Ark of the Covenant

When the Temple was built on Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the altar, placed in the Holy of Holies, contained a piece of furniture referred to as the Ark of  the Covenant (ark meaning container, such as a coffin, chest or box). Precise instructions were given as to how it was to have been constructed. It was to be built of shittim (acacia wood), which is still growing in Sinai and widely used today. It was to be an oblong box 2.5 cubits by 1.5 cubits, (3’9” x 2’3”) that within and without was to be overlaid, and inlaid on the lid with gold, and edged all around with gold. 2 golden cherubim were to kneel on the cover facing each other with their wings outstretched to overshadow the throne of mercy which was the top of the Ark. It was to be fitted with rings at each of the four corners, through which staves could be passed for carriage. These were also to be acacia and inlaid with gold.

”You place the throne of mercy on top of the Ark... there I shall come to meet you: there from above the throne of mercy, from between the two cherubim”.  

Glastonbury - A Visit

I had not been to Glastonbury for at least 35 years so it was a delight to visit again and see the amazing changes - and also see so many things that stayed the same. It is a place where legends associated with all my favourite characters are brought to life. Perhaps a pre-Christian holy site, since the days when Joseph of Arimathea* brought two goblets (believed to be the Grail from Golgotha after the death of Jesus) to our land and placed his staff into the ground. The hillside is now called Weary All Hill because he and his group were exhausted from such a vast sea and land journey. I recently attended a family wedding at the ancient church of St Just in Cornwall where Joseph's boat is said to have arrived into the small bay. Joseph is an ascended master and I sense his energies all around

How to Chair Meetings

The role of the Chair is to ensure the agenda for constructive plans are discussed and carried out and also to ensure the accurate recording of the meeting. Any correspondence is given at the start of the meeting. If there is too much on the agenda, the Chair decides what are the most important matters to discuss. The Chair also decides the limits of the discussion, and returns the meeting to the topic whenever someone strays. She/he insists only one person speaks at a time, and that everyone understands what is being said and why. Matters adjourned from previous meetings are dealt with. The Chair identifies problems, supports an exchange of ideas, evaluates alternatives, and selects a course of action usually by consensus, majority vote, by unanimity, or by the Chair’s decision. Who? When? Where? How? Questions are asked. The minutes of the meeting must be typed as soon as possible after the meeting and the Chair must check they are correct and make sure they are circulated to all members. The Chair makes essential and emergency decisions between committee meetings and helps workers deal with difficult situations. The Chair must check themselves for personal bias at all times and act as spokesperson for the committee, not themselves. Usually the Chair is elected in some democratic way at an annual general meeting usually for a fixed period, such as 3 or 5 years.

It is the role of all other positions within the group to see that the Chair does their role properly. 

Music Choice

Wendy chooses music for her blog and has chosen this video of a street performer for you today as he plays the piano for everyone! Enjoy!

The Holy Grail - Part Three

I remember stories of the Grail from early in my childhood. The earliest memory was the poem of La Belle Dame Sans Merci which tells the story of a young women confined in a castle who longs to be rescued. In those days, a woman, like a child today, could not survive alone and even today for many women, life alone is undesirable. This mediaeval young lady admires knights on horseback as they ride past on their way to Arthur's majestic court in Camelot. She is aware of their fearless reputation for saving the fair sex because these men were chivilrous, courteous, strong and kind. She hopes they will see her, but she is invisible to them, and they pass by without acknowledging her. In her distress, she decides to take her own life, and in a small boat that floats to Camelot, she dies of desperation. 

As a child, I read many of poems of knighthood, and also the stories of the quest for the Holy Grail. The era in which the original poetry of the Grail was written were dangerous and complex times, and the poem itself is surrounded with mystery and strange occurrences, as though set in an extraordinary and tragic dream. Visions and dreams have a special wonder and magic, and what we witness within them are allegory, metaphor and symbols. But the map is not the territory! 

But what is the meaning of the strange Quest for the Holy Grail? A disabled fisher king awaits vital questioning! If we approach the grail story as though it was a dream, it becomes very meaningful. In dreams, we often describe events without the expression of emotion - and this story is extremely enigmatic. Could it be a wisdom story that holds importance for the time in which we live today? It could describe an urgency related to the healing of the Wasteland, and due to the lack of questioning, the opportunity to heal is lost. 

Healing

Healing is the art of transference of power. It is extremely ancient, and existed in all ancient cultures and societies. The healer is a person who links to this power through a variety of means, sometimes through touch, sometimes through the mind alone. Animals and children and those who are in a coma can receive healing and anyone, even non believers can receive it. During the healing time, you might feel something, or you might not. If your don't feel anything it does not mean that the healing hasn't worked. The experience is usually relaxing and requires nothing of you. You could even be elsewhere or might not even know that healing is being sent to you. Sometimes, only one session is required, sometimes many sessions. No one can guarantee that healing works, or how it might work. Often results are not what are expected. Healing is not an 'instead of' treatment your doctor will provide, but a 'complimentary' treatment which is in addition to your doctor's advice and recommendations. Many healers do not charge money for their healing expertise and time. You can discontinue your healing sessions whenever you wish. Many healers are trained and registered and abide by particular conditions and codes of conduct.

 One of the best books on the subject of healing is ‘Healing Into Life and Death’ by Stephen Levine. Stephen has many years of experience working with people with many types of illness. He is a counsellor and meditation teacher, and has worked extensively with terminally ill patients in the Hanuman Foundation Dying Project where he is a director, and has also worked with prominent specialists, such as Elizabeth Kubler-Ross.  

Questions and Answers from postbag

Dear Wendy: Where is Troyes and is it important historically? Micky Mac

Dear Mickey: Troyes in Champagne region of France, is a city built on a very early Christian martyr holy site. It is at a strategic cross roads, and was known for sheep rearing and for its early goods fair. Bernard of Clairvaux was from this region which was a hot spot of culture, chivalry and Knights Templar activity. The Count of Champagne asked the Tironesian builders to found a school of architecture in Chartres. The St Clair family originated in Champagne region, and the Tironesians had a connection to Scotland and Rosslyn Chapel. 

Dear Wendy: Can ghosts be stopped from haunting? If so, how can this be done? Kat Bishop Adel, West Yorkshire