I’ve recently returned from a holiday in Madeira. One of the most unexpected discoveries of the trip was the Laurisilva Forest, an ancient forest of laurel trees. I’d read about this area in the guidebook but the dry sentences about ‘primary forest’ and ‘ecological niches’ did little to prepare me for the reality. Laurisilva Forest … Continue reading Wisdom of Trees
Happy Halloween!
As York is in Tier 2 my Halloween celebrations are going to be pretty low key this year. I'm going to miss trick and treating with my godson who thinks Halloween is the best holiday, even better than Christmas, due to the sheer quantity of chocolate on offer! I have however made a little video … Continue reading Happy Halloween!
Mabon – Celebrating Harvest
Mabon or the Autumn Equinox occurs in the Northern Hemisphere on Tuesday 22nd September. Day and night will be of equal length for the second time in the Wheel of the Year (the first time was at Ostara, the Spring Equinox). The Equinox also marks the official start of autumn, although with some of the … Continue reading Mabon – Celebrating Harvest
Lammas – Celebrating Abundance
At this time of year, grain is ripening in the fields, there’s crops of fruits ready and gardens are lush with colour. This first harvest is celebrated as Lammas (also known as Lughasadh) and takes place on 1st August in the Northern hemisphere this year. The word ‘Lammas’ comes from ‘loaf mass’ as traditionally bread would … Continue reading Lammas – Celebrating Abundance
Solstice and Sea
Celebrating solstice and sea during lockdown.
Beltane – Celebrating Spring
Somehow despite writing a book set at Beltane, I’ve not written a blog post about it yet. So I’ve decided to put that right this year. I’ve always wanted to be in Glastonbury at Beltane as they have the most spectacular celebrations with people dressed up as Green Men and goddesses to welcome the spring. … Continue reading Beltane – Celebrating Spring
Six things which got me through my darkest time which might help now
If you’re struggling to stay positive at the moment then you’re not on your own. I’m finding it very hard indeed and seem to fluctuate between near panic and a kind of stoic ‘everything will be fine’. When I feel panicky I’m trying to remember the things I learned when I was very seriously ill … Continue reading Six things which got me through my darkest time which might help now
Summer Solstice – Celebrating Light
In the Northern hemisphere the summer solstice occurs on Thursday 21st June this year when the sun will be at its furthest point north in its annual cycle around the Earth. In the UK, that will actually be at 11:07. It’s the time of the longest day and the shortest night but it’s also one … Continue reading Summer Solstice – Celebrating Light
Winter Solstice – the Return of Light
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night in the northern hemisphere. This year it falls on Thursday 21st December. It’s also known as Yule or Midwinter. The word ‘solstice’ means ‘sun stands still’ although that doesn’t actually happen. The winter solstice marks the dying of the old year with the way being … Continue reading Winter Solstice – the Return of Light
Samhain – the Celtic New Year
Autumn is the time of year when the earth’s energies are waning, when the harvest is gathered in and winter is round the corner. For the Celts each new day started in darkness at sunset and similarly their new year begins in the period of greatest darkness before the winter solstice. For them, Samhain was … Continue reading Samhain – the Celtic New Year
Alys West 