Velja Noc is a time of mystery, reverence, and transformation. It reminds us to respect the old ways, honor the spirits that came before us, and prepare for the coming light of spring. Whether by ritual, meditation, or simple acts of remembrance, this sacred night allows us to walk between worlds and embrace the lessons of the past while stepping toward the future.
“Through fire and shadow, we honor the old,
By Veles' wisdom, our fate unfolds.”
Velja Noc, meaning “The Great Night,” is a significant festival in Slavic paganism, marking the transition from winter’s grasp to the stirrings of new life. It is a time when the veils between worlds are thinnest, allowing spirits and deities to move freely between realms. It is both a night of mystery and danger, as malevolent beings roam the earth, but also a time of renewal and transformation as the old is shed in preparation for the new.
During this night, Veles, the god of the underworld, magic, and cattle, battles Perun, the thunder god. This eternal struggle represents the cycle of nature—winter’s darkness against the coming light. It is said that on Velja Noc, Veles walks the earth, testing mortals, rewarding the wise, and punishing the greedy.
This night is also associated with Domovoi (house spirits), Rusalka (water spirits), and the ancestors, who may visit their living descendants. Households must show proper respect and perform rituals to honor and appease them.
🔥 Bonfires & Candles for Protection
Bonfires were lit in villages and on crossroads to drive away evil spirits.
In modern practice, lighting a black candle for Veles and a white candle for Perun symbolizes their eternal struggle and maintains balance.
🍞 Offerings to the Spirits & Ancestors
Bread, milk, honey, and kvass (fermented rye drink) were left out for Domovoi and ancestral spirits.
In some regions, a bowl of food was placed by the door so wandering spirits would not bring misfortune.
🌿 Herbal Protection & Warding Charms
Wreaths of juniper, vervain, and linden were hung on doors to protect against Mara (nightmare spirits) and strzyga (evil spirits).
Carrying a pouch of wormwood, garlic, and black salt was believed to protect travelers venturing out on this night.
🐍 The Ritual of the Serpent & Veles
Veles is often associated with serpents and dragons, representing wisdom and hidden knowledge.
A common ritual involved carving a serpent from wood or clay, whispering one’s wishes into it, and burying it in the earth to receive Veles’ favor.
🌲 Walking Between the Worlds
Some practitioners performed meditative journeys or dream work on Velja Noc, seeking guidance from spirits or ancestors.
In some traditions, a silent meal was eaten by candlelight, allowing spirits to dine alongside the living.
How I Will be Celebrating This Year
✨ Set up an ancestral altar with photos, candles, and offerings. My mothers (who has passed on) birthday is tomorrow 2/26 and the New Moon is 2/27 so this is a great time to do ancestor work
🔥 Perform a fire ritual—write down a habit or fear you wish to release and burn it in a flame, symbolizing winter’s end. I like to write mine on Bay Leaves, but use caution when working with fire and open flames.
🌿 Create a protective herbal sachet with juniper, wormwood, and flax to ward off unwanted energies. I don't have flax laying around so I'm going to substitute it this year with either Linden or Vervain (or both). I may decide to do this as a smoke cleanse but we shall see, but if I do a sachet, I'll hang it near my front door.
🔮 Divination practices such as tarot, scrying, or bone casting are powerful on this night due to the thin veil. I'm still learning Tarot but I am more comfortable with oracle cards so I might do both. I also finally unpacked my homemade scrying mirror but am not practiced in that tool so I may experiment with it.
🌌 Honor the spirits—leave out a small plate of bread and honey on your doorstep for wandering souls. I'm in an apartment community so I will leave it on my window sill and with my Domovoy (house spirit) or on my altar.
