Winters end.

February starts with the festival on Imbolc celebrated on the 1st. Another old festival renamed and claimed by the church as Candlemas which is celebrated on the 2nd. A day for predicting the season.

“If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have another flight; but if it be dark with clouds and rain, winter is gone and will not come again”
— Old English Proverb

Imbolc marks the Celtic transition into spring and there are signs everywhere in the landscapes around us. Snowdrops known as the fair maids of February are bursting through autumns copper leaves with their bright heads. Such delicate flowers being the first to emerge after winters cold sleep. Pussy willows are breaking bud with their furry coats and catkins are dancing from the hazels in the pale sunlight.

Bright chilly days are calling me to get outside on the land and spot the changes as the energy starts to pick up towards next months equinox.

Blackthorn is unfurling it’s white blossoms, known as the mother of the woods as she is first to bloom. You may also find wild plum trees in blossom this early too. Make a note if you do for the small fruits are delicious later in the year.

You may spot some frog spawn if its been warm and the frogs have felt the tides call them back to the spawning grounds. The dawn chorus is tuning up nicely and they do say that the birds pair up on Valentines day.

Close-up of snowdrop flowers with white petals and green stems, dew drops on petals, sunlight in the background, early spring or late winter scene.
White snowdrop flowers in bloom in a garden with a brick wall and a red fire alarm box in the background.
Close-up of white flowering blossoms on a tree branch.
Line drawing of a sprig with small leaves.
A large leafless tree next to a dirt pathway with puddles, leading to an open grassy field and trees in the distance, under a clear blue sky with the sun shining.
Green stylized spiral design with leaves and vine elements.
Frog eggs in a pond with green grass and water reflections.
Wooden gate with a sign that says 'Please shut the gate' in front of a green field and trees under a partly cloudy sky with blue visible.
Snow-covered ground with blooming snowdrops and a fallen leaf in a winter landscape.
Watercolor painting of a snowdrop flower with white petals, green stem, and leaves on a white background.
Close-up of snowdrop flowers in a garden with an old stone building blurred in the background.

Imbolc celebrates the awakening of the earth with all the potential in the energy around us to use. We can finally let winter begin to loosen its grip and turn our thoughts and intentions to the spring that is slowly gathering around us.

Plant ideas and leave them to germinate. A time of intuition and feeling the life force growing stronger with the growing light. A time of change, maybe leaving old ideas behind and making new intentions.

Now is the time to ease out of hibernation and start making those plans you planted manifest in the real world. Don’t rush at it, enjoy the journey and delight of seeing your dreams unfold. The adventure of finding or creating the yarn or fibre, make it an exciting quest. Perhaps going to a different town to explore a new yarn shop and ask a friend to join you and make a day of it. Who knows what magic will cross your path when you are open to possibilities.

It is a time of initiation and reclaiming what has been forgotten. A perfect time to try a new skill or craft. Finish up any projects to clear the way for your new ideas when they arrive.

The full moon this month is the snow/ice or storm moon.