Full Moon // Fulfilment

Today's Full Moon seems to have sent me into overdrive.

March's full moon is known as the Storm Moon or Seed Moon. 

It brings with it fertility and growth and marks a time of preparation for the harvests to come.

Growth indeed is all around Hearthwitch Cottage at the moment - and nowhere more evident than in the triumphant daffodil blooms. My little patch of Earth is circled by them - a battalion of yellow trumpeters, all standing on guard. 

Something about this moment in the turning Wheel of the Year always kicks me into action. My natural clock must be telling me to prepare for the coming seasons. Today I have Spring cleaned the house from top to toe!

 It feels so good to wipe away the cobwebs, the remnants of the dark months, and let the light and air back through the house. 

May the season bring you much joy and fulfilment and may tonight's full moon bless you with growth in whichever area of your life you seek it.

Brightest blessings.

Hedgerow Ramblings // The light...

...is returning.

Look what it did.

Beauty is waking all around us because of its nurturing warmth.

Tonight it was aglow.

Captivating and warm.

Utterly perfect. 

New York

Just a few pictures of my recent broom-ride away...

A wonderful holiday was had - rejuvenating and restful.

It is good to be home though. 

Three Word Thursday

Stunning shot by Dario Gianelli

New York booked!

Hearth and Home // Pottery

On my Saturday mornings, I have begun a short course in pottery at the quirky Bristol Potstop, where master of clay, Neil, is teaching us to open our minds as we create with our hands. 

So far, I would describe my attempts as 'rustic'...

...and tentative...

...but I am learning...

...that 'perfect' and 'perfectionism'...

...are two totally different things.

Wheel of the Year // Imbolc

To those who celebrate the pagan Wheel of the Year, February 1st-2nd marks the Celtic fire festival of Imbolc, which heralds the returning of the light and the beginning of Spring.

So named after the Celtic word 'oimelc', which is believed to mean 'in the belly' or 'ewe's milk', it refers to the life-giving milk of lactation recommencing. It is at this time of year that the lambing cycle begins and the earth warms up to allow new life to grow. 

Ancient celebrations fell on this day to honour the powerful bringer of light - the goddess Brigid (Brid, Bride, Brigit) - who would breathe life, warmth and fertility back into the dead, cold lands and begin a new season of  growth and fruition. 

Today, people still celebrate this important turn of the wheel, by lighting fires and candles to reflect the light returning and inviting Brigid to warm their hearths and the Earth itself.  As it is a time to prepare for new growth, ask Brigid for her assistance in bringing your hopes and dreams to being. Prepare the ground for the planting of seeds which will flower in the coming seasons - both literally and metaphorically. 

Brightest Imbolc blessings to you all. 

Wheel of the Year // Welcome...

...to February.

Squeals of joyous delight rang through my kitchen this evening as I discovered these pretty little narcissi opening, at my hearth-side just in time for Imbolc: the most beautiful altar decoration I could have wished for.

I will be celebrating tomorrow - the 2nd - but for those of you honouring Brigid this evening, I wish you brightest Imbolc blessings.

Love and light.