Imbolc Feb 1-2

I think I’ve mentioned that I don’t like Christmas much, and this year my Christmas plans were cancelled anyway. Having listened to ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May on radio 4 recently, I got interested in the pagan festivals that celebrate the cycle of the year.  As a person who is getting older I like the idea of seeing life passing in yearly cycles, rather than in a linear way, a one-way road.  It helps people to feel connected to the changes going on constantly around us.  And it means that there are 8 festivals to celebrate - one roughly every 6 weeks:)
Today and tomorrow are Imbolc - which literally means “in the belly” - referring to the calves and lambs growing in their mothers, but yet to be born. It doesn’t mean the beginning of spring, but rather the first stirrings of spring - shoots and growth starting to appear. We’ve endured the darkest and coldest days, now the year is moving on. We are now aware that the light is seriously returning. For farmers - and gardeners and allotmenters - it’s time to start off some seeds growing, and to plan this years crops. Other aspects of Imbolc include clearing away winter debris, getting everything clear and ready to go forward to spring. 
Celebrations include white flowers, and candles. Some people will make crosses for Brigid, a Celtic goddess. 
My celebration includes buying some white roses from Tesco (I’m sure they should be snowdrops or woodland flowers but hey ho) and lighting lots of candles.  Plus a  trip to the council recycling centre with a huge pile of items I’ve sorted in the last couple of months. My blip is of my roses, but using the kaleidoscope on my i pad - so I’m doing my own version of Imbolc:-) Enjoying having a special occasion at this time of year very much.