On your local walks you may have seen the first heralds of Spring popping up- the charming snowdrop or Galianthus. There are over 2,500 different varieties of snowdrop in the UK and if you are keen on them you could class yourself as a galianthophile. Though many of the estate walks and gardens may be closed this year you can still head to your local woods to try and spot as many different varieties as you can.
At this time of year it is also the festival of Imbolc on 1st February. I love celebrating the old Gaelic festivals as a way to mark the cyclical rhythm of nature and the year. Imbolc marks the beginning of Spring and the stirring of new life.
Our traditions include making a candle outside, this is how I do it:
-digging a small hole in the ground
-melting beeswax (or any other wax you have) over a double boiler
-tying a wick to a small stick on one end and a stone on the other and placing in the hole (stone down)
- pour your molten wax in the hole and let set
-trim the wick and remove the stick
We will light this whilst enjoying a special (wrapped up) tea time reading seasonal books such as The Story of the Root Children by Sybil von Olfers and Brigid's Cloak by Bryce Milligan.
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