*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11216
Fantasy: February 16, 2022 Issue [#11216]




 This week: February Myths
  Edited by: Prosperous Snow celebrating
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

February is the month of cleansing,
before spring's beginning;
it is the month when amethyst
and romance overshadow
Groundhog Day.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Letter from the editor

According to legend, February gets its name from a festival called Februa, which means "to cleanse" and was dedicated to the once a year custom of spring cleaning. Every four years, a day is added to February. This is so that the calendar closely follows the yearly cycle of the sun. The twenty-ninth adds several odd myths the month. These myths are exclusively focused in Leap Year on Leap Day.

February's main weather myth concerns Groundhog Day. On February 2, if a groundhog emerges from its den, or burrow, and sees its shadow winter will continue for another six weeks. I still have not figured out what a rodent with Sciophobia, fear of shadows, has to do with the arrival of spring. For me, and many other people in the world, the vernal equinox indicates the arrival of spring. I suppose six more weeks of winter gives a person more time to do a good job of spring cleaning.

Amethyst, February's birthstone, has a number of interesting myths. First, it represents romantic love. Second, amethyst comes from amethystos, a Greek word, that means "not intoxicated". Therefore, amethyst is supposed to prevent its wearer, or anyone drinking from an amethyst goblet, from over imbibing. Third, this gem is believed to enhance several virtues, while assisting a person to overcome evil thoughts.

These are the myths about February and amethyst, I found most interesting. I especially like the one about February and spring cleaning, because I can remember some of my Grandmother's neighbors doing most of their spring cleaning in February instead of March. I always wondered why they chose February for that job, now I know.

Question for the readers: Which author aroused your interest in fantasy and/or science fiction?


Editor's Picks

 
STATIC
The Great Mage War  (18+)
… how do you bring an end to a war of magic?
#2265299 by Jim Hall


 
STATIC
I Only Date Astronauts  (13+)
Izzie, a pretty cheerleader, tells the class nerd Jonas that she only dates astronauts.
#2255950 by LightinMind


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#2265633 by Not Available.


 
STATIC
The Lost Sunset  (13+)
WON: Jack remembers the sunset and a lost world
#2264437 by LightinMind


 Reconnaissance  (E)
A young halfling finds the unexpected while casing a mark.
#2265935 by Just Jae


 The Favor  (E)
One of the Tuatha dé Danann needs a little help. (300 words)
#2241673 by Kit MacPherson


 Desert Mirages  (13+)
Can lonely Morty sift through the daydreams, sort friend from foe--or will he lose it all?
#2164162 by Joto-Kai


 
STATIC
Janus gets his superpower  (E)
Crashed and crashed, how Richard learned to time shift, and Janus got his Groove on.
#2207357 by Richard ~ Shenanigans INC.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#2265386 by Not Available.


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: 1542722411
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Ask & Answer

dragonwoman writes: I have written a Sci-fi story called Children of Janus, based on the two faces of the deity and postulating two faces meant two characters or personalities that were exact opposites

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11216