Lupercalia Ritual

While there have been a variety of theories throughout history on the understanding of Valentine’s Day, there is a deep connection to Lupercalia. I believe the basis of the holiday is a roman or either, Saturnian tradition within this ritual. Whether focused on alignment with the moon or other astrology or the natural cycles of earth, there has to be significance within the tradition. What I find significant about this year’s relation? Lupercalia is between an Aquarius and Taurus transit. While given the romanic essence of Valentine’s Day, you have to wonder if this is a connection of magick? Is this an alignment or bridge to honor? To tap into in order to ascend into the new cycle? Is this the interconnection between death and love? Aquarius representing the hidden 11th of Da’at and Taurus the loving beauty of life? The black tunnel of the Yin that comes out the white tunnel of Yang? But how can that be so when Taurus and Aquarius are squared? For me? I have to believe there is something to do with the Scorpio Last Quarter turning into this Taurus First Quarter. The twist and turns of the spiral of the wheel. If you have 8th house placements, this can be a significant time for you.

As I stated in my Aquarius Lunar Cycle Ritual Guide? This Taurus New Moon can be a time of celebrating death! Celebrating life! Having a funeral of all you wish to put to rest. This can be in alignment with the fertility blessings within the ritual of Lupercalia. Lupercalia is within 3 days before the Taurus First Quarter. Feel free to expand your ritual and connect these days into a new bond. Romanticize your ritual. Embrace some of the lovey dovey aspects of Valentine’s Day and connect them with the death ritual of the Taurus First Quarter. Eat a romantic dinner at a restaurant that represents an aspect you are changing or laying to rest. If you are moving to a new place? Have a last supper at a special restaurant at this time. Express gratitude for the memories and release them with love. If you are on the other side of feeling loving and wish to ritualize the holiday in opposition of love? This can be excellent time for the Anti-Valentine’s Day photo burning or cord cutting ceremonies. Or maybe you celebrate the love with the Gals. Flow into the balance and integration of love and hate, life and death.

Lupercalia historically required a sacrifice of a dog and a goat. While that may not suit your stomach in this day and age? Follow through how you wish to evolve such a tradition. Have goat’s skull on your altar or place some dog fur from you familiar into an offering. You may eat meals that have goats milk or cheeses made from such.  Otherwise, follow the tradition as you see fit for the sacrifice. And as I always advise, be respectful if you do engage in the physical sacrifice of any animal. Only do so if you have the means, knowledge and integrity to do such an act of magick.

After the funeral and celebration of death, perform a sex rite filled with intentions on creating the life you wish to be reborn into. Utilizing the act of fertility to fertilize your dreams, goals and ambitions. Manifest the freedom from the chains that bound you and leave them in the past ground you buried them within. Do not allow them to become ghosts and haunt you. The tradition of Lupercalia involved men running around naked and whipping women with the bloody hides of the sacrificed animals. You may honor this rite with use of a leather flogger. Have fun engaging in some kinky play. You can utilize bondage as symbolism for being chained and unchained if you wish. If you do not have a partner? Visualization techniques for self stimulation would suffice.

Lupercalia was a 2-3 day festival. Feel into how long this rite may be for you. Maybe you have an entire day dedicated to the tradition. Or maybe you break it down between a few days. Look into your birth chart and understand the aspects in your favor at this time. Create your bridge and alchemization that best aligns with you and the goals of your soul’s journey.