As we move closer to Valentine's Day, something predictable happens.
The price of roses and chocolate rises. Restaurants offer expensive dinners. And beneath it all, a quiet anxiety hums:
How should I celebrate this year? What if I'm alone? Why does this day stir so much emotion?
Almost no one is immune.
And yet, the true energetic essence of this time has very little to do with romance as it's been marketed to us.
At its core, this season has always been about LOVE — expansive, sacred, and life-affirming.
Throughout history, cultures marked this time with ritual—from ancient Rome's Lupercalia honoring fertility and life force, to St. Valentine's legacy of devotion. Love was never meant to be reduced to a single day. It is a spiritual force meant to be cultivated, tended, and shared.
As I write this, I am honoring my sister Sandi, who passed far too young at the age of 24. February 9th was her birthday, and I dedicate this newsletter to her. Her life reminds me that love is not something we should take for granted or wait for. It is something we live, embody, and extend in many forms.
Love lives in our connection to siblings, children, friends, parents, partners, community, country, and the planet itself. The practice is keeping our hearts open, even when they have been broken.
This year, I invite you to shift the focus toward self-love as sacred practice.
Rather than waiting for someone else to make you feel special, choose one intentional act that honors you. Self-love is not indulgence — it is spiritual maintenance. When we learn to receive love fully, we become more capable of offering it freely to the world around us.
Caring for yourself is an act of love. Seeing yourself as precious is a ritual in itself.
So, ask yourself: What would make me feel nourished, seen, and alive today?
Perhaps it's a massage, a beautiful meal prepared with care, a solo date, time with dear friends, a meaningful film, or a quiet bath infused with your favorite essential oils. Let it be simple. Let it be intentional. Let it be loving.
If you're curious about the deeper origins and sacred meaning behind Valentine's Day, watch this short video where I explore its ritual roots and energetic power.
And for those who enjoy working with ritual tools, I've created a Love Spray designed to support heart-opening, self-compassion, and receptivity.
This is how we reclaim the true spirit of Valentine's Day — not as pressure or performance, but as a reminder to live with an open heart.
I'm now booking Transformational Experiences for Organizations, Conferences & Wellness Gatherings for 2026. If you'd like to bring this work to your community, reply to this email and let's explore what's possible.
With love and ritual,
Barbara Biziou