We have been journeying through the long winter, slowly, slowly drawing our energy from deep within as a spark glimmers and flickers. At night from the North the glowing red and green sky joins us in our dreamworld. Deep in the valley, down in the soil, cupped within the dark folds of the ancient trees, a tiny light is stirring. Can you feel it?
As the wheel of the year turns, Brighde brings healing and the poetry of Imbolc, in early February, while her gift of renewal invokes the flame of the hearth and forge. She calls on us to bless and honour her wells and springs, welcoming in purification and the emerging snowdrops. There are ancient stones aligned to the Imbolc sunrise. This celtic cross-quarter day is a time of returning energy drawing on the elements of water and fire. The name Imbolc derives from the old Irish Imbolg meaning ‘in the belly’ – so it’s the start of lactation for ewes as the grass begins to grow. We have awoken into the festival of light, also known as candlemas and the festival of lanterns or ice.
Activities at this time focus on purification, celebrating the return of the light and giving gratitude for the first signs of spring. Traditionally a woven Brighde cross is made from rushes and hung in the kitchen to protect the house from fire.
You might like to connect with the seasonal change, noting exactly how and when you feel nature shifting and stirring from her sleep and the slight lengthening of each day (not necessarily the 1st of February!) Listen to and observe the activity of birds and look for plant shoots appearing from the wintery ground. It’s a time for visiting a local well or spring or light candles to reflect on and nurture plans for the year.
I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery. By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living. Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions.
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All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.
Wildwood Edge 