A few words from a guest blogger, the wonderful Fuggo King, of  Woodland Treasures…

Since our Samhain sweatlodge I have been pondering on the seeds I am sowing in this dark, hibernating, quiet time of the year. Now the light is returning I am starting to feel a connection with the seeds that so many friends and acquaintances have sown during the dancing laughing and festivals of the last year. As we all celebrate 2012 in whatever way feels appropriate I would like to share my enthusiasm and love of life. That is what touches me in everyone I meet, what I search for, what I want to help people germinate, nurture, bring to flower, fruition. I am not sure that 2012 feels that different for me personally, but I am joyful in celebrating each moment and tracing back through the last year, special moments at festivals, in my new job, through friends on the internet. Then I see those seeds linking through into this year’s seasons and celebrations, the excitement of new projects, meeting of friends old and new, letting go of what I no longer need and welcoming in light and LOVE. I am also very excited to be reading my new Earth Pathways Diary and knowing how many of you are doing so at the same time.

Fuggo xxx

And so this witching time is upon us….how delicious…..my favourite festival of the year. A group of us gathered to honour our Ancestors beneath a beautiful  Beech tree, turning from its dark leaves to coppery brown. We spoke names of loved friends and family into the circle, which was lit by candles in jam jars….simple but moving, as dusk fell around us, ushering in the winter.

Today, a quieter walk through Slad woods, catching spiralling leaves,  our footsteps winding slowly up the very steep Swifts Hill. At the top, looking out over the gently misted five valleys that I call home, sharing spiced apple juice (thank you Barbara for the apples!) and homemade chocolate biscuits, soft and crumbly.

The time of roots, and of resting. It begins.

… buy local!