of Valentine and Lupa

While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. www.history.com

Many Christian celebrations occur at the same time as the earlier Pagan rituals. Sometimes this was a deliberate attempt to co-opt the festivities, other times seasonal celebrations were celebrated by all regardless of religion. Since there are conflicting stories about exactly who Valentine was, if he existed at all, this celebration may have been an attempt to distract the population from their rural roots and turn attention to the church.

Regardless of the intent, mid February has been dedicated to the idea of love, fertility and spring since very early times, under various names and with diverse customs.

Romans sacrificed a female wolf to Lupa (the she wolf who nursed Remus and Romulus) to petition for fertility. Valentine apparently was good with letters and poetry. Modern witches put 5 bay leaves in their pillow to dream about future lovers.

If you want to bring Venus into your relationship, find a tall tree with a large rock nearby and sit there with your lover. Venus will visit while you are there, sharing her lusty joy with you.