First Snowdrop

Sunday morning and a walk through the village. I love the churchyard. It stands at the junction of three roads and faces ancient earthworks. It is blessed with yew and rowan trees and is quiet and peaceful. January has been warm and wet so far and the snowdrops are pushing through the damp soil, growing fast. Today just two were in flower in a very sheltered spot - a sure sign that Bridie is about and that Imbolc (Fhéill Bhride) will soon be upon us.

Bridie is a Goddess who presides over the hearth and home, over inspiration and the skills of sacred art and craft, and over the world of crops, livestock, and nature. In particular she is important to sheep who begin to lamb in Yorkshire at this time of year.