A bit about the month of February

It’s an odd word, no?  February. 

“Februa” means cleansing or purification.  It reflects the rituals that are needed to be undertaken before Spring. The Romans and Celts regarded February as the start of Spring.  Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui energy charts are calculated; either on the 4th or 5th of February because the energy of this month, is considered a new time.

It’s a shorter month having only 28 days, in non- leap years, that is.  February hosts the Christian festival of the lights (Candlemas Day), the days before lent starts, ground hog day, Valentine’s day and (in Canada) Family Day. 

Depending where you live, its a time that we are weary of winter and greatly need to anticipate spring, hence Ground Hog Day and Candlemas Day:

Forceful Forsythia Buds in February

If Candlemas brings

   wind and snow,

Then spring will very soon show.

But if it's clear and bright,

Then spring won't come so right.

Then there is Shove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday, depending on the calendar year, which contradicts the chocolates of Valentine’s Day because Ash Wednesday heralds the start of Lent which is a time of fasting and repentance in preparation for the Easter Celebration.  

We have less days to pay bills, still more days of chilly weather, a time when we lube up our pasty white winter bellies for some amour and chocolate.

But my favorite time is the cleverly calculated Family Day long weekend; A statutory holiday tagged onto a school PA day.  Families can hunker down in warmly lit homes or brave the elements and go somewhere wintery or even, dare I say; take off a few extra school days and go somewhere tropical.... if you can afford it. 

February can go surprisingly fast after the cold dragging days of January.

I’ll tell you what is magical about February. Despite the blustery winds and lingering snow,  my forsythia and pussy willows are boldly showing signs of February budding.  Not the big showy blossoms of spring, but the modest hardening of where a bud will be - perfect to take inside to force.

There’s a hope in that act.  Bring it in, warm it up and life springs forth. 

Fearless Pussy Willow Buds

Force.  February Force.  It’s that last push of resilience to get through winter; thorough household cleaning, applying your cures and enhancers for your feng shui energy audit, validating your loved ones with either romance or quality time and doing so, with great anticipation of early spring.  

Happy February!   

This reflection is dedicated to Nikki & Katie; two of the great loves of my life who will spend the better part of February in a Northern Ontario Cabin.

Their family camp is nestled along a “big watered” shoreline property, that silently sits in a of heavily forested remote area, with nothing but the winds, winter wildlife, swaying saplings and the solitude of the heavily drifted snow.  I wish I could be there with them!

40 Days After Christmas; Presentation of Jesus At Temple

Forty days after Christmas, on February 2nd - Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Methodists, Lutherans, Latin and Roman Catholic Churches recognize the Presentation of Jesus at Temple. More specifically; when Mother Mary presented the Christ Child as a baby, she had to, as it was law.  This date is heralded as the “fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary”. 

The event is described in the Gospel of Luke; Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the first born, in obedience to the Law of Moses.  Luke explicitly says that Joseph and Mary take the option provided for poor people (those who could not afford a lamb) (Leviticus 12:8,) sacrificing "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." indicates that this event should take place forty days after birth of a male child, hence the Presentation is celebrated forty days after Christmas. Everyone had to do it.

Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised that "he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ  (Luke 2:26).  Simeon prayed the prayer that would become known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus:

St Michael's Cathedral, Toronto Canada

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: to be a light to lighten the gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people Israel (Luke 2:29 -32) 

Simeon then prophesied to Mary: "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed"  (Luke 2:34-35)

The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there about Jesus and his role in the redemption of Israel  (Luke 2:36-38) And so, it came to be known.

There is a spiritual aspect surrounding the recognition of the Christ Child for observers. It is felt only through faith. It’s teachings have continued through scriptures, study and art. 

Great works of art have been created to immortalize this event. The Brooklyn Museum showcases “The Presentation of Jesus in Temple” by James Tissot. 

Some time in the late 1400’s an unknown Russian Artist painted, what has come to be known as, Sretenie.  The Menolgion of Basil II also depicts the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, it was painted sometime in the 11th Century and its artist is also unknown.

Stained glass artist Franz Borgias Mayer (1848-1926) was commissioned by St Michael’s Cathedral to create a stained glass window showing the sacred event, in Toronto Canada.  There is also the statue of Virgin of Candelaria which has become the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands.

The birth of any child is celebration for all families everywhere. It is of little wonder, Christians place so much emphasis on the birth of Jesus Christ. 

This blog has excerpts from Energy Works Magazine!

If you have an iPad, you can download FREE issues of Energy Works; spirit of design, health & lifestyle.   Not just the app, but every single issue. Thru iTunes Newsstand Store.

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A bit about Epiphany

Revelation

  In Christianity, the epiphany refers to a realization that Christ is the son of God.  Don’t confuse this date with the Orthodox Christmas, which is for Churches that follow the Julian calendar.   The Gregorian calendar, which more accurately accounts for leap years is recognized by everyone else.  Orthodox Christians follow the first testament of the bible not the second testament or any other versions. 

In 2014, Epiphany landed on January 6th, Orthodox Christmas on the 7th.  Protestant believers don’t understand the significance behind this holiday which is mostly observed by Catholic & Anglican Christians.  It’s all about the Three Kings Day and the Twelfth Day or Night of Christmas or rather.... the last day of the Christmas Season.  

Some faiths make honour of when the wise men visit the Christ Child, some put emphasis on the baptism of Jesus by John and some commemorate Jesus’s miracle of turning water into wine. 

Eventually the word epiphany has been come to be known as when a person has a sudden, intuitive perception or insight.  An Ah Ha moment! This is the magical - metaphysical - spiritual aspect of revelation.  For a deity to suddenly appear, we have to accept the manifestation of spirit.  It appears religion is full of psychic mediumship. Epiphany is proof that you believe in Spirit. Ta Da!

Auld Lang Syne! The New Year Moniker

Scottish Poet, Robbie Burns wrote “ Auld Lang Syne” in 1788 and it was then put to music. There was a little controversy that Burns adapted it, or collected phrasing, from a ballad written in 1711 by James Watson.

This melancholy song is often sang at funerals, graduations and as a fairwell, but most of the world will recognize it as the song - sang, at the stroke of midnight, on New Year’s Eve. For the sake of old times.... in several different versions, has become a traditional reflection.   

Olde Saint Sylvester’s Day/ the last day of the year, is celebrated at it’s pivotal point with alcoholic beverages, entertainment & fireworks. Another year is passing, human mortality awakens in people, we reflect on a completed year and anticipate the new year, new chances, new beginnings..... hope.

“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; 

The flames of Love Extinguished and fully past and gone,

Is thy sweet heart now grown so cold, that loving breast of thine; 

That thous canst never once reflect...... on Old long syne”              James Watson

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne* ?                               

CHORUS:

 Joyous celebration of who is in your life.. at the moment

For auld lang syne, my jo,

for auld lang syne,

we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !
and surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

The Toasts with "those no longer with us"

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !
and gie's a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS                                                                                        Robert Burns

So what is the difference?   The first version favours the sorrows of relationships ended and the second, cherishes the partnerships that remain.   The later of course, lends much better to an evening of drinking, for there is nothing worse than a whole lot of anguish and booze!

We don’t like to dwell on the mistakes in our lives.  But face them - we must, because it is a result of these ended relationships that we come to realize what does not work for us and this knowledge gives us opportunities to grow. It is understandable that pain remains when those ended relationships are attached to family cords and business connections, because you cannot totally remove these people from your life.

Is it of any wonder, that the essence of Auld Lang Syne is adapted to a more positive outlook?  We must cherish the relationships in our life that do work and not lament over the people who have gone, old lovers, former wives & husbands, in laws and neighbours..... gone. Things end. 

I personally will toast those in my life that have chosen to continue to love me. I cherish you all!

A bit about Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice evergreens 

Winter Solstice is when the sun’s elevation is at it’s lowest - it marks the beginning of the shortening of nights and the lengthening of days.  Its the shortest day of the year.   Age old communities revered this date in preparation for the famine months. Celtic and pagan tribes embraced this astronomical phenomena with cultural and seasonal celebration.

Usually between December 21st and 22nd, historical observances have lead way to christianity’s christmas culture; the tree, the yule, the lights, holly and mistletoe.

But what has the Winter Solstice become?    Many festivities are planned for community gatherings such as group meditations, and “intention ceremonies”.  Some people gather to watch the sunset, symbolically bonding as one.   Some silently light their homes with only candles and modestly decorate with nature based boughs and evergreen arrangements, and of course, many simply do nothing.

Solstice celebrations don’t need to be complicated, or overly serious. It can be a wonderful time to select for reflection, quiet thought and gratitude.  Think of it as a day (or night) as preparation for the commercial festivities or a time to solidify your disposition for the upcoming assault of winter.  

 

Christmas; scholarly debate, traditional & commercial ritual

For millions, Christmas is a religious experience.  Jesus Christ is commemorated.  His birth or his conception.  For those of olde order, the winter solstice marked a perfect time to bring some celebration to people before the deep sleep of winter, sets in. 

Evidence shows that the two merged in tradition and ritual.  The yule log, the pine tree lit with candles, the feasting, the festivities.  Life, death, family connections and then Santa Claus or St Nick - got thrown into the mix. 

Christmas today is 90% commercial.  I personally know very few Christians who are still practicing.  I am neutral to this, for I myself had been risen Christian.  I went to Catholic school and Mennonite Sunday School.   These beliefs are just childhood memories now. 

I honour Jesus as much as I do Buddah and all the other prophets.  As a tale. 

Yes, I believe in a Godly Spirit.  What name I give it, is not important.  

What Christmas has become, is the pulling together of members of a tribe.  Some choose their family, but if families don’t work, some choose the ones who they care for.

Blood or marriage do not automatically make you family.  Love does. 

My Own Kids, love holiday travel. 

The gifts are an expression of this love, because people need to validate their love.

When money is tight, we feel guilt because we cannot bestow our presents, this is wrong because a simple gesture, alone should do. Or so we think.

I didn’t care for Christmas when I was a child because it was often a time of trouble.  As a young woman, I was often alone.  But as a Mother, I learned to see the magic through the eyes of my children and the satisfaction I get bestowing my love upon them, spoiling them, because I love them so. 

With Santa, emphasis is placed on the children and quite honestly, many people gather to make the day special for them.  I know we did.  As children get older and become young adults, you really see that Christmas is just about the gifts.  The religion has faded, it isn’t solemn with grace - its a great party time with shopping and good food.  It is what it is, what it has become.  I think I’m Ok with that!