February is upon us. Many identify this month with Valentine’s Day and escaping winter blahs (definitely on the minds of many). However, For this article I will be taking a special look at this month, this year and what they have in common. Are you curious as to what they share? Let me show you.
Looking at the year 2013, I notice that these numbers equal 6, which in numerology refers to community. In tarot this year is the year of the “Lovers” card, the sixth major arcana card. Breaking the year down further I notice 13 is the number of the Goddess which is feminine energy. The next thing I notice is the number 2 meaning partnership, duality and balance. Interesting to me is that February itself is the second month of the year and contends Valentine’s Day which brings to mind lovers. All this together makes me aware that this year and this month are very special.
The Lovers Card
Let’s look first at the meaning of the Lovers card. This card is about relationships whether those are in loving or personal relationships, passionate or partnership relationships, or business and community relationships. The card depicts both male and female energy and the union of these energies, suggesting the need to harmonize/balance the masculine and feminine energies within us and within our world. Another meaning is about having two choices/decisions that might be made and finding the balance between them. All life is duality so the two choices could be logical/analytical vs. intuitive/empathetic, action vs. inaction, or aggression vs. compassion. Individually we are responsible for our own choices and actions however, because of the duality of our world, we need to strive for balance between such choices.
When I look back at the last few months I see the Lovers card already showing itself in the world. Several examples spring to mind. Same sex marriages became legal in several American states including Maryland and Maine. One reason President Obama was voted back in was that he supported this. Thousands united together to show love is what matters and every couple has the right to marry. This action demonstrates a community and national partnership for love.
Another example contends both strong masculine and feminine energies. I refer to the December 2012 Newtown, Ct. massacre where 20 children and 6 adults were killed. One aggressive male wreaked havoc in an elementary school affecting hundreds of lives. This was excessive masculine energy at work. Children touch the hearts of many and killing them creates anger, grief, and trauma. I believe everyone was angry over the use of guns in this way and the unforgivable killing of such innocent babies. The violent death of children also creates a passionate need to protect other children. In fact the January 14, 2013 Globe Mail newspaper describes the advocacy group that families of the victims have created. This is an example of feminine energy; of men and women coming together to nurture and comfort and to advocate change.
This massacre has re-generated a heated argument about gun control. How much gun control? What types of weapons should be banned? And so on. This is masculine energy working again and a prime example of the need for balance between masculine and feminine energy as the Lovers card suggests.
My heart went out to those families affected by this event especially so close to Christmas. However, my heart also went out to the young gunman. I wondered what emotional turmoil and/or troubles drove him to this action. I don’t except this last statement to be popular but I say it out of sympathy and compassion. I mean no disrespect to those affected by this tragedy.
Other excessive masculine energy examples include numerous rapes in India, with the particularly vicious gang rape of a 23 year old medical student who later died because of her injuries. Her boyfriend was also assaulted when he tried to come to her aid. Then there is the shooting of a 14 year old girl activist Malala Yousufzai who was shot for her outspoken promotion of education for women. Sadly, there are more examples of assault, rapes, and/or killings of women and children.
Bullying is another type of assault and this issue spread quickly through the media in October 2012 when Amanda Todd a Canadian student silently showed flashcards describing bullying and assault she endured before committing suicide. In this case she was a target for abuse by both boys and girls. Todd’s suicide gave voice to the often unspoken and widespread problem of bullying. Keep in mind that males and females can be either victims or bullies.
My last example of the Lovers card at work is the Canada’s Native American “Idle No More” campaign. This group stands up for human rights, democracy, Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protection. Chief Theresa Spence went on a hunger strike to draw attention to certain concerns. Men and women of all cultures have been coming together to “peacefully and respectfully” protest alongside of her. “Idle No More” has become an international movement. Unity in the passion for people’s rights. Thank goodness not in the traditional way of war, which is a very negative masculine way of reacting to things. The organization acknowledges the importance of positive energy: “It can be done without aggression or violence. This is an energetic, exciting, and transformative time.” (Press release, January 14, 2013).
The Lovers card being the sixth card and the year adding up to 6 are very significant here. The numerology meaning of this number is cooperation, community, reciprocity and the harmonizing of opposites. This card seems to fit with what is going on in this campaign.
Note: We need to be careful not confuse the negative masculine energy of wanting to fight, take control or abuse with men in general. I am not a man hater; this article aims to describe masculine energy, not how men necessarily act or react in day to day life.
The Goddess
Whereas the Lovers card speaks of masculine and feminine energies and the need for balance, the Goddess aspect centers around empathy and nurturing. I see her energy in many of the current events described above and elsewhere. Women are ready to stand up for their rights and the rights of others. Many are gathering together to make changes to laws to end violence and to support human rights and environmental protection. This includes men who are exercising their feminine side by showing support and empathy.
I believe this year will be a year full of equalizing feminine energy over many life issues. I can even see the energies at work regarding legalizing euthanasia, giving the individual the right to choose to die and not suffer unnecessarily. This is an example of the caring and nurturing aspect of the Goddess, the feminine mother energy. Clearly the care of children and wanting to protect them is already visible in the wake of Newtown. Nothing like a mother bear’s protective instinct!
One further illustration of the Goddess’s love and nurturing is showing up in an unexpected place, i.e. the increase in the number of homeless who have dogs. As a way to deal with two challenging issues, i.e. pan-handling and over-crowded animal shelters a new program called WOOF (Wonderful Opportunities for Occupants and Fidos) has been launched. In places like San Francisco, cities aim to match puppies/dogs with the homeless. In exchange for giving up panhandling homeless folk will receive housing and a small weekly allowance to take care of their new companions. Toronto is now considering a similar program according to the January 15, 2013 Toronto Star. Anne Marie Batten, a prominent street nurse, was quoted as saying, “To someone who has nothing, of course your dog is everything… (They) are like a lifeline for people.” Certainly one of the homeless agrees: “She’s the only thing I got in this world besides my life, and my life ain’t going anywhere,” says 23 year old Andrew Johnston.
I agree that a homeless person who is alone, and perhaps without family deserves to have a companion who will unconditionally give comfort and love. In my view everyone has the right to receive this kind of love regardless of money or social standing. And what better way than from a pet? Both this program and the homeless who participant demonstrate the Goddess energy.
Valentine’s Day
Continuing with the number two energy of balance, duality and partnership let’s focus on February’s celebrated day of love. One thinks of a romantic relationship when considering Valentine’s Day or the Lovers card. For me Valentine’s Day goes further than just romance. I feel it is time to go beyond the traditional view and to reach out into the world.
One year I stood for 45 minutes with a group which faithfully stood every week, in whatever weather, to bring attention to the poor and homeless. Even though this vigil is short compared to the 24/7 that the homeless endure, it brings attention to something many would like to ignore.
The next year I decided to give money to any homeless person I ventured across as I walked downtown. I gave this money without any attachment to what they might do with it. Just as with unconditional love my gift was unconditional. The following year I said “Happy Valentine’s Day” to everyone I met through the day, especially focusing on those who were alone and might not hear the words. These are a few ways that I have spread this day of love outwardly. I actually find it very creative to come up with new ideas for celebrating Valentine’s. What might you consider doing for others on this day?
Now that we have looked at ways of spreading love outward I would like to return to the Lovers card with respect to personal relationships. These relationships can tell us a lot about how we value our self-worth. How you feel about yourself can be mirrored to you by how others relate to you. Personally, how do your life relationships mirror your sense of self-worth? What choices or decisions do you need to make about your relationship and do they come from your heart or your ego? Are you taking responsibility for your life and choices? Are you a victim or an abuser? Are you standing up for your rights and/or self-worth? Do you welcome the love you deserve fully into your life? Do you repeat patterns of victimhood or are you settling for any kind of love? These are the questions the Lovers card would ask you. It is also important to notice how the Lovers’ masculine and feminine aspects are working within ourselves and within our personal relationships. Are both of these energies in balance in your life?
We have been looking at how we put love into our communities and how our relationships mirror our self-worth. At last we now ask, “How do we love ourselves?”
For I believe it is most important to recognize yourself on this day too. Buy yourself a gift and/or flowers. Say “I love you!” to yourself as you look into the mirror. This can be tough to do but it is important to recognize your soul and your beauty. So on this day whether you are alone or not honour your Self. For we tend to forget to take care of the most important person in our lives – ourselves.
If you are having trouble finding what to love about yourself try this exercise:
Draw a heart whatever size you intuitively think of doing. Then write what you love about yourself inside this heart. Next, under the heart, list what you don’t love about yourself. Look at each list. How do they look to you? Are you surprised at either list? Now in a separate list, written beside the heart, write the items from the “under the heart” list that you feel you can work on changing. With the remaining “under the heart” items look closely at them and see if you can figure out why they remain unlovable to you. Is there another way you can look at them in a more positive light? How can you work on changing them? What beliefs or thoughts do you need to let go of and/or what do you need to forgive? Perhaps make an affirmation to help change it, such as “I am worthy and beautiful in every way!”
This Valentine’s Day allow yourself to receive love and to look at your relationships honestly. For you deserve to be loved and to love yourself fully and unconditionally. Remember when we love ourselves unconditionally our love ripples outward. With this year and the month of February both being about love it is time to ignite the birthing of new love for yourself. Find the passion within you and fuel the fire of your heart’s desire in all relationships. Be your Valentine this year!
In conclusion, the Lovers card shows us the need to balance/harmonize masculine and feminine energies within ourselves and within the world. The Goddess is calling us to embrace a nurturing care of each other. Unconditional love is uniting both men and women to speak out against injustice and violence and to create a world where everyone is equal. I am interested in seeing what else will happen this year to bring relationships together and in balance. Now you know what February and the year have in common and why I since this is a very special year.
Erin is a medium and spiritual coach residing in Ontario, Canada, where the natural beauty of the area teaches and inspires her. She understands the importance of believing fully in ourselves and to love ourselves unconditionally. As a transitional coach and intuitive she helps others to learn these gifts and to help them realize their potential. Erin also offers intuitive readings. Contact her at www.DivineInfiniteWisdom.com and visit her blog site at www.JoyfulInsights.com or her Facebook page DivineInfiniteWisdom.com.
