Imbolc

Cross quarter days, in the Celtic calendar, signal the beginning of seasons. Thus February 02 is the beginning of Spring.

The name Imbolc, which means lambs' milk, was the original name for this day. Later the English name Candlemas was used. On this day in that country candles were lit to celebrate the "presentation of the Christ Child in the temple of Jerusalem".

Since the sun is halfway in its advancement from the Winter Solstice to the Spring Equinox, Brigantia (the "female deity of light") was also a name for this day in the Celtic realm. On this day attention was given to when the ground could be prepared for the planting of their crops: would snow and frost continue or would warmth and rain thaw the fields so preparation could begin sooner?

Here in all of Sonoma County flowering quince (Chaenomeies) bushes are in full bloom. This deciduous scrub, originating in Eastern Asia, can grow to 9 or 10 feet tall. Whether the Chinese version or Japanese one, white, pink and red flowers adorn the bushes. Once established this scrub is virtually impossible to eradicate as we found out at MuRefuge, although I did seem to be able to rid SanFelipeCircleRefuge of hers. Since this is not a native, none will be planted at PageRefuge. AND luckily none existed here when we bought our Cotati home.

The below picture is of our neighbors' Flowering quince with lovely deep pink blossoms. The leaves will come later as the temperatures warm.

And above is one the "surprise" daffodils. This one emerged just off the edge of our short cement driveway. There are many others all about our garden but these are the first to bloom.

"I who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters, I call upon your soul to arise and come unto Me. For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return. Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold -- all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and hearing will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire."

                                        DOREEN VALIENTE

On this remarkably warm sunny day here at PageRefuge, Dwight and I are enjoying a belly