February
14th is, as everyone is aware, Saint Valentine’s Day. Whether we want to
remember this day or not, the shops won’t allow us to forget; Cards, cuddly
toys, mugs, jewellery and cheeky intimate presents adorn the shelves of every
money making outlet.
How
much do you spend on a Valentine’s gift? Is love measured by the monetary
amount? It would be nice to think that a simple ‘I love you’ would be enough to
show your beloved that you love them. But that is not generally the case,
especially when we have Saint Valentine peeking at us from every angle.
Who
is this guy who has most of the world pulling at his heart strings? A popular account is that Saint Valentine was a holy priest
from Rome . It states
that he was imprisoned for helping the Christians who were being persecuted.
According to legend, during his
imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer. Apparently, before his
execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a
farewell.
It
was first associated with romantic love in the Middle ages,
where there was a tradition of courtly love.
In 18th-century England ,
it evolved into an occasion when lovers expressed
their love for each other by giving flowers;
candy and sending greeting
cards (known as "valentines").
Red
hearts, doves and figures of cupid are Valentine's Day symbols that are used
today. Also, a dozen red roses are the symbol of romance, along with a candlelit
dinner under the moonlight, washed down with a glass of bubbly; red rose petals
scattered on the carpet leading to the bath tub filled with sweet smelling
bubbles…
All
this for love- romantic love!
But
what if you do not have a Valentine? Does this mean you cannot enjoy the
novelty and the energy of Valentine’s Day and love? Who is to say that you
cannot send yourself a card or gift; have a delicious meal and a glass of
champagne or a beauty/healing treatment?
Saint
Valentine’s Day is just one day where lovers can express their love. Love is
not only for one day though. Love is always, everywhere and for everyone,
whether in a relationship or not.
Love
yourself enough to know that you are not unlovable if you don’t have a
Valentine. Love yourself enough to know you do not need someone else to make
you whole – you are already whole.
So,
this Valentine’s, whatever your romantic status, be in-love with life and life
will be in-love with you. This is the best way to attract another person who is
also happy with being in-love.
Following
are some spiritual ways to invoke love and also keep love alive:
v
Crystals- love can be invoked with having a piece of
Rose Quartz in your bedroom.
v
Angels –
having figures or pictures of cupid the classic symbol of love.
v
Archangels-
invoke Jophiel the Archangel of beauty which
can help beautify your thoughts and surroundings.
v
Affirmations
– saying positive phrases in the present
attracts our desires, ‘I welcome love into my life’
v
Candles
– lighting a red or pink candle and chanting a ritual to attract love.
v
Flowers/essential
oils – the sweet scent of flowers especially roses can invoke the energy of
love.
v
Figurines
– of couples in loving embrace or heart shaped ornaments help your focus on
romance.