The evidence left us by the early inhabitants of the British Isles indicates that they viewed the calendar year as a circle or wheel with fixed points determined by solar and lunar activity. In addition to the well-known solstices and equinoxes, the ancients marked the cross quarter days or halfway points between with appropriate celebration. The music and lore is alive with imagery associated with the turning points of the year and our relationship to the natural world, and our program presents a vivid picture of these events and their significance today. Imbolc is half way between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. The name is derived from Oi-melc or ewe's milk as this is the time of lactating sheep. The guardian is the maiden Brigid whose realm is the hearth, the dairy and women.She was so revered she became an Irish Saint with whom many miracles are associated and is the patroness of smiths, craftspeople, poets and musicians. Represented as a maiden, she is transformed from the Cailleach, or crone, of winter.