Valentine's, Blue Moon Herbal Magic

I'm pretty sure the term "doldrums" was invented during the month of February.  Despite being a shorter month, it always seems to drag on.  This year I am taking a different approach to the month- I am going deep inside, hibernating, reflecting and cozying up to the idea of taking a month to slow down, express gratitude and practice some well needed self care.  It is precisely what we should be doing in winter and nature provides the perfect background and pace.  Bundle up and take that walk in the woods to see what you find.  The evergreens hold a dear place in my heart in winter and their green needles and pine cones provide us with the perfect ingredients for an infused salt, tincture, homemade bitters or infused bath oil.

A wonderful way to use the blue spruce, firs and pines that abound (including the old Christmas tree and wreaths) is to infuse small pieces of branches in grape seed oil or the oil of your choice.  Pack them into a mason jar, cover with oil and lid and let infuse in a warm, dark place for a few weeks.  The scent is surprising- the expected evergreen notes, but the green, floral and citrusy notes were so delightful!  The emerald green oil can them be strained, bottled and used as a bath oil or ingredient for a homemade salve.

Today's forest walk resulted in blue spruce, juniper branches and berries, fir pine cones and white sage leaves from the garden.  I ground these in the mortar and pestle with lavender buds from the cupboard and rosemary needles from the windowsill plant.  Added some Celtic sea salt and epsom salt and a little magic to make a deliciously scented bath salt to give to friends and family for Valentine's Day.

Steep the special mixture with a poem, prayer or spell in your ritualistic bath during the the next new moon February 15, the full moon (March 1) or the second blue moon (March 31).  The Blue moon is a wonderful occasion to set in momentum the intentions that were wished for on the new moon.  This is a wonderful time to reconnect with our plans, hopes and dreams.  Blue moons are rare occasions, so take the opportunity to harness some of that energy in nature to do something differently while focusing on what you hope to manifest in your life.

Last month's blue, blood moon starting to eclipse!

Couple the bath salts with some beautiful spray roses or other flowers of your choice to share with friends, family and loved ones (and to sprinkle some of the petals into the bath).   It's a wonderful way to celebrate the blue moon and you making the special unique mark in the world that only you can make.