Valentines Day is the ultimate wolf in sheep's clothing. Neatly disguised by Hallmark in 1937 as a genius moneymaking ruse / saccharine day of loving declaration, this day was previously appropriated by the Catholic church to mark the occasion of their matrydom of St Valentine in the 5th century. That version is a delightful tale of how St Val was brutally despatched to the afterlife for marrying heathens with hearts in their eyes outside the auspices of the church and state.

As well we know, a great many modern observances have their origins in the ancient world, when honouring earth and sky, cycles and seasons, story and myth framed and informed life. Today we hark back to Lupercalia, when the Holy Roman Empire would honour their creation myth with a heady weekend of feasting and merrymaking and yes, lovemaking. More than your garden variety Roman orgy. Romulus and Remus were twin brothers who are the mythological foundation stone of the Empire. Suckled by a she-wolf as babes the rites and celebrations honoured this divine lupine. The festival itself, which took place from 13 - 15 February, was an annual cleansing of the city state and an invocation to their many gods and godesses for protection, health and fertility.

A great many of these blessings hinge on love and trust, acceptance and surrender to forces greater than ourselves. Personally I prefer to give the significant bullshit attached to this day in the modern world the bird and focus instead on honouring my she-wolf and showering her with the love and affection afforded to me to bestow. Bright blessings to your inner wolf this day. Long may she roam.

A healthy woman is much like a wolf: robust, chock-full, strong life force, life-giving, territorially aware, inventive, loyal, roving.
~ Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Women Who Run With The Wolves

Words C. Kerrie Basha, 2016.