Spring is the time of year when we shake off the cosy familiarity of winter and begin to feel a new energy in us. The earth is filled with signs of its ability to regenerate and bring new life. New ideas start to form in little buds waiting to open as our days are filled with more light.

Catkins and pussy willow. Crocuses and daffodils. Blossom on trees and shoots of peas.

Spring treasures

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Recently we celebrated the Spring Equinox and Solar Eclipse which fell on the same day. We wrapped up warm and headed over to the misty moors. To the circle of standing stones. People waiting. Hushed and still.

Watching in awe as the moon covered the sun, reflected in a nearby pool. Showing us our place in the universe.

We walked home to the beating of a drum, a cockerel crowing to mark the second dawning of the new day.

And so the Spring Equinox celebrations began. In some cultures this marks the start of the new year. This makes sense to me. I feel I have dusted off the old and am ready for the new. We walked through the woods and sat in the sunshine at the round hut. We read poems from Shirley Hughes’ Out and About, scattered lavender and waved our willow star wands to bring wishes for the new season.

Together we made spelt bread. Three generations sprinkled it with sunflower seeds and we ate as the sun set.

Happy new year!