February arrives in the thick of winter, abound with plush snow mounds and gleaming icicles. The shortest month of the year, its name comes from the Latin februum, which translates to ‘purification’ after an ancient Roman ritual. Traditionally cherished as the month of love, February finds sweethearts of all ages sharing tender moments: from mature, star-crossed lovers to blushing school children exchanging valentines.
Although winter dons the landscape with a frigid mask, life continues. Primrose, pansy, and white willow can all be spotted, if one looks hard enough, palely showing their colors. Occasionally, the woodlark can be heard sounding its melodious song.
The faithful violet is February’s flower of the month, a delicate bloom that charmed Empress Josephine to the point of obsession. With trios of soft petals, the violet embodies loyalty and genuineness. The amethyst is February’s birthstone, an emblem of wisdom that clarifies emotion.
The month’s signs are Aquarius until the 18th, and Pisces for the rest of the month. Aquarius, the knowledgeable water bearer, is a fiercely independent soul with an innovative mind and a fresh world view. Pisces is known as the supreme water sign, the fish embodying boundless creativity and sharpened intuition.