Sapling Tarot - The beginnings of Spring... - Feb '24
It might not feel like it, but I promise the light is coming back.
Merry February, and welcome back to the Sapling Tarot newsletter, I’m so grateful you’re here.
Historically, across the UK, the beginning of February is celebrated as the start of Spring. Whether that’s the Celtic traditions of Imbolc/Saint Brigid’s Day, the Welsh Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau, or the Christian Candlemas — it seems everyone can agree that by the first or second of February, Spring is on its way.
Meteorologically, ecologically and astrologically, it might not be that clearly defined (and I’ll be back in your inbox for the Spring Equinox for more musings on the season), but I for one am more than happy to have an additional month of Spring — even if the Scottish weather doesn’t agree.
Spring Oracle
A modest and unassuming plant, chickweed is an early flowering herb, known to be a good omen and a welcome reminder that the world is coming back to life. It is eaten during spring festivals around the world, providing valuable nutrients and associations with longevity and health. As an oracle for the season it suggests that the hard times are reaching an end and luck is on its way.
❄️ Keep an eye out for the Full Snow Moon in Virgo on February 24th ❄️
February Nature Notes
As Spring begins to peep out in earnest, there is so much change to be seen in the natural world. From the first bulbs beginning to flower to birds beginning to think about building their nests, it’s all about to get very busy.
Scotland has a Snowdrop Festival that runs from late January to early March, offering a packed calendar full of opportunities for the the public to tour woodlands or see behind the walls of private gardens and witness the joy of these delicate but hardy blooms.
Eating and Drinking at Imbolc
A time to start thinking about spring cleaning and spring sowing, we need plenty of energy to see us through the final stretch of the winter months. Many foods associated with the February festivals are full of hearty, warming, ingredients and above all full of milk and butter — as farmers wanted to get back to milking as soon as possible to make up for dwindling food reserves.
Of course it’s also nearly Pancake Day which provides the perfect excuse to craft a stack of buttery delights!
Other ingredients are whatever is seasonal to you, here in Scotland that’s mainly cabbages and root vegetables. In the spirit of the season, why not pair them with a cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk, from hard pecorino or manchego to crumbly feta, to squeaky halloumi, to cloud-like ricotta there are so many delicious options!
New at Sapling Tarot
This year, I’m adding a new kind of love reading to my tarot offerings.
You can read my ramblings about love here, or watch a video explanation here, but the most important thing you need to know is that as a reader/subscriber, you get half-price readings for the whole month of February 2024, just reference it in your booking!
I hope you all have a gorgeous season, thank you so much for being here, I’ll speak to you again soon.
(P.S. What do we think about Substack vs MailChimp? I'd love any feedback if you have the time!)