The Essenes are thought to predate the Judaism which emerged out of the Babylonian exile in about 540BC. They were sun worshipping, bowing to the East on sunrise. The Jewish Encyclopaedia describes the Essenes as a branch of the Hasidim, from the Maccabean times. It is a name of great holiness, ascetic, pious and devout, and consecrated to God. They were Therapeutai or an offshoot of these healers, the novices wore blue, the adepts wore white. They sought to restore the rites of the First Temple of Solomon. They were Christian in theory and practice before the time Christ.
Croes Gwenhwyfar. This is situated just off the Llangollen canal towpath where the remains of a base for a stone cross is situated. Croes Gwenhwyfar is Welsh for Guinevere’s Cross. She was the wife of Arthur, and she is also linked to the area through folklore. This is the only site with her name in Britain.
Ffynnon Arthur. On the south side of the Dee river on the old road over the hills to Chirk is the spring known locally as Ffynnon Arthur. The origin of this name is obscure but it overlooks the site of Croes Gwenhwyfar.
From Moon Magic by Marie Bruce - An Element Book
“ Setting up a lunar alter in your home is a great way to connect with the moons power. Having a special place dedicated to the moon and your magical practice is one way you can begin to invite the magical light of the moon into your life. Begin by collecting items which depict all represent the moon, so postcards, pictures, ornaments, candleholders, crystals, mirrors, and so on. Find a place in your home to use as a moon alter. This could be a windowsill, a countertop small to side table. You might like to cover it with a white or silver cloth, but this is optional. Next arrange all your items in a pleasing way, ensuring that you have a couple of candles ready to burn, place towards the back of the water. I don’t incense burner and alter is ready for medical use. You can use the space to cast spells, perform rituals, lay out divination card spreads and lights in the sense in honour of any Luna dirties you are working with. Add a statue of the loan a totem animals you connect with and make the space that is personal to you and your magical moon journey Finally, that’s the space by sprinkling a little spring water over the altar, and saying the following words. I dedicate the sacred space to the loaner light and to the moon is magical grace.”
I met her through a school friend because she worked near my home so we met for lunch, then my old friend wasn’t available but we kept up our twosome lunch dates. We also met socially sometimes. Her partner was very suave, French, a guitarist, well dressed, his hair always amazingly stylish, and he had an import and export business, said with a grin and a strong wink of the eye! They took their holidays in hot exotic places, always returning with a heavy sun tan despite her white skin and full freckles. She was depressed, not a good timekeeper, and would fight me to pay my part of the bill in the restaurant! Oh! Please just let’s keep it equal without a fuss! I have no time for attention seekers. Each time I thought would be the last time we met.
Then one afternoon, we were alone in the restaurant, and she said, “Can I tell you something”, I looked and said nothing. “Do you mind if I tell you something private?” Lots of things came to mind. Her partner was a likely philanderer, was he involved with drugs I wondered? I knew he played in a band that probably took drugs. I wasn’t really wanting any kind of confession, and she blurted put “I’ve been diagnosed with melanoma! It’s quite serious” I felt sad for her. She was impossible to give up work since they needed the money to pay for a buy-to-let property that caused them considerable expense at a time when he was not bringing in much money. They were moving to be near her mother 90 minutes drive from her work station and the long commute strained her low energy levels. She decided she wanted to get married, having been with him for decades, her first love. She went to France to stay with his mother to receive treatment that was said to be better than the NHS but the appointments required considerable time off work. She was too unwell to travel. She got married in a wheelchair. His best friend’s sister was there at the wedding.
La Belle Dame Sans Merci by John Keats
I am remembering poems from my childhood:
Ah, what can ail thee, knight at arms,
Alone and palely loitering;
The sedge is withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.
Ah, what can ail thee, knight at arms,
So haggard and so woe-begone?
The squirrel's granary is full,
And the harvest's done.
I see a lily on thy brow,
With anguish moist and fever dew;
And on thy cheek a fading rose
Fast withereth too.
I met a lady in the meads
Full beautiful, a faery's child;
Her hair was long, her foot was light,
And her eyes were wild.
I set her on my pacing steed,
And nothing else saw all day long;
For sideways would she lean, and sing
A faery's song.
Pilgrimages in mediaeval times were encouraged by the church and many ordinary people took to the countryside to walk from one holy site to another, staying in inns and abbeys along the routes. They were often very unprepared, without suitable clothing or shoes, or even had good health to start with. But this was the religious holiday of the time. People would hear sermons, speak with all kinds of tradespeople, artisans, paupers and intellectuals. They would learn about healing herbs, poultices, how to mend broken bones, how to heal fever and exhaustion, as well as learning about veterinary care of the animals along many of the drovers routes that ran alongside the pilgrims way.
I was born in a place of mediaeval pilgrimage. Each day as a young child I walked twice through the ancient churchyard. To me it was not spooky but more romantic as my mother said that people were remembered for hundreds of years because they were good people buried there. My father said my relatives, with my surname, had their tomb stones on the floor of the ancient church of St Mary. The area was an early compass, as pilgrims would go from one site to another; listening for church bells and watching for church towers and spires. Weather vanes also provided useful advice when setting out.
We will celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March. This year’s theme is ‘Embrace Equality’. Some readers will ask whether those that 'think' like a woman, 'feel' like a woman, or have the 'physical' attributes of a woman, can be included in this category! We hope by sharing our ideas and knowledge, that we can shed some light on this - or will we perhaps make the topic even more confusing!
Women collectively come together for mutual support every International Women’s Day. Women across the world have needed to fight hard for equality and despite legal equality in many modern countries, women are still not equal to men in many ways. They still suffer discrimination and have poorer life choices. They don’t earn equal pay, and they don’t reach positions of power as easily, or as often, as men. Their life is sometimes arduous, their health not taken so seriously, and they can be at major risk of being a victim of crime from those who they have loved. They usually accept caring duties that involve looking after their partner, their children and their elderly or disabled relatives.
Martin Buber retells a story of a Rabbi, who on his deathbed is asked if he’s ready for the world to come. The Rabbi replies with a hearty yes! as he will not be asked “Why were you not Moses?” he will only be asked “Why were you not yourself?”
The epitaph on the gravestone of Howard Carter reads: May your spirit live, may you spend millions of years, you who love Thebes, sitting with your face to the north wind, your eyes beholding happiness”. This is a quotation from the Wishing Cup of Tutankhamen, and “O Night, spread your wings over me as the imperishable stars.”
For everything there is a season, A time for action and a time to be passive, a time to be together and a time to be alone, a time to fight and a time to love, a time to work and a time to play, a time to cry and a time to laugh, a time to confront and a time to withdraw, a time to speak and a time to be silent, a time to hurry and have time to wait.
From Sacred Sites Oracle Cards
Scrying Ritual: Prepare for the scrying ritual by watching a film or reading about the Round Table. You may wish to dress in flowing robes or a cloak, and walk through nature at dusk. When you are ready to begin the scrying, put on some mediaeval music, or some Arthurian inspired contemporary music. Pray over a bowl of water. Take a beautiful goblet or glass vessel and fill it with the prayed over water. Then gaze into it as you awaken your scrying skills.What do you see? Avalon is calling you. Let ancient memories of that time stir within you and give you glimpses of your past life.
"Only our Jim and me were left at home. Alfred had volunteered for the Navy. Dad had died after a month and us boys struggling to stop him getting out of bed – at 92 – to go and hove the allotment. He be fit up to that last month. He talked a bit wayward at the end. He couldn’t place our mam, his Mary Ann, but he know we old boys. Thomas Horton made dad‘s coffin in his old workshop adjoining the churchyard at Enstone. The old pump is still there in the yard. Thomas made dad‘s coffin of polished brass furniture in real brass, pillow lined, he dug the grave extra deep so mum could join dad one day, tolled the bell, paid the Vicar all in 1940, for the princely sum of £7. I still have the receipt.
Keridwen (has part of my name included in hers) is the example provided by the course and her mysterious myths leave me puzzled as to their possible meanings. A cauldron of nourishment, a pot for hot soups and stews, this is still my favourite dish. It could be a symbol of a woman's pregnancy, or of a pot of plenty of any kind, of riches, resources, a family united together, a progressive society, a world of caring, beauty and wellbeing for all people and other species.If Tomorrow Starts Without Me by David Romero
When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not there to see,
His mystery name is 'Sabbathiel' He is credited as the author of the Psalm 85 and he is also credited with preventing Abraham from slaying his son, Isaac. The fire that Moses saw in the burning bush is said to be like Michael. Sarah and her husband Abraham were entertained unaware that they were, in fact, in the company of angels, not men.
The Chinese farmer said, "Maybe, or maybe not, we will see. Personally, I am in a 'wait and see' mode.
Using Science and Celtic Wisdom to Save Trees (and Souls) from NY TimesPart I MERRICKVILLE, Ontario — There aren’t many scientists raised in the ways of druids by Celtic medicine women, but there is at least one. She lives in the woods of Canada, in a forest she helped grow. From there, wielding just a pencil, she has been working to save some of the oldest life-forms on Earth by bewitching its humans.
At 77, Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a medical biochemist, botanist, organic chemist, poet, author and developer of artificial blood. But her main focus for decades now has been to telegraph to the world, in prose that is scientifically exacting yet startlingly affecting, the wondrous capabilities of trees.
How do we know that we are loved and how can we best express our love to those closest to us? Because love and loving, in all its many forms, is not taught in schools while we are growing up. We imbibe from our parents and extended family many ideas about love which might not be healthy and usually we don’t have good role models. Romantic films, books and popular songs do not help our understanding either. When two complex people come together to communicate their love for each other, there is often a mismatch. In life partnerships, one might want move to the country, the other might want to stay in the city; one might want a busy social life, the other might be more solitary; one might be very ambitious, the other laid back. How are these conflicts to be resolved? Does one partner always get their own way and the other acquiesces? Does one manipulate while the other becomes angry? Does one partner have staying power while the other is prepared to leave? Many of these questions are hard to answer but talking about needs for affection, attention, caring and thoughtful consideration and co-operation are part of a good and wholesome loving relationship. Negotiation is usually the answer, where both parties receive some of what they want whilst honouring the equality of the needs of the other person.
Our lives have changed significantly since the pandemic. Many people have lost jobs, homes, friendships, some have lost their health, others are suffering from bereavements or think their futures have radically changed. We are spending long hours at home, working or caring for family members, some are caring for and educating children, many are alone and missing social occasions. Love is even more important now than ever before!
Counsellors are frequently asked questions about love and partnerships and these are not easy to answer! We need to concentrate on giving love in order to receive it and that is usually achieved through empathy (which is being able to feel what others can feel), to laugh with them when they laugh and grieve with them when they grieve. Love gives us a wonderfully energising feeling of connection, wonder and excitement. Love boosts our confidence and has been found to be exceptionally good for our mental and physical health. Yet, it is full of difficulties because human beings are complex and we need to listen and become aware of how the other is feeling and understand and be sympathetic.
Clues to ego states:
Controlling Parent: should, must, always, ridiculous, being critical, condescending, disgusted, firm, pointing finger, frowning, angry, posture hands on hips, attitude judgemental, moralistic, authoritarian.
Nurturing Parent: good, nice, I love you, splendid. Loving, comforting, concerned. Accepting, smiling. Leaning forward, understanding, caring and giving.
The Dream: A purple winged heart from a vase filled to the brim with the supreme magical power of love. Love takes form within the vessel and can be poured into the cupped hand of one that is open. Never a closed fist! in the centre of the winged heart is a smaller vibrant heart that is open and receptive. This heart nurtures and overflows with caring and happiness. Unconditional love is embedded within the soft velvet petals of a deliciously fragrant rose, as roses have always been a favourite of Cupid's messengers. The universal symbolism of the heart represents the human hearts role as a beating muscle that is vital to life. Like the beginning of a love affair, everything in this dream is enhanced by love's transcendant glow.
The Casterot family lived in the Boly Mill in the poor town of Lourdes which lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees. When Father Casterot died, he left his wife and daughters with their home within this working flour mill. Mother Casterot was keen to marry her eldest daughter to a man who would maintain the family wealth by taking care of the mill, home and entire family - including her - and take her husband's place as head of the household. Francois Soubirous, a local mill worker was chosen to wed the eldest Casterot daughter, Bernarde. However, he refused her in favour of her younger sister, Louise, and despite the large age gap of 18 years, Mother Casterot agreed to the marriage though Bernarde had been groomed to be the matriarch of the family was slighted to be refused by this illiterate workman which lost her inheritance and power base. Bernarde owned a tavern and lived with Francois, who had rejected her, and her youngest sister, Louise, who had been chosen over her, and her mother, who had endorsed the marriage! Within an exact year, in 1843, a little girl was born, named Marie Bernarde, known as Bernardette. Within a few months of her birth, Louise burned herself so Bernadette was sent to a wet nurse in Bartres, a considerable journey from Lourdes.
Love....
Our lives changed significantly due to the pandemic. Many people lost jobs, homes, friendships, some lost their health, others suffered from bereavements or think their futures were radically changed. We spent long hours at home, working or caring for family members, some were caring for and educating children, many were alone and missed social occasions.
Love is even more important now than ever before! We need to concentrate on giving love in order to receive it. This is achieved through empathy, which is being able to feel what others can feel, to laugh with them when they laugh and grieve with them when they grieve. Love gives us a wonderfully energising feeling of connection, wonder and excitement. Love boosts our confidence and it has been found to be exceptionally good for our mental and physical health. Yet, it is full of difficulties because human beings are complex and we need to listen carefully and become aware of how the other is feeling, and be understanding.
‘Love, soft as an easy chair, love, fresh as the morning air; One love that is shared by two, I have found with you. Like a rose under the April snow, I was always certain love would grow; Love, ageless and evergreen, seldom seen by two. You and I will make each night a first, every day a beginning; Spirits rise and their dance is unrehearsed, they warm and excite us, 'cause we have the brightest love.’ ‘Evergreen’ song lyrics by Paul Williams and Barbra Streisand:
I was watching Joan Fletcher’s The Story of Egypt, enjoying my memories of visiting the major tourist sites 45 years ago. It inspired a dream of shopping in a souk and seeing a beautiful gold embroidered cape, eating in a restaurant and then realising I had lost my shopping bag. In my dream I returned to the area but had difficulty finding the place. I kept asking if anyone had seen it. Eventually, a man threw this cape over the table I was sitting at. I still was asking for my shopping bag. He showed me a black one. No, mine was canvas. I woke up thinking I had lost my purse, cards and phone!
Once, I ran from fear...
Make a list of things that make you feel proud and good to be alive, eg., exams you passed; your driving test; your home; getting a job you liked; cooking a meal; winning a prize; maintaining a relationship; going on holiday, etc. Then ask yourself: Who am I? What do I like and dislike? Have I been here before and why am I here? Was any kind of life mission decided for me? What did I daydream about when I was a child? What, who and where are my greatest loves? What am I passionate about and why? What could be my life purpose? Did I agree to perform a responsibility or duty before I was born? Where is my Soul Group? Are they with me now? Have I met a soulmate or soulmates? Who are these people? Why are they here? How can I be the best version of myself in this life? What can I do to help this planet Earth?
I’m sitting in The Angel public house today in Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, with Dave, my husband, and the conversation moves to the Grail. I was speaking about this creative and inspired story, the item being a grail or platter. Beginning with Chretien de Troyes, whose name means Christian (though I was reading about Bernadette of Lourdes last week who was thought to be a cagot and some believe that Chretien was also one of this despised and Untouchable community.
Well, we can learn from fiction as much as fact, and this story is a strange fantasy. Where does it begin? It is circular and the end returns to the place where it begins many times, but we began by talking about Arthur’s Round Table, and how the knights of old, after many battles and tournaments, were despondent, exhausted and infirm. Their lands were devastated and the people struggled to survive. Around the great table, these knights solemnly erected a seat at their table. They placed a sign above the seat. This was the Siege Perilous, a seat named by Merlin for only the noblest and the holiest, upon which all their hopes depended.
The Lovers is a complicated and multifaceted key. The traditional ideas surrounding it deal with adolescence and sexual discovery, free will, empowerment, making choices and forging bonds. The modern approach takes these aspects and unites them with one's inner mascline and inner feminine to create a balanced personality. Internal struggles betwen dualities can create negativity that projects outwardly ie if there are polarities in the inner life then there will be conflicts in outer relationships. Love sensuality and sexuality can be very transformative if we are aware of our patterns and create a place of balance from which to relate. A loving and committed union with another person can increase one's understanding of life, creation, and renewal, bringing both partners closer to their soul self and one with the Divine. The Lover's card's gift is emotional healing from the sacred marriage within that brings a solid loving relationship into your life and into the life of your partner. 6 is the number of balance, harmony, completion, integration and transformation. These gifts are not automatic but need to be created through attention, understanding and commitment of both parties.
This card is all about the quality of your feelings. The nudity of figures represent beauty and naturalness. Symbolically, it encourages honesty and at the same time warns of insolence (shamelessness and lack of culture). The red forms in the upper corners can be interpreted as a curtain that can be drawn across, obscuring the appreciation and gratitude required to fully know what this card reveals. On the left and right sides, two springs gush, representing the inconsistencies of emotional life.
On 12th night after Christmas Eve, take a bowl or jug filled with cider, toasted bread, any flowers you can find in the garden, and ginger and cinnamon. Sprinkle the liquid with a sprig of Rosemary on to the fruit trees saying “Here’s to thee, old fruit tree! And when thou Mayes blossom and blow, hat’s full, and cap’s full and my own pockets too. Peace and goodness be among you”.
Discuss your thoughts and feelings honestly with those you love. We are invited to question what next? This is a time for review and reflection. Where have you come from? Where are you now? Where do you want to be? This is your time to prepare for a bright future, the best it can be! As with any quest, we need to be able to clearly visualise where we want to go. We can’t just accidentally arrive there. We need a spiritual map of the journey. Envision your happiest and most productive future. Bring the law of attraction to its zenith of power in your life, and when you have it figured out then, and only then, take action. Until that time, peacefully develop the awareness of flashes of inspiration and original creative ideas. These epiphanies are part of our life purpose, and are meant to guide us on our way to joy. Possibilities for 2025. A job or career change. An important milestone. A call to fulfil your destiny.
2025 is number 9, the most spiritual number available to us. It is a year to develop new understanding, compassion and perception. It is the number of the muses, whose creativity and intelligence reveals what is hidden and will help us realise what is new and good and pursue these. It is a year of great importance for the planet and its species, for our physical and mental health awareness, for political activism, and it will be an heavy year for all kinds of change-makers and thought-leaders.
