I have a musician friend whose unique greeting makes me smile. He asks, “How’s your groove?”
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere this winter, the groove is literal—standing between two apexes of snow as we try to shovel our ways out. It takes patience and strength (not to mention a healthy back and possibly some hand warmers).
We don’t clear our path in one swift movement but with consistent effort over time. And if you do care about your back or your knees, you do this with careful attention to posture—being gentle with yourself while at the same time engaging in strenuous work.
The message here is clear: consistent rhythm (your groove!) over time creates resilience and helps you reach your goals better than the false hope of quick fixes.
Perhaps no other card in the Tarot exudes this message better than Strength. The image in the card depicts a young female gently prying open the mouth of a lion. She is not doing this by force or by using a crowbar, but with the persuasion and lack of fear embodied by youthful innocence. Undoubtedly, she’s doesn’t move quickly, either, but slowly. The lion, arguably a fierce creature, has his own fears about having his mouth explored by a stranger. The female moves with grace and reassurance.
It is notable here that February’s Full Moon was the Leo Full Moon. Leo is big and thrives on play, joy, and even spectacle. Just like a Lion, Leo commands attention in the light of claimed brilliance.
But you get to that place with measured persistence. With inner strength.
And until the blossoming of spring on March 20, 2026, it is perfectly fine to sip tea by the fire in between the snow shoveling.