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Candlemas, also known as Imbolc, is a pagan holiday that celebrates the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is traditionally observed on February 2nd. This holiday has roots in ancient pagan traditions, particularly those of the Celts and the Romans. One of the main traditions of Candlemas is the lighting of candles. Candles are seen as symbols of light and warmth, representing hope and the return of the sun. Many pagans will gather together and light candles, often in a ritualistic manner.

Many pagans will gather together and light candles, often in a ritualistic manner. This act not only brings light into the dark winter months but also serves as a way to honor the earth and its cycles. Another customary practice during Candlemas is making and eating certain foods.

Who are the Wiccan Gods?

Wicca is a religion based on neo-pagan teachings and beliefs and its accordance to the principles of nature. Like most religions, Wicca shows high reverence to deity because they acknowledge their supreme divine power. Being a typically duotheistic religion, Wiccans believe that deity is a twin; a God and Goddess that both have equal footing and power. In the previous articles, we have already debunked the myth that Wiccans worship Satan and the devils, let us now get to know more the primary Gods and Goddesses of Wicca.

The Horned God

Horns are usually misinterpreted as the symbol of evil and Satan in Christian teachings. But in Wicca, the Horned God is also known as the Sun God, the Sacrificed God, and the Vegetation God. Wiccans see God in the sun, governing their daily activities from sunrise until sunset or a lifecycle and without him, life would not exist. In addition to this, the God is a symbol of a tender of wild animals. According to Scott Cunningham, he is seen as the God with horns that symbolizes his connection with animals which gave birth to its name as “master of the hunt”. He also oversees the protection of forests, desserts, and towering mountains untouched by human hands. Other symbols used to worship and often associated with God are objects that represent masculinity and strength like swords, horns, speark, candle gold, brass, diamond, sickle, arrow, knife, and others. While its animals symbols are dog, snake, fish, dragon, wolf, bear, eagle, and many more.

According to the father of modern Wicca, Gerald Gardner, the Horned God’s name is Cernunnos – which means “the horned one” but like other Gods, he has many names such as Osiris and Apollo. Wiccan traditions shows the cycle of seasons that follow the relationship of God and the Goddess. According to Patti Wigington, the horned God dies during the fall where vegetation and land become dormant and becomes resurrected during the spring to impregnate the goddess of land – where he becomes a symbol for fertility. To practice the worship of Cernunnos, familiarize yourself with this prayer:

“A Prayer to Cernunnos

God of the green,

Lord of the forest,

I offer you my sacrifice.

I ask you for your blessing.

You are the man in the trees,

the green man of the woods,

who brings life to the dawning spring.

You are the deer in rut,

mighty Horned One,

who roams the autumn woods,

the hunter circling round the oak,

the antlers of the wild stag,

and the lifeblood that spills upon

the ground each season.

God of the green,

Lord of the forest,

I offer you my sacrifice.

I ask you for your blessing.”

One popular food associated with this holiday is the Brigid's Cross. It is a type of woven cross made from straw or another type of plant material. The cross is said to represent protection and is often hung in homes as a charm to ward off evil. Additionally, certain foods such as pancakes, wheat-based dishes, and spring vegetables are also commonly consumed during Candlemas. Candlemas is also a time for divination and purification. Many pagans will perform rituals to cleanse themselves and their homes, removing any negative energies from the past and preparing for the future. This may involve smudging with herbs, performing meditation or prayer, and engaging in other spiritual practices. Overall, Candlemas is a pagan holiday that celebrates the beginning of the end of winter and the anticipation of spring. It is a time for connecting with nature, honoring the cycles of the earth, and finding hope in the midst of darkness. Through the lighting of candles, the creation of protective symbols, the consumption of certain foods, and the practice of purification rituals, pagans mark this occasion with reverence and joy..

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