It's been a while, quite a while..where to begin? 
I'll begin at the solstice celebrations, it does'nt seem that long ago since I posted on last years.
A road trip again, back down to Glastonbury, my favorite place for Summer Solstice and a bit of a tradition now amongst my group of friends. Although I'm open to celebrating where ever I might be, there can be no doubt that the countryside around Glastonbury displays the full glory of summer Solstice on every level for me, the soft undulating curves of the landscape, the gravity defying aerodynamics of the Swifts, Swallows and Housemartins all add to the ambience-a magical one, and one that always leaves me feeling renewed-recharged.

The week spent was unexpected, I had'nt planned to go, but realised there was no reason why I should'nt. Armed with camping gear we left and the weather was glorious for most of the week. I visited the White Well for the first time in my years down there, and spent some time before the ancestor altar, which was perfectly fitting.
Time was spent reflecting, communing with and within the land and it's inhabitants, renewing intentions and dedications in the deep night.

The end to the week was also unexpected. I found my new 'all terrain' walking shoes to be slippy on steps after rain and took a fall, badly bruising my lower back and ribs.
It meant an earlier end to the week and the following five weeks off work.
I never realised back injuries could be so agonisingly painful. Still, I know now. I also know a lot more about backs in general, muscles, and my own lack of fitness!
So, the last few weeks have been about reassessing these things and finding ways of rehabilitating my back.
Physiotherapy, swimming, first attempts at Tai Chi and Pilates are underway and hopefully I'll be fitter after the injury then I was before! One can only hope. Comfrey Oil massaged morning and evening is also helping.

There is of course much more to tell about the last couple of weeks..but I'll leave that for another post...

Amongst the Green...

Today is Summer Solstice, the longest day, Sun Still, Midsummer.
A wonderful time of year for me, one filled with happy memories of Midsummer's past, and the cunning plans for those yet to come.
I always spend Midsummer's Eve outdoors-I can't imagine any other way. It will always involve watching the sun set, spending the dark hours in various ways of celebration, ending with the sunrise.
It is as ritualistic a practice as I may get-I book time off work, I plan, and I celebrate. 
What a lot of things there are to celebrate-when you are out there feeling the warm breeze on your face carrying all the scents of summer it's difficult not to.
I've always travelled, Glastonbury Tor, Rollright Stones to join in the throng of folk all celebrating in their own way, this year was very different.
This year has been very much about the land right here around me, so it seemed there was nothing more fitting than to spend it close to home in the woods not too far away where there is a wonderful hill perfect for seeing sunset and sunrise.
On the theme of home and family I asked my eldest son to come too, he's had a tough couple of years but he's coming through slowly and it gave us the chance to really spend some quality time together, just the two of us.
Off we trundled with our camping chairs, candle lantern, organic honey Ale, incense and umbrella to find our spot.
It was a rainy night, but warm and we found the perfect spot at the foot of our hill and set our mini camp underneath the outstretched branches of an old Oak.
My, that Oak kept us warm, protected us from the wind and rain, and out of sight while we burned our incense and gave our thanks, despite the fact he seemed to find us humans a bit foolish. We gave thanks to him too for his humouring us.
We spent the dark hours enjoying each others company, the company of Owl's, Foxes, and other shifting creatures of the night which we could not see and made our way back early this morning tired and happy.
The legacy of this particular night perhaps remains to be seen. My further connection to the land around me, the deepening of my relationship with my son as the man that he is becoming, and how we mark the seasons together.
I know one thing, those damn mozzies have a lot to answer for! 
Skyclad?-bugger that for a lark! I'd be fast food.
My huge bites remind me there is always a price to pay, but it is always worth it.
Recently I read something someone had recommended to fellow pagans/witches.
That was, to get outside and experience the different energies outdoors work with them and see how that differed from usual practice.
I wonder-what other practice is there?

Winter Solstice

Well if ever there was any doubt that winter was here, that is certainly dispelled with the arrival of snow and sub-zero temperatures-the 'Kiss of the Cailleach'.

Like many things a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the landscapes around us are beautiful, but they are also treacherous, for anyone, let alone the vulnerable.

Good Christian folk do not have a monopoly on being a good neighbour-good pagan folk can also pay attention to those in the community that might need our help, popping to the shops for some supplies for someone who can't get out takes nothing more than our time.

Be watchful! Not only does the human world have difficulty during the winter but the animal kingdom struggles too. The Robins find it tough to feed this weather, being ground feeders, so a few fat balls placed in strategic places will help them on their way and you'll make an ally in the process.

This Winter Solstice lifts my spirits, the light will return-the Yuletide celebrations begin and I am caught up with memories, as usual, of the Spring and Summer to come.

I spend much of my spare time this time of year reading and researching things i need to know and many things i just find interesting. I have a wish list on Amazon that may take me years to sort through!

I'm having to narrow it down as i could spend so much time delving that i never actually get anything done!

Hence, this Solstice I am dedicating a year of study and practice of three things-a science, a practical craft, and the development of my relationship with a piece of land local to where i live.

I have decided on a few things, not quite sure about the practical craft yet as there are so many i would like to do (it has to be something useful) and i have already been walking and watching a piece of land for a good while now. It will be interesting next Solstice to see where this leads.

In the meantime, Wishing All a Very Merry Yuletide!xx