As February begins, we find ourselves feeling a little bemused as to how January has managed to slip past quite so fast but definitely enjoying the lengthening daylight hours and the promise they hold that spring is not too far away. Before we get to that though, February seems set on living up to its reputation as being one of the coldest months of winter with low temperatures and snow on the menu for most of us for the next little while.

The start of February is the midpoint between the December solstice and the March equinox, an occasion traditionally marked by the Celtic fire festival Imbolc, a celebration that honors the slowly returning light in the northern hemisphere. The corresponding festival for those in the southern hemisphere is Lammas, which traditionally celebrates the gathering in of the first fruits of the year’s harvest.  Chinese New Year will be celebrated…