Goddess Speak Sanctuary of Solace Newsletter - February 2026

“Groundhog found fog. New snows and blue toes. Fine and dandy for Valentine candy. Snow spittin'; if you're not mitten-smitten, you'll be frostbitten! By jing-y feels spring-y.” ― The Old Farmer's Almanac

~ February ~

Dates of Interest:

Black History Month!

• Feb. 1 @ 2:09 pm - Full Snow Moon
• Feb. 2 - Imbolc/Groundhog Day/ Candlemas
• Feb. 4 - Rosa Parks Day
• Feb. 5 – Western Monarch Day
• Feb. 9 – National Pizza Day
• Feb. 11 - National Latte Day/National Make a Friend Day
• Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day/National [Organ] Donor Day
• Feb. 15 - Lupercalia!
• Feb. 15 - PPDLV Planning Meeting
• Feb. 17 - Chinese New Year/Mardi Gras
• Feb. 17 - @ 4:01 am - New Moon
• Feb. 20 - National Love Your Pet Day/No Politics Day
• Feb. 21 – Food Pantry @ UUCLV
• Feb. 21 – Feralia – an ancient Roman Day of the Dead
• Feb. 21 - PPDLV Sacred Candle Making Workshop
• Feb. 23 - World Peace and Understanding Day
• Feb. 26 - Tell A Fairy Tale Day

I told you. I wake up every day, right here, right in Punxsutawney, and it's always February 2nd, and there's nothing I can do about it.” — Phil Connors, Groundhog Day

Musical Shoutout!

Music from the amazing Abigail Spinner McBride, one of the featured songs from our Imbolc celebration. Click the link below to hear more!

To find more music from Abigail, click the button to find and follow her on Spotify!

“While it is February, one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch.” — Patience Strong

“Even winter—the hardest season, the most implacable—dreams, as February creeps on, of the flame that will presently melt it away. Everything tires with time and starts to seek some opposition, to save it from itself.” – Clive Barker

~ Imbolc & Brighid ~

Editorial by Priestess Novaembre (Candace Kant)

Imbolg is the second spoke on the Wheel of the Year. It is celebrated on February 2nd. This is the first festival after winter solstice. The word “Imbolg” is a Gaelic word meaning “in the belly.” It celebrates the new lambs who are born now, and the first stirring of spring in the womb of Mother Earth. It is a time of blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It is spelled either “Imbolg” or “Imbolc.” You will also sometimes see it referred to as “Oimelc” or “Oimealg.” The festival is also called Candlemas, Brighid’s Day, La Feill Bhride, Feast of Flames, Festival of Ewe’s Milk, First Light and Feast of Lights. This is an earth, agricultural, and pastoral festival, as opposed to the solstices or equinoxes that are solar festivals. This is one of the four Celtic fire festivals but at Imbolg the fire is a small flame. Now the Goddess energies move from those of Crone to Maiden. We celebrate the beginning of spring and the return of the sun. Themes of this festival are purification, and Initiation, the invincible flame. The Goddess is a new hope.

Weather Prognostication: Brigid’s Snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather – this is the origin of Ground Hog’s Day. A windy Christmas and a calm Candlemas are signs of a good year.

It is traditional at Imbolg to light every lamp in the house at sunset or just after ritual, if only for a few moments. Or, light candles in each room in honor of the Sun’s rebirth. Home hearth fires are put out and re lit. A besom is placed by the front door to symbolize the sweeping out of the old and welcoming of the new.

• Symbolism: Purity, Growth and Renewal, Fertility, Dispensing of the Old and Making Way for the New.
• Symbols: Besoms, white flowers, Brighid’s Crosses, ploughs
• Colors: red, white, orange, pink, yellow, green, brown
• Foods: Dairy Products, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seed cakes, muffins, scones, breads, peppers, onions, garlic, raisins, spiced wines and herbal teas.
• Incense: Rosemary, Frankincense, Myrrh, Cinnamon, basil, bay, wisteria, violet, vanilla.
• Herbs: Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets and all white or yellow flowers.
• Stones: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, onyx, turquoise.

Other Holidays and interesting facts:

Roman: Halfway between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox was Lupercalia. This was a purification and fertility ritual held on February 15. A goat was sacrificed, and a scourge made of its hide. Thong-clad men ran through the city whacking people with bits of goat hide. Those who were struck considered themselves to be fortunate. Women thought that this ensured conception. This festival focused on one of the myths of the founding of Rome, that of the twins Romulus and Remus, who were sucked by a she-wolf in a cave known as the Lupercale. (She-wolf was slang for prostitute.)

On February 2, Romans perambulated their city with torches and candles burning in honor of Februa. Februa is from the Latin Februum which means “purification.” (Remember, dating is difficult as the Roman calendar changed.)

Egyptian: The Feast of Nut celebrates the birthday of Nut that falls on February 2. According to the Book of the Dead Nut was a mother figure to the sun.

Christian: When Ireland was converted to Christianity it was hard to convince people to get rid of their old deities, so the church allowed them to worship the goddess Brighid. For many Christians, February 2nd is celebrated as Candlemas, the feast of the purification of the Virgin. By Jewish law, it took forty days after a birth for a woman to be cleansed following the birth of a son. Forty days after Christmas – the birth of Jesus – is February 2nd. Candles were blessed, there was much feasting.

It is interesting that the conception of the Virgin Mary is also represented on the same day (Feb 2) as that of the miraculous conception of Juno by the Romans.

BRIGIT

Within Gaelic culture Imbolg is clearly a veneration of the pre-Christian Goddess Bride or Brigid, and most of the recorded customs of this festival center upon Her. She was worshiped by the Celtic people for over 1500 years and as a Goddess long before the Roman invasion of Britain and the birth of Christ. The Celtic Goddess Brigit, or Brighid, is an Irish Goddess of poetry, healing, smithcraft and midwifery. She is one of the great mothers of the Celts. She is the keeper of the sacred flame, the guardian of home and hearth. She represents inspiration and creativity. She is said to have been born at the exact moment of day break. She rose with the sun, Her head radiant with rays of luminous light, associating Her with ascended awareness, enlightenment, new beginnings, sun beams and warmth. She is an all-encompassing aspect of the Divine Feminine, reminding us that our own True Potential is beyond measurement. She is dedicated to the rediscovery and remembrance of our Divine Power. She is a triune goddess, meaning she is three in one. Her three sister selves as “Lady of Healing Waters,” “Goddess of the Sacred Flame,” and “Goddess of the Fertile Earth.”

As “Goddess of the Fertile Earth”, a fertility goddess and a patroness of domestic animals and crops, she is the “Bringer of Prosperity” through the abundance and wealth of the land, Her green mantle is associated with the green fertile earth and the wealth of wellbeing.

As “Lady of Healing Waters, Wells and Springs,” many wells in Ireland have been dedicated to Her and the waters are believed to be blessed and healing. Combining the solar light of Her birth with Her healing waters, the sparkling light dancing on the water is believed to have spectacular healing qualities, especially for the eyes. She is also associated with divination – Her wells are portals to portend the future, windows through which to gain guidance and insight. As Goddess of Healing and Midwifery, she helps women and animals in childbirth, as well as the birthing process of our creative projects.

As “Goddess of the Sacred Flame,” the Eternal Flame of Life, the Flame of Inspiration, and the Flame of our Creative Consciousness, She brings luminous, bright, fiery energy that is the energy of creation, the creative power of our consciousness and the creative power of all that is. Her sacred flame brings inspiration and ignites our calling to create. She is also associated with the fire of the forge and the fire of the hearth, bringing the blessings of warmth and light to the home. She is also Lady of Literature, Goddess of Creative Expression, Luminous Muse of the Poetic Voice and as such is the patroness of poets, writers and bards. She is a muse, allowing our creative energies to flow freely. We share our power of creation with the Divine Essence – we are an aspect of the Eternal Flame of Inspiration and we are always aligned with divine inspiration. She reminds us of the power we have with our words, and encourages us to use our Empowered Voice, aligning our words and thoughts with affirmative language. She encourages us to speak our Truth. As a goddess of poetry, she also governs divination and prophecy. The fires of inspiration as demonstrated in poetry and the fires of the home and the forge are identical. As a fire goddess, She is also a warrior goddess and protectress of Her people. She shields those who call upon Her from harm, being kept within Her protective embrace.

A perpetual fire was burned for Her in Kildare, Ireland. The shrine was located near an ancient oak tree and was thought to have been a college of priestesses who were committed to thirty years of service, after which they were free to leave and marry. The first ten years were training, the next ten were spent tending the sacred wells, groves and hills of Brigid, and the last ten were spent teaching others. Nineteen priestesskkes were assigned to tend the perpetual flame of the sacred fire of Brigid. Each was assigned to keep the flames alive for one day. On the 20th day, Brigid herself kept the fire burning.

When Ireland was Christianized, the dedication of the people to Her was so powerful that the Celtic Christian Church adopted Her as a saint, St. Brigid, and the Roman Catholic Church followed suit. She is a patron saint of Ireland, along with St. Patrick. A Christian convent eventually was built upon the site of Her shrine. It continued the tradition of learning and culture and was instrumental in preserving much ancient learning and literature during the Dark Ages. The perpetual flame was kept burning. The abbess was considered the reincarnation of the saint and each abbess took the name Brigid upon investiture. The convent was occupied continuously until 1132 C.E. with each abbess having a mystical connection to the saint. In 1132 Dermot MacMurrough wished to have a relative of his invested as the abbess. Although popular opinion was against him, his troops overran the convent and raped the reigning abbess to discredit her. After this Kildare lost much of its power and the fires were finally put out by King Henry VIII of England during the Reformation. He dissolved the convent in the 16th century and destroyed the abbey. In 1993, Sister Mary Minehan, a Brigidine Nun, relit Brigid’s flame in Kildare. It continues to burn today.

Anyone desiring fertility, health or creativity should invoke Brigit’s blessings. Along with the other traditions associated with Imbolg listed above, in the Highlands and Ireland a strip of cloth or ribbon is put outside your door on Imbolg Eve (Jan. 31) for Brigit to bless. This cloth represents Her mantle and can be used for healing throughout the year.

Names: Bright One, Lady of the Sacred Flame, the Flame of Inspiration, the Flame of Creative Consciousness, Bringer of Prosperity, Goddess of Fertility, New Growth and Birth, Patroness of Poetry, Healing, Smithcraft, Midwifery and Animal Care and Breeding, Goddess of Healing Grace, The Exalted One, Bright Arrow, The Powerful One, the High One. Mistress of the Mantle. Her name, Brighid, may be derived from Bhrati in Sanskrit which was an epithet meaning “exalted one.” The name “Britain” is a derivation of Brigit’s name. Britain was named for a Celtic tribe, the Brigantes, who worshipped Brigit and were the largest Celtic tribe to occupy the British Isles in pre-Roman times. The tribe originally came from the area that is now Bregenz in Austria near Lake Constance. Her worship spread from the continent leaving place names behind such as Brittany in France. The symbol of Britain, the goddess Brigantia or Britannia is Brigid in Her aspect as Goddess of Sovereignty or Guardian of the Land.

• Symbols of Brigit: Cauldron, fire, Brigit’s Cross, candles, forges, hearths, sunrise, sunbeams, springs, wells.
• Associations: Fire, hearth, forge, light, candles, sunrise, springs and wells, poetry, whistling, embroidery, arrows, bells, thresholds and doorways, sandstone rock formations (large monoliths like those at Stonehenge), St. Brigid’s Cross, cloaks, midwifery, corn dolls, the number 19. She is also associated with Oak trees, acorns, lambs and ewes, dairy cows, milk, spears and arrows, snowdrops, blackberries, ivy, crocuses, clover, heliotrope, heather. The serpent is also her symbol, especially the white snake.
• Colors: Green, white, black, red, yellow, blue.
• Animals: White, Red-eared cow, lambs and ewes, dairy cows, bees, owls, serpents (especially two entwined) and all hibernating animals (snakes, badgers, groundhogs).
• Plants: Dandelion, snowdrop, crocus, trillium, acorns and oak trees, corn, oat, sage, pumpkin seeds, heather, chamomile, broom, shamrock, rushes, straw and all field flowers.
• Incense: Heather, wisteria, violet, lavender, lemon verbena, heliotrope.
• Gems and Metals: Gold, brass, silver, carnelian, agate, copper, amethyst, jasper, rock crystals
• Day: Friday
• Time: Sunrise
• Offerings: Coins, fire, blackberries
• Inventions: whistling, keening, beer. She was noted for turning water into beer.

“Though it was the end of February, the day was a lazy sort of cold. The sun slipped through the cloud in bursts, reminding the landscape that it was still there, prodding snow piles to relax into puddles and stirring sleeping seeds under the ground.” ― Erika Robuck, Call Me Zelda

February's Lunar Spotlight

Full Moon in Leo

January’s planetary activity got everyone off to a motivating start in 2026, but February's astrology kicks things into higher gear. This month brings the year’s first eclipse and Mercury retrograde period, as well as a significant shift for tough-love teaching Saturn. Some meaningful lessons are in store for all zodiac signs, so you’ll want to take note of the major astrological events of February 2026. This month begins in Aquarius season, highlighting the power of individuality within the collective. However, a bold and powerful full moon in the opposite sign of Leo lights up the skies on Feb. 1, bringing everyone’s authenticity and star power to the surface. It’s time to take pride in who you are and let your confidence shine. Eccentric planet Uranus wraps up its retrograde two days later, making shockwaves of inspiration easier to access. More shifts come once responsibility-focused Saturn shifts into headstrong, trailblazing Aries on Feb. 13, kicking off a major journey of motivation and taking charge of your responsibilities. The empathic and emotional energy of Pisces begins seeping into the airy Aquarius scene soon after, as communicative Mercury and relationship-oriented Venus dip into this water sign on Feb. 6 and 10, bringing an early taste of the Piscean waves to come. But Aquarius season isn’t over ‘til it’s over, and the Aquarian solar eclipse on Feb. 17 ensures everyone knows it. Eclipses always bring unexpected shifts, but this time around, you might surprise yourself more than anything else does. The eclipse portal is officially open, so brace yourself for what’s to come.

February's Full Snow Moon

Adapted From: The Farmer's Almanac

It’s easy enough to recognize why February’s full Moon is commonly called the “Snow Moon.” Depending on location and climate conditions, February can be one of the snowiest months of the year. This is especially true throughout the Ohio River Valley in the eastern and central US, as well as in the coastal Pacific Northwest. Furthermore, at this mid-winter point without many other strongly distinguishing characteristics—no plants to harvest, no new plants blooming—snow can be the most prominent trait of the month.

February’s full Snow Moon reaches peak illumination on Sunday, February 1. For the best view of this Moon, look for it that night or the night before; it will drift above the horizon in the east around sunset and reach its highest point in the sky around midnight.

Similar chilly names are also common. The Mahican tribe of the northeastern US and into Wisconsin, for example, clarify that this is the “Deep Snow Moon” while the Oneida tribe of upstate New York and the Great Lakes region call this the “Midwinter Moon.” In some Celtic histories, February’s full Moon is referred to as the “Ice Moon.” In Maine, the Abenaki tribe calls this Moon “Makes Branches Fall In Pieces Moon,” which is exactly what can happen when ice builds up on tree limbs. The Lakota of the northern plains have a similar name for February’s full Moon, “When Trees Crack Because of Cold Moon.” In different areas where climates vary, so too do the full Moon’s names vary to reflect the local seasons. For example, the Comanche tribe of the southern plains, where temperatures may begin warming in late February, call this the “Sleet Moon” to indicate the possibility of hints of spring. Similarly, “Frost Sparkling in the Sun Moon” is from the Arapaho tribe of the Great Plains, where snowfall is less but the cold still appears as thick frost. Even further south, some spring-like names may begin to appear as early as February. The Catawba tribe of South Carolina refer to this month’s full Moon as the “First Flower Moon” to mark that eagerly awaited first sign of spring.

After months of winter weather, February can be a month of low food supplies with no new plants to replenish supplies. Because of this, the February full Moon has several names that refer to hunger or scarcity, including the simple “Hunger Moon” or “Hungry Moon” from the Cherokee tribe of North Carolina. The Cherokee also refer to this Moon as the “Bone Moon” or “Bony Moon” for late winter weight loss or needing to utilize bones as a food source when other foods have become scarce. Other tribes have referred to the February full Moon by hunger-related names as well. The Choctaw of the southeastern US call this the “Moon of Big Famine” while the Kalapuya tribe of the Pacific Northwest use the name “Out of Food Moon,” showing that such deprivations are common in many areas at this time of year.

ALTERNATIVE FEBRUARY MOON NAMES:

Names for this month’s Moon have historically had a connection to animals.

• Bald Eagle Moon or Eagle Moon (Cree).
• Bear Moon and Tlingit Black Bear Moon refer to the time when bear cubs are born. ( Ojibwe)
• Raccoon Moon (Dakota)
• Groundhog Moon (Algonquin)
• Goose Moon (Haida)

Another theme of this month’s Moon names is scarcity. The Cherokee names of Month of the Bony Moon and Hungry Moon give evidence to the fact that food was hard to come by at this time.

MOON LORE:

• As many days old as is the Moon on the first snow, there will be that many snowfalls by crop planting time.
• A halo ’round the moon means ’twill rain or snow soon.

"The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within." William C. Bryant

February Full Moon Magic:

Wigington, Patti. "Quickening Moon." Learn Religions, Sep. 13, 2021, learnreligions.com/quickening-moon-2562394.

In February, the nights are cold and we begin to feel a bit of cabin fever. This month's full moon is called the Quickening Moon, although in some places it's referred to as the Ice Moon, for obvious reasons. In other areas, it's known as the Hunger Moon. After all, this is the time of year when our ancestors began to feel the bite of winter in their bellies, sitting by a dwindling fire in the long dark night, wondering if they had stockpiled enough bread or meat or grain to get them through until spring.

Correspondences:

The Quickening Moon is associated with the colors purple and blue, as well as with the gemstones rose quartz, jasper, and amethyst. If you want to incorporate tree magic into your workings and rituals, use rowan and myrtle for maximum effectiveness. To do some deity work, Brighid, Aphrodite, Juno, and Mars are all associated with this time of year. For herbal correspondences, try adding hyssop, sage, and myrrh into your Quickening Moon rituals and spells. Finally, keep in mind that this month is associated with the element of fire.

Quickening Moon Magic:

This is a month when new life is beginning, but still lies dormant. Pregnant animals, due in the spring, begin to feel the quickening of their unborn young. The earth itself is quickening, as seeds and bulbs far beneath the soil begin their journey towards the light. We know these things are coming–and we know also that this is a good month to make plans for the future. We can dream and hope, and set goals for ourselves. Accept responsibility for mistakes you've made in the past, and move on. Magical workings this month should focus on personal achievements and advancement.

Try one or more of these for a bit of Quickening Moon magic this month:

• Plant some seeds in a pot of warm soil, to represent not just the new life that is beginning in the earth, but also the things you hope to achieve this year. If you're planning a magical herb or flower garden, select your seeds based on the needs of the coming seasons.
• Perform a meditation to do a bit of self-evaluation. Do you need to rethink the baggage you're carrying around? Maybe this is the year you make big changes? A bit of reflective meditation is a good way to gain focus not only on what you hope to achieve, but the path you'll need to take to make things happen.
• Do a winter full moon ritual, to to reflect on darkness of the season, and know that without it, there can be no light. Think about what brings darkness to your own life, and recognize that if you never faced the dark, you'd have far less appreciation for the light.
• This is a season of hearth and home. If you're someone who's crafty, get hands-on with your magic. Develop your skills and hone your talents, and channel that creativity into magical purposes. Try knitting a warm hat or scarf to wear for outdoor rituals, sewing a new altar cloth, crafting some jewelry that reflects your beliefs, or writing a song or poem honoring the gods and goddesses of your tradition.

Thanks to its proximity to Imbolc, the Quickening Moon season is a time of magical energy related to the feminine aspect of the goddess, of new beginnings, and of fire. It's a great time to focus on divination and increasing your own magical gifts and abilities. Take advantage of these concepts, and plan your workings accordingly.

• Take an Imbolc Cleansing Ritual Bath to clean the body, but also to cleanse the mind and soul.
• An Imbolc House Cleansing Ceremony is a good way to get a jump on your spring cleaning before the weather gets warm.
• Since this time of year is associated with fire, do a Fire Scrying Ritual to see what the coming months hold in store for you.
• Do some Lithomancy divination by combining symbols with your own intuitive powers. You can craft a set of divination stones easily following some basic instructions.
• Do a meditation to honor Brighid, the Celtic hearth goddess. She is associated with the crossroads, and can be called upon when you need help making decisions or tough choices, particularly as they relate to domestic life.

A Mystical New Moon in Aquarius:

Aquarius season is coming to an end, but eclipse season is just beginning. The year’s first solar eclipse arrives with the new moon on Feb. 17, and it’s taking place in the innovative and free-thinking sign of Aquarius on the last full day of this solar season. The sun and moon are squaring off with Uranus — Aquarius’ modern ruler —, so the new beginnings that unfold now will likely be of a totally unexpected nature. Prepare to do some creative problem-solving and keep your heart open to paths you didn’t initially plan on taking. Life may throw you a challenge, but it’ll most certainly be rewarding. On Feb. 18, the sun plunges into watery and whimsical Pisces, sending everyone into this season’s dreamy haze. This mutable water sign is known for being sensitive and emotion-driven, but it’s equally mystical and imaginative, making it a beautiful time for creative endeavors or spiritual seeking. During Pisces season, going with the flow of your feelings is the best way to get to where you need to be. Pisces is known for being poetic and romantic, and these vibes hit a peak on Feb. 22, as amorous Venus in Pisces will make a gorgeous trine aspect to lucky planet Jupiter — aka Pisces’ traditional ruler. This cosmic connection brings an abundance of good fortune to relationships and pours sweetness over love in general. Another key Pisces season moment arrives on Feb. 27, when the sun aligns with the North Node of Destiny, allowing everyone to process and integrate the shifts brought about by the eclipse ten days prior. Mercury Retrograde Begins Feb. 26 It’s been a hectic month, but the final days have one final twist in store. Everyone’s favorite planetary mischief-maker starts backspinning on Feb. 26 — meaning that yes, Mercury retrograde has returned. As usual, this cosmic reversal brings a few weeks of logistical mix-ups and communication clashes. Because the retrograde is taking place in Pisces, people may be prone to taking things extra personally, so be more sensitive about what you say and how you say it. The retrograde could activate your love life around Feb. 28, as Mercury will join forces with Venus in Pisces. You may find yourself reconnecting with an ex or revisiting a past conversation with a current partner. Use this as an opportunity to find some closure, even if it’s more felt than spoken.

New Moon and Astrology excerpts from:

“On the wind in February, snowflakes float still. Half inclined to turn to rain, nipping, dripping, chill.” ―Christina Georgina Rossetti

Crafty Corner...

~ Make Your Own Pentagram Herb Rack ~

I made this beautiful herb dryer for Lughnasadh, but it is a great midwinter craft as well! You might be wondering what the significance of the pentagram shape is. The pentagram has been used for thousands of years and in many religious traditions, but in Wicca it represents spirit, air, fire, water, and earth. While the terms can be used interchangeably, I use pentagram for the five-pointed star by itself and pentacle when the star is in or on a circle. This diagram shows what the five points mean:

To make the herb dryer, you will need:

• Five twigs that are all about 18 inches long and about 3/8 inch thick.
• Twine
• Five colors of 7/8″ wide ribbon cut to 52″ long
• Clear hair bands (optional, but really helpful!)
• Two long twister ties
• Five or more S hooks
• Herbs to dry
• Scissors

Lay your twigs out in a pentagram shape. Try to arrange them so they fit together easily:

Use the clear hair bands to secure the ends of the twigs together. This makes it much easier to wrap the twine around the ends without messing up the pentagram shape in the next step! Cut five pieces of twine about 18 inches long. Wrap one piece around each point and triple knot the ends:

To make the pentagram sturdy enough, I also tied the twigs together at the five center cross points. Trim the ends of the twine. Bring one end under a point of the pentagram and leave about eight inches out on the short end. Wrap the short end of the ribbon around the twigs several times and then triple knot the end. Trim if needed.

I made my ribbons 24 inches from the pentagram to the gathering point. Secure the ribbons tightly with a twister tie. Allow the ribbon ends to hang down in the middle:

Wash your herbs and pat them dry. Gather your herbs into bunches, and wrap the stem ends with twine. It worked better to wrap the S hooks onto the stems than to try to add them later:

Hang your herb bundles on your herb dryer using the S hooks:

This herb dryer was really fun to make and I love how it turned out! Please share your photos and tag me on Instagram @vegankitchenmagick if you make your own! ~D.

“Let's not talk about LOVE in February only, Let's give the other months some LOVE too, Let's spread LOVE every day of the year, And show the world, We really care” ― Charmaine J. Forde

The Kitchen Witch's Cauldron

🌿 Bríde’s Ember Melt🌿

Caprese Blackberry Grilled Cheese

At Imbolc, we honor the returning light, the stirring of seeds beneath the soil, and the sacred milk of renewal—an ideal moment for a dish that blends hearth warmth with early spring promise. This Caprese-inspired blackberry grilled cheese is a devotional comfort food, rich with symbolism and intention. Creamy goat cheese and fresh mozzarella melt together like winter loosening its grip, while fragrant basil calls in vitality and protection. Juicy blackberries, dark as fertile earth, bring a hint of sweetness and mystery—reminding us that abundance is already forming, even if not yet seen. Grilled to golden perfection, this sandwich becomes a spell of nourishment, balance, and quiet magic. Serve warm as a hearth offering, a ritual lunch, or a shared plate to welcome Brigid’s blessing into your home.

“While it is February one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch." Patience Strong

“Surely as cometh the Winter, I know; There are Spring violets under the snow.” ―R. H. Newell

~ February Book Review ~

Raven in White Sneakers

Written by: Jennifer Engel

Raven in White Sneakers, a volume of forty-six poems, is the tenth book written by Jennifer Engel. The raven weaves in and out of this anthology, appearing in illustrations and verse at various points; she is present in spirit throughout the book. Like humans, the raven is a member of her society. She’s a baby, a child, a mate, and a mother. She works diligently to feed and care for herself and her family. Although a common bird, she has sparked the imaginations of mankind for centuries with her iridescent black feathers her and tendency to feast on carrion. In mythology, the raven has been called a prophet, an informant, a walker between life and death, and in this collection of poetry, she becomes a symbol for inspiration in the life of the author.

February Laughs:

Write for Goddess Speak!

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