The Snowflake Chronicles

February Fantasy Newsletter (Deadline 2/14/22)

Research

https://www.iweathernet.com/weathernet-fun/truths-and-myths-of-weather-folklore
https://www.cnn.com/videos/entertainment/2020/02/25/leap-day-myths-pop-culture-o...
https://laurapreshong.com/blog/februarys-birthstone-amethyst-10-interesting-myth...
https://www.almanac.com/content/how-did-months-get-their-names

Editor's Picks

1. The Great Mage War
2. I Only Date Astronauts
3. Cataclysm When Poles Shift
4. The Lost Sunset
5. Reconnaissance
6. The Favor
7. Desert Mirage
8. Janus gets his super power
9. The Harvest

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February Myths

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What are some intriguing February myths?

Hook

Have you written a story about a February myth?

About This Newsletter

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

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?

Editors 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 ~ Thankful!!

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

Submitted by Readers

Activities, Groups, and Contests

Feedback "Fantasy Newsletter (January 19, 2022)" 

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