“Jack leaves and back spring
We’re here again, here again
Dance trees and a winter bird
Flying home, we’re here again, here again”

— The Blue Aeroplanes, Jack Leaves and Back Spring (Beatsongs, 1991)

Today there is sun.  I can feel it coming through the window and, nearing the end of January, it is a welcome reminder that spring is not so far away. While I am quite fond of the dark and cold of winter, my muscles especially enjoy light and warmth.

In Scotland there is a folktale that the goddess Bride (Brighid in Irish myth) is held captive by the winter crone, Cailleach Bheur (literally ‘the old woman of winter’).

The god, Angus Og (‘Angus the young’) goes looking for Bride in what is clearly a seasonal tale in the mould of Demeter and Persephone.  It is not hard to see that Angus is a solar deity, and as he grows older the power of winter is diminished. At this time of year, winter still has the upper hand but will continue to grow weaker as the days lengthen and the sun gets stronger.

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