Valentine's Evening...

It's quiet here tonight. It's been a grey, drizzly day...the type of day that invites silent reflection or quiet study. I chose the former as my "daily grind" is made up of discussing what is studied by my students, though the latter happens frequently and willingly.

Today was Valentine's Day...a day set aside, it would seem, by corporate America (and it's not just America that does this) for lovers to celebrate their love. There is an expectation that, if one is in a relationship, roses and chocolate and dinner out will be the order of the day. And, if one is single, there is an underlying despair or despondency that "everyone has someone but me" or there is (in extreme circumstances) the feeling that this is a "dumb" or "lame" commercial love-in. Now, before I go further, let me establish that I really don't give a dither what others believe--what works for them in their situation is completely "right" for where they are in their lives or needs.

According to my trusty little Wicca Book of Days, today is a day set aside for followers of the Path (whichever one they choose) to "practice all forms of love magick and love divination" (Dunwich 20). It would seem, by this, that REGARDLESS of one's relationship status (or lack thereof), this is a day to celebrate an emotion...to remember, perhaps, that one is capable of feeling an emotion that's been locked up for whatever reason.

Our Lady, by whatever name we choose to call Her, invites us to feel...to experience an emotional embrace whenever we slip within Her moonlit presence...to awaken ourselves to the connectivity with others which can only be felt with the heart. We might be with the love of our life or completely alone, but She is always there...always shining down (even in the darkness of the New Moon).

So, tonight as you celebrate with your Valentine or curl up in a blanket and mope, at least take a moment to FEEL...to reconnect with yourself and with others (in your presence or otherwise)...to softly embrace Her and allow Her responding embrace to encircle you with calm and peace. Emotion...feeling....loving.......THAT is the truest magick around. In the peaceful embrace of moonlight, Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.


**Dunwich, Gerina. The Wicca Book of Days. Secaucus, NJ: Citadel Press, 1997.

Winter Reflections (1)

The air is chilly...the trees are trying valiantly to leaf through the coldness (they were confused by a warm spell a couple of weeks ago)...and the sky is robin's-egg-blue. The PERFECT weather, in my mind, for a little indulgence. Classical piano is playing on my NPR station, a hot cup of tea is before me, and I have a new novel (just started) on my desk.

Imbolc passed quietly. Kitchen witchery (baking) and a little rededication to my Path. You can "feel" the season creeping up...sneaking toward Her revelation of self. I saw a robin on Monday--the first one in the yard. The mother mockingbird in our shrubs out back is chattier when I'm outside--it's near her time to lay and her nest is ready. There is a family of squirrels that have started chattering and playing more in the pecans. The snowdrops have come and gone, the paperwhites are spent, and the daffodils are starting their play. There's "promise" in the breeze...of warmth, of sun, of Spring.

This "tentative" between-seasons time is so lovely. To be in step with Nature on Her journey...to journey with Her on her cycle of dormancy and re-emergence is thrilling. Such energy...such potential...such inspiration.

Blessed Be!