The shortest month of the year, February is named for Februa, an ancient purification festival. The earth is beginning to stir, despite the powerful wind, storms, and snow we usually get this time of year. The major holiday in February falls on the 2nd, called Imbolc, Bridget's Day, or Candlemas. Imbolc is the halfway point between winter and spring. A truly special day for Wiccans and Celtic witches, Imbolc is a High Holiday honoring the Triple Goddess Bridget. This is the time we celebrate the strengthening of the Sun, as each day the daylight lasts a bit longer than the day before. Imbolc is a perfect time for purification and banishment rites and rituals. Traditionally, this is the day people take down their Yuletide greenery to burn in ritual fires in order to illuminate the waning dark of winter. These days we celebrate Groundhog Day, which is a holiday using a seasonal divination of movement and shadow to determine how long winter will last.

Astrologically, February's sign is Aquarius, the water barer. It is a fixed sign ruled by Uranus. This year, February's Full Moon falls on the Sunday before Valentine's Day. This Full Moon is called the Snow or Quickening Moon. This is a perfect time for introspection and change. Look inside yourself and see the possibilities awakening - just as the crocuses are awakening under the frozen ground. See what it is you truly wish for and face up to what shames you. Divining tools can help you through any fear or bias you may be using as a shield. When you are ready, light a black candle to banish all the things you are now ready to let go of. Then, light a white candle to help you to become strong enough to receive the opportunities that await!