Solmōnaƥ (Mud Month)
The second month in the Old English calendar is Solmōnaƥ. Anglo-Saxon scribes were familiar with the Latin word sol (Sun), but here the meaning comes from the Old English word sol, which means "mud" or "mire." Saint Bede recorded that the Anglo-Saxons gave offerings to their gods at this time by placing cakes (likely more akin to loaves of bread than sugary confections) in the first plowed furrows.
Solmōnaƥ marked the end of Yuletide. Because of this, Anglo-Saxons converting to Christianity held to a tradition observing Candlemas (February 2) as the end of the Christmas season. Candles were blessed at the church and then brought home to protect them from demons and illness.
Make all of the candles that you plan to use through out the year in your rituals and spells. By making your own candles, you control the color and scent, and can even add a pinch of herbs or similar magical ingredients to the molten wax. If you have never made your own candles, simple kits are available at most craft stores. Solmōnaƥ is a time of preparation, so create a list of your magical goals for the year.
Brought to you by - Alaric Albertsson via Llewellyn's Witches' 2017 Datebook.
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