A Valentine Ritual for the Senses

The candles are lit and the altar is overflowing with delicious foods. There is soft music playing and the smell of sweet grass in the air. Outside the sky is a rosy blue color and February's chill is in the air. Inside, the stove is bubbling with honey, cream and pure vanilla. Magic is afoot as we stoke the inner creative flame of passion and sensuality. ​

February is a 'between' time, not quite Spring, still wearing the mantle of winter. Cabin fever is itching under the skin and there is a longing for the more sensual warmth of Summer. 
We are just past Imbolc, the first harbinger of Spring and we are on our way towards the Spring Equinox. Baby goats are being born and there is something in the air on warmer days that implies the blooming earth to come.

These between times can be magical in their own right, with lots of opportunities for shapeshifting and play. There is an ability to slide between things, to exist between the milky realms of the other worlds and the day to day reality we are accustomed to.

There is a quickening and a larger realm of possibility. As if time exists outside time and anything is possible.

This is the perfect time to plant the seeds, to stoke the inner flame and dance between what is present in our bodies and minds and the magic we want to create.

Yes, Valentine's Day is a contrived holiday and the emphasis is always on coupledom and consumerism and consumption.

But I like to view the day as an opportunity, to reside within the energy of the love that is flowing out in the world, whether I am in a relationship or not.

It is wonderful to make the time, whether it is five minutes or a whole day, to dedicate some attention to the sensual body we all have and to direct some energy towards ourselves and self love.

This ritual is for all you lovers out there. (We are ALL lovers). May it connect you more deeply with love in all its forms.

All my love,
​Lark

A Valentines Ritual for the Senses

This ritual can be done with one person or several, use your intuition to find the places to connect if you are with others. The intention is to feel the presence of and to activate all of your senses, and therefore awaken your connection to your self in all your amazing, earthbound glory.
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You will need:
~A flower
~An essential oil spray (Distilled water or a hydrosol, with a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle)
~Massage Oil (Almond, Apricot, Grapeseed Oil)
~Essential oils of your choice:(ideas) Rose, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Helichrysm, Ginger, Cardamon
~Something to taste, such as honey and cinnamon, ginger candies, whipped cream and cinnamon, hot cocoa with cinnamon and cayenne, coconut milk sweetened with agave or maple syrup, chocolate caramels, chocolate covered rose petals etc...
~A candle (s)
~Journal and Pen
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Find a time and space when you will not be disturbed. Lay all of your items on an altar or our in front of you.

Light your candle and say some spontaneous words of gratitude, anything that comes.

Tune into your breath and close your eyes. "See" the candle flickering in front of you. Take time to feel the earth beneath you and to feel your body situated at the center of the directions (NSEW plus above, below and within).

Let your eyes open softly and let yourself be entranced by the candle for a few minutes.

Then, spray your essential oil spray all around you. Let that settle and FEEL the shift this signifies.

Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Taste the item you have brought for this purpose. Let the flavors swish and meld in your mouth.Don't swallow right away. What do you notice? DO this again and then a third time, then let yourself settle.

Next, pick up your flower and notice its smell, its shape...feel its texture, send it some love and gratitude and place the flower on your third eye. Hold it there. Breathe.

When the time is right, begin to stroke your face with the flower, again noticing the smell and feel and the reciprocity between you and the flower.

Take the flower and slowly stroke your entire head then move down to your neck and chest, arms, heart center, belly, pelvis, legs and feet. 

Take your time.

When this is complete. Say a few more words of gratitude and love. Anything that arises. Extra points for directing them inward to yourself.

Next, take the massage oil, that you have infused with the essential oils, and rub some over your heart center and breathe. Rub a small amount on your third eye in a spiral pattern and breathe.

After you are done anointing yourself, massage your hands with the oil, notice how it feels, notice what sensations arise and any places of freedom or tension. Next, do your feet, taking extra care and love with these amazing working and stabilizing limbs.
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When you are done with your feet. Spray your essential oil spray over your body again and close your eyes. Maybe lay down and let your mind drift.

After your rest, take some time to write down your experiences in your journal. Perhaps remind yourself of how grateful you are for the things in you life that nourish you or write some affirmations. Enjoy!