongst your colleagues. Another possibility is that you are in a relationship with someone, and this week the two of you make a commitment to improve your health together. You might attend a seminar about an area of health that interests you both.

• 

  Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

  Romance will be hot and heavy thanks to a bit of sexy mental stimulation! On Thursday, communication planet Mercury will be at a friendly angle to steamy Mars which is now in your true love sector. As a result, you and your lover might enjoy taking your sexy antics to a more playful level during conversations. Phone sex, sexting, or even an enticing love letter are all possible options. If you really want to play, why not write each other a bit of erotica? Yum!

• 

  Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

  Your domestic life will be quite hectic leaving little room for carefree romantic antics between you and your mate. Fortunately, neither you nor your partner will feel as if you’re missing out on anything. There are certain times when you want to be swept off your feet, and then there are other times where it’s more important to know that someone at home is keeping the floor swept. This week, you’ll be more turned on knowing that you can count on your mate to help organize any family chaos.

• 

  Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

  If you’re looking for motivation, look no further than your sweetheart. Your lover will know exactly what to say in order to help you get pumped up about achieving one of your goals. This week, a conversation with your mate will help you put a plan into action instead of continuing to allow your brilliant ideas to sit and stew inside of your head. Reciprocate the favor and lift up your sweetheart in the same way. It’ll only make the love you share even stronger.

• 

  Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

  This week, you and your partner will have an amazing capacity to discuss a topic that would be so much easier to sweep under the rug and ignore. As a result, you’ll find that you both feel unburdened. You might be able to have this conversation on your own, or it may happen in the context of a counseling session. Either way, it’ll open the door to greater intimacy. You can talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly without fear of losing the one you love most.

   

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Weekly Astrology: February 13-19, 2017

Fruits of your labor

By Maria DeSimone

Weekly, Astrology

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

What’s in Store by the Stars:

February 14, 2017

Jupiter and Chiron form a quincunx today – an aspect that first became exact in December and will recur on September 23rd (it’s happening very close to the Jupiter-Uranus opposition). With this longer-term aspect, there can be a questioning of our goals, or possibly our beliefs and faith, as doubt and uncertainty creep in. We may feel a little lost and susceptible to influence. If we are not self-aware, we might push impractical ideas and projects ahead, only to face obstacles. Circumstances are such that we need to make adjustments to our plans and goals. We may need to tame expectations of ourselves and others if they are unreasonably high. We might also deal with insecurities that are preventing us from pursuing our goals freely and confidently. The Moon is in relationship-focused Libra all day, and we seek out a balance. However, there can be some trial and error getting to the point of harmony, particularly with the Moon’s opposition to Mars in Aries later today.

How To Attract Love and Prosperity

a message from Kari Samuels

To read more of Kari’s insight, please visit her website, Kari Samuels

Love is the strongest energy in the Universe.

Your heart has a magnetic force that attracts people and circumstances to you. If you want more love in your life, you must find love within. Your emotions have power. You can channel your passions in positive ways to attract all good things into your life.

Here are four essential steps to attract more love and prosperity:

Live Passionately

It’s your energy that attracts people and circumstances to you. If you want more love in your life, you must find passion within you first. If the people around you aren’t lighting your fire, it’s because you haven’t fueled your own desires.

Every single day, do things you love and let go of obligations that drain you. If you make a habit of investing in activities that light you up, before you know it you’ll have a bright magnetic aura that others will find irresistible.

Listen to your intuition

You are being divinely guided at every step! Your Angels and Spirit Guides are directing you toward all good things. When you’re downloaded with an idea or inspiration, don’t ignore it! You’re being led toward the people and opportunities that will make your heart sing!

Be Yourself – Boldly!

If you are not attracting people into your life who love and support you, you are probably rejecting a part of yourself. The Universe is a mirror for you. All relationships are a reflection of your relationship with yourself.

If you are only showing the world one persona of who you really are, you’ll attract people who don’t accept you completely. Is there a part of you that is hiding your gifts and talents? Are you frightened others will think you’re weird and reject you? When you show the world who you really are, you will be loved completely for being YOU. After all, what’s not to love?

Step outside your comfort zone

Love requires you to stretch yourself. If you haven’t found the love of your life, or if you’re not living the life you love, you are probably protecting yourself from rejection by playing it safe. Live larger so you can love more! Try new things and meet new people. By doing so, you’re stretching your limits and expanding your heart. So much love awaits you!

The Energy of Mars

Weekday ruled by Mars: Tuesday

Stones:
Bloodstone
Garnet
Carnelian
Pink Tourmaline

Herbs and Plants:
Red Rose
Cock’ comb
Mugwort
Mullien
Nettle
Thistle
Wormwood

Magickal Intention: Courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, breaking negative cycles, war, viltality, Assertiveness.

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magicks to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include:

*Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads

*Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions

*Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery

*Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home

*Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success

Your Love Correspondences for Tuesday, February 14th

Color:
Red for sexual love.
Pink for emotional love.
White for astral love and soul mates.

Herbs and trees:
Apples (dried fruit, leaves or twigs)
Basil
Caraway
Catnip
Chamomile
Cinnamon
Cumin
Dill
Ginseng
Jasmin
Lavender
Lemon balm
Lovage
Mandrake root
Marjoram
Myrtle
Orange peels
Orris
Peppermint
Rosemary
Thyme
Walnuts
Yarrow

Miscellaneous:
Copper
Heart shapes
Dove feather
Keys
Owl feather
Pennies
Silk (red, white, or pink)

Stones:
Amber
Amethyst
Aphrodite
Bloodstone
Opal
Pearl
Rhodochrosite
Rose Quartz
Ruby
Sunstone
Turquoise

Source

Wicca Chat

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, February 14th

Valentine’s Day

Waning Moon

Moon phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Libra

Incense: Ginger

Color: Gray

Tuesday’s Witchery

Tuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day.

So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate on Tiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.

Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.

Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.

 
Source
—-Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

The Witches Guide to Tuesdays

A god, goddess, or planet governs each day of the week. It is usually easy to spot the ruler of the day by its name. The word Tuesday, however, is not so easy, but if we look at the word in Spanish, Martes, we clearly see its connections to Mars.

Because Tuesday revolves around the energy of Mars, Tuesdays are good for business, mechanical things, buying and selling animals, hunting, beginning studies, gardening, sexual activities, and confrontation. This is a day for sex magick, energy, stamina, and health. As in the old saying, Tuesdays child is full of grace, is also good for success magick and defense against enemies.

Angels of Tuesday are Camael, Samael, Satael, Amabiel, Friagne, and Hyniel. When invoked, Camael takes the form of a leopard. In Druid mythology he is a god of war, which is why we see him associated with Mars. Camael is said to be a member of the “Magnificent Seven” in some circles. Camael is another “terminator” angel.

Samael walks both worlds as a magician and sorcerer. some see him as the angel of death, others as “the bright and poisonous one.” Many consider him more of a demon, and accuse him of being Satan. However, there is reference to the satans (plural) as enforcers of the law, a sort of angelic police, if you will. Supposedly, when Samael is around, dogs howl in the night. On one hand, he is the ruler of the fifth heaven and in charge of two million angels; on the other, he is the one who changed into a serpent and convinced Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit of knowledge.

Satael is an angel of air invoked in magic rites and is the presiding spirit of the planet Mars. Amabiel is another spirit of the planet Mars; however he spends his energy on issues of human sexuality. Friagne, also an angel of this day, is invoked from the east. He is a member of the fifth heaven. Hyniel also belongs to this day and is subject to the east wind.

On Tuesdays the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mars, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest ones to do ritual in. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

Source

Gypsy Magic

The Pagan Roots of Valentine’s Day

When Valentine’s Day looms on the horizon, many people start thinking about love. Did you know that the modern Valentine’s Day, although named for a martyred saint, actually has its roots in an early Pagan custom? Let’s take a look at how Valentine’s Day evolved from a Roman festival into the marketing behemoth that it is today.
Lupercalia’s Love Lottery

February is a great time of year to be in the greeting-card or chocolate-heart industry. This month has long been associated with love and romance, going back to the days of early Rome. Back then, February was the month in which people celebrated Lupercalia, a festival honoring the birth of Romulus and Remus, the twin founders of the city. As Lupercalia evolved and time went on, it morphed into a festival honoring fertility and the coming of spring.

For part of the celebration, young women would place their names in an urn. Eligible men would draw a name and the couple would pair of for the rest of the festival — sometimes even longer.

As Christianity progressed into Rome, the practice was decried as Pagan and immoral, and done away with by Pope Gelasius around 500 C.E. Although recently there’s been some scholarly debate about the existence of the Lupercalia lottery – and some people believe it may not have existed at all – it’s still a legend that brings to mind ancient matchmaking rituals perfect for this time of year!
A More Spiritual Celebration

Around the same time that the love lottery was being eliminated, Gelasius had a brilliant idea. Why not replace the lottery with something a bit more spiritual? He changed the love lottery to a lottery of the Saints — instead of pulling a pretty girl’s name from the urn, young men pulled the name of a saint. The challenge for these bachelors was to try to be more saint-like in the coming year, studying and learning about the messages of their individual saint.
Who Was Valentine, Anyway?

While he was trying to convince Rome’s young nobleman to be more saintly, Pope Gelasis also declared St. Valentine (more on him in just a bit) the patron saint of lovers, and his day was to be held every year on February 14. There is some question about who St. Valentine actually was — he may have been a priest during the reign of the Emperor Claudius.

The legend is that the young priest, Valentine, disobeyed Claudius by performing wedding ceremonies for young men, when the Emperor preferred to see them roped into military service rather than marriage. While imprisoned, Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him, perhaps the daughter of the jailer. Before he was executed, he allegedly sent her a letter, signed, From your Valentine. No one knows if this story is true, but it certainly makes St. Valentine a romantic and tragic hero.

The Christian church had a hard time maintaining some of these traditions, and for a while St. Valentine’s Day disappeared off the radar. In fact, during medieval times the lover’s lottery regained popularity — chivalrous young men paired off with ladies, and wore the names of their lover on their sleeves for a year.
Modern Valentine’s Day

Around the end of the 18th century, Valentine’s Day cards began to appear. Small pamphlets were published, with sentimental poems that young men could copy and send to the object of their affections. Eventually, printing houses learned there was a profit to be made in pre-made cards, complete with romantic pictures and love-themed verse. The first American Valentine cards were created by Esther Howland in the 1870s, according to Victorian Treasury. Other than Christmas, more cards are exchanged at Valentine’s Day than any other time of the year.

By Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article originally published on and owned by About.com

The Goddess Book of Days for February 14th

Second day of Parentalia in Rome, the Lupercal, day of fertility dedicated to Juno-Lupa, the she- wolf. Women’s pleas for children are granted. Other Fertility/Birth Goddesses are Isis, Kwan Yin, Yernaya, Tonantzin, Mary, Cybele, Astarte. Origin of Valentine’s Day.

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

The Pagan Book of Days for Tuesday, February 14th

St. Valentine’s Day is a festival of love that amalgamates the Pagan traditions of rome and northern Europe. It is also dedicated to the Norse deity Vali, the archer god, son of Odin and to Juno Februa, goddess of maternal and married love. The festival begins after sunset on February 13. Girls should decorate their pillows with five bay leaves, to dream of their lover and husbands to be. In England on this day an arch of brambles is carried to banish unwelcome spirits. In Scandinavia there is a tradition of running labyrinths on this day.

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick