January Morning (24 January 2007)
© David Pilsworth

OK, so it was only a smattering of snow, but those who know this area of England will know that, of recent years, this was quite substantial, even if it had disappeared by mid-morning. And it is not just the blackthorn blossom that is breaking. Last weekend, the first leaves of hawthorn were visible (good eating, those!). In the village churchyard, I noticed that there were more than a few snowdrops in flower.

What does all this have to do with Imbolc?

The world around us is changing. Seasons have changed as the year progresses, such is the way of the world. Yet, it can't be denied that those seasons, which seemed so regular and so reliable are becoming a bit more variable. Only a few days before the first picture was taken, I was driving along flooded roads through a wind-tossed Essex, avoiding fallen trees.

It would be so easy to say "I can't change all this on my own.". Perhaps not, but it is the small changes that matter, and will start to count. Saving energy, which will also benefit one's bank balance, is not really that difficult. My 'TM Lewin' cotton shirts wash just a well in a cold wash as in a 40º wash. Re-using bags when doing the weekly shopping is just a matter of forming a habit of keeping the bags by the door and picking them up on the way out. Using a bike for short trips around which a bit further than one wants to walk will save both fuel and vehicle emissions, not to mention burning up a few calories.

Still can't see what this has to do with Imbolc?

Imbolc is the time of new beginnings. It is the first of the Spring Sabbats. What better time than Imbolc to add the desire to help the environment to your list of goals for the year?