The signs are everywhere…
Nights drawing in…
Unexpected sunshine on frosted mornings.
The bare beauty of trees silhouetted against clear winter skies.
As Orion strides across the evening sky, we draw closer to the Winter Solstice and the darkest, stillest, nights of the year.
Winter Solstice celebrations begin on the 21st of December, a time of hope and joy for all, regardless of belief or religious observances.
Magical Midwinter!
Ancient tribes all over the world observed rituals around Solstice time.
We too can celebrate Winter Solstice, integrating it into our own traditional celebrations.
A chance to step outdoors and observe the night sky.
An opportunity to nurture and develop connections to family and friends.
From this day, there are 22 days to go before the descent into the Midwinter Solstice.
Yes, the coldest days precede the Spring, so January rarely feels like the prelude to that beautiful season!
But, here in the West of Ireland, with Imbolc on the first day of February, the signs are there for all to see, as new life emerges from the frozen earth.
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I enjoy your blog so much. This is the time of year I have more time to read garden blogs now that the garden and the bees are sleeping! Keep up your lovely work and thank you.
Lovely to hear appreciation! Bless you X
Lovely post and photos! It truly is a magical time of year. Many say they don’t like the winter cold but for me the cold crisp winter days with frost & fog are so beautiful.
To echo another post I’m very much looking forward to reading more of your book too.
Thanks…and I am writing…slowly but getting there!
Blessings X
Colette
Hi I was wondering what do you grow in the car tyres that are in lines outside one of your poly tunnels? I’m thinking strawberries or rhubarb?? Love your pics. David.
Sent from my iPad
Rhubarb mostly!
And thanks X
Colette
my eldest daughter was born on the eve of winter solstice 🙂 and my own birthday is a little before when the dutch celebrate st. nicholas day. the winter solstice is perhaps my favourite time of year, certainly my favourite celebration.
i love that your blog is so informative, i’ve learnt so much here. i have just re-read your book chapters and find myself very much looking forward to more. the world needs to hear your story. your writing is so rich and warm, reading it is like sitting by a fireside on a cold night.
you speak of all the transformations you have made. it is lovely to see the story teller in you emerge and beat her marvellous wings, ready to take flight.
warmest wishes
cicely
Isn’t it lovely how this time of year resonates with so many!
I’m afraid my book is a little behind my proposed schedule, but it is so encouraging to read your words and be spurred on to the finish!
Blessings X
Colette
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Colette I would like you to know that I could feel your blog this morning! It was very cool! As I gazed at each photograph and read each line I got gusts of cold over me. I believe that happened because you put yourself in your writing so to speak… It was a beautiful experience this morning reading your blog. I thought you should know. Bright Blessings to you Sister! Primrose Gypsy
This is a special time of year and one that I particularly enjoy. I’m glad you enjoyed my words and photographs. Blessings X
Colette
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