Hello Reader. Sorry for sending out another newsletter so close to the Imbolc one, but it's the first Sunday of the month, so that means Newsletter Day.

How did January treat you? It was incredibly long and tough going for me personally. I'm still searching for a job and money is tight - even more so than a usual January. Still, I remain hopeful and am taking advantage of the time at home to continue writing.

No one said no to short stories, in fact, no one said anything, so I hope you enjoyed the one yesterday. 💙

So, what else has happened since last we spoke? Let me tell you...

I've added approximately 15k to Macsen and Delyth's story, bringing it to around 40k (before editing!) One thing I said in my group is that I have a new appreciation for films or books where it is focused on one place and few characters. Two people in a tower is hard to make interesting, but I'm doing my best. 💙

I have updated my review request form, so if there is a book of mine you haven't read, feel free to request it. All I ask for is a review at a date that suits you. If this is something of interest, please click on the link.

The almost-forgotten Welsh festival of Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau

Although it may not feel like a particularly remarkable day, today marks the almost forgotten Welsh celebration of Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau – Mary’s Festival of the Candles.

This Welsh version of Candlemas celebrated on February 2 traditionally marked the coming of spring in Wales and its rituals can be dated back to the 11th century.

The Christian festival is thought to originate from the Celtic festival, Imbolc which celebrated the arrival of the spring.

Traditions involved lighting candles playing parlour games, along with carrying out rites of divination and drinking to the coming spring from a horn goblet or beaker.

After a glug of beer, each family member would throw the cup over their head and if it landed upright, it would signify a long and healthy life for the person who threw it.

If it fell bottom side up, the person was doomed to die early.

Welsh pagans believed that if the sun shone on a pagan altar on Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau, it was a promise of a healthy and abundant harvest for the following year.

But, if a single crow was seen skulking or circling over a house on the eve or day of Candlemas, bad luck lay ahead.

February 2 also traditionally marked the end of amser gwylad (the darkest part of the year) which was a time of keeping vigil.

Candles would be put aside with the increase in daylight and animals would be again fed before dark.

Some churches today still celebrate the promise of longer and brighter days with candle-themed services, although every year it’s becoming less common.

So this evening, why not have a beer and light a candle in remembrance of the cultural heritage and ancestral traditions of Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau.

FREE BOOKS (February)

Did you notice anything in January? Here's hoping for the coming months. 💙

What are you up to this month? Do you have any special plans or events coming up? Let me know if you fancy sharing, and AUTHORS, that includes you!

If you want daily updates, don't forget to join my FB group - Morgan's Musings.

Until next month...

Take care and have fun! 💙