Paganocity

So yesterday, if groundhogs lived in southwest Florida, I think not a one would have seen his shadow all day.  The gopher tortoise, our keystone burrow-maker, did not see his either.  If these Internets are to be trusted, the weather at cross-quarter points is traditionally used to predict conditions for the next six weeks until the season's peak.  The opposite weather is predicted, so my cool and cloudy Groundhog Day (or Imbolc, if you prefer) predicts warm spring weather close behind.  For once, I am glad to see the end of Winter.  The tiny tomato seedlings that have appeared in my wet-napkin-stuffed-into-a-jar sprouter are happy as well.  They'll need to move into some soil soon. 

Enjoy Spring~

http://www.calculatorcat.com/moon_phases/phasenow.php 

I am happy for this moon phase clock, which helped me realize that I have only just missed the first new moon of the new year.  Decade, actually.  I believe this is a good time to plant seeds or start other projects that need development from the roots up.  I associate new moons with roots and soil (life under the surface) and full moons with leaves, flowers, and fruits (life above ground).  And 2010 might be just a number, but it does affect people psychologically, at least it does me.  Ok, I'm out to spend the last hour or so of daylight.

Bears are kinda cool, in my book.  They’re relatively inoffensive, as long as you don’t get between them and their cubs, or them and some really, really good food.  There are a variety of species, and they eat a variety of things.  They’re not always bloodthirsty and angry and roaring.  They’re playful and inquisitive and intelligent.

If a bear is your totem, it could represent a good balance in your life – the ability to be curious and figure problems out, but also the ability to live a balanced and healthy life through your diet.  In addition, some bears hibernate.  A bear coming into your life (hopefully not in the, “I’m going to kill you!” sort of way) could indicate that you are in hibernation, about to emerge.

Peppermint makes me happy this month.  That and its wilder cousin, spearmint.  The "x" means that peppermint is a hybrid.  The peppermint will not give true seeds, but can clone pretty vigorously.  Spearmint holds its own too; mine is returning after it dried up through summer.  They are so fresh and crisp in cooler weather it seems a shame to steep them for tea.  Fresh leaves are tasty too.  I'd better dehydrate and save some of this minty freshness; I know I will have lean mint times when warm weather returns.