February Folklore
& Our Monthly Workbook
It’s Imbolc, and here we are, the flicker of light in the midst of the dark months. For our ancestors, this was a time of hope as it marked the midpoint of winter. They were over the hump, so to speak, and we are as well. It only gets brighter from here.
To celebrate the season, the sabbat, and our ancestors, I thought I would share some folk traditions, myths, and superstitions of the season. This is a monthly thing, so stick around. One must be prepared for the month ahead, yes? Here we go…
The February full moon is known is known as the Moon of Ice in Celtic traditions. It is a moon of waking and intentions.
Norse traditions called February the Wolf Month as it was the time when hungry wolves were believed to prowl closest to villages.
In Scotland, rowan branches were hung in homes this month to ward off evil and misfortune. These can be hung above thresholds and doorways.
Old folklore says women can propose on February 29th, a tradition traced back to Saint Bridget and Saint Patrick. Lucky us, we get one day every four years.
In Scottish lore, serpents and dragons stir from their winter slumber on Imbolc, February 1st. We should keep our eyes on the skies, it seems.
If February 1st is bright and clear, the winter Crone, the Cailleach, gathers more firewood, meaning a longer winter. She is the stillness of winter incarnate.
Irish folklore says that if fairy rings of frost are spotted in February, the Fairy Queen has blessed the land.
In Wales, tying a red thread around a Rowan branch in February was thought to grant wishes.
Old farmers believed speaking too much in February could chase away luck for the new season.
In England, bringing snowdrop flowers indoors in February was bad luck, as they were linked to death omens.
We are still in a time of reflection, and I will take it.
Our February workbook is available for paid subscribers below. In it, we learn the myth of Eros and Psyche, a love story full of literal trials and tribulations based on Greek myth. In addition to the story, there are storytelling, journaling, and writing prompts along with some reflection questions for the month. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy creating it.
Happy Imbolc, Magickal Ones.
