Sadly, Marie and myself forgot to put the comments book out on this occasion. I say sadly, because I know there would have been some superb remarks written about this afternoon.

Marie kindly opened up her home, and seven women took up the offer. We started the afternoon discussing what Imbolc was all about, the meaning of the word, and how the energies of the Earth were rising. It was emphasised that being in tune with the Earth allows us to 'go with the flow', to understand why we feel the way we do, and set our own goals to work with those energies.

We went on to each make our own Brigid's Cross. With craft materials everywhere, the room fell silent as we all focused on our work. Women working together in circles such as these is very meditative and empowering in itself. In times gone by, and yet still all around the world, women gather together in such circles. It is a time for feminine energies to work together and be at peace in a community of compassion and love. A time to feel comfortable enough to open one's heart and soul to speak words often hard to say. When women are at peace, and their heads are down involved in their work, words of wisdom and comfort flow as easily as the craft they work with.

After all of that hard work, we had a break to enjoy the snacks that we had all brought along to share. Sharing food together is another great way to bond, and always interesting to see what kind of combination arises!

With time fast running out, we then took our pots and planted within them a seed to represent our goals for the coming season. This was done with guidance of how to focus energies on the growth of the seed to represent the goals set in our lives.

Finally, the Imbolc Fire was lit, and we stood outside in the February cold with our mugs of steaming hot chocolate. What a perfect end to a wonderful, inspiring afternoon.