Imbolc

Imbolc. The first day of Spring. It certainly does not feel like Spring. Half of the country is swaddled in snow, and the rest of us have high winds, making it feel even colder than it is. And yet... if you look at the Hazel bushes, the catkins are lengthening. Not ready to swell and open yet, but getting prepared. The leaf buds on Roses have swollen, and begin to look as though they may come back to life. The outlines of Alder and Willow canopies, seen from a distance, look a little reddish, as though beginning to suffuse with blood.

As ever, the reliable First Footers ; Snowdrops, Cyclamen, Winter Aconite, are all performing their subtle, discreet dances to welcome the Maiden back to the woods.