February is often thought of as the time between light and dark. In our hemisphere, we are moving towards the light—spring and summer. Those in the southern hemisphere are moving towards winter and the darkness.
This month is less about action and more about stopping, breathing, and focusing on what we want next. Spiritually, February is the womb of the year—where intentions either take root or fade.
February comes from the Latin root, februa, which means to cleanse, and is tied to ancient Roman rituals about the promise of spring. In that tradition, it’s a time to release the old, atone for mistakes, and prepare for new beginnings.
Coaching: Take some time, perhaps several days, to think about where you are in your life and ask yourself these questions:
What do I love about my life? About my friends, partner, family?
What activities do I love to do, and how often do I do them?
If I could change one thing in my life, what would it be? Is that change possible; why or why not?
With whom can I confidentially share these answers? Will I or won’t I; why?
(I am here if you want to share your answers.)
A Side Note
Embolic is the ancient festival marking the beginning of spring and the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It is a time for purification and honoring the goddess Brigid by welcoming the return of the light through fire-related rituals, such as lighting candles or making bonfires.
In Christianity Saint Brigid is celebrated, especially in Ireland, where she is one of three patron saints.
People leave a scarf out for Saint Brigid on January 31st for her to bless. The belief is that she gives the cloth healing and protective powers—especially for colds, headaches, and throat ailments—throughout the year. This ancient Irish custom links Christian tradition with Celtic beliefs.
Valentine’s Day, considered a romantic holiday, actually grew out of legends connected to three men named Valentin—or Valentine in English—who became Saints. Little is known about the third Valentin, but two—the first in 269 CE and the second in the third century CE—were martyred for marrying against the rules of the church. Chaucer wrote a romantic poem about the event, and Shakespeare referred to it several times as a day of love.
