From the Chair

Dear Companions,

Lindsay Smith

It is mid-March and the garden at Chalice Well is beginning to spring into life and colour, which is so very welcome after what seems to have been a particularly long and hard winter. Whilst we humans continue to traverse rather difficult times, nature moves forward in her own inimitable way to bring beauty and joy to this planet and to all who find their way here, with really the very minimum of fuss despite the diverse obstacles we humans put in her way.

As many of you will know by now, our garden itself has undergone change recently with the retirement of Ark Redwood, our Head Gardener for 23 years, and the beginning of a new chapter with Dave Balian, his replacement. Dave, a long -time Companion and resident of Glastonbury, has already settled seamlessly into the Well and is spending time getting to know and feel the garden and its energies.

Many of you have commented lately on how the garden has been positively bursting with light and energy and we believe that all who visit can become imbued with this and take it out beyond our walls into the heart of the world to spread far and wide the truth, the love and the hope. This is our core purpose at Chalice Well, and whilst we continue to improve and upgrade our practical and organisational matters, all of our staff are deeply aware that providing a place for our visitors to find true solace is at the core of our endeavours as we traverse this ever-changing world. For this we thank them sincerely, for they too can sometimes be rocked by events, but continue steadfastly to hold the space at Chalice Well. Our sacred Well and surrounding lands are here to hold us steady and rooted through these times and our constant, ever-flowing waters remind us that “all things must pass”. The changes and upheavals these lands have seen over millennia are beyond measure yet the energy here remains untrammelled, and continues to offer itself to all who come with open hearts.

“Hope” is key this spring, represented by the eternal reappearance of green shoots and bright bulbs. Nothing lasts forever and we all have, I believe, the ability and the energy to move forward into a better way of being, in tune with our planet and our fellow humans, without discord or dissent. There was never a more perfect time to begin….

In the words of our founder:

“Nothing can happen outside the Orbit of the Creator’s Love and Will. If I replace my anxiety by dwelling on this truth, then I am co-operating in the best and highest sense in conforming with that Will”

All will never be lost whilst places like Chalice Well exist and none of us who hold this space can take the credit for this, although many, both past and present, contribute their time, effort and love into maintaining it. There is a much greater power at work, recognised and revered by Tudor Pole and others but stretching far, far back in time, holding the light above us and above many other sacred sites and awaiting the moment to step forward and dazzle the world. Perhaps that time is quite close now?

And so, in this Spring of 2023, we send you hope and trust and, as always, love from Chalice Well.