I’ve been a bit depressed lately, so Imbolc has come like a breath of fresh air. The weather has been doing its best to amuse me: sunny and warm one minute, cloudy and cold the next. It seems to be the way of Imbolc.

Nevertheless, it has the distinct feeling of spring this year. It has been quite a mild winter—we’ve barely gone below freezing. There are definitely more flowers out this year than last. The snowdrops and starflowers are out in my garden, the blossoms started early and my lavender has a few flowers. There are violets in other gardens that look so gorgeous I’m tempted to get some for my own.

I spent quite a bit of time outside today. I looked at the sky and marvelled at the intensity of its colour. I wrestled with the honeysuckle that is trying to take over my blossom bush. I went for a walk around my front and backyard to check in on how everything is doing.

No seasonal meal tonight, but I have had a bit of orange and poppy seed cake and a milkshake. My altar is looking gorgeous with a new white cloth. It shows up the colours of the gemstones—carnelian, garnet and amethyst. There’s a small vase of flowers from my garden and some gardinia oil in the burner.

The energy of Imbolc is turning up in the people around me, too. I’ve been invited to two housewarming parties for tomorrow night.

I still haven’t celebrated Discardia, though I have recently put some effort into cleaning my study. I think I shall let the holiday pass me by. Ostara is on its way next, bringing with it a spring edition of Discardia, so I shall simply wait for its arrival.

Now I’m off to write a love letter to my sweetheart.