As I do every several years or so, once again this Feb. 14, I invite you to join me as we reject the patriarchal cult of dead martyrs, guilt, and consumerism. Instead, let us reclaim this day of love and celebrate the divine gift of all consensual love, beauty, and pleasure.

Rejoice this happy day, when we dedicate to new magical studies, renew our devotions, undergo initiation, and, under the light of the Owl Moon, welcome the transformation of the Crone to the Maiden. For Imbolc is Life’s Promise: no matter what the ice and cold may deliver, Nature is bigger, stronger, and will triumph.

As I do each year, I examine the Tarot Year’s card, based on the year’s numerology, using the lens of the Major Arcana. Everyone reading this is feeling the twists that began barely 24 hours after the New Year’s stroke of midnight Eastern time. They haven’t let up and aren’t likely to. But they can be navigated. Here’s how.

Happy New Year! Through the powers of sympathetic magic, and some very, very old traditions, everything you do today can set the tone for the coming year, so make sure you encourage good fortune and avoid the bad. Especially in a Wheel of Fortune year. Here’s how!

New Year’s is a time of very old magic, and all forms of manifesting, spells, and rituals are amplified at this turning. Beginning with the traditions of New Year’s Eve, I offer my annual suggestions for making sure you are attuned to the beautiful opportunities of this magical threshold.