My goodness this must be a record for the longest period of time but I have not written an entry in the face of considerable amounts of activity so this will be a more abstract overview of Wednesday to Sunday when we had a lady visitor who I scarcely new personally before she arrived but I felt instantly that she would fit in with the family so to speak and so it proved to be true.

Dealing with house guests

Thank goodness she was an organic thinker and we were on each other’s wavelengths which brings up the topic of guests, both understeing but more likely overstaying their welcome. I have had four or five guests over the years while we were living in Somerset who fitted in like family and there is no other way of describing it but to say that it was as if we had known them for a long time.

There was candidness on both sides, an openness and honesty and mutual respect which tidied us through four days very well. Guests are usually keen to contribute and amply repay their keep.

Off to Glastonbury (again)

Thursday morning, off to Beltane which is traditionally the celebration of Spring and coming to summer. The only place to celebrate this is Chalice Well in Glastonbury. I have written so many times about this if you want to know more about the venue just do a search in the search box on this site and you will read more then you could ever cope with or interested in.

We got up early c. 5.30 am and arrived about 10 to 7 in the morning. There were early celebrations in a field attended by drumming and whistle blowing. A smokey fire was lit and people followed the custom of jumping over it. I do not think that images can describe the event which is one of the reasons that this is text only. There were people from many parts of the world there in attendance.

The only criticism I have is that the food was very lacking and they were not prepared for the fact that over 2,000 people attended. There was some sausage rolls, rather rich looking sweet very un-home made chocolate cakes, some pizzas and some nutty things but it was all sold out fairly early on in the day.

I spoke to many people as I always do and the spirit of comradeship prevailed.

During the morning we decided to go to the High Street of the town itself and then we visited the Goddess Center which has one of the most beautiful sets of rooms in various colors, green, purple and red. This was an eye opener to our guest who had never seen anything like it before.

We returned to Chalice well for the midday ceremony which consists of giving thanks for nature, spreading peace on us and so on. We then went to the White Springs which is a cave and holy pool through which spring water flows freely overspilling the pool onto the floor so be careful what shoes you wear when entering.

Entrance is free but no photography or video is allowed for very good reasons. People swim in the pools on times in very in degrees of undress. If there are new people there no one bats on I did because it’s somehow fits in. We then proceeded up to the hill and along with about one thousand other people did various dances commerce celebrations, incantations, all in lovely sunshine that at times threatened to get too hot.

We eventually had enough and walked down towards the town and decided to refresh ourselves at the very famous King Arthur pub which is traditional and has the most wonderful local beers and ciders. As we had been up since 5:30 with felt about 3-4 pm that he was time to go home and we duly repaired to Midsomer our  home.

Recommendations for first time visitors

If you possibly can visit to the chalice well website and see where the main festival celebrations are and come along and join in with the fun. Glastonbury Abbey also has frequent events some of which are payable. The  High Street is unique for the sheer number of shops focusing on esoteric matters including art, crystals, new age costumes, all sorts of Magic.

The Christian religion is certainly represented and respected. Have a look at the church situated halfway down the High Street. There are plenty of food outlets which is mostly quality food vegan or vegetarian, plus enough coffee served to  float a battleship.

I suggest you visit the Goddess Centre, look it up, if you are into Mother Earth, the Goddess, female empowerment and the like. If you can possibly stay a couple of nights then you might just do justice to the basic features but plan ahead and have a look at what’s on offer.

The Tourist Bureau by the Town Hall are pretty up with what’s going on. Their number is 01458 333144