February

Celtic feast day of 'Brigid', the Abbess of Kildare. The church was said to be on the same site as a sacred oak grove used for pagan worship, and that for one thousand years after her death, a fire was kept alight in the grounds tended by women only although men and women followed a religious life here. Brigid is associated with Mary, a nurturer and provider, and further associated with Celtic worship (See February 2) and midwives. Also associated with Conleth (10 May), Donatus (22 October), Virgil (27 November) and Budoc (8 December). Brigid was seen as the joint protector of cattle together with Columcille (9 June). Druid bard 'Dubtach' is believed to be her father.

Woodbridge, Suffolk, England : Traditional 'Bread Dole' festivities.

Christian feast of the 'Presentation of the Lord', 'The Purification'.

'Groundhog's Day' : USA It was believed that if the groundhog sees his own shadow on this day then winter is only half-gone.

Winter 'Imbolc', or 'Oimelc', sun at 15 degrees in the house of Aquarius (February 2-7). Festivities in ancient times included lighting fires on top of hills across the British Isles to signal to the people that 'Bel' would soon return to bring fertility back to the land as winter drew to a close, accompanied by the 'Earth Goddess' who would ensure a bountiful harvest. One of four major fire festivals (5-8 May, 2-7 August, 5-7 November, 2-7 February).

Celtic feast day of 'Brigit', (also February 1) Irish 'Mother Goddess' (also traditionally known as the 'Queen of Heaven' in Ireland, 'Bride' in Scotland and 'Brigantia' in England). It is believed that Brigit has three faces which are associated with the three-leafed shamrock, a leaf that is the emblem of Ireland. Later became 'St. Bridgid's Day', a Christian day dedicated to remembrance of the Irish saint. In ancient times Brigit was associated with poetry, fire, metalwork and the sun, possessing a sacred totem that was believed to have the power of healing in the form of a snake (therefore connected with the role of the priestess in the pagan culture). Further associations are made with St. Patrick (17 March), the patron saint of Ireland (who was known for ridding Ireland of snakes). It is believed by many that the symbolism attached to this action indicates the Christian desire to stamp out pagan practices.

St. Ethelreda's, Ely place, London, England : 'Blessing of the Throats'.

Native American : Hopi 'Powamu festival'.

Winter 'Imbolc', sun at 15 degrees in the house of Aquarius (February 2-7). Festivities in ancient times included lighting fires on top of hills across the British Isles to signal to the people that 'Bel' would soon return to bring fertility back to the land as winter drew to a close, accompanied by the 'Earth Goddess' who would ensure a bountiful harvest. One of four major fire festivals (5-8 May, 2-7 August, 5-7 November, 2-7 February).

Celtic feast day of 'Ia' or 'Ive', who is said to have sailed to Cornwall, England from Ireland on a huge leaf with missionaries. With the support of a local chieftain she founded a church at St. Ives. Martyred in Brittany.

Celtic feast day of 'Olcan', fifth century, believed to have instructed Macniss (3 September).

Winter 'Imbolc', sun at 15 degrees in the house of Aquarius (February 2-7). Festivities in ancient times included lighting fires on top of hills across the British Isles to signal to the people that 'Bel' would soon return to bring fertility back to the land as winter drew to a close, accompanied by the 'Earth Goddess' who would ensure a bountiful harvest. One of four major fire festivals (5-8 May, 2-7 August, 5-7 November, 2-7 February).

Ancient Greek : festival dedicated to 'Aphrodite'.

Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne on this day in 1952.

Florence Nightingale declared that she had a vision on this day in 1837. The vision of God told her to take up a mission in life, and within a short amount of time she became a nurse.

Celtic feast day of 'Tresan', a devotee and later priest of the church of St Martin by the River Marne in France. Weary from his daily toils of tending swine he fell asleep and was asleep so long he woke to find that his staff had taken root and sprouted leaves.

Celtic feast day of 'Kew', (sister of Docco), left South Wales for Cornwall, and is said to have controlled a wild boar to prove to her brother, who lived as a hermit, that she could control this creature of the other world. Believed to have had supernatural powers by her brother as a result of this, and to possess the highest qualities.

Celtic feast day of 'Trumwin', who became Bishop of Abercorn (Scotland) in 681 and led the spiritual practices of the Picts.