A day late but nonetheless...

purple heart   8x10 acrylic

Whether you call it Groundhog’s Day, Candlemas or Imbolc, February 2 falls midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and in many traditions is considered the beginning of spring. 

Imbolc: from Ol-melc (ewe's milk) because this is the time that ewe’s begin to lactate. It is also considered the time of year when the earth begins to stir. In agrian areas there are often ceremonies to bless the fields. It is the time of the return of the light and renewal of life.

I am happy, happy because it now stays light until 6 pm. Spring is coming!

Happy Ground Hog's Day! or Imbolc!

Much to Bruce's joy, his image is now on the poster for the "CAbin Fever" show in Kimberley. I invite you to attend the reception on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 1-3 pm.

Looks like we will have six more weeks of winter. It's bright and cold (-28C yesterday). Things should be warmer from now on. Imbolc is an old celtic holiday that marked the beginning of the end of winter. Things are beginning to stir deep underground and the sheep begin to lactate. I just noticed that it is (finally) starting to get lighter earlier in the mornings and stays light until nearly 6 pm. YAY!!

Candlemas or Imbolc

This is the dawn of the year. All the secret sleeping seeds down in the earth are starting to respond to the return of the light. Imbolc roughly translates from a gaelic word that means ewe's milk as this is the time that herd animals start to lactate and prepare for birth. The goddess of Imbolc is Brigid, a goddess of creativity and fertility. Candlemas honors St. Brigid.

I hope to have a bonfire (or at least candles) and plan what I want to accomplish or plant this year and ask for inspiration. This painting is "Motley Blue Hearts".