New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
In Scotland, the month of February was known by the Scottish Gaelic term Faoilleach, which meant "wolf-month." In Celtic tradition, it was taboo to speak the name of the wolf, and so it was known instead as a "wild dog" (faol-chú). In ancient times, the wolf was one of the animals associated with the horned or antlered god known as Cernunnos. It was also one of the animals honored by the ancient Picts. During this dark time of the year, honor the wolf and invoke its powers to survive ...
In Wales, January 3 was one of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and many wonderful traditions took place during this time. The Yule log was kept burning and its ashes kept as a charm for protection and fertility. Wassail was served (cakes and apples cooked together and mixed with warm ale and spices). A procession known as the Mari Lwyd took place in Wales in which a decorated horse's skull led a procession door to door in a contest of poetic skill. Recite this traditional song of winter poetry ...
