Monday, 28 July 2025

Time - A Story

Once upon a time, on a remote island, there lived six beings: Happiness, Knowledge, Love, Sadness, Wealth, and Vanity. 

One day, their island started sinking. One by one, they built small boats and left, except for Love. 

Love did not want to abandon her beloved home. Only when the island was completely flooded, Love - standing up to her knees in water - decided to ask for help. 

Wealth was passing by in her boat when Love asked, “Wealth, can you take me with you?” Wealth answered, “Sorry, Love, I can’t. There’s a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There’s no place for both of us in here. We’ll definitely sink.” Next, Love asked Vanity, who was sailing by, but Vanity also refused. “I can’t help you, Love. You are all soaking wet and might damage my boat.” Sadness was rowing her boat nearby, so Love asked her, “Sadness, please, take me along with you.” “Oh, Love, I’m so sad that right now, I need to be by myself!” Sadness replied in a gloomy voice. Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so preoccupied with her own elated thoughts that she did not even hear when Love called her. 

Suddenly, Love heard someone’s voice. “Come, Love, I’ll take you.” She turned and saw an elder with tattered clothes that she had not seen before. Overjoyed, Love jumped into the boat. When Love landed on a dry land, she was greeted by Knowledge who had been the first to arrive. The elder climbed out of the boat and left without saying good-bye. “Who helped me?” Love asked Knowledge.

 “It was Time,” Knowledge answered. “Time?” Love was surprised. “Why Time?” “Because only Time is able to know how valuable Love is,” Knowledge smiled.

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Sea Fever - A Poem

 Sea Fever by John Masefield

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
 
I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
 
I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

Tuesday, 22 July 2025

22nd July Feast Day

Today, 22nd July, is the feast day of Saint Mary Magdalene. It was in very recent years (2016) that she has she been made into a 'saint' by the Vatican, as previously, she was only commemorated because since the early days of Roman Catholicism, she was regarded as a prostitute, a person extremely reviled in her time. 

Now the Vatican have realised - after 1,700 years - that the woman described in the gospels as having seven devils cast out of her by Jesus, two important things, firstly that prostitution might have had nothing to do with '7 devils', and also that this woman gave her money to support Jesus and his disciples in his 3 year ministry. So did the Church think that Jesus was living off immoral earnings! 

Monday, 21 July 2025

Beware - The Fortune Teller!

Since ancient times, divination has been a treasured tradition in all cultures across the globe, and in today’s world, we have a huge selection to choose from. Anything can be used to make predictions! The flight of birds, the fall of dice, the shape of clouds – the list is endless!

     Firstly, and most importantly, you need to think of a question which you would like to have answered and secondly, you need to be very discerning when receiving your answer.

     Some people have lost their life’s savings after visiting a phony fortune teller who convinced them to invest their money in a bogus scheme, so beware, for this reason foretelling the future is no longer fashionable – and no longer legal! Especially seeking medical and legal advice is highly foolish! Many forms of divination offer something that is no more than chance average and no more relevant than the person performing the reading.

The Magdalene’s Story

We don’t know very much about the Magdalene. She is mentioned 12 times in the New Testament - the earliest of Christian writings. At no time is there ever any suggestion of her age, though she is usually shown as a young woman, equally, she could have been very old. She is one of several female followers of Jesus who assisted him financially when he was teaching and healing from Galilee to Jerusalem. As she ministered to Jesus and the disciples from her own resources, it can be assumed she had an independent source of wealth. She is not named after a father or a husband, but after a word meaning 'tower'. This could be a place name, or a name of distinction relating to her ability and kindness. Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward, Chumash, and Suzanna and many others also provided Jesus with resources, therefore they were vital to his ministry. 

The gospels tell us that Jesus healed her of seven demons. We do not know what these demons involved, perhaps illness or distress. Did she come from Migdal, a town in Galilee? It is not thought so, as there was no town of this name in the first century. 
 

Saturday, 19 July 2025

Article

 On a recent trip to a major London art gallery, I heard a group of young people laughing and praising a large exhibit. On closer examination, I discovered it was a painting of a woman, with legs spread eagled for all to see her delicate private parts and her naked body was splattered liberally with blood red paint. This painting was described on the accompanying plaque as a celebration of women.

     Our minds, capable of absorbing so much, our daily bombarded by video shot images of gross distortion of the human mind and body, we hear expletives without adequate foundation. Television programmes cater and cause limited attention syndrome. Psychological manipulation is used for large corporations to appeal to our anxieties, needs and grades. We are justifiably fearful for the safety of our homes and ourselves. Our lives are controlled by consumerism and competition. We are losing our well-being. We are losing healthy relationships with our family and friends. We are losing ourselves also.

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

PCA training 1989

My first essay on Carl Rogers - Person (Client) Centred Counselling. 

The purpose of this essay is for me to examine my thoughts towards the person centred approach (PCA) to group work, counselling and practice, to state why I have chosen this approach for my particular client group, and how and why I would specifically use this approach in my work. I will explain the way that core principles of congruency (authenticity) empathy, and unconditional positive regard conflict (even experienced therapists can be challenged in these three areas). I would like the reader to be aware that my attitudes are still in the process of development, and many of my ideas have not been formulated from books but for my own experience and therefore my position may vary at times from traditional theory. 

My reasons for choosing to use this counselling style (PCA) are that I believe it is the most gentle of therapeutic approaches and causes, potentially, the least damage. Often a client arrives to see a counsellor in a distressed or damaged state, and the object is to help this person in the gentlest, calmest and quickest way. I think PCA is the best first-aid particularly for delicate problems and events. I also think that there is less resistance than in psychoanalysis, so therapy can proceed at the clients pace without pushing, and this is both reassuring and empowering. Carl Rogers says the client “Can become more aware of their personal strengths, and can become increasingly autonomous and creative as the architect of his or her own life. Because of the total focus on empowering the individual, we have come to think of this method as a ‘person centred’ approach“ Carl Rogers. A Way of Being page 182

Your Gift Meditation

 
This is a free YouTube meditation written by Wendy Stokes and presented by Erica Longdon.  
Visit:  http://angelhandsheal.co.uk/welcome/

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Dr Cliff Kendall - A Message


"I made the decision to go on hunger strike on 14/07/2019 hoping that I might add something to the push for more aggressive action regarding climate change and the ecological crisis. I don’t generally encourage hunger strikes; in particular I would criticise any young activists’ involvement as it may encourage people to get involved without appropriate maturity and support. I’m doing this with a lot of forethought and also, as a clinician, as someone who has some understanding of the risks involved. While I’m willing to encounter some risk and discomfort to make a point, I am continuing to take oral rehydration solution/vitamins and will reconsider my position if significant risks emerge.

Monday, 14 July 2025

What is Alchemy?

Alchemy was known as the 'royal art' and was the earliest form of chemistry. Khem was the original name for Egypt, the first country in history to specialise in the use of chemicals. 

Alchemy was burdensome and secretive, often working over stills and furnaces with poisons and unknown chemical reactions. Serious illness or death could ensue. These were the great adventurers of yesterday. It was considered to be extremely expensive and it bestowed great power, therefore its processes were kept secret and were considered magical. Wealthy patrons were promised marvellous things in return for their patronage, such as turning cheap metal into gold, and an elixir which would give eternal life.

When I was young, I was fascinated by mediaeval alchemy. It visited the British Library to read ancient texts and I saw illustrations of extraordinary monsters, crowned kings, wolves, lepers, strange marriages, peacocks, the slaughter of children, dragons, mermaids, and other wonderful and disturbing images. Could base metals ever be turned into pure gold? It is said in occult circles that Albertus Magnus in 1280, could change lead into gold but this, of course, is impossible (though the British Museum has a medallion that belonged to the alchemist, John Dee that was said to have been created from alchemical gold.) There was a lot of false claims because the alchemists were paid vast sums to research, and as their health deteriorated, they became more desperate to pretend they had found a great secret. 

Sunday, 13 July 2025

The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem witch accusations began in 1692 in Massachusetts Bay in a small, isolated community. Those involved were mainly uneducated and brought up in a radical puritanical environment where the preacher regularly spoke of the devil. The first to succumb to this hysteria was a 13 year old girl named Goodwin who thought some missing linen had been stolen by a washer-maid. The washer-maid's mother, a church going Roman Catholic, fiercely defended her daughter. Goodwin's brothers and sisters started to have fits and said they sometimes saw the washer-maid coming down the chimney! She was the first to be accused, sent for trial, tortured and hanged.

Spiritualism Part Two

UK Spiritualism is experiencing a revival of books, TV stations, telephone lines, daily newspaper reports as ghost hunts, medical psychics, possessions, apports, missing children found, psychic art, psychic children and animals, channelled videos, and a hundred and one ways to conduct healing, add to the readings and messages from loved ones in Spirit and we have a huge revival taking place not only in the UK but throughout the world. 

Saturday, 12 July 2025

Sir Patrick Spens - A Poem

A Poem from my childhood....

The King sits in Dunferline toun,
Drinkin the blude-reid wine
‘O whaur will A get a skeely skipper
Tae sail this new ship o mine?’

O up and spak an eldern knight,
Sat at the king’s richt knee;
‘Sir Patrick Spens is the best sailor
That ever sailt the sea.’

Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Fourth Force Field Analysis

Why are you here? Do you believe in yourself? Can you take positive action to create a good life for yourself and others? Are you clear about how to have a good and healthy life and future. Do you take risks? How resilient are you? Are you open to new ideas? Can you commit fully to life, relationships, work, and health? Do you have a strong support network? Do you identify and analyse problems and provide solutions? Are you accountable for your life? Do you exercise good judgment? Do you make sound decisions? Do you enjoy success? What are the payoffs for your life? Do you have a winning script? What is its title?

What do you stand for? What were you born to achieve? What is your life purpose? Do you live a soul-led life? How will you birth your inner journey? 

Friday, 27 June 2025

Ireland - A Visit

Ireland has a tragic history of hardship, famine and poverty, yet the spiritual traditions of its people still flourish. The whole island was once known as “the land of mystics, scholars and poets” and to this day, the country people are steeped in the rich traditions of soul and spirit.

Throughout the summer months, Ireland is host to fine food, music, art and song festivals. Mayo, on the Atlantic coast, is no exception. This county has a stunning wild and desolate landscape that is appreciated by photographers, writers and holiday visitors. It has coastal and countryside walking, mountain climbing, golfing and bird watching. This is an Irish language speaking area and is known for its marvellous heritage sites, such as Neolithic stone circles and cairns, round towers and monastic ruins. Long before the Christian era, pilgrimages were made to holy wells and mountains which were venerated by processions and the reciting of incantations, petitioning for requests and the giving of offerings to the Gods and Goddesses.

Wednesday, 25 June 2025

The Grail



What is the Holy Grail? Many ask this question - and there are many interesting answers! However, we don't know what The Grail is, as it has never been found to our knowledge. It is described in many ways, and always as something with the greatest of abilities for healing and transformation! 

Wolfram’s title of the Grail in his poem is “lapis exilis” - the philosopher’s stone and it bears the inscription “Any Templar appointed by God’s hand to be master over foreign people, must forbid the asking of his name or race, and help him gain his rights”. Dated 1210AD This was a declaration of human rights 5 years prior to The Magna Carta. 

The Grail first features in a 1118 poem by Chretien, a name that means Christian so we know he wasn’t a heretic. He was a troubadour (a writer of courtly love and aristocratic or religious devotion), of the ancient town of Troyes in the Champagne region of France. The poem describes several motifs; a knight with a pure heart, a mysterious castle, a lame 'fisher' king, and an enigmatic procession of servants carrying items, such as a lance, a sword, and a woman who carries a dish that holds a communion wafer. 

Because the Grail Castle knights and the Knights Templar wore white, there could be be a connection between them. The Champagne region was a rich and important commercial area. Bernard of Clairvaux, the nine original Templars, and Chretien, all came from the Troyes region of which Chartres, once a Druidic grove, was the spiritual centre. 

Sunday, 22 June 2025

Mary’s Story

Luke uniquely tells us the story of the mother, whereas Matthew’s account has the father as the central character - history was told always from the male perspective! We read of a girl named Miriam (or Mary in translations), who had come of age to marry, she would be around the age of 12 - 14 yrs old. We are told she was betrothed to a Joseph, meaning that they were engaged but she would be living with her parents, a home she would rarely leave until she married. They were of the House of David - a royal line when a corrupt puppet king sat on the throne of Judah. 

Suddenly, a supernatural messenger from God, an angel named Gabriel appears. Mary was agitated and disturbed by his presence, because this Angel has a name that translates from the Hebrew as the ‘strong man of God’! This unobserved girl, concealed in her family home, finds herself no longer isolated but in the presence of one who is spoken of as an angel who is called upon to incite war and who destroys the enemy! Here Gabriel acts as God’s instrument, and a young girl is confronted and alone with a male stranger to whom she is not related, and she refutes accepted customs!

Sustainable Living

To minimise your carbon footprint, 

Never throw away fabric. It can be recycled! 

Superdrug recycle your medicine blister packs. 

Use oat milk rather that cow’s milk.

Only buy locally sourced and sustainable fish, such as Cornish hake, Dover sole, and handling caught mackerel. 

Buy environmental toothbrushes, not made of plastic but made of bamboo. Body Shop still has refillable bottles for toiletries, etc. 

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Let Me Go - A Poem

When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long, and not with your head bowed low, 

Remember the love that we once shared, miss me but let me go. 

For this is the journey we all must take and each must go alone.

It’s all part of the master plan, a step on the road to home. 

Sunday, 15 June 2025

Ladder of Learning


There are 4 stages of the ladder of Learning. 

Unconsciously unskilled

Consciously unskilled

Consciously skilled

Unconsciously skilled

Lake Isle - A Poem

The Lake Isle of Innisfree by William Butler Yeats

I am sharing poems that I remember from my childhood...

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

Saturday, 14 June 2025

Friday the Thirteenth!

One of the biggest lies the patriarchal system has cast on the Divine Feminine is the demonization of the number thirteen. Missing from airplanes and hotels the world over, it’s become the scariest number within mass consciousness.
Possible justification for this comes from speculative claims that both The Last Supper and the Crucifixion allegedly happened on Friday 13th. But the patriarchy has always had it in for Friday 13th and this is likely a cover up for something that runs much deeper - The Divine Feminine.
Not only did the number 13 happen to be the luckiest number in the Goddess calendar, Friday 13th was the luckiest day of the year. In more ancient Pagan times, the year was not divided into 12 months as now, following a man made calendar, but 13, following the cycles of the Moon. The new month began every 28 days, in accordance with a woman’s menstrual cycle and the New Moon. This was the Goddess calendar. Then the church got involved and things changed. Looking to move power away from the Divine Feminine, it added two or three days onto each month and got rid of the 13th month.
February is the one month of the year that still only has 28 days, with an extra day thrown in every fourth year, which we of course call Leap Year - a time when women ad allegedly allowed to propose to a man, so a very distance connection to the Goddess there.

Friday, 13 June 2025

The Story of Drugs

 Hello, My name is DRUGS – I destroy homes, tear families apart, take your children, and that’s just the start.

I’m more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold, the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
and if u need me, remember I’m easily found, I live all around you, in schools and in town.
I live with the rich, I live with the poor, I live down the street, and maybe next door.
My power is awesome; try me you’ll see, but if you do, you may NEVER break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go, but try me twice, and I’ll own your soul.
When I possess you, you’ll steal, cheat, and lie. You do what you have to just to get high.
The crimes you’ll commit, for my narcotic charms will be worth the pleasure you’ll feel in your arms.
You’ll lie to your mother; you’ll steal from your dad When you see their tears, you should feel bad.
But you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised, I’ll be your conscience, I’ll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids, I turn people from god, and separate friends.
I’ll take everything from you, your looks and your pride, I’ll be with you always, right by your side.
You’ll give up everything… your family, your home… your friends, your money, then you’ll be alone.
I’ll take and take, till you have nothing more to give. When I’m finished with you you’ll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned this is no game. If given the chance, I’ll drive you insane.
I’ll ravish your body; I’ll control your mind. I’ll own you completely; your soul will be mine.

Saturday, 7 June 2025

Song for the Earth

 


Sharing this beautiful song for the Earth. You are welcome to share!

Friday, 6 June 2025

In Search of Silence

“silence is the absolute poise and balance of the body, mind and spirit. The person who preserves their selfhood is ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence. If you ask ‘What is silence?’ The answer will be ‘It is the Great Mystery. The Holy Silence is His voice’. If you ask ‘What are the fruits of silence?’ The answer is ‘They are self control, true courage and endurance, patience, dignity and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character.’ 

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

The Psychology of Colour


Colour has meaning in all countries of the world, throughout al, times, and especially in our modern world. the Mother of Jesus is shown in blue, and sometimes gold, Mary Magdalene often in red. Jesus is often shown in red, why should this be? As a form of recognition and because colours have meaning! 


Pantone, the colour specialist, has defined the most fashionable colour for the entire year of 2019 as 'coral' (or what I describe as 'salmon' which has less connotations with the sad situation of our seas where coral is dying due to pollution and being mined for jewellery).  However, this is a flattering colour for those with fair and sallow skin and it makes attractive decor, if a little light for practicality.

Homeless Dog Adoption

Canine rehoming centres are full of homeless dogs this winter. Many were very expensive to buy as puppies, the most fashionable breeds cost up to £2,000! 

These, once loved dogs, can end up homeless for many reasons; those who bought a dog during lockdown are now returning to work and are not at home for long hours all during the week, and the increase in the cost of living, so the high cost of some dogs can no longer be afforded. Big dogs cost more to keep than smaller dogs and this means that larger dogs wait longer to find an new owner. 

What to look for when adopting a dog from a rehoming centre: First, research the needs of the breed - most have special needs of some kind. Some breeds are not easy to train, some can never be let off the lead, some need huge amounts of exercise, some need visits to parlours for clipping, etc., some struggle in the heat, some shed hair and might cause allergies, some are guard dogs and bark a lot, maybe too much for neighbours, some need expensive vet treatment if they have genetic illnesses. The rehoming staff will be able to advise on these matters and on any emotional needs, such as a dog that is unhappy to be left for long periods alone, or feels anxious around other dogs. 

Sunday, 1 June 2025

Avalon Oracle of the Day!

THE LADY OF SHALOTT - LOVE - IDEALISM - ILLUSION - VICTIM.

"Look deeply into thine own eyes and allow yourself to fall into the beauty you see reflected". Who is the Lady of Shalott? She lives alone - downstream of Camelot - in a tower. She lives under the threat of a curse that she must never look out of her window but look only into her mirror where she sees life outside her tower reflected.

A lyrical ballad by the poet Alfred Tennyson is based on the medieval 'La Damigella di Scalot'. This lay tells the tragic story of Elaine of Astolat. She saw Sir Lancelot passing by the tower in her mirror and she couldn't resist looking out of her window. Then the mirror cracked! She decided to leave her lonely tower in pursuit of this beautiful knight. But she is rejected by him! The story tells us that she found a boat and climbed inside and sang mournfully as she sailed to her death! The curse was that she could never experience romantic love.

Sancto Claros and the holy well


Saint William Sancto Claros: this name was taken from the holy hermit, a Scottish divine named saint, William Sancto Claris, who had travelled to France, and he lived his days in prayer and meditation, in simple hearts by healing by the well on the river Epte. This was the same river where Rollo, the Viking had come to terms with the French king. The hermit was called Sancto Claros, meaning holy or clearly/ 

He was apparently scandalised by the loose morals of a lady of the region! He predicted she would come to a bad end! He could not be persuaded to hold his tongue and the lady, rather confirming his view of her as a child of Satan, the old hermit had her murdered. The loquacious hermit was beheaded. And because of this, Saint Williams Sancto Claro is represented as a headless figure, holding seven heads in his hands. Once again the motives of a holy man and decapitation had surfaced. The More family had taken this new name for this headless man of great sanctity. What was this symbolic reference to the ritual decapitation of a holy man who has shown himself to be filled with the spirit of God, that is Jesus the holiest of men? When I also recall that Catherine Sinclair had married the founder of the Knights Templer. Even before the excavations beneath the Temple were complete, certain families immediately connected with the poor Knights and had chosen the symbols for themselves, which appear to confirm their knowledge of the secret head, and the ritual that have been confirmed on the body of Jesus.

Oracle Card Reading for June

Firstly, a card with the Number 21 titled 'The World' from The Mysteries of the Star Tarot by Philippe Rouchier. Its position, as the first card chosen, is of fundamental influence in your present situation. The energy is depicted as a strong, bare-chested man with long, flowing black and white hair and with a white beard and moustache. His eyes are hidden in shadow. He is holding in his hand a ball of energy. The traditional meaning of ‘The World’ card is wholeness, success and completion. This is a new beginning that will take place for you but the shades need to be lifted from your eyes in order for wisdom to be available, and for the energy to be used well. It is the card of maturity, of strength and wisdom. You hold this potential within your hands!


Secondly, I have chosen number 19, the Sun, from Motherpeace Tarot by  Karen Vogel and Vicki Nobel. This is the card of power, joy and freedom. We see here young people of all nationalities coming together and dancing and endangered animals thriving. The yellow colour of the background denotes intellect. As June 21st, is the beginning of the summer, we are reminded of the coming of the high summer, delighting in warm days, and the flourishing of life. 


Next, from Viking Oracle by Stacey Demarco, the card of the resourceful and honest goddess Skaldi. Maybe Scandinavia was named after her! She says: Know yourself. This is the most important aspect of our life's work. And express your independence in a way that is caring and balanced. Create your path as one of authenticity. Compromise is part of every relationship, but don't let it push you into being someone you aren't. Speak plainly - Skaldi gives us protection for journeys, and guides us through especially difficult times in our life. She is direct in her guidance and respects personal freedom. If you need direction in your life, ask for her wisdom and assistance.  

 
Lastly, Numbered Zero, The Fool from this exquisite deck by Lo Scarabeo, this card is a delight to see.  She looks like the Primavera, the season of spring, so nonchalant, young, and without a care in the world. However, as she dances merrily beneath the magical moon, we are reminded that by looking behind her, she is not paying attention to what lies ahead, and she could easily trip and fall over the edge of the mountain! This card tells us that our imagination can be a tool for creativity or a danger where we forget to focus on what is important, to be present, realistic and practical. 

Reading by Wendy Stokes, click on hyperlink to website: https://wendystokes.co.uk


Saturday, 31 May 2025

What is Spiritism?

In Poughkeepsie, New York State, in 1847 an uneducated faith healer and medical seer, Andrew Jackson Davis, wrote an autobiography entitled ‘The Principles of Nature, Her Divine Revelations’. In this book, he described his very remarkable channelling mediumship abilities which he had discovered whilst experimenting with the techniques of Franz Mesmer whose early work, entitled ‘animal magnetism’ was being modified, resulting in the discovery of ‘intentional somnambulism’ an early word used for ‘trance’. He was in touch with intellectuals in the spirit world, such as Swedenborg and Galen and he went on to write fifty books on education, health, politics, psychology and philosophy. Within a short time, in Hydesville, a local town in New York State, two young sisters, Margaret and Kate Fox reported strange knockings and rappings. These developed into a code that revealed - it is said - that a peddler had been murdered and buried in the cellar of their home! An excavation revealed some bones and the previous owner of the property, Mr Bell, was accused of murder on account of this. 


Saturday, 24 May 2025

Author Information

If you are writing a non-fiction book, an agent is not usually needed. You do not need to complete the book before sending your work to a publisher. Just three chapters, the list of contents, and a synopsis are sufficient. However, you do need to write an interesting letter to the publisher about yourself and your qualifications for writing the book. 
You also need to demonstrate to the publisher that your book will be a best seller, and you do that by having a good marketing strategy with press releases, a book launch, organising talks, publishing extracts, writing articles on the topic, making YouTube videos, and getting as many interviews as you can including on radio shows. If you know a successfully published author, ask them to write you a letter of introduction to their publisher. All this helps to show you are a serious writer - not a one book wonder! 

A non-fiction book is usually a minimum 60,000 words so aim for this ballpark word count. Remember that the title and subtitle that you give your book might not be the one that the publisher agrees to publish under. Publishers have standard titles that your book might comfortably slot into, or there might be another book on the market with a similar title. Each publisher has a niche. See their submission guidelines and rigidly keep to them. 

Monday, 19 May 2025

Walsingham - England’s Nazareth


The date is 1061, and Harold Godwinson, son of Godwin of Wessex became Earl of East Anglia on his father’s death. He had been promised kingship of the entire land by King Edward the Confessor but in the years just prior, he had a paralysis that was cured at the miraculous cross at the abbey at Waltham.

In this year, the Virgin Mary appeared several times to a Saxon noblewoman, Richeldis de Faverches and instructed her to build a replica of the house where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, and where he told her she was to bear a son, whose name would be Immanuel - ‘God is with us’. Richeldis followed Mary’s instructions, and one night, whilst she was deep in prayer, the building materials that she had bought, suddenly assembled themselves into a holy house in the tiny village of Walsingham on the Norfolk coast. This quickly became a major centre of pilgrimage, one of the very first in this country. It was built because pilgrimages to Jerusalem were dangerous and, during this time, there was serious conflict between the French and English. An Augustinian and a Franciscan monastery were soon erected nearby. When gazing up at the night sky, the Milky Way was called the Walsingham Way of the heavens. 

Sunday, 18 May 2025

Herbs


Sunflower: Cultivated 3,000 yrs ago, dedicated to Sun God, Helios. 
Hops: Pliny 1st century, and used for brewing by 8th century. 
Agrimony: Used as a heal all in Anglo Saxon times. From Agrimone Greek. Used for eye and skin disorders 
Hyssop: from Hebrew, a holy herb used for purifying temples and rituals. 
Elecampane: Helen of Troy was gathering this herb when she was abducted by Paris. 
Lavender: Used by Greek and Roman from lavare to wash. Insect repellant properties.
Meadowsweet: a strewing herb used in Elizabethan England for church weddings and bridal garlands. Sacred to the Druids.

FREE healing meditation

With gratitude. A beautiful FREE YouTube healing meditation presented by the US musician, Heather Kropf. 15 minutes of personal enjoyment. Ensure you are not interrupted! Visit Heather Kropf's website: https://www.heatherkropf.com/

Saturday, 17 May 2025

Codependency No More Book Extract

Dependency issues: Many codependents don’t feel happy, content, or peaceful with themselves. They look for happiness outside themselves. The latch on to whoever or whatever they think will provide happiness for them. They feel terribly threatened by the loss of anything or person they think provides their happiness. They didn’t feel love or approval from their parents. And they don’t love themselves. They believe other people can’t or don’t love them. Desperately they seek love and approval. They often seek love from people incapable of loving. They believe other people are never there for them. They equate love with pain.

Friday, 16 May 2025

The Invocaction of the Graces

I bathe thy palms in showers of wine, in the lustral fire, in the seven elements, in the juice of the rasps, in the milk of honey, and I place the nine pure choice graces in thy fair fond face : the grace of form, the grace of voice, the grace of fortune, the grace of goodness, the grace of wisdom, the grace of charity, the grace of maidenliness, the grace of whole-souled loveliness, the grace of goodly speech.

Dark is yonder town, darker those therein, thou art the brown swan, going in among them. Their hearts are under thy control, their tongues are beneath thy soul, nor will they ever utter a word to give thee offence.

A shade art thou in the heat, a shelter art thou in the cold, eyes art thou to the blind, a staff art thou to the pilgrim, an island art thou at sea, a fortress art thou on land, a well art thou in the desert, health art thou to the ailing.

Thine is the skill of the fairy woman, thine is the virtue of Bride the calm, Thine is the faith of Mary the mild, thine is the tact of the women of Greece, thine is the beauty of Emyr the lovely, thine is the tenderness of Darthula delightful, thine is the courage of Maebh the strong, thine is the charm of Binne-bheul.

Thursday, 15 May 2025

How to Make Non Alcoholic Elderflower Champagne

Ingredients:
15 elderflower heads in full bloom
4 litres of hot water
Juice and zest of 4 lemons
2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar


Saturday, 10 May 2025

Dreams Part One

Dreams have been an inspiration to many people throughout the ages. Robert Louis Stevenson, Mary Shelley, Graham Greene and Stephen King used their dreams to provide the characters and plots for their fictional books. Barbara Cartland dreamed the story-lines to her novels - in fact, she believed God gave them to her in this way! Many artists have been inspired by dream images, especially Salvador Dali and those of the Surrealist Movement. The composer, Guiseppe Tartini dreamed the entire ‘Devil’s Sonata’, following a dream Edward Elgar wrote the first theme of his Cello Concerto and Igor Stravinski composed an entire octet whilst asleep. The music for Paul McCartney’s favourite and most successful record, ‘Yesterday’, was heard first in a dream.  

Sunday, 4 May 2025

Rapprochement Card Reading


Taken from the card of Justice by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber: This card depicts the naivity of youth yet it contains very ancient wisdom. It is a winged angel that carries the heart-tipped-star-encrusted spear of Ultimate Truth. This extraordinary spear cuts through obscuring veils to reveal hidden wonders. The bright, shining blade only deals punishment that is deserved, or provides protection for validity of innocence. The scales held in her right hand weigh all factors, and finds the pivotal point between truth, order and justice. Yet she is not blindfolded, and she sees all sides of any given question. Behind this impartial Angel of Justice, a pink sky indicates the dawn of recovery as Justice must prevail. The angel has chosen to take her stand on a huge leaf of neutral space that Justice brings to a world in chaos in terms of ecology, health, finance, education, well-being, legal and all other necessary attributes. Without Justice, no kingdom, society or organisation can survive for long. 

Now is the time for seeing the other person's viewpoint. It is time for a balancing out of accounts on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Conflict resolution involves the risk of letting go of power in the short term for rewards in the long term.

Gipsy Vans - A Poem

 Gipsy Vans by Rudyard Kipling

Unless you come of the gipsy stock
That steals by night and day,
Lock your heart with a double lock
And throw the key away.
Bury it under the blackest stone
Beneath your father's hearth,
And keep your eyes on your lawful own
And your feet to the proper path.
Then you can stand at your door and mock
When the gipsy vans come through...
For it isn't right that the Gorgio stock
Should live as the Romany do.

Saturday, 3 May 2025

The Wood Wide Web

Trees remove the dangerous levels of carbon dioxide from our air, and make wood from it. They give out helpful oxygen! This huge synthesising work takes place in addition to supporting wildlife and providing beauty free of charge!

Pollution affects trees, the climate change causing them distress. They find hot summers, cold winters, floods and droughts difficult to cope with. Many infections and pests, especially from abroad are killing them. We all need to think of planting a suitable tree that will help wildlife and the planet. The oak, for instance, supports over 2000 species and 300 of those only live on the oak tree! 

Friday, 2 May 2025

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

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Cornish May Song


 Shepherd of goats upon the wild hills way, lead they flock from darkness into the light of day, forgotten are the ways of sleep and of the ways of night, some seek for them, but their eyes have lost her sight, open the door to us, the door which hath no key, the door to dreams that you command whereby I come to thee. 

Card Reading


From ‘Mystical Healing Reading Cards’ by Inna Segal 

Card number 12 Experience Rebirth page number 33

This current era signposts a path of inner transformation. Over the next few weeks you are offered an opportunity to review your life, and find out what is missing, and what is needed. You will find the time to be involved in this inner awakening process so you can delve deeper into your inner being and learn more about who you are, and where you are going with your life. You are asked to choose a new and slower path that involves the development of sensitivity and empathy, kindness and openness. This requires a level of inner growth that you have been yearning for and is an opportunity to review your life to remove old ideas, beliefs and ways of being that do not serve you. When you replace them with meaning, purpose and service to others, the old, irrelevant ways disappear from your life and you will embrace the new path of awakened faculties within yourself that you never thought existed. You might up chanting, walking in nature, find new friendships, take up a new course or new reading uplifting or challenging books or watch podcasts from thought leaders that will expand your mind and awaken your abilities. 

Search