Buck In The Full Moon

Halfway between the Winter Equinox and the Spring Solstice comes Imbolc, celebrating the winter's halfway point. It fell on February 3rd this year.

A Celtic holiday dating back to the 10th century. Mention of Imbolc can be found in Irish literature of that time.

The first very faint signs of spring are starting.

Many animals are tucked in their den, ready to give birth, bringing forth this year's young. The sun is slowly returning. You will soon feel the dramatic change that will start to take place.

 Yes, it is still dark, and winter still holds a firm grip on the forest, but the changes have started. You can be sure that the forest has started preparing for spring.

I tried to capture the spirit of Imbolc in my painting Buck In The Full Moon. 16 x 12 acrylic. It portrays a wise buck sensing the new energy in the forest. He knows that things are about to change, so he comes to contemplate by the moonlight.

The one criticism I have received about the painting was that the buck still has his antlers. Of course, we know he would have shed them by this time. Still, I must point out that my painting is not a scientific representation but an artistic statement.

It is so easy to lose our connection with nature, to miss the subtle signs that the seasons are changing. This week, try to celebrate Imbolc by walking along the river. Please take notice of how much sunlight we gain each day, and note the conditions of the ice and even the sound the snow makes as you walk. We can all regain our connection with nature by going for a short walk. 

Happy Imbolc to everyone.

More on the celebration of Imbolc - https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/imbolc