Breaking bread and meeting the Jesus Deck

Street entrance to the Chapel

Yesterday I attended a friendly celebration of Lammas, first harvest, held in the tiny, virtually hidden chapel of St Margaret and Mary Magdalene here in Glastonbury.

When I arrived, Diana, the minister was in a bit of a flap, as she described it, she was experiencing,  "Oven malarky".

She, her volunteers and visitors had been symbolically kneading and shaping bread dough by hand, but the oven, specially purchased for the event, had tragically failed to perform due to  electrical malfunction.



 

Resolute, undeterred, Diana was making arrangements by telephone to use the oven at St Benedict's close by, but was gracious enough to pause and welcome me with warmth, interest and personal attention.
 

View of chapel and garden

I had dual motives for visiting, I liked the idea of a small scale ceremony in such an intimate and private feeling space, that is very much my mood these days.

And I was intrigued by a note on the chapel's facebook page:

'At a loose end on friday afternoon? Come and join us. There may well be some Jesus Deck reading as well.'

Jesus deck readings!?  

I needed to know more, and rummaged around online for some background information on the deck, which is a reprint of an original edition from 1972.


Diana led me along the short length of the chapel lawn, bordered by stunningly well attended flowering plants; it felt to me to be one of the most beautiful and balanced gardens in Glastonbury. The rear bench grants a generous view of the chapel and a true sense of seclusion and safety, though we were only yards away from  a heavily trafficked main road.

Sample card

I could have simply sat and absorbed the bliss of my surroundings, but Diana had the Jesus Deck with her and talked me through it: essentially a summarised pictoral representation of the life of Jesus. A format of 52 cards, divided between the four apostles, plus two 'jokers'.

Diana explained that she didnt perceive the cards to have a divinatory function, but that she did give 'readings' whereby would invite a person to select a card and give a commentary on the episode of the Christ story in question, and that maybe this would be helpful in assisting that person with any current life situations.



She performed this service for me. It was helpful and the card I selected felt pertinent and meaningful. Diana found significance in the colours and imagery and this gave almost a Jungian flavour to her commentary. We discussed my spiritual journey, the cosmopolitan composition of the Glastonbury community and I received a personal prayer.

Symbol of the first harvest

The bread duly arrived. Presented in a variety of shapes that were personalised by the bakers , traditional plaits, twist and cottage loaves and even a a hedgehog!

We used our hands to 'break the bread' and then eat some. Which was warm, crusty outside, soft inside, a little salty, light and good. The feast was completed by a basket of plump, sweet summer berries and enhanced by the steady sunshine and blue sky above.


I took a peek into the main chapel, which I had visited once before, at night, for a session of  the Dances of Universal Peace.

I noticed two delightful icons of female saints that had surely issued from a small painting studio that presently occupies one of the former almshouses. And picked up a copy of the prayer booklet from the ceremony, which I had missed, having arrived late.

Icon of St Margaret

The next formal event at the chapel will be another from the Celtic calender, at Autumn equinox.

The Jesus Deck is available exclusively from The Diocese of Chelmsford Resource Centre: 

Tel: 01245 294405
Email:  resources@chelmsford.anglican.org

Stay up to date with Chapel news and events
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mary-and-Margaret-Charity/

May your harvest be bountiful!

Jennifer

High summer at Glastonbury Healing Gardens

Good things to come!

I set out for the Healing Gardens under a changing sky, indigo clouds with a cool feel to the day. The sound of tall grasses swooshing in the wind accompanied me as I descended the grass pathway to the growing area.

I paused to greet the chickens who clucked and clamoured as I approached their enclosure. And passed young fruit trees carrying their tender offspring: cherries and apples for later in the season.

A little further along, tiny translucent berries ripening steadily illustrated this moment in time - the sweet spot between summer solstice and lammas.


 
 
As I browsed the produce in the planted beds, I noticed that many wild insects were sharing this special place with me. Certain species clearly having an affinity for certain plants: ladybirds on the sage and mint, bees all over the borage and earwigs crawling under the kale.

Exuberance and colour

A delightful sense of harmony spread through me and I thought about how, when we garden with sensitivity and care, nature blesses us with the gifts of her diversity.

The clouds looked as though they might burst at any moment, so I detached myself from my musings and got busy with the day's harvest. Juliet had asked me to pick up some chard and I was interested in salad ingredients for myself.


There was a choice of chard; red, yellow and white stemmed varieties growing comfortably alongside each other. Two types of kale, several lettuce varieties, landcress, rocket, flat leaf parsley and bronze fennel.

I was excited to see so many edible flowers; surely the essence of summer - each a miniature mandala - balance, beauty and perfection on a small scale.  I made my selection with a happy heart.

A nest of onions begging to be picked!

In contrast to the delicate blooms and leaves in the salad beds, heavy, brooding artichokes, robust broad beans like giant's fingers and families of earthy onions asserted a vigorous presence nearby.

I admired a row of strange alien shaped allium heads that rose high into the skyline.



 
Turning to leave, I noted a bed of chard stalks, left on the earth, laid out to decompose and nurture the soil.

The poetry of dead forms

A transparent reminder of the cycle of life, the quiet efficiency of nature endlessly recycling and wasting nothing and the poignancy of death and changing forms.
  
Each time I visit the gardens I feel grateful not only for the wonderful food that nourishes my body, but also for the gentle teachings that I receive wordlessly from the plants and other living creatures.

Healing Gardens indeed.


 
Glastonbury Healing Gardens Co-operative is a year round expanding community project, currently open to new members.

Website: www.GlastonburyHealingGardens.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Glastonbury-Healing-Gardens-Cooperative

View additional pictures from today's visit on my facebook page

Winter solstice in Glastonbury 2012 - sacred ceremony and silent landscape

Dawn ceremony hosted on St Edmunds Hill with sacred water, fire, incense, drum, chant and a portal to pass through.

Glastonbury Tor was framed in soft pastel clouds and plumes of delicate mist, then the sun erupted through spectacularly. 

View of Glastonbury Tor from Well house Lane showing the constant line of pilgrims making their way to St Michael's tower.

In contrast to revelry on the Tor, a silent meditation at Chalice Well Gardens.

Strong solstice sunlight illuminates the glorious gnarly bark of an ancient yew tree in Chalice Well Gardens.

Away from the gatherings of people, Glastonbury's quiet lanes deliver the blessing of tranquility and the teaching of silence and stillness. Bare hedgerows and shapely trees animated by nature's sounds: trilling birds, gentle wind and water gurgling in rivulets and forming streams.

Glossy ivy assert the presence of a rude and vigorous life force in the evergreens.

Sycamore drupes are a delicate and lovely silhouette and represent the beauty of death, the cyclic nature of the seasons and existence- how all passes and changes form.







Solstice blessings from the heart to all.  A few more pics on my facebook page.

Jennifer

Kirtan with Upahar at Shekinashram

Butterfly Barn, Sve Dame community, Auroville

 

I am very pleased to tell you about a great evening kirtan taking place the auspicious night of the Venus Transit with Upahar Anand

Upahar, originally from the UK, now divides the year between Italy and Tiruvannamalai in south India, site of Ramana Maharshi ashram, sacred mount Arunachala and a town of spiritual pilgrimage where the transformational energies are strong.

 

I was blessed to attend his kirtan several times during my recent trip and always achieved a wonderful feeling of connection and love. 

Our paths kept crossing. We first met over idlis at the Sheshadri Bhavan in Tiruvannamalai, introduced by Lillah,  friend and fellow Glastonbury yogini who I was visiting.  Then I attended two evenings with Upahar in Auroville where I was a long term guest. 

Sea of souls - Tiruvannamalai

Upahar was excited to know that I was from Glastonbury as he had played the ashram in 2010 and was keen to return, Would I hook him up? Of course!

I hold such strong and positive memories of Sunday morning kirtan, sitting cross legged in Upahar's house, knees touching my neighbours as the room was so full of people, including several familiar faces from Glastonbury.  

 

 

Many people I did not know, nonetheless we were sharing a powerful experience. One morning in late January felt particularly strong, I witnessed an ecstatic sensation something like being part of an ocean, the congregation of singers rising and swelling as a single entity as my heart surged in my chest, carried by the sacred songs. Utterly moved, to tears, several times and I looked around the room and saw that I was not alone.

Fortune also gifted me the blessing of an afternoon session in a temple, the day of my birthday, when I had travelled to Tiruvannamalai, having left Auroville after two months, I surrendered to the lure of the town.

 

Upahar is an accomplished and experienced multi-instrumentalist, adept on harmonium, guitar, drum, vocals and flute.

He has an extensive repertoire of chants and songs; well known bhajans and some interesting less familiar material. Upahar is strong on Shiva and Shiva energies and also weaves sufi influences and poetry into his sessions.

 

Unmissable! Come, share and participate in a field of divine love at a time of amplified celestial vibrations.

Kirtan with Upahar, Shekinashram, Glastonbury Weds 6th June 2012  7pm

Hope to see you there!

Peace and blessings

Jennifer

 

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

New! Yoga Chant group in Glastonbury

I invite you to join me at a new weekly session taking place in Glastonbury as follows:

Yoga Chant

Thursday 11am - 12pm

The Miracles Room, Glastonbury Experience,

High St Glastonbury

Starting 1st March

Contribution £5/£4

Chanting is a powerful way to create joy. To balance, heal and accelerate inner transformation.  As such it is a useful part of our yoga and a yoga in its own right.

For millenia, yogis and rishis of India have passed on sacred formulas through vocal repetition, aspiring to higher states of consciousness and to preserve and transmit wisdom. I have been blessed to spend extended  periods in India studying mantra and sutra and have incorporated chanting into my personal yoga. I offer these sessions so that you may benefit as I have.

Such as :

- Calmness and relaxation Standing down from the stress response, soothing the adrenals, regulating heart rate, blood pressure and hormones.

- Quiet mind Thoughts are stilled while we are chanting.

- Empowerment and confidence It  feels good to use the voice with awareness, focus and intention.

- Energizing the spiritual body Chanting clears the nadis (channels where life energy flows) and bathes the cells of the body with positive energy.

- Healing and re-balancing Mantras act as prayers; as we recite them we create a  powerful intention of healing. In ayurveda, mantra is regularly prescribed to heal physical symptoms.

- Creating and manifesting Mantra can be directed to specific areas of life where we might wish for improvement, they are the original positive affirmations!

- Inner peace  Many mantra are formulated specifically to create inner peace within the practitioner.

- A gift to humanity As we become more peaceful, we radiate peace into the fabric of the universe so assisting the whole of  humanity.

- Eternal wisdom and liberation We may not understand the subtleties of the Sanskrit, but we are imbuing ourselves with ancient yogic wisdom which percolates through to the subconscious level. Overtime, this creates conditions for moksha or enlightenment.

- The joy of sharing Positive energies generated by chanting are amplified in a group and there arises a wonderful feeling of wellbeing from sharing and belonging.

We will chant a selection of short, simple sanskrit verses that I use myself and have been authorised to teach, from the classic texts of India including the yoga sutras of Patanjali, the Vedas and the Upanishads. 

These will be relaxed, informal sessions, and all are warmly welcomed, no previous experience of yoga and/or yoga chanting is required.

I provide written sheets with the chants and meanings and we will progress at a pace that supports everyone.

The Miracles Room is a lovely venue; spacious and tranquil, flooded with natural light and conveniently located on Glastonbury High  Street, close to the Market Cross.

Sessions are drop-in, so no need to book in advance, however you are welcome to call  me on 07779 807089 or email jennifer@divine-yoga.org with any enquiries.


I look forward to chanting with you!

Om shanti, shanti, shanti

Jennifer

New! Quiet yoga class at Shekinashram, Glastonbury

I am very pleased to be offering a new yoga class in Glastonbury this spring, in one of my favourite venues: the lovely Shekinashram on the slopes of Chalice Hill.

Tuesday 2:15pm - 3:30pm £6/£5

Shekinashram, Dod Lane, Glastonbury 

All levels welcome 

Starting 21st February 2012

Drawing on my study of the Scaravelli tradition, the Quiet Yoga class will be a safe supportive space to explore the body, breath and movement from a mindfulness perspective, respecting  the needs of the body rather than imposing outcomes, a yoga of undoing rather than doing. It is a deeply restful practice, soothing the nervous system and reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety.

We will work together to become quiet and very present with ourselves, with this focussed awareness
witnessing the breath and the responses of the body to release tension and create internal space.

Relaxing progressively, allowing the breath to cleanse, purify and rejuvenate cells, tissues and organs and energising the subtle body. Areas that commonly hold tension; such as the hips, shoulders and the pelvis become lighter; and authentic joyful movement becomes possible.

This is a wonderful liberating approach and suitable for all ages and body types, over time the practitioner develops calmness, clarity and self-acceptance.



I look forward to sharing yoga with you, you are welcome to call ahead of class  07779 807089 or email me with any questions.


Jennifer

- Mats, blankets and cushions are provided at this venue.

- Wear loose comfortable clothing, we will be barefoot.

- Please arrive on time for a prompt start.

- Contact me before class if you have an active medical condition that you are receiving treatment for.

The streets of Glastonbury are paved with Love

Snowdrops in Glastonbury Abbey

Early spring in Glastonbury; I have flown back from India but return nightly in my dreams to Auroville and Tiruvannamalai.

A close friend shared a confidence, that upon her return from an extended visit to south Africa, she asked Glastonbury to show her whether or not she still belonged in the town. A good question, and although I didnt consciously voice it, it was seeded within.



The wintry weather of recent days has been a challenge, a snow storm greeted me at Heathrow, I understand that I was fortunate to have travelled home smoothly and safely with no delay or inconvenience - an act of grace that I give gratitude for.

Mornings are sharp and cold, with the sun sometimes breaking through for an hour or so and temperatures resolutely sub-zero.

I've been taking the cue from Kitty, who seems permanently welded to the duvet and giving myself all the sleep and rest my body is asking for. So when I received a facebook message yesterday suggesting a 9:30am walk,at first it seemed quite unreasonable.
.

Healing sound circle

I swiftly reconsidered, it was after all St Valentine's day and I had been invited to spend time with a fabulous friend.

We meandered around the Tor and made our way slowly into town, stopping at the wholefoods store for carrots, kombucha and raw chocolate, which we shared contentedly on a bench in the Abbey grounds, facing the ruins with the sun in our faces, surrounded by snowdrops.



I took a full hit of the potent superfoods, boosted further by a generous measure of Horny Goat Weed elixir. I was feeling elated, giggly and excitable and so as midday chimed we scrambled back into town and gathered outside St John's Church on the High St as part of a sonic love circle; uttering the cosmic sound ahhh in unison. It was perfect, our individual voices blending and merging, an expression of harmony and oneness.

We hung around afterwards chatting with friends and catching up, it was great to be welcomed back on such an auspicious day. More elixir was administered and someone produced a batch of  funky homemade hats that were passed around and tried on, it was a very Glastonbury moment.

The hemp master adoring his creation

In the afternoon I visited Free Love Cannabis who was handing out cake and truffles from Hemp in Avalon, his Valentine offering. Free loves an audience and with a full shop he felt inspired to perform some of his poetry and speaking on the subjects of divine consciousness, Gaia, forgiveness and purification, a kind of impromptu satsang.

I took my guitar along and occupied a corner of the floor beside an indoor water shrine and played a set of songs on the theme of love, mostly from the Osho ashram in Pune.

Everytime the shop door opened, more and more familiar faces would enter, I started to feel bliss rising as I acknowledged my happiness and how good it felt to be seeing so many friends in one day that was unfolding magically.

As the sky darkened and dusk arrived, the merriment in town continued with talented poets and story tellers performing during the evening. There was a clear understanding that we were celebrating St Valentines day not just on the level of romantic love between couples, but also the greater love, the divine cosmic consciousness that daily is becoming more apparant in our lives.

Walking home I basked in satisfying positive feelings and contemplated my good fortune.
.

Soul family

I remembered  how Glastonbury comes to life in the spring, how there would be planned community celebrations as well as spontaneous happenings that would lead up to the crescendo of summer solstice and beyond.

Our community is powerful, connected and possibly unique. I gave myself credit and acknowledged that I too was one of the talented creative people I admire and respect and that moreover Glastonbury was clearly showing me that  I did belong - so many friends manifesting on one day to welcome me home was the proof of that.

I feel so honoured and happy to be received so lovingly in the bosom of Avalon and excited about making my contribution in service to the town in the coming weeks and months.



May we overflow with love in all forms and frequencies 

Jennifer

Autumn Equinox and the End of Summer

Succulent hedgerow blackberries

Summer officially ended yesterday. The reality of autumn is all around. I'm just back from a walk along Wick Hollow, down to Paddington Farm, past Gog and Magog and back via Paradise Lane, a favourite route.

I notice firstly the calmness, the earth's quiet mood. Then the hedgerow harvest: blackberries now super ripe in unrelenting abundance, random apples decaying and fermenting on the ground. Shiny brown horse chestnuts bounce along the lanes, newly ejected from their spiky jackets.

The trees are tipped red, yellow and bronze and as the wind picks up, a graceful cascade of dry leaves tumbles into my path.

I am in wistful mood, basking in a bittersweet melancholy that I can almost taste. Memories of spring and summer are still fresh and vivid. I am still wearing my summer clothes, with some additional layering. No need  for gloves and scarves; yet that is where we are headed.  The seductive imaginings of a country winter: rosy cheeks and mittened hands, booted feet crunching the frosted earth. Of bare silhouettes of trees and stark skies. Woodsmoke. The pale and elusive winter sun.

Balance point of dark and light

This is the time of the autumn equinox, a brief interlude in the wheel of the year, a balance point with days and nights in equilibrium after which we turn away from the light and progress steadily and certainly towards the dark.

As a yoga practioner,  I find a parallel with the breath. In certain pranayam techniques one cultivates an equal length of inhalation and exhalation, rechaka and puraka. Kumbhaka, retention, is the cessation of breath and body activity, the supreme moment.

The cycle of the breath is repeated many times within a minute, the cycle of the earth's revolution of the sun occupies a full calendar year, yet the principle is the same; expansion, pause, contraction.

I use equinox as a moment out of time, an opportunity to look back at what has been and ahead, towards what is to come.

It has been a curious summer, of witnessing with confusion the falling away of many structures and circumstances that supported me. The releasing of a longterm relationship. Of markedly less activity in work and in my social life. Of making do with less, materially and financially.

The flipside of which has been the deepening into what remains. Primarily my relationship with myself, discovering the jewel in the lotus, the sacred centre within. 

Understanding the gift and the prerogative of presence. Redefining abundance. Strengthening key friendships, gaining greater fulfilment from quieter times. Hearing the voices of the natural world speaking louder and singing in my heart.

As far as looking ahead, well this is a wonderful time to be in Glastonbury. A time of sharing and nurture, coming together and slowing down after the scattered exuberance of summer. To spend the autumn and winter here is truly to know the heart of Avalon. My plans however are leading me elsewhere... In this moment I am here and I celebrate!

Recommended Autumn Equinox events in Glastonbury:


Thursday 22nd September 8pm -
Community Celebration, Assembly Rooms, High St
www.assemblyrooms.org.uk

Friday 23rd September 12pm -
Chalice Well Wheel of the Year Festival and Meditation
www.chalicewell.org.uk

Pagan Gathering Under the Stars
Cinnamon Lane 7pm
Contact Morgan: 01458 835518

Enjoy this time of balance and pause

Equinox blessings

Jennifer

Visit to Glastonbury Healing Gardens

Contented chickens

Another food story! On August 1st we celebrated the celtic festival of Lughnasad, the first harvest. Also known as Lammas in Christian and Anglo-Saxon tradition. Now we can look forward a season of ripening fruits and bountiful produce as the power of the sun gently fades.

A good time to drop into the Healing Gardens, a community food growing project blossoming into a co-operative.

Conceived and directed by Juliet Yelverton, the land lays behind Wearyall Hill,  a gently sloping field with stunning views of the levels and Glastonbury Tor.

The vision: to create an environment where the community can enjoy the benefits of eating fresh organic produce grown with love, environmental and spiritual awareness.

I love this part of town, such a clear, light energy, wonderful open vistas and a marvellous feeling of spaciousness. The growing beds are configured in an expanding mandala, and one finds oneself meandering along curved paths with treats everywhere.

Meandering pathways

I particularly love that so many  flowers have been planted: I counted several varieties of nasturtium, sweet star shaped borage, vibrant poppies and abounding sweetpeas.

I picked a small amount of green leaves for a lunchtime salad: red veined chard, fresh tender spinach, romaine and a good handful of mint to make a fresh tea infusion.

I could see bushy bright green carrot tops, cherry tomatoes  almost ready and courgettes swelling steadily.

Enormous artichokes towered into the sky and pale young cabbages sheltered under cloches. Everywhere abundance.



I will be writing a blog for the co-operative's new website, in exchange for produce, grown organically by the members, many of whom are already friends. How lovely is that?

Superfresh salad leaves

I am looking forward to the fabulous food, of course. And  it feels good to think of meeting new people, strengthening community and moving into a system based on sharing, collaboration and exchange.

Circumventing conventional economics. Sidestepping the supermarkets and the innumerable ethical dilemmas they pose.
Reducing, indeed eliminating packaging. Zero food miles. From field to plate within minutes.  Eating organically every day.

Being the change, part of the solution, living sustainably in a way that honours nature's rhythms and the sensitivity of our living landscape.

Sounds tempting? Juliet is actively recruiting new members and is hosting an open day this weekend.

Here are the details:

Healing Gardens Co-operative Open Day
Saturday 6th August 12pm - 5pm
Gardens behind 73A Tor View Avenue, Glastonbury
Website www.glastonburyhealinggardens.com
  
You will receive a warm welcome and I hope that you will feel inspired to support the project.

Jennifer

Meeting the wild plants of Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey, a peaceful summer haven

Last Saturday I attended the modestly titled Herb Walk led by local herbalist Jenny Gaze. Jenny is wise and accomplished, possessing a clear and thorough knowledge of wild and cultivated herbs.

Jenny gives useful information for collecting, preparing and storing plant materials. All good stuff. And yet beyond the practical something deeper was  illuminated: the hallmark of a truly talented teacher.

In recent weeks I have been exploring teachings around sacred plants, plant medicine and plant consciousness. Meandering with Jenny through the stunning wildlife haven of Glastonbury Abbey during high summer was a perfect means of animating this research. The session highlighted themes and insights that are showing up all around in my life right now, may be this will resonate for you too:

Jenny identifies mullein

The gift of change: Loss as a call to empowerment and re-skilling
The recently enacted EU directive prohibiting the sale of many plant based health supplements upset and angered many friends and therapists within the community.

I haven't felt moved to protest; it doesnt work for me to resist change; I prefer to flow like water and look instead for the opportunity to create something new, real and sustainable.

Surely it is an improved, evolved scenario to know someone personally, within one's community who can advise, teach and provide. And ultimately this is a call to learn for ourselves how to make one's own teas, tinctures, decoctions and ointments.

Humanity's current insanity is a blip in the grand scheme of things
Jenny really helped me shift perspective here as she related how up until the 1940s i.e. within living memory doctors in general practice in this country would rely on herbal medicine as a main treatment modality.

The pharma-scientific-technological-capitalism, the unchecked exponential expansion of allopathic pharmacology was a short, intense phase of aggressive acceleration that is burning itself out (MRSA anyone?) Peace and sanity is being restored TODAY; the old and new systems operating in parallel; one falling away as the other rises.

Return to community living, honouring of ancestral wisdom and tribal ways
Our indigenous ancestors held and embodied the timeless teachings of nature and we will again and it this time it will not be lost. We are interested in Grandmother's remedies. We turn to the wise elders within our community. We have the answers amongst us. We share resources and skills.  We care for each other, we are important in each other's lives. Embodying knowledge, we become living teachers of a practical wisdom that is enhanced and shared through the day-to-day reality of our lives. 

Receiving the teachings in the presence of the plant

Real and direct modes of learning  
I acknowledge and embrace all of the amazing digital technologies that allow me to be present with a master teacher in Hawaii or Skype with a friend in New Zealand. 

I love the vast and growing libraries of interviews and recordings that  humanity is sharing so freely and easily at this time when relearning is vital. Yet right now, for me, nothing beats showing up in a small, curious group and being shown how. 

Shifting to an expanded consciousness:  
As we become alive and sensitive to ourselves we begin to experience the natural world as sacred, alive, intelligent, aware and caring. Higher states known by enlightened masters and advanced spiritual seekers are available to us all. Feeling deep presence, divine healing energies and moments of sacred bliss are our birthright, our soulright.

Moving into heart-based sacred relationship The Earth is our mother who loves us and wants to care for us. Plants can support us in our cleansing, nourishing, healing and beautifying. As we synergise and align with their subtle signatures we receive nurture and increase vitality. It is for us to choose to recognise and accept the great love and abundance being offered. And we can choose to reciprocate with sensitivity, empathy and intuition; gratitude, respect and honouring.

Affirmations and intentions:

I reclaim my relationship with the natural world

I treat myself kindly and holistically with natural remedies

I open myself to receive the wisdom, love and nurture of Mother Earth

I acknowledge the sacredness and beauty of all living beings

Links/resources:

Additional photos from the Glastonbury Abbey Herb Walk on facebook

Further opportunities to learn from Jenny in Glastonbury early autumn 2011 www.jennygaze.com

International teacher Eliot Cowan is a personal plant hero, I recommend his book Plant Spirit Medicine

I am inspired by the programs on offer at the Gaian Institute, New Mexico www.gaianstudies.org

Joanna Harcourt-Smith interviews leading luminaries from the fields of indigenous wisdom, ancestral pathways, Gaia consciousness and related topics www.futureprimitive.org

Bountiful blessings of high vibrational plant love and healing

Jennifer

Local food find: free range eggs

This poster caught my eye

Once a week I take a short walk to my egg lady, who lives along the road, handy! Susan is one of a growing number of householders in Glastonbury, and nationally I suspect, who keep a few chickens in the back garden. I had noticed an alluring sign taped to the caravan in her driveway: Ex-bat Free range Chicken eggs for sale.

Until then, I considered that I was doing well buying free range eggs in a local store from a Somerset producer. Now I could take shopping locally to the next level and buy directly from within my community which is even better. Not a single food mile involved!

Susan is a busy mother and cat lover who looks after seven female birds, formerly resident in a battery farm, where birds are intensively farmed in an indoor environment. They were re-homed to her by the British Hen Welfare Trust, a UK charity. Susan explained that when the hens arrived, they had been plucked and needed rehabilitation. They had regained their feisty, spirit of adventure and would happily use the cat flap to get into the main house and party hard when they were able to slip in unnoticed!

No cockerel? The early morning crowing would have been unacceptable in our suburban environment, Susan felt. Fair point.

Super fresh, large and tasty!

I took a dozen eggs, paying one pound sixty, a total bargain! The eggs were still warm, brown, evenly sized and pretty clean too. Golden yolked, super fresh, they taste as good as you could imagine.

If you would like to get involved with chickens, check out Healing Waters Community Garden, a Glastonbury based food growing co-operative, currently recruiting new members. www.glastonburyhealinggardens.com

Will Peddle, 'the egg man' delivers eggs to homes and businesses in Glastonbury from his charming and immaculately maintained Morris Minor, find him at 4 Old Wells Road, Glastonbury.

Further information on re-homing farm hens from the British Hen Welfare Trust www.bhwt.org.uk

Glastonbury high summer highlights

Glastonbury is a cosmic vortex, attracting a powerful inflow of healers, artists, poets, musicians, shamans and spiritual teachers from across the globe. High summer here is always an exuberant, colourful and passionate time of fun and festival, celebration and connection.

The next couple of weeks are packed with great events which I am looking forward to very much and recommend wholeheartedly:

Tuesday 19th July

Muriel Sings! New album launch

Hundred Monkeys Cafe
High St,  Glastonbury 7pm - 9pm

www.murielsings.com

Wednesday 20th July

The Overtone Project with Paul Terrell and Ravi

Shekinashram, Dod Lane 7pm - 9pm
www.shekinashram.org 

Friday 22nd July- Saturday 23rd July

BioBlitz Wildlife count and camp out

Glastonbury Abbey 2pm start for 24 hours

www.glastonburyabbey.com 

 

Saturday 23rd July
Herb Walk with Jenny Gaze

Glastonbury Abbey 10.30am - 1pm
www.jennygaze.com 

Monday 25th July

Love and Thanks to Water Ceremony

Chalice Well, Chilkwell Street 12pm - 1pm
www.chalicewell.org.uk 

Thursday 28th July

Singing Awake the Seven Goddesses

Workshop with Anique Radiant Heart

Glastonbury Goddess Conference

Glastonbury Town Hall  2.30pm - 5.30pm
ww.goddessconference.com 

Sunday 31st August

Sacred Sound Journeys

Adrian Freedman, Ravi and Tabla Tom

Shekinashram, Dod Lane, Glastonbury

6.30pm - 9.30pm
www.adrianfreedman.com 

Tuesday 2nd August

 Kirtan with David Newman

Shekinashram, Dod Lane, Glastonbury

7.15pm - 9.30pm
www.davidnewmanmusic.com 

I hope that you can be here as the magic unfolds...
Blessings of abundant joy and sunshine

Jennifer