Hello Beautiful Souls, in our first January, ‘Cycles and Soil’ letter we gather as Winter claims the land. Let us breathe in the deep wisdom of the frozen ground and marvel at the beauty of this fleeting, fragile cycle of time.
The air is bitterly cold; the trees stand like icy statues, and their stark, bare branches reach out towards the frozen footpath where I walk. All is white and as I squint at the early morning dawn; the vast brightness shimmers across the feathery strands of Hoar frost that lie silently upon every branch and every fir.
Winter has claimed the earth with his steps of ice and his breath of snow.
The start of the new calendar cycle has brought plummeting temperatures, a wintry full moon and scattered snow across the land. As the human world moves again with traffic, hurried footsteps and new year goals, Winter returns fully, reminding us that his cycle is not yet complete.
As I walk, I hear my footsteps on the hard ground and they sound hollow, empty, ringing across the earth, making me feel I may wake up whatever sleeps, deep down within the soil.
As I pause, I look across the fields to the line of trees waiting for me and the distant river winding its way through the ancient Oaks and Birch, travelling slowly under the old, cobbled bridge and continuing through ways I cannot follow. As I listen, I am aware I cannot hear the river, all is silent and the trees stand like icy, ghostly silhouettes against the horizon.
I feel frosty tendrils weave into my scarf and around my feet; despite the thick boots my toes feel numb and far away. With a gentle exhale which sends breath like translucent mist into the air I continue to walk along the path, down towards the trees, towards the frozen River.
If you wish to linger a little longer with this winter walk, the letter continues in the paid ‘Cycles and Soil’ space.
We have had the shortest day; the light is returning and yet it seems we have been plummeted into the depths of coldness, of raw, icy days that make us long for the full bloom of flowers and the soft breeze of Summer. As I rub my woolly gloved hands together to create any fragment of warmth, I realise how January has a glory of its own. How it speaks of hushed footsteps, whispered voices and quiet moments at dawn. How this first month of the year is winter itself in all its raw beauty. Without the twinkling lights of Christmas, the bare branches covered in frost can spread a light that belongs to them alone.
I realise as I walk, I am no longer alone. On a nearby frozen Rowan Tree a Buzzard watches me out of piercing yellow eyes. His still and silent form seems to be part of this frozen landscape, his energy withdrawn, his ruffled body a shield against the bitterly cold air. As I walk closer, he takes off and soars above, his magnificent wings carrying him over the hill and to places my footsteps have not known. I look back at the Rowan tree and see how the branch where he sat is bare of snow and how red berries cluster together, shining like Winter, fragile jewels.
Reaching the line of trees, I listen again for the river but all I hear is a gentle silence and a sense of being of anytime or place. The air is bitterly cold and I long for my own fire and warming drink. I sense the river has retreated, has surrendered to Winter’s deep sleep, its water gently flowing underneath the insulated blanket of gleaming ice.
I turn towards home and listen to the earth’s quiet wisdom. Winter moves in its own time, steady and unhurried, reminding us that patience can be found in stillness, and that even in the cold, we are, like the river, gently being carried forward.
I have walked far enough and as I make my way home, I listen to the earth’s wisdom and surrender to Winter’s cycle of time. I reflect on how we can, in our busy world, find peace, quiet and reflection. How we, like the trees and river can show patience and allow Winters steady, icy voice to guide us forward.
Thank you for taking this gentle rest with me and joining me beneath the soft glow of this January light; for being part of ‘ Cycles and Soil.’ Your quiet companionship means more than words can say.
I wish you seasonal warmth and peace
Clare
Beautiful words - thank you so much for bringing such a joy-filled moment to the week 🙏🌿