January Seeds

Setting intentions for the new year ahead, and a jolly wassail!

Hello there. It’s been a long and restful winter break here and we are emerging quietly to rejoin the world next week. Our Yuletide is often one of clearing and resetting and this year was no different. Down came the tree on Boxing Day, and we reset our furniture in a new open layout to be able to sit together in the long evenings. Such a simple change, an example of ‘shopping what you already have’ which has given us more space for reading, dancing and hanging out together.

I’ve spent the last week observing how people approach January. Many have been hopeful for the returning of the light after midwinter. Others are gearing up for resolutions and challenges in the hopes of positive change. Many others still, especially in the spiritual space are reminding us that this is not a new year after all, and for that we must wait until spring.

For my part, I love a new year. The idea of having a fresh start resonates so deeply with me. As someone who struggles to find true, deep rest I am pleased that this January has been kind in offering some.

January, I find, is a time for seeds. Literally and figuratively. I will be delving into the Real Seeds, Chiltern Seeds and Vital Seeds catalogues pretty soon, and can rarely resist the temptation of chillis from OG River Cottage legends the Michauds at Sea Spring Seeds.

Instead of rushing to change my life, or completely ignoring the threshold we’ve crossed into 2024 I’m going to walk in slowly. I’m planting my seeds for the new year now, in the dark of winter so I have strong roots for the year to come.

One new year trend I love is having a word of the year. So much so, that this year I have two. My first is intention. I am putting things in place so I can live more intentionally, in line with the seasons and my values. It is something that has developed a lot in the last year and I am carrying it on into the next. The second is privilege. There are many areas in my life where I experience privilege to varying degrees and I intend to use this for the good of others in the coming year and beyond. It is understandable to feel powerless in the face of widespread corruption and violence, but there is always something we can do whether it is educating ourselves, lending and ear or a hand to build community, marching, writing, donating. The list goes on.

January Earth and Sky

And so to January and our traditions. Since it feels so long since Christmas, I am ready to celebrate again and I’m looking forward to wassailing in our garden on Saturday. We will have mulled apple juice and sing to the apple trees for their health and abundance in the season to come. This is the last of our end of year rituals and it makes a jolly bookend to Yuletide.

My favourite feast on the wheel of the year, Imbolc, St. Brigid’s Day, falls on February 1st and it brings with it hope. The tiny fierce hope that the light will return again and we will make it through the winter. This Imbolc, I will dedicate as a Daughter of Brigid and I thank her for the inspiration she nurtures in me.

Bright Blessings.