In an article about Groundhog Day Feb. 2, there were repeated references made to Candlemas Day and its origins. One of these references were of clergy passing out blessed candles to people. What Clergy? Christian Clergy? Wouldn’t some be surprised to know that Pagans were celebrating this holiday long before Christians and groundhogs!

I’d like put a radical, yet factual, idea into the public mindset not everything was born from Christianity and not all holidays revolved around it! I am talking specifically about the ancient celebrations of the seasonal sabbats by Pagans.

Candlemas Day is known to Pagans, Witches and many others as simply Candlemas or Imbolc. This is the celebration of the old making way for new. This is the time of the Goddess in her Maiden form, the return of the Sun and the very beginning of the fertile season of spring.

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This is an important sabbat for many Pagans including those in Southern Illinois. As candles are lit to welcome in the sun, dancing, chanting, and wishes for a good season are created within the sacred circle. This worshipping of the cycles of nature still continues in this technological age.

My point with this letter is simple. There is more out there, spiritually and religiously, than Christianity and its cousins. I feel it is important to recognize this fact and give equal acknowledgment and respect to all beliefs.

As always, I wish a prosperous turning of the wheel to all.