Early Spring gathering with Sawpit Woods

At the end of January, we gathered in the woods to celebrate Imbolc, a time between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox when we celebrate life re-emerging and signs of Spring starting to sprout.   Once again, the rain held off and we shared a happy day together around the fire. 

We started off by sharing what brings us joy before setting off to explore the woods and nearby land with fistfulls of the colours of the emerging spring time. We even found blue skies!  

We gathered rushes from a nearby field on the farm and after lunch by the fire, crafted round the table, making Brigid Crosses of every shape and size. 

Our ancestors, and us today, celebrate Goddess Brigid from Ireland, or Ffraid in Wales, by making these crosses on the eve of Feb 1st, placing them on their doors or in their homes as protection and symbols to honour the four elements, four directions and four seasons year ahead. Brigid is the godess of fire, of transformation, of inspiration and of hearth. So as Spring emerges, we enjoyed playing the woods with the children and sharing stories of life and what our wishes for the months ahead would be.

We created this beautiful poem together. 

I love the woods

I wish to while away more hours working on my woodland woodcraft.

Patience

Weird and wonderful

Kaleidoscope

I’m hoping for a happy, healthy, hopeful home

I love the woods

Resilience + acceptance + joy

The shape of trees with the sun behind like tattered stockings

Bluebell shoots

I have gratitude for Spring and the sun

I love the woods

The water to refill our rivers +

ponds + lakes + underground

Making six seven

The need to grow slowly + not rush

To spring I wish we have a great time

I love the woods.

What is inspiring you as the year turns towards spring a new growth and life re-emerging?

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We can’t wait to welcome you here.