Tag: spring

Slowly Come

Slowly come, unfurling leaves
woken up by warming feet. 
The sunshine strengthens
days linger on
life returns
now winter has gone.

When everything is moving
and nothing stays the same
we can only keep our footing
on what comes round again. 
We reach forward into future
skyward promises of shoots
while we lament on days gone past
a history inherited through our roots.

A hand-printed linocut block print inspired by the story of Brigid’s Walk and Imbolc, a celebration attached to the wheel of the year where we acknowledge and give thanks for the slow but certain return of spring. 

This is an original handmade print, carved by hand and printed in ink on 300gsm handmade paper, with green ink. 1 run of 20 prints.

This piece celebrates movement, Spring, imbolc, and the simple joy of the first shoots of the year pushing through cold ground. The is a great power in having faith in the seasons, and the joy and reassurance of springs return.

The story behind ‘Step into Spring’ – Brigid and Imbolc

It’s been a longer and more progressive process than my previous print, which bodes well for developing my skill. 

I sketched the image onto a soft cut block. The cutting stage was carried out in short, intermittent bursts whenever I found a minute inbetween the busy hours of being a working mum.

I was inspired by the story of Brigid, and the first signs of spring, which are celebrated at Imbolc, a special time and celtic celebration from the wheel of the year that occurs around the 31st-1st February. The festival takes its name from the old Celtic word ‘imbolg’ which means in the belly and reflects the growing life in earth. It was a time where ewes came into milk, and the first sign of spring start to show after a long cold winter. This was an important time when people had to prepare to survive a winter and keep faith the spring would return.

The story is deeply rooted in Celtic mythology and centres around Brigid.

“Brigid is one of the most revered goddesses in Celtic mythology, embodying a triad of powerful aspects: fertility, healing, and inspiration. As a goddess of fertility, she represents the earth’s ability to nurture and sustain life, making her a central figure in the Imbolc celebrations” – Celtic Mythology Worldwide

There are of course variations on the story, but for the most part, it begins with the Cailleach, otherwise known as the winter crone. Who walks the land, making snow and ice every time her staff hits the ground. She captured Brigid (as know in Ireland, Bridge in Scotland and kept her prisoner. Brigid was able to escape in spring and as she returns to the land she melts the snow and ice where she steps and flowers bloom.

On the night of the 31st Jan moving into the 1st Feb, Brigid is said to walk and bring the return to spring. And the for those paying attention, we start to see the signs, small shoots pushing through, green budding on plants. Spring is not yet here, but we see the signs of it’s return.

It’s such a poignant reminder of the cycles of nature that we often miss in these busy modern times. Remember them and spending time with them reconnects us with the earth and living with these cycles has proved really beneficial for my mind and mental health.