Savouring Spring Equinox

Dawn circle atop Glastonbury Tor

The Vernal Equinox of 20th March 2012 was an exuberant entree into Spring. launching the mood and intention of new growth and beginnings which will carry us us through to Beltane at the start of May, when the town of Glastonbury explodes in a riot of colour and drama and energy.





The weather colluded in the unfoldment; as we approached equinox, the balance point between light and dark, a week of misty, cold weather with flat grey skies set the tone, a final pause and winter breathing its final breath before spring, sunlight and warmth reclaimed the skies.

Celebration, ceremony and ritual mark all turning points in nature's cycle here in Glastonbury. With pride and conviction I assert that we do it well. Locals show up to organise and participate and the town draws in visitors from all over the UK and other nations too, because it is so special.

Well head dressed for spring

Some began at dawn; climbing the Tor and sharing a sunrise meditation. I opted for the Chalice Well which had free entry as is usual on special days. I spent a good while seated by the cascading red waters in the lower garden, catching sunlight on my face and watching visitors arriving at the gatehouse above.

Eventually I was joined by two close friends and we decided to enjoy the sacred fire quietly rather than taking part in the midday meditation, having first visited the beautifully dressed wellhead to pay my respects to the water in a silent prayer of gratitude.





In the afternoon a different type of celebration, serendipitously a housemates birthday meant that our living room was filled with balloons, cake, ice cream and gifts and also joy, laughter and sharing.

A few days later I adjusted my clocks to British Summer Time -  Spring forward, fall back is a neat way to remember. Silently and efficiently my phone and laptop reset themselves, impressive!

This first light evening of the year was graced with glorious sunlight and steady blue skies, an invitation to be outdoors with friends and make the moment last.  I visited a friend who has just relocated to a pretty cottage enviably located a stone's throw from the Chalice Well.

Radiant sunset

It was a supper party that almost happened outside. Sitting on the daisy spotted lawn with views across the levels, it was a mellow moment.

As the sun slowly set before us and there was talk of a building a fire.... Maybe next time. Sharing around a fire with a group of close friends is as good as it gets for me and it was satisfying to feel enthusiasm and excitement for good times to come.

 
We ate inside, an abundance of home cooked vegetarian food. After the meal, as daylight fell away, gently illuminated by tall candles, stories began to emerge; remembrances of old Glastonbury,  the brickworks of Sandpits lane, the gasworks of Northload Street. Tales from the early days of Glastonbury Festival, lovingly embroidered and told with great fondness and animation.

Here was a very special moment, a de facto family gathering, a soul family, entertaining each other in a simple, time honoured and tribal way and we were keeping our history alive. With this understanding I paused to savour this point of connection and store it in my bank of positive memories.

Back home the night skies were still clear, revealing the moon and stars in perfect clarity. A slender silver crescent highlighted by bright Venus, trined by Jupiter. As I stood  in awe, a text came through on my phone, an artist friend was also star gazing, 

Check it out, a symbol of hope and love for humanity!

Aho to that!

Peaceful blessings

Jennifer

Calendar of events at Chalice Well  www.chalicewell.org.uk/


Photo credits:

Tess Jennings dragonet66@hotmail.com
Amanda Gazidis www.amandagazidis.com

Early Spring at Glastonbury Healing Gardens

Recently I took a Bristolian friend to visit the Glastonbury Healing Gardens, the permaculture and foodshare project I belong to.  It was 11am, the sun was high and the gardens were flooded with warmth and light. 

The sky was blue with perfect white clouds and the sense of spaciousness and tranquillity was just lovely. 
 
Wow, announced Thinley, It’s a mandala!


She was referring to the layout of the growing beds in circular formation. As the ground was relatively bare, it was easy to see the shape, based on sacred geometry.  

Thinley also remarked upon the quality of the soil, which in accordance with organic and permaculture principles had been heavily mulched and enriched to improve fertility and drainage. 

Serendipidously, Juliet Yelverton, who conceived and created the gardens was working on the land and greeted me with a smile and a hug. 

She was wearing a large red pair of protective gloves as she had been collecting nettles for her personal use,  encouraging me to do the same, 
 
These are the most useful plants we have growing here, 

Juliet spoke with great enthusiasm,   

I’ve been juicing, you can also steam them, excellent for the lymphatic system and the kidneys.

Juliet also pointed out a clump of cleavers, another native wild plant, growing vigorously. Thinley took some away to add to green smoothies.   

Juliet guided me around the planting and I picked out some sturdy brussell sprouts, emerald green chard and delicate fronds of parsley. Juliet explained that although the recent hard frosts had affected the tender chard, there was a strong growth coming through, it looked to be hardy variety well suited to its environment.


From across the field, we were being waved at by Rowena, a member who lives in Coxley, just a few miles from  Glastonbury. 

She paused her work to lean on her fork, relishing the bright sunshine and declared,  

I think I’ll get a sun tan today! 

We certainly chose a great day to spend time at the gardens. 

A real sense of spring in the air, of the return of the sun and of possibilities and new growth.

Back at home, I steamed the brussell sprouts for my evening meal, storing the greens in the fridge.

Tip: rinse greens in cold spring water and store in a plastic bag for maximum longevity.

The chard and parsley are tender enough to be finely sliced and added raw to a lunchtime salad. 

I cycled back over to the gardens a couple of days later to take some more brussell sprouts. Juliet was working on the land again and in buoyant mood. Across the field I waved at Zoe, who is highly committed to the project. 

Zoe was in the initial stages of erecting a structure, a canopied seating area for summer that would provide shade during the hot part of the day and planned for hop vines to grow over and provide cover.


Zoe proudly pointed out how a tender looking kiwi bush had survived the late winter frosts and for her this seemed to have a symbolic value, resilience under duress and the ability to rejuvenate!

I was introduced to Joe and Ankah, who were working on separate tasks. 

Joe has been here since day one 

Explained Juliet, with warmth, 

His was the first spade to strike the soil and then others came.

Indeed Joe was digging purposefully as she spoke, having firstly created beds to contain fruit bushes, he was now planting them into the rich, fertile soil; blackcurrants and raspberries - so much to look forward to!

Ankah was also planting out, tender young plants for summer crops of broad beans and rocket. These vulnerable babies were protected by sturdy cloches, large transparent plastic water containers. 

The Healing Gardens Co-operative is actively seeking new members and offers freshly grown organic produce in exchange for  time spent on the project and a membership fee.


For further details visit the project website www.glastonburyhealinggardens.com

Spring blessings 

Jennifer