We have all had our fill of terrible news, and there's no doubt the flow will continue. But today, we can celebrate the remarkable, courageous changes that we have witnessed since the new American  President took office, and the central position which the new administration is giving to combatting global heating. So it seems right to start with a quiet piece about the approaching ancient festival that celebrates the hope of a new season of light and life.

We are close to this special time.

The changing seasons are a fundamental part of the workings of our perfect planet. The changing seasons have been recognised, honoured and marked by special festivals from the earliest times since they were as important to life, growth and later, agriculture then as they are today. We are close to Imbolc, the festival marking the begining of new life and growth as the winter starts to recede and the days lengthen.

 Imbolc is a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring. Traditionally marked on 1st  of February, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

It used to be widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Bealtaine, Lughnasadh and Samhain. For Christians, especially in Ireland, it is the feast day of Saint Brigid. The word comes from the Old Irish imbolc  meaning "in the belly", and refers to the pregnancy of ewes and the prospect of food after a long, hungry winter.

  The days are getting longer and, although there may still be cold weather,

We know things are changing

There's hope for the future

Notice what is happening in Nature

The song of the birds starts to change

Take notice of the little things

Use all the senses, become more aligned with Nature

The changes at this time are subtle

We begin to see stirrings and emergence, movement within the Earth

Start slowly breathing new life into things

We can start planting our dreams seeding our dreams

So start planning. Go for a walk

 

Look at Nature

Reflect on the signs of Nature

See the symbolic emergence of Nature

White is a colour of this time

White snow, white snowdrops

White symbolising newness

Tune into the birdsong

Which birds are returning ?

Tune into the trees ,

See the budding of the trees

Notice the shoots coming up

Snowdrops, crocuses

What's happening to the animals ?

 

Nourish ourselves

With hope

With determination

With intuition

And soon, the wild garlic will fill the riverbanks

 

 

Thanks to Brian McClelland for the post and Irene Beldon for the poetic part