The apricot glow of a fading October sky, merged with the heavy rustling of cows on the field across the lane, drawing me outdoors.
This is a magical time of enchantment, with Nature and late evening light.
Any noise on such a still evening exudes an eerie quality of something not understood…always best to go out and uncover the mystery.
As it was, the cows and their calves had nuzzled in close to the hedgerow, to bed down for the night.
The heaviness of their bodies crushing branches, as they leaned into the conspiratorial thorn hedgerow.
The stillness of the evening makes one want to tip-toe on the lane.
Peering back in through the window of the cottage, lit only by a candle, illuminating the kitchen, it is easy to believe in the fairy folk…
It was remarked by many in 1950s rural Ireland, that the newly installed electric light drove the fairies away…
The light is on its descent towards Samhain and deeper still to midwinter.
This passing of the light should be a signal for us all to slow down and embrace the stillness of the year, allowing ourselves time to reflect on our sacred journey.
The Fennel looks to all intents and purposes the magical plant it is said to be, in this half-light.
It is so majestic, scented, beautiful and useful, that I have a mind to plant it all over the gardens!
…the warmth of the kitchen beckons me towards the light, as the apricot shadows fall back into night.
