How are you, on these stormy January days?
As the wheel of the year continues to turn, we head towards Imbolc, celebrated on and around the 1st of February. Imbolc is the mid point between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and can be thought of as the birth of Spring. I love this time of year as I notice a little more light returning to the afternoons. The first flowers are pushing up through the dark earth, catkins are unravelling and there is even some warmth in the Sun on the odd day or two. The energy is beginning to quicken from one of hibernation and slumber to an unfurling, demonstrated wonderfully by the first brave snowdrops and the colourful hazel trees.
In today’s post I shall be sharing my favourite herb and tree to work with at this time of year, along with some simple rituals, so lets dive in!
After very little time spent in the garden over the past couple of months, the recent bright days have been enough to draw me out and kindle some excitement for the growing season that lies ahead. Whilst pottering alongside Dunnocks that dart between our flower beds, I feel a strong pull to reconnect with some of my most beloved plants and trees.
Rosemary
Rosemary has been capturing my attention every time I have stepped outside recently. Standing out from the crowd, like an old friend on tiptoes, waving to catch my attention. Rosemary has strong associations with the time of year and symbolises the life force that is beginning to stir beneath the surface. If you already grow Rosemary, I would urge you to see how they are getting on and if not, perhaps treat yourself to one of these lovely plants! You can read more about Rosemary’s properties here.
There are so many ways to connect with this herb and here are some of my favourites…
- Before I gather any plant, I like to spend some time mindfully connecting with them using my senses. Perhaps you may like to give this a go too. If so, begin by just observing them. Notice their structure and form, how they are growing, if there are any areas of new growth that may have appeared since you last saw them. Listen in to any feelings or words that arise within as you spend time with the plant. They may be very subtle at first but this practice can become a wonderful way of deepening your intuitive connection to plants. I would recommend noting down any insights that arise.
- One of my favourite ways to enjoy Rosemary is simply crushing a few leaves as I walk past and inhaling their uplifting aroma. I find this especially helpful on bleak days when I need a pick me up!
- I also enjoying adding some chopped Rosemary (fresh or dried is fine) into a warming dish. Take a moment to feel the Sun’s energy that the plant has stored from the Summer to infuse into your dish.
- For a comforting late Winter brew, I love steeping a few sprigs of freshly picked Rosemary in a cup of boiling water (cover for 10 minutes to retain the lovely oils) then enjoy.
- Did you know that Rosemary is one of the earliest herbs burned for incense? Burning dried Rosemary on its own or in a blend can be a wonderful way to infuse a space with uplifting energy.
Read more about Rosemary and ways to enjoy here!
A little reminder here that when working with any plant it is important to do your own research to ensure they work for you. Rosemary is not recommended during pregnancy above culinary use for example, and is not recommended for use when taking certain medications or for people who experience seizures. Checking the contraindications for plants before working with them is always a good idea.
Hazel
After a Winter hiatus, I have also found myself returning to visit my favourite woodlands over the past couple of weeks. The beautiful, bright yellow catkins of the Hazel trees have greeted me like streamers, hung in the trees as if to announce the gentle awakening of the woodlands. Hazel trees are wonderful allies to spend time with at this time of the year. I find them particularly supportive during new years/beginnings, and to help cultivate fresh ideas, energy and creativity.
Read more about the symbolism of Hazel trees here
Seasonal Transitions
An observation from honouring the wheel of the year over the years is how deeply the transition between seasons can be reflected in our own lives. The small burst of fresh ideas and energy interspersed in a blanket of Winter fatigue. The excitement to start cultivating things that are not quite ready to sprout. These times require gentleness with ourselves as our energy can ebb and flow as much as the weather. Here are some more ideas for connecting with the energy of the season…
Wild Fen Offerings
Do let me know how you find this time of year if you feel called to. Wishing you all nourishment during this seasonal transition!
With love,
Nic
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