Parentalia

The past few nights the moon seemed especially bright. She is so beautifully inspiring with cold, white glow. We know this moon as the Snow Moon, La Luna di Neve. She shone lovingly upon me the past few nights, as I awoke at just about 4:15 am each night for whatever reason. I would walk to the window on the western side of my bedroom, and there she was, shining brightly, powerfully, illuminating the land and trees.

These last few nights were also very special, as with each annual Snow Moon, Clarians mark the Parentalia. It is an ancient observance. The Parentalia is a period of observance in which the Manes, the ancestors, are honored. In the post Julian Roman Empire, the Parentalia was marked in February. Historically, it lasted from February 13th through the 21st. Previous to the Julian Calendar (instituted by Julius Caesar), the Romans followed a calendar based on lunar cycles. Hence, February 13th marked the second full moon of the year. In the Clarian Tradion we follow both a lunar and a solar calendar, and festivals associated with the dead, are observed in conjunction with lunar cycles. According to our lunar calendar, this past Moon was the second moon of the year.

In the ancient world, all temples were closed during this period. Offerings of bread, wine, salt or flowers were made at tombs of family members. No altar fires were lit and marriage was forbidden. Today we mark this time with private rites and deep meditation, where we honor our deceased family members with offerings at cemeteries and at the western altar in our gardens.

I was especially honored just before the full moon to be visited by a great horned owl two nights in a row. I've heard this owl before, but this is the first time this winter that I have heard her. Actually, I don't think I've ever heard an owl before I heard this one periodically over the last year and a half. I assume it is the same owl. She hoots in the very early morning hours between 3:30am and 4:30am. I am a very light sleeper, so I wake a couple of times a night at least. I am always pleased to hear her hoots. "Hoo Hoooo. Hoo Hoooo." It's remarkable, especially considering her sacred meaning.