Maybe February is not a month that we like. It is for me as a gardener my least busy month! Even though this is the case I have had an increase in work over the last few years within in it – I say that just in case you’re worried that I don’t have enough employment! In previous years it has had a varied outlook with some of the balmiest warm sunny days of any of the winter months that I can remember. We have also had some real wintery ones too even in recent years. It is a quieter month for nature too. We may have an opportunity to go outside and blow away those cobwebs of December and January – quite literally!
As you may know the word February comes from the Latin Februare meaning to purify or expiate – the latter to make amends or reparation for. Historically in Ancient Rome this was the month of purification and the empire focused on righteous living. Quite a good practice as those who aspire to follow God.
This transitional month is beginning to show that Spring is just around the corner with various bulbs beginning to flower. Already in the last few weeks we have had Daffodils showing off their yellow trumpets even before school was out – before Christmas! The Hazel’s dangly lambs-tails are here as well. In the week I write this, the sounds of Spring, due to the warmer December and January have brightened my spirit. I have heard the Mistle Thrush singing in the morning with its repetitive blackbird like song, deeper and more mellow in tone.
I love to look up at the tree canopy and hold my gaze there viewing the contrasting lattice work. Something about winter trees is very captivating. Linda Horn shared something at the last Forest Church session about the trees being laid bare; how we see this time of year that God needs to lay us bare at times.
Two particular trees that we can identify with this time of year that pagans see symbolism in, are the Rowan and the Ash. We can take something from their knowledge remembering that the Creator is seen in his creation. The Rowan can remind us of finding our vision in Christ. Pagan’s believe it can help clarify our vision and seek routes which are advantageous to us on our life’s journey. This tree likes to cling on in seemingly impossible places. A piece of writing I read said: ‘This is a powerful analogy for us to find our divine connection in unorthodox places. Sometimes our finest and highest calling is discovered when/where we least expect.’ The Rowan has other symbolic meanings which I don’t have time to divulge here. The Ash another transitional tree, connects new life to our awareness where once there may have been a bleak outlook. February is the month of many festivals maybe due to its bleakness; the Ash helps us to consider rebirth at this time. It is suggested we can “liken our own soul-growth with that of the Ash. With greater (higher) attainment, the more we need to stay grounded (well rooted).” Some lines from a poem called A Barbican Ash by Jon Stallworthy help us to see the power of its roots.
‘Men are more mobile than trees:
But have, when transplanted to cities,
No mineral extract of manure,
Hormone or vitamin to ensure
That their roots survive, carve through the stone
Roots, cable roots, strangling my own’.
So February although the shortest month can bring us nearer to God. As my Dad liked to quote. ‘“Good things come in small packages.”’ Remember small things in nature may help turn our thoughts upwards. And the roots that we can’t see below are drawing up the food and water that we need.