I know it's only January, but I am eager for spring right now. I work in fashion retail, so all the spring lines are coming in now. Bright pinks, greens, blue and coral in floral patterns adorn the shop floor, while the January sale gets rid of the old winter wardrobe. I have to wear whatever's on the shop floor, so that means I'm sporting spring wear despite the cold. We are in the midst of the coldest time of year in Britain, and I am hoping for a sprinkle of snow at some point, but 2014 was the warmest year since records began, so I'm not gonna get my hopes up. I have noticed lots of green shoots coming out of the cold wet ground, and they look like early daffodils. Well, as soon as I see crocuses in bloom, I'll know it's definitely spring. In the olden days, February was actually considered the beginning of spring, and until the 17th century, this was formally celebrated with Candlemas on the 2nd of February. Candlemas is the Christian festival of...

If you've seen my latest videos, you will have noticed that I'm bundled up in hat, scarf, coat, etc. The weather is wet and windy, with storms raging across the country. Still, the temperature seems to be quite mild. I expect the weather is going to get colder, and hopefully we'll have some snow soon! The beach looks amazing when it's covered by a fluffy white blanket. It never lasts very long but it's so ethereal when it happens, I really am looking forward to it. You might be mistaken for thinking that the shortest day of the year ought to have been the coldest day of the year, but this isn't so. The temperature takes some time to cool down, and so there is something we call a "seasonal lag". It's only after the Winter Solstice that we begin to experience the lowest temperatures. In fact, January and February are the coldest months of the year in England. And so the night of February Eve can be thought of as the middle of the coldest t...

I was asked for a purification ritual that did not involve fire/smoke, so I am writing this up here for anyone who may find it useful. Remember that when you perform a purification/cleansing of space, you are creating a vacuum, and that this void must be filled with something. So always remember that once you have performed your purification you must concentrate on what you want to fill that void with. Perhaps a loving energy, peace and tranquility? Be specific and focus on your intent. Asperging is the sprinkling of a liquid in order to cleanse and purify. For example, you may use fresh water collected from a stream, sea water, morning dew, or rain water. You may stand your water under the midday sun or the midnight moon (or both) to imbue the liquid with solar and lunar energy. You might also want to use essential oils in your water. Asperging can be accomplished using a bundle of fresh herbs that you can dip into the water. Dip the herbs in the liquid and with a quick flick you...