February 2020 Blog - Seeking the Return of the Light
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Eagle photo by Andrew Weitzer from Hudson Valley Wildlife in Pictures
Welcome February - our theme is a return to the Light with Highlights on Amethyst Crystals and Purification Essential Oil.
I chose the image of the American Bald Eagle (the U.S. national bird since 1782) because February is a major time for viewing them along the Hudson River. If you are interested in more formal presentation about the American Bald Eagle and its habitat near and around the Hudson River Valley, I encourage you to visit Eaglefest.
February has several holiday and events including Groundhog Day, Imbolc (St. Bridget’s Day - Ireland) and Candlemas (Catholic Calendar). February 2nd is Super bowl Sunday which while not an official holiday, it certainly has evolved into a huge cultural event here in the US.
Imbolc is based on a Celtic tradition and is meant to mark the halfway point between winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc is just one of several pre-Christian holidays highlighting some aspect of winter and sunlight, and heralding the change of seasons.
Candlemas Candlemas Day is another name for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Forty days after His birth, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple for the rites of purification and dedication as prescribed by the Torah. The festival is called Candlemas because this was the day that all the Church's candles for the year were blessed. In many Eastern European countries, the feast officially closes the celebration of Christmas. For this reason, Pope John Paul II began the custom of keeping the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s square until Feb. 2. Candlemas Day also was important in the lives of farmers. An old English song went as follows: “If Candlemas be fair and bright, / Come, Winter, have another flight. / If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, / Go, Winter, and come not again.”. In America, Protestants decided we should replace Catholic Candlemas Day with Groundhog Day.
A Good Thought for February
Most February holidays have themes of purification, hibernation, seeking signs of spring, planting seeds (at least in our mind first), return of the light and lengthening of the days. The larger metaphysical themes are spiritual awakenings, initiations, dedication, inner journeys and honoring the artist within.
Finally later in February we have Valentine’s Day which in our culture has so many double meanings that it can often be a difficult day for those who are not experiencing the relationship they wished they had, while others seem to embrace all things with red hearts.
www.kacey.co for tickets to our kick off party.
I am excited to share that my friend Kacey Morbito Grean has started a new organization called Let It Shine Inc., “Gathering Love and Giving it Away”. The mission of this group is to support Hudson Valley women in times of need and transition. The are holding a kick off fundraising party on 3/8/20 from 1 PM to 3 PM at Hudson House Inn in Cold Spring. Want to attend? Visit www.kacey.co for more info or click the image above.
Amethyst Crystals
TRUST • INTUITION • SPIRITUALITY
Despite being easily found, this stone has a long history of being associated with luxury. In the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, amethyst is encouraged to be placed in the wealth corner, where it is said to amplify the flow of prosperity into the home.
Amethyst healing properties are as plentiful as the stone itself. It is thought of mostly as a protective stone. As it is linked to the crown chakra, it is helpful in purifying the mind and clearing it of negative thoughts including stress and anxiety. Amethyst is especially useful the workplace as it enhances communication, intuition and prosperity.
Using amethyst to decorate the home is a choice many make for its appearance, alone. However, the stone can have many metaphysical benefits as well if placed in the right room. An amethyst in the family room can assist in familial bonding time, and provide the confidence and calm necessary for open communication. Amethyst in the office will bring intuition for making tough, gut decisions in business, and stress-relief for long work days. Placing an amethyst somewhere in the bathroom is another way to relieve anxiety during a soothing bath.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February, (HA! I didn’t know this when I picked this stone for this month!). and known as the Zodiac stone for Pisces. It is also linked to the element of Wind. This element is believed to activate the mind, and assist in clairvoyance and intuition. It is the ideal stone for meditation that seeks to discover the reason for certain behaviors or actions, both on the part of oneself, or another.
We have some pieces of Amethyst available for purchase at Rose Healing.
OIL OF THE MONTH: Purification Essential Oil Blend™
Purification Essential Oil is an uplifting and refreshing oil perfect blend for use as a household cleaner. It neutralizes odors and protects from mildew and mold. Use for pet odors and diffuse in kennel and barn.
On a spiritual level diffusing Purification can purify and cleanse negative emotions and vibrations. Spray some in an emotionally charged room or in your work space, especially if there is anger, violence or chaotic energy. Or use it as you would sage to help clear a space. This is a fantastic oil for when we need support in seeing our patterning as it relates to abandonment, rejection, or the fear of being alone. It also can calm anger and conflict and bring back purity of thought and restore order. It opens the sacral chakra.
How do I Use Purification Oil?
Use diluted - 50:50 dilution (one part essential oil: one part of vegetable oil). Then,
• Apply several drops (2-4) on feet, ears and temples
• Directly inhale, or Diffuse.
What are the Safety Precautions? Repeated use can result in extreme contact sensitization. Can be irritating to sensitive skin. Possible photo-sensitivity. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.
Stay warm and cozy and embrace the knowledge that the light is returning.
Our upcoming events include regular Sound Healing meditations at Rose Healing. I am pleased to be a practitioner at an upcoming Retreat at Mariandale led by the amazing Kacey Morabito Grean Leap Weekend - Unlock Your Potential. In March we will be hosting Betty Sue Hanson teaching an Introduction to Crystals Class. Finally, I have set up a new online booking system for my individual clients so now you can visit our website and see our availability and choose your appointment right from the screen. To check it out just click “schedule appointment” from our home page.