Events

January is the perfect time to do inner work. During the dark of winter, practice your meditation skills and make room for self-discovery.

Jan. 2: New Moon in Capricorn

Jan. 14: Thorrablot – Norse/Heathen celebration honoring Thor

Jan. 17: Full Moon in Cancer – Wolf Moon

Jan. 21: Celtic Tree Month of Rowan begins

Rowan Tree

January 21st - February 17th

• Ogham Letter: Luis (L)
• Symbolic Meaning: Courage, Protection, Connection
• Ruling Planet: The Sun
• Ruling Elements: Fire
• Season: Spring & Autumn
• Corresponding Star Sign: Aquarius / Pisces

The second lunar month is ruled by that of the Rowan Tree. Another tree associated with a powerful, feminine connection, the small, deciduous rowan is praised for its beauty and hardiness. A strong symbol of courage, protection and connection.

The rowan tree can take root almost anywhere it wants but prefers to grow and thrive in greater heights giving it the name of the ‘Lady of the Mountain’. Even though it looks delicate, up here it will thrive in harsh conditions and always come out stronger on the other side.

The Rowan is deeply rooted in psyche and philosophy. It is thought to open the mind, improve psychic powers and inspire those who come into contact with it.

The tree has a positive presence and its protective abilities are used to keep evil spirits at bay. Branches of the rowan were hung around doors to keep those inside safe from wrongdoings.

The Celts thought that the rowan berries possessed magical powers. The bright red berries are a sign of protection. Red being the most protective colour. They are a great source of vitamin C and were used to treat scurvy.

Jan. 24: Sementivae – a grain-oriented Roman festival

This Roman festival was also called Feriae and the exact dates were made by the local priests or magistrates. During this time, we honor Tellus (Mother Earth) and the Goddess of Agriculture Ceres.  Sementivae is a grain-oriented festival that celebrates the preparation of the fields for sowing.

Typically, the ceremony starts around January 24 with a festival to honor Tellus. It ends around February 2 with a festival honoring Ceres.

Jan. 30 – Feb 2: Roman celebration of Februalia

If you're a modern Pagan who would like to observe Februalia as part of your spiritual journey, there are a number of ways you can do so. Consider this a time of purging and cleansing–do a thorough pre-Spring cleaning, where you get rid of all of the things that no longer bring you joy and happiness. Take an "out with the old, in with the new" approach, and eliminate the excess stuff that's cluttering your life, both physically and emotionally.

You can also take some time to honor the goddess Vesta in her role as a deity of home, hearth, and domestic life as a way of celebrating Februalia.

Jan. 31: Up Helly Aa – Scottish celebration in the Shetland Islands

Up Helly Aa is a type of fire festival held annually from January to March in various communities in Shetland, Scotland to mark the end of the Yule season.

Jan. 31: Disablot – Norse celebration of new beginnings

The Dísablót was the blót which was held in honour of the female spirits or deities called dísir, from pre-historic times until the Christianization of Scandinavia. Its purpose was to enhance the coming harvest. It is mentioned in Hervarar saga, Víga-Glúms saga, Egils saga and the Heimskringla.