As children in Wales we were told of Blodeuwedd, the beautiful maiden made of flowers. It is a sad tale, as so many of the old tales are.

She was brought into this world through mans desire and made completely from the blossoms of oak, broom and meadowsweet. Through her own folly, she was later transformed into an owl as penance for deceiving the man who loved her.

The idea of beautiful beings as manifestations of our natural surroundings has long invoked wonderful visions in my mind; so much so that these elusive woodland spirits came into being during the winter of 1998/99.

Having lived in both places, I find now that for me, the seasons are far more distinguishable in the country than ever they could be in the town. Here we have first-hand experience of all that is a part of the natural world; this is Mother Nature at her most intimate. The crispness of a winter morning is all the more beautiful when you can witness the early mists as they clear from the foot of the mountain to allow the pale hazy sun a brief appearance on the day.

The transition between each season is a wonderful thing to behold, but winter bears the most beautiful gift of all; its ability to capture the essence of both fire and ice. The only season where the two opposites can co-exist in relative harmony.

'Gabhal' was the first spirit of Samhain. She is named after the Irish word meaning 'branch.' Her time is that of Midwinter, when all that was once alive and flourishing lies dormant, waiting for the first snowdrop to push it's way through the frosts and snow. Her branches are bare of any adornment save a whisper left by the early morning dew.

The Irish word for mistletoe is 'Drualas.' Surrounded by mist, she has covered herself in pearl-like berries, a jewelled addition to her rich forest foliage. In the darkest depths of the night a traveller lost, could mistake her fruit for stars hanging silently amongst the velvet leaves.

The catkin or 'Caitin' appears toward the end of winter's reign. A hardy, windswept blossom, she stands stubborn against the North Winds icy breath. She is strong, proud and beautiful and the last of the three spirits. It is at her will that the appearance of spring is decided.