Riverside totem

I enjoy coming across a woodland totem, there's something about folk creating these archaic features that resonates, something timeless; highlighting maybe our subconscious connection, or our desire for connection, to a bygone age and the magic and ritual of connecting with that ancient landscape. I'm not adverse to setting one up myself, for me it's definitely partly the pursuit of connection to a shrouded past, the world of ancestors and a wilder wood.

Hares

We ventured inland again for Sunday's big walk, again returning to Cranborne Chase. What a difference from last weekend though, this morning the sun shone bright and warm from the get go. By what ever metric you choose The Chase is a magnificent landscape full of wonderful sights. A particular thrill for me is the frequency you get to see hares. Always a joy watch, and we'd snuck up close on three hares taking in the morning as we trod the Faulston Drove, what a privilege; of course on clocking us the spell was broken and they were off making for the far field boundary and invisibility. Hares have always held a special importance in spirituality, being associated with the Moon, rebirth, beginnings and growth; three hares forming an endless circle was a common motif of medieval Britain too, whether to ward off evil or solicit good fortune is still debated; I'll take either. 

Turning the wheel

I was out in Burley Old this morning, and thought with Beltane approaching I would leave another note at the site I believe to be used by pagans to celebrate the turning wheel of the year. I'd seen seed left as an offering back at Imbolc, and I'd left a note below their wooden offering platter just before the Spring Equinox, wishing them blessings. The Equinox passed, and there was no sign of activity, the enclosure had become dishevelled, and my note remained unread. I'd thought to leave a note of Beltane blessings today, though on my approach I could see the site had been renewed and fresh offerings of seed had been left. I'd missed them again. I imagine as I was attending the Clan of the Pheryllt's ritual, about a mile away, this site saw a ritual too. I  noted that Imbolc and Beltane were marked, though not the Equinox, it'll be interesting to see if the Summer Solstice is marked, or whether it's just the greater Sabbats. I'm going to leave another note for Solstice, and got to wondering how many other groups or individuals are out in the woods, communing with the spirits of nature and our ancestors in this church not made by hands. Anyway, I looked under the platter to find my note had gone, and had been replaced by a pound coin. Bless them, my blessings come for free though, and I now feel awkward and in a quandary as whether to take the coin or leave it.

Beltane open ritual

Beltane approaches and tonight I joined with others in an open Beltane ritual out in the New Forest hosted by the Clan of the Pheryllt. I've attended Pheryllt rituals, and the occasional moot, for some years now, though recently one thing and another had meant that I'd missed more than one or two. I've missed these gatherings. It was lovely to be back in the circle with so many familiar faces, as well as several new, it was as if no time has passed at all. Solitary practice is all well and good, and something I'm used to after years of shying away from groups having met some right chumps. The Clan of the Pheryllt and the people who congregate at their open rituals couldn't be more different though, good folk, friendly and open. The clans rituals are a joy, there was appropriate solemnity, though plenty of humour, a phallic Maypole, dancing, singing, and bardic offerings by way of music and poetry too. A lovely evening, a lovely ritual, with lovely people, in a lovely setting...lovely.

Fairy land

There's always something interesting to find off the beaten track, even if it's only just off the track. Take this 'Fairy Tree' in Wilverley enclosure, I know it's a fairy tree as it has a tiny sign on it saying so, to all intents and purposes it's a 'wishing tree'. The origins of the wishing tree extends way back into history, and possibly beyond, the 'Clootie Tree' is traditionally festooned with strips rag offerings representing wishes, similar practices can be found all over the world. Modern ones have extended the range of objects tied, hammered in (coins are a common item) or left at the tree. A fluttering rag caught my eye as we moved through the stands, it brought a smile, I like finding sites like this, although as I drew closer I saw there was a plethora of other things tied to the trees branches and scattered on the floor. There lies the issue, for me anyway, wood, stone, metal, string, fabric, shell, anything organic, there's quite a lot of scope there, it's all cool, it's the introduction of plastic, tinsel, glitter and similar that concerns me. I'm not criticizing these folk (I'm far from perfect) or their practices (well, their practices, a bit), I just wish people would think a little more, the idea's good, their motivations are good, that's clear by the wishes, it's all that plastic though, and there was a lot of it. Still that gripe aside, it's good to see folk customs persist, and even enjoy a bit of a renaissance. There'd been plenty of activity around this tree too, and there was plenty of interesting stuff hanging about its tree. As well as rag wishes and offerings, the tree was well covered in graffiti, mostly shallow carved individual letters (again, something which I know raises hackles). On one offering I saw '2017', so this tree's been used for a while now, the condition of many of the offerings confirmed it. I was intending to have thorough look about, but there were tinkly things on the branches, and their ceaseless jangling had Geoff all of a tither, so we moved off beyond the open mixed stands and the Fairy Tree, disappearing again into the dark conifers seclusion and quiet. Waiting to see what we find next.