January can be a grey and miserable month, but to help cheer myself up I look for spots of colour in nature when I'm out and about. They give me hope that spring is on the way. These mauve periwinkles are flowering in gardens along my street and in my local park. That's where I photographed this one.
There are various types of periwinkle and historically have been used in herbal medicine and in love potions. Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper wrote in the 17th cenutury: '...the leaves eaten by man and wife together, cause love between them.'
However, in Italy it's known as the "flower of death" and has a reputation of being poisionous. That isn't quite true, although many herbs can be dangerous if you eat too much and you should always talk to a qualified expert before trying out any remedy - or aphrodisiac. It seems the pretty flower's deadly reputation likely comes from the fact that it was often included in wreaths put on the graves of children who died.
If you have periwinkle growing in your garden you could pick a sprig to put on your altar if you are doing any love magic, or press a flower to put on a personalised Valentine's card in just a few weeks' time.
Share your Pictures
Since my book Rounding the Wheel of the Year came out I've been inviting people to share seasonal pictures, art, crafts, words and other creativity. I'd love to encourage readers to record what's happening in nature in various ways including photographs, as well as other seasonal journalling, musings, drawing, painting and crafting.
Here are ways to share the things you're doing or what you see out and about as the wheel turns:
- Leave a comment on this post about what you're up to
- Find my prompts to share on my Facebook Page: Lucya Starza Pagan Portals Author
- Share on Instagram with the tag #RoundingtheYear
Where to find Rounding the Wheel of the Year
My book offers more ways to acknowledge and celebrate the seasons in ritual, magic, folklore and nature. You can view Rounding the Wheel of the Year on Amazon, find it at esoteric bookshops or via my publisher Moon Books: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-rounding-wheel-year
(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)
Other previous Related Posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/09/rounding-year-when-do-you-think-autumn.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/07/rounding-year-hollyhocks-with-minds-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/01/rounding-year-sharing-seasonal-pictures.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/rounding-year-too-soon-for-silver-birch.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/09/healing-herbs-periwinkle-flowers-at-kew.html
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