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Stephanie Ascough's avatar

I’d never heard of the third way of observing spring, and how fascinating to learn about the 3 different sub seasons! I love that! Some ways I celebrate this time of year are: basking in the scent of warming earth, watching for and naming the birds that visit our neighborhood, seeking out violets & daffodils, and bringing out my spring candles. 🕯️

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Caitlin Gemmell's avatar

It's fascinating, isn't it? I must say though, I don't really agree with there only being one period of winter. Living where I do, in upstate New York, winter used to drag on for six months out of the year, but it would feel like there were distinct sub-seasons within winter. That's changed now with climate change, but winter still has distinct periods. I love your celebrations! I'm looking forward to seeking violets and daffodils too!

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CJ | A Well-Read Tart's avatar

I saw some snowdrops blooming the other day and got excited. Now I'm carefully watching my garden beds to see if the tulips start pushing up soon because I'll have to spritz them with pepper spray immediately so the deer don't get them!

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Caitlin Gemmell's avatar

That makes my heart so happy! I adore snowdrops. Haven't found any here yet but I imagine they'll appear quite soon. Thanks for mentioning the pepper spray. I'll have to try that. It's been impossible to stop the deer and rabbits from devouring everything outside of our fenced in garden. I had to put chicken wire all around my roses! I understand the struggle!

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CJ | A Well-Read Tart's avatar

If you want to make homemade spray, boil some chopped peppers (I use habaneros and jalapenos) in a ton of water, along with some cloves, cinnamon, and garlic powder. Strain out the chopped veggies, then add a little olive oil to your water. Oh, and unless you REALLY love the smell of peppers, do this with your windows open! I’m actually going to make my spray on the grill this year because the smell in the house made me gag, lol.

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MacFinnian Aisling Fíodóir's avatar

This is a very interesting read. I followed the Celtic wheel. So Imbloc marks the first day of spring for me. This has more to do with the energies and the way the earth is waking up and so I find this fascinating to see it from your perspective. It’s just made me think a lot

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Caitlin Gemmell's avatar

I follow the wheel of the year too and mark the very beginning of spring at Imbolc. I love that the pre-spring, early spring, and full spring seem to fit with Imbolc, Ostara, and Beltane. I tend to time my celebrations with what I'm feeling energetically too. So, I might light candles for Imbolc a few days earlier or a few days later than February 1. I'll just suddenly feel a hint of warmth on the wind and think, "Okay, it's time. Now it's Imbolc."😊 I'm glad you enjoyed reading!

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MacFinnian Aisling Fíodóir's avatar

Well, February 1 is just the calendar date, because we forgot how to calculate the true date. 😅

I actually follow Anthony Murphy more accurate date, but also believe that it’s not just one day like you said it’s a couple of days it’s a gate period.

Then add in whether or not the Cailleach abilities to get more supplies (groundhogs shadow) for 6 more weeks of winter.

Lots of thoughts floating thank you! 🙏

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Cheryl Kaye's avatar

I got new wellies (I wear barefoot shoes and have been waiting years to find proper barefoot wellies), and I cannot wait to go tromping about in wellies, waterproofs and my cargo shorts. Splashing in puddles with my nephew is high on my list. 😁

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Caitlin Gemmell's avatar

Oh my gosh! I had no idea there were barefoot wellies! I'll have to search for some. My son (almost a teenager) actually stomped in puddles with me today. I loved it! Enjoy your rainy day adventures with your nephew. That sounds wonderful!

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Cheryl Kaye's avatar

Brand is Wildling. They're a German based company but I love their footwear, they're all so comfy.

I'm love a good puddle stomp, in summer storms I will take my nephew in the garden to dance in the rain. 😁

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David Barton's avatar

Lovely ideas ✨ To me, spring began here on 22nd February. There was a very noticeable shift all around. Winter may yet have a sting in her tail, but if not spring proper yet, certainly pre-spring 🌱

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Caitlin Gemmell's avatar

I love it that you noticed the exact date. 😊 Some years I record those seasonal shifts in my journal. It's always fun looking back and noticing what the world around me was like at that time. I hope you enjoy spring whether she is just playing hide and seek with us or has decided to stay put for a while.

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Lynden Wade's avatar

I think that's a very healthy way to regard Spring, having several mini-seasons. This should help us not get disappointed when, despite us seeing the first rays of sunshine, we still need our hats and gloves. I love your list. I wish I was brave enough to natter to the birds, but most of ours are in the Common, and rather public!

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Caitlin Gemmell's avatar

I love noticing the sub seasons within a season. It makes a lot of sense to think of it in this way, particularly where I live. Oh, I can just see you having a lively conversation with the birds! I hope you get to one day. 🩷

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