Spring Time 20th march- 30th April ( extract from the Woodland Bard Course )
 
Spring has arrived, the light is balancing the darkness and the green world is truly awakening from its deep slumber. This is a time of activity, putting into action the dreams of winter. However this is also a time when we move forward with caution, the innocent infancy of Imbolc is now entering a world of infinite possibility and the decisions we make will affect the path we will take for the year.
 
However fear does not need to freeze us, as each journey is always a valuable experience.
 
Raw and chill is icy spring ,Cold sits on every wind.
On the sodden pool, ducks cry out, Eager is the harsh-shrieking crane.
From the wilderness Wolves scent morning prey, Birds rise from meadowed nest,
Many are the wild things of the wood, That they flee from out of the greening earth.
Anon. Irish poem, 11th Century, trans C.matthews.
 
The above verse conveys this darker side of spring, the loss of innocence as all awakens and the cold days still remind us of harsher times.
 
This is also captured in the Christian concept of Lent, for Spring can be a lean time as the winter stocks dwindle and early crops have not quite reached fruition indicating it is the natural time to fast and abstain.
Lent is from the Norse word 'Lenct'  which means the lengthening time of the Alder, a tree whose catkins are borne at this time of year along with the striking silver turning to gold willow catkins.

The woodland willow stands, a lonely bush of nebulous silver,
There the spring Goddess cowers in faint attire of frightened fire.  Robert Bridges 1844-1930
 
Both these trees are of the waterways as the Spring Goddess reveals herself in the ebb and flow of the rivers and in the waxing moon, coaxing new life into abundant growth. Water has a feminine quality and is a giver of new growth just like the young Goddess.
 
A spring celebration could include a Wicca basket (or any receptacle of your choice) of daffodils and other spring flowers as a focal point to celebrate the awakening of nature.
 
Now we can experience the awakening of nature representing the soul’s journey into adolescence allowing us to explore, create and enjoy the fecundity of the land and life.
 
Enjoy the beauty of spring through the eyes of a young soul in expectation of an adventurous and fruitful year.

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'Once again do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs, which on a wild secluded scene impress thoughts of more deep seclusion and connect the landscape with the quiet of the sky. While an eye made quiet by the power of harmony and the deep power of joy, we see into the lives of all things.
And I have felt a presence that disturbs me with the joy of elevated thought, a sense of something far more deeply interfused, whose dwelling is the light of the setting suns and the round ocean, and the living air and the blue sky and in the mind of man.'

On revisiting the banks of the Wye, William Wordsworth.

First in creation we have the landscape, the silent still mirror reflecting the eternal depths of our soul. To look upon it with an open heart we are awed, stilled and connected. The above writing stirs the knowledge of landscape within us, awakens us to its presence. Gazing upon it there is no need for agenda, no need for systems of religion or science just the deep joy, solitude and stillness which is the essence of our soul.

The Inner landscape- extract from Woodland Bard Course.

The first step to any inner work is that sense of being grounded in the outer world. This enables us to use the energies of the green world to support the inner work of meditation, prayer and ritual. Being grounded in the physical realm and understanding the geography and the seasons around us enables us to use these energies of a given time and place to enhance our connection to our spiritual work.
 
​In the same way you strengthen a crop in the summer and harvest it in the autumn, your inner work will change accordingly to make use of the energies flowing around you. It is likely in the Summer you may travel to certain beautiful spots and meditate with the strengthening energy, whilst in the winter you may stay inside and meditate deep within, nourishing a new phase in your life that is giving birth.
This understanding that the physical world and its energies are reflected within your inner landscape is the beginning of understanding your soul, the immortal self.

For a more detailed exploration of the soul through Celtic spirituality you may wish to explore our Woodland Bard Course and Subscibe to our free monthly Newsletter.

It is likely, at one time the first action we carried out when we woke was to enliven the fire, connect to the deity of the land and make offerings. This ensured our day started with gratitude, love and kindness. This to me seems a beautiful way to start the day? Why should it remain a relic of our distant past? 

In a Celtic fire ceremony we are using the tinders, wood, herbs and foods available to us in the immediate environment. This means we experience a world where food is not from the supermarket, medicine is not in pills, wildlife is not on farms and zoos and entertainment is not on a screen. Connecting with ancient tradition is not recreating a bygone past but feeling that excitement again for the trees, plants and animals of wild Britain and understanding our origins, a spirituality that makes us at the forefront of being caretakers of our world outside our own doorsteps. An exciting journey opens into the heart of the landscape and ultimately into the heart of our true nature. 

This ceremony can be recreated in your home by lighting a candle instead of a fire. When using a candle never leave it untended and make sure it is in a secure safe place where it will not be knocked over or cause any damage.

Invocation of fire.

‘Through stone and metal I invoke the memory of earth. Through spark and cloth I invoke the fire of life . Through tinder and wood I set my heart ablaze . Through ember and ash I sustain the essence of life.’

The ceremony starts with an invocation of fire which represents the awakening of our soul, a spiritual connection to ourselves. We can then light the candle or a fire.

When I conduct a fire ceremony the fire is lit with local tinders such as clematis and birch bark using a flint and steel. Traditional methods of lighting a fire connect us directly with the elements and the land. Once the fire is lit offerings can be made from the surrounding area, I use hazelnuts and nine sacred herbs.

To make offerings is to feel that sense of giving back what we have received, and as our heart opens it instantly takes us into a more giving, generous place. In Christian tradition we pray, sing hymns and partake in the giving of bread and wine which are the key components of a blessing or thanksgiving ritual.

In paganism we also have the opportunity to carry out this practice enabling us to start each day honouring ourselves, the earth and all life-forms. I feel this is just as important and relevant today as it has ever been. Imagine everyone going to work filled with gratitude and love for each other and all we receive from the world e.g. our food, drink, petrol, car, bicycle etc..... When you have this awareness you realise just how much you do have no matter how simple your life.

Here is a suggested ritual from the Woodland Bard Course:

“We bathe your palms In the showers of wine    - the wine ( or a herbal drink if preferred) can be sipped.
In the crook of the kindling,  - the kindling  can be briefly held.
 
In the seven elements:
 
The blessing of air- wave a feather gently around your head to receive the blessing of air.
The blessing of fire- move your hands from the candle/fire to your head as if taking a shower of fire. ( do not touch the flame)
The blessing of water-  dip your fingers into a chalice/cauldron and sprinkle the water gently over your head.
The blessing of earth-  sprinkle ash or soil lightly on your palms and rub it in as a blessing of the earth.
The blessing of wood- hold a wand in your hands briefly to take the essence of the element.
The blessing of metal- hold a steel/knife in your hands briefly to take the essence of the element.
The blessing of spirit- spend a moment in silence.
In the sap of the tree,  -hold fresh bark/ sap or offer to the fire/alter
In the milk of honey, - eat or offer honey to the fire or alter.
 
We place nine pure, choice gifts upon your clear beloved face: as each gift is spoken a gift of a hazelnut can be eaten or offered to the fire representing the nine hazel trees of Connla’sWell which bestow wisdom.
 
The gift of form, The gift of voice, The gift of fortune,
The gift of goodness, The gift of eminence,
The gift of charity, The gift of integrity,
The gift of true nobility, The gift of apt speech.
 
Dark is yonder town, Dark are those within.
You are the brown swan, Going within fearlessly. - visualise yourself as the brown swan going within fearlessly.
Their hearts beneath your hand, Their tongues beneath your foot.
No word will they utter to do you ill.
 
You are a shade in the heat, You are a shelter in the cold,  - really imagine embodying these qualities as you speak them individually with awareness.
You are the eyes to the blind, You are a staff to the pilgrim,
You are an island in the sea, You are a stronghold upon land,
You are a well in the wasteland, You are healing to the sick.
 
You are the luck of every joy, You are the light of the sun's beams,
You are the door of lordly welcome, You are the pole star of guidance,
You are the step of the roe of the height , You are the step of the white-faced mare,
You are the grace of the swimming swan,
You are the jewel in each mystery.”
adapted from a Traditional Gaelic blessing sourced by Caitlin Matthews in her book Celtic Blessings.
 
“You are wind of sea, You are ocean wave, - really visualise and become these aspects.
You are roar of sea, You are bull of seven fights,
You are vulture on cliff, You are dew-drop,
You are fairest of flowers, You are bull for boldest,
You are salmon in pool, You are lake in plain,
You are a mountain in a man, You are a word of skill.”
adapted from the book of the invasions of Ireland translation provided by Irish texts society.
 
The ritual ends with a meditation, many blessings of peace for all people and all life-forms upon the earth. This one ceremony brings together so many aspects of connecting and working with nature and soul. It is an earthy practical spirituality which teaches us to live in harmony with the earth. 

For a more detailed exploration of Ritual you may wish to explore our Woodland Bard Course or
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 Elder Sambucus nigra (Latin)  Ruis ( Ogham/Gaelic name)  Ellaern (Saxon)  Folk names- Elle, Hyldemoer, Lady Ellhorn, Old Lady, Old Sal, Pipe tree and Bole tree.

Ruis is Elder, redness of shame.
Intensest of blushes, it is the reddening of a man’s face through the juice of the herb being rubbed on it.
Arduous anger, punishment.
Redness of faces.

Book of Ballymote 1391

The Elder tree seems to be loved and hated in equal measure. Elder can be described as an unattractive weed like shrub that spreads unwanted with smelly flowers that attracts flies.
In other traditions elder is feared as in Scandinavia and Denmark where the tree is known as Elle or Hyldemoer and is said to take revenge on all who harm trees.

In Britain it is said witches take the form of the tree and cause much harm! In Ireland the witches broomstick handle is made of Elder. Further sinister connotations include stunted growth for a child beaten with an Elder rod and even death to the family who bring it inside. However as with the blackthorn the tree also offers protection when hung on doors, windows and stables.

 A true witch or herbalist would know Elder as the mother of all herbs curing all ills with its delicate white flowers and black berries. The flowers can be used to relief hay fever, bronchitis, fevers, rheumatism and gout.
They can be used as an inhalant for head colds and a gargle for hoarseness. A cleanser for conjunctivitis and a compress for chilblains. They can also act as a gentle laxative, a mild astringent and a gentle stimulant. If taken before sleep they can induce a heavy cleansing sweat.

They can also be used as a fixative in cosmetics, creams and lotions with an odour that is said to improve with age. Elder flower water is said to be nature’s gift to one’s complexion whitening the skin and clearing freckles, soothing sun burn and tired puffy eyes.

The flowers can be fried up as fritters and the buds can be added to a salad. An old Sussex saying suggests to take elder for three days and if still not feeling any better then go to the doctor.
The flowers are followed by its black berries which are rich in vitamin C and a perfect remedy to keep off the winter chills and bugs when made into delicious syrup.

The berries can also be used for the making of wine and added to soups, puddings, jellies and chutneys and dried to be used as you would currants. Although the Elder attracts flies, when its leaves are bruised or infused they can be used to repel flies and other biting insects. The same infusion can be used as an insecticide and fungicide on plants. The roots and the bark of Elder should be used with caution as they can act as a purgative, people sometimes also react to the uncooked berries.

Stories of Elder are plentiful seeming to be depict the tree as a protector of the land, animals and the human mind. The human mind in the old traditions is what transports us to the Otherworlds or faerie realms and when we do not return we have quite literally lost our minds. This perhaps is why people can see mental illness as a channel for wisdom and auguries but of course is not recommended and is a state we should all look to relief not encourage. The idea of Elder transporting us to faerie land enabling us to see the faerie Queen and her entourage may also be rooted in the fact that its pith contains a mild sleep inducing drug.
In the story of Finn and the phantoms Elder is the fuel the phantoms burn as Finn is forced to face his past wrong doings.

One of the most famous stories of Elder is of how the Rollright stones came into being. It is said a Witch created the stones by turning a Dane King and his army to stone before transforming herself into an Elder tree. It is said the stones will re-awaken and the Dane army are cursed to help England when its most in need.  custom On Midsummer eve it is a custom to dance amongst the stones wearing a garland of Elderflowers.

Elder in Saxon is known as Ellaern which means hollow tree referring to its very soft pith which can be removed to make whistles, pea shooters, blow pipes and even flutes. Its Latin name ‘Sambucus’ also may indicate a musical instrument known as the sackbut which is an ancient stringed instrument or the Italian musical pipes known as sampognas. Elder may also be used to make bellows known as pluffs.

The pith itself could be used for floats or dipped in oil and lit to decorate a dish filled with water. Despite its soft pith its wood is actually close grained and hard and was once used for fishing rods, shoemakers pegs, mathematical instruments, combs and toys.

To learn more about the wonderful world of tree folklore you may which to look at our home study course HERE  and subscribe to our Newsletter HERE

This is the first article for our course on 'Soul- Making' which will be exploring the spiritual practices of the West through nature enabling the reader to explore the nature of the soul and connect with their indigenous roots here in Britain. Please feel free to leave your comments and thoughts.

​Meditation is a dynamic active pursuit of the soul, allowing us to connect with our natural state. The mind when shown a place of rest is serene and at peace with itself allowing us to tap into our true nature. 
This state in the modern western world is often only harnessed when we find ourselves in extreme circumstances such as dangerous pursuits or accidents. The mind in these circumstances is in a flow, all of life slows down allowing us to stretch out every second, giving us time to react to the given situation.

We experience a state of timelessness which William Blake may be alluding to when he says ‘to hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour’.
Imagine being in that state constantly being able to react to any given situation with the perfect response, this is the state meditation masters have achieved and all of us can experience. Given time and practice this state can become more and more our own natural state.

Meditation is often associated with the East and often the western culture is more familiar with the Buddhist concepts of mindfulness or the Hindu system of Yoga.

However the Celtic tradition is alive with instruction on the nature of the soul brought to light through the stories, poems and Bardic knowledge especially preserved in Ireland.
Although the traditions have suffered great oppression from political and religious elites and finally a modern disconnection from spirituality, the knowledge is still there waiting for us to delve into.

Meditation Practice.

Set aside an area in your living space you can use just for meditating and ritual. In the same way we recognise a place of power in nature such as Stone Henge or Avebury, this is our own place of power where many memories will be created.
Use the same seat/cushion each day and have a set of clothes to wear for this process to instantly put you in a certain mind-set conducive for meditation, in much the same way you wear different clothes for work or for sport for instance.
Light a candle, go within, draw your senses inside. Once that spark is ignited within you, you can experience it in all the elements and you can take your senses out to the world filling it with joy.

A suggestion is to meditate by visualising the Birch grove which signals the start of your Otherworld (Inner realms) journey. Visualise the light airy birch grove teeming with melodious birds, a myriad of fungi and the sounds of wild animals stalking prey or making shelter. Make it as real as possible, try to touch the barks, smell the scents and hear the sounds. Go deep into the feeling of being immersed in nature, remembering it is the feeling rather than the visions that is most important. Be still and at peace for as long as you have time for; bringing love, gratitude and acceptance into your day or evening.

Meditation is more effective practiced regularly every day as you would with any discipline, in the same way an athlete or musician practices every day to reach their goals.

To make time, allowing say twenty minutes each morning and evening to cleanse the mind by using ritual or meditation is no different from having a wash morning and evening. A constant practice will enable you to imbibe these qualities throughout your day and life and you may find prolonged practices of meditation naturally follow on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Bathing in water enables your physical body to be clean but true cleanliness comes from within.

To explore these themes in more depth you may wish to subscribe to our Home Study Courses HERE