Dolmen grove chronicles

Dolmen Grove Chronicles Wishes you a very happy Yuletide !

What it means to be a Druid…………

Clliff Carr on being a Druid bard in today’s world & A 21st Century Duid by Tarnia Spaven News from the Dolmen including Crow Dancers

Magick of the Dolmen Grove

www,dolmengrove.co.uk

THE DOLMEN GROVE The Dolmen Grove is a pagan organisation of mixed spiritual paths established in the early 90s by Taloch Jameson, which over the years has grown from one small circle in Weymouth Dorset, to several clans not only across the UK but worldwide.

The Spiritual ethos of the Dolmen Grove has remained the same throughout and is based purely upon the Freedom of the Individual.

It is the collective belief that in an age where technology can often dwarf our humanity, it is important that we take control as individuals and embrace our own spirituality in order to maintain the equilibrium within an ever changing world.

Although the Grove is not a political organisation preferring instead to focus upon the spiritual, this does not prevent either individual members or the Grove as a collective from playing an active part in humanitarian and environmental issues.

There are no hierarchy or titles within the Dolmen Grove as it is our aim to encourage each man and woman to discover their own unique and authentic journey so that their spiritual connection is founded upon that which works for them as an individual rather than a spiritual rule book set for the masses.

The key to our success is the Round Table which is made up of around twenty people from a variety of spiritual paths who uphold the spiritual ethos of the Grove. They not only organise their respective moots but also the festivals and events hosted by the Dolmen Grove.

Our Moots are regular meeting places which are held once a month in several areas. Although these are organised by and largely attended by Grove members, non-members are always welcome to find out more about the Grove and enjoy the company of other free thinking people as well as the activities organised by the Moot.

There is a membership in place that enables those who wish to be part of this ever growing Clan to enjoy reduced ticket prices for Dolmen Grove Events, festivals and where stated ‘member only’ Ceremonies and Courses. Although we host many Ceremonies which are open to the general public, to avoid crowding and to allow our members to celebrate free from pressure we also hold members only ceremonies.

‘ ALL ARE SPIRITUALLY UNITED WITHIN THE DOLMEN GROVE’

CONTENTS 1…Dolmen News and gig guide – Taloch Jameson 2…Diary of the Hedgewitch – Rachael Moss 3…Magick of the Dolmen Grove including the Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge – Taloch Jameson/Diane Narraway 4…Mistletoe – Andrew Cowling 5…Being a Druid Bard in Today’s World – Cliff Carr 6…A 21st Century Druid – Tarnia Spaven 7…The Yule Log – Molly McHenry 8…Aromatherapy – Sandra Wiseman 9…Dolmen Grove Moot Information & The East Dorset Travelling Moot 10…A Blessed Solstice - Poetry with Contributions from Claire Whiles, Karen Cooper & Martin Pallot 11…Crabchurch’1 – Mark Vine

Photographs and artwork in this issue by Joanna Caswell, Rachael Moss, Maria Light, Aaron Cilia, Sem Vine, Kate Sawyer Crabchurch 2016 advert and Dolmen and Dolmen Grove artwork Sem Vine with photography by Joanna Caswell.

Spriggan Mist artwork – Aaron Cilia and Kate Sawyer . Unless otherwise stated all other images are from the public domain.

Further information on the Dolmen Grove can be found at: www.Dolmengrove.co.uk http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheDolmenGrove/110124449082503 All information is accurate at the time of publication and all articles and images are assumed to be the work of those being credited https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine?ref=hl Editor… Diane Narraway email dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk

THE NEW KAYLEIGH ALBUM IS OUT NOW!!!!!!

Available from www.thedolmen.com

Dolmen News Back in the enchanted circles of Dorset, The Dolmen have been in preparation for 2016, rehearsals and recording taking up much of the time but still managing some down time away from the studio where they have been spending time at some of the local sacred places gaining inspiration for their work on the Comhluadar Album and the infamously secret Nuada Album.

Comhluadar, a Celtic word pronounced Co-Loo-Der, meaning United Harmony.

A Live Dvd as well as a Live audio Album, Filmed and Recorded at Castlefest, Netherlands 2015, is set for release in February.

The release of the New Kayleigh Album, 16 Dolmen songs that have featured on other albums in the past but now brought together on one disc featuring a taster from the coming concept band Crow Dancers as well as a couple of classic re-mixes and the previously unreleased ‘Bloodthirsty Queen’.

Taloch Jameson

A taste of the Comhluadar Album https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUeO81rAwpA

‘Crow Dance’ is a solo release by Taloch Jameson, singer/songwriter and founder member of the The Dolmen. The album is a shamanistic journey calling upon both the natural and spiritual aspects his own indigenous Welsh and Native American ancestry.

The Crow is seen here in his role of a messenger who travels between the different realms weaving magic, mystery and mundane into one joyous dance....’The Crow Dance’.

In much the same way as the crow traverses the boundaries between the living and the dead, Taloch draws upon his extensive musical knowledge and deep spirituality to cross the boundaries between the ancient and modern worlds. The raw tribal drums and haunting melodies coupled with the unique vocals of Taloch as his singing and chanting take us on a visionary journey. In this album Taloch has created a truly mystical collection of songs dedicated to the ancient dance of the crow, as the tribal shaman of the Air. Crow Dance is a supernatural journey of the soul painted through the imagery of music.

Friday 1st January 2016 Winter MPS Dortmund, Germany Saturday 2nd January 2016 - Winter MPS Dortmund, Germany Sat 23rd January 2016 -Golden Lion Weymouth Saturday 13th February 2016 Enchanted Market Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, RG2 2LN Saturday 20th February 2016 - Golden Lion Weymouth Friday 4th / Saturday 5th March 2016 - Mystica Hamelyn, Germany Saturday 26th March Dolmen Grove Ostara Psychic Fayre and Spring Ball. www.thedolmen.com

Diary of the Hedgewitch Winter. Dark, cold, bleak, barren, still, silent.

The wild reckless winds have ripped the remaining leaves from trees that now stand sullenly naked, twisted and bent against the gloomy grey foreboding skies. Dead stalks droop limply, spent, their lives given up in their seed or withdrawn into their dormant roots within the dark earth.

Mother Nature who gave life so lavishly has now demanded it back and the world has become pallid and monochrome, except for the red-breasted robins that sing sweetly and dance. The harsh cries of crows and rooks dominate, joined by the clattering of jackdaws and the occasional loud lonely resonance of ravens, reverberating their calls over plundered ploughed field, windswept cliff and hilltop, and ravaged woodland.

The Sun, our most powerful and potent star bringing boundless vitality, stumbles low on the horizon, the demise of his rule bringing the withering, contracting, and death, as his potent vitality withdraws, to be taken in and transformed.

The prickly glossy-leaved holly is in berry, the swollen red fruits contrasting with the deep green.

The holly represents sacrificed gods, as the Sun represents the potency of the male creative force, and the transformative power of light and consciousness and all it represents, and whilst the Sun again begins his rule at the Solstice, the Holly King is sacrificed so that the Oak may rule the lighter part of the year, in the dance of opposites.

But as the Sun/Son rises earlier again on the 25th of December and so is linked with the birth of Mithras amongst others and the dawning of a new era, the holly is also associated with the sacrificial blood, the leaves and berries symbolizing suffering and blood. A sacrifice has always to be made for progress to move onwards. If only we can all bring that light within us each to blaze.

The ivy, also full of berries at this time, but small bunches of hard dark ones, is partnered with the holly in the well-known carol “The Holly and the Ivy”, a reminder of the continuation and ever

onward transformation of life, and of Light, the sacrifice and triumph of spirit encased in matter; the holly also representing, perhaps the male potent and expansive energy, and the ivy the feminine, contractive energy that gives birth to restrictive form, the dance of the two coming together to create new birth.

The first frosts have hardened the land, the world contracts, inhales to bursting, transmuted, vibrating with all those experiences taken in from the mad dance of summer and fertilised with the possibilities to come. From the rich humus that ferments in the soil are created new life, new, forms, new thoughts, and new consciousness.

As we withdraw into the darkest time of year towards the shortest day, and as the course of the Sun through the heavens appears to standstill for 3 days at the Solstice, there is a pause, and anticipation, at the time of apparent death before the Sun begins to move Eastwards again and the days begin to gradually lengthen, the birth and dawning of an era, a new consciousness gestated from the remains of summer’s death and autumn’s putrefaction. The Sun now rises at the time of the Solstice in the constellation of the Archer, Sagittarius, if we can begin to have the strength and will as a race to shoot the arrow from the world of darkness and disillusionment, from the primitive depths of ignorance, into the light.

So this time of Yule, for me, is a time of great re-birth, as vegetation has withered and leaves have fallen, creatures hibernate, and the world becomes bare and stark and barren, it is a time of withdrawing into the fermenting darkness and bringing the light, and the heat and fire, the passion, of summer, inside, into the hearth fires where all that has been experienced is re-kindled and transformed anew with the rising of the Light of the winter Solstice Sun. Rachael Moss All photography - Rachael Moss

The Magick of the Dolmen Grove With the recent release of the Crow Dance Rituals under the umbrella of the Dolmen Grove we thought it would be a great idea to share a couple of the previous productions associated to Crow Dance and that have also helped many to gain a deeper insight into the Magic and Spiritual Philosophy of Taloch Jameson founder member of the Dolmen Grove http://issuu.com/dolmen-grove/docs/dolmen-grove http://issuu.com/dolmen-grove/docs/awakening_the_gods

Celebrating the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge 2015 I call upon the solstice sun that warms this land I call upon the spirit that holds the troubled hand.

I call upon the Lord of eternal light And lady moon that shines in the darkest night.

I call upon the words of grimoires and tomes I call upon this sacred circle of stones I call upon the gods, ancient and high.

I call upon the land, the sea and the sky.

I call upon the flame in the astral fire I call upon man’s primeval desire I call upon the purest newborn soul I call upon the crone, haggard and old I call upon the love of a mother, tender and mild I call upon the beast, savage and wild I call upon the baby still in the womb And I call upon those asleep in their tombs

I call upon the strong, the wise and the brave I call upon the mad, the sick and depraved.

I call upon the power we hold in our hands I call upon us all to heal this land I call for an end to pain, suffering and fear I call for an end to the senseless tear.

I call for an end to war fuelled by hate I call for it now, before it’s too late So I call upon the voice of the still, silent heart, To whisper words of hope and heal their scars.

I call upon the beat of the Dolmen drum Whose rhythm is powerful, steadfast and strong I call upon the words within this verse To ring throughout the entire Universe And I call upon all who are spiritually free To echo the words ‘so shall it be’ Diane Narraway

https://www.facebook.com/BBCSouthToday/videos/953511358072788/?pnref=story

Photo – Joanna Caswell

February 13th and 14th ...Enchanted Market Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 2LN. March 26th…Ostara Psychic Fayre and Spring Ball.

April 22nd - 24th April inclusive…Beltane Spirit of Rebirth Camp, Dorset.

August 26th - 28th inclusive…Tribal Dreams Camp, Dorset.

September (Mabon) – Local Ceremonies.

October 31st (Samhain) – Local ceremonies and Events.

December – Yule Winter Wonderland Market and Ball. www.dolmengrove.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/The-Dolmen-Grove-110124449082503/?fref=ts

Mistletoe Mistletoe (Viscum album) is probably the most famous herb associated with Yule and midwinter; holly and ivy being close competitors.

A true parasite, it grows on tree branches and can be found predominantly on Apple and sometimes on Ash and Haawthorn. It rarely grows on Oak which is why it is so revered when it does.

The English name is from the Anglo Saxon Mistletan; mistl meaning different and tan meaning twig. The Latin Viscum means sticky and refers to the texture of the berry juice, the berry colour is reflected in album, meaning white.

Mistletoe is a sacred herb of the Druids, particularly when growing on Oak and is harvested around the Winter Solstice, 6 days after the new moon at this time. The ritual involves a Druid maintaining a shaman stance and cutting the herb with a golden blade which represents the sun’s energy and the moon’s substance.

The herb is caught in a white sheet held above the ground; it is believed that the plant loses its power if it touches the ground. This ritual also involved the sacrifice of two white bulls, perhaps symbolic of the white berries which grow in pairs. It was then distributed for use as a cure all.

Mistletoe is a symbol of fertility and rebirth, peace, protection and welcome.

The fertility symbolism probably relates to the similarity of the berry juice in colour and texture to that of semen with the fact that the berries occur in pairs adding to the symbolism. The practice of

kissing under the mistletoe stems from this belief, a berry being removed for each kiss. As an adjunct to fertility, carrying the herb in an amulet was believed to heighten sexual experiences and have an aphrodisiac effect on the wearer.

Farmers burnt a globe of Mistletoe and Hawthorn or Blackthorn, throwing the ashes onto the field that was to be ploughed first in the coming season to promote fertility of the soil.

Conversely, the herb was carried by women as an aid to contraception. This might be connected to the custom of placing it by the bedroom door, hanging it on the bedstead or putting it under the pillow to ensure peaceful sleep.

It protects against a wide range of events including lightning, disease, fires and misfortunes. It was placed in the cradle to protect the baby from being stolen and replaced by a changeling.

Hanging Mistletoe tied with a red ribbon over the door at Yule symbolises harmony and welcome to visitors. It is believed to banish evil and negative energy and bring good fortune and joy.

In Celtic practice all war had to cease when Mistletoe was cut; the Winter Solstice thus becoming a time of peace and goodwill.

Used in ritual at the Solstice it gives strength to the weak sun; the ripe berries

are golden in colour, representing the sun energy. At the ritual each person throws a berry into the fire to promote the realisation of personal aspirations as the sun grows towards summer.

After Yule the first person across the threshold carries a sprig of Mistletoe in one hand and a branch of an evergreen in the other; a kind of first footing.

Mistletoe was often saved until Candlemas when it was burned in the fire symbolising the completion of the transition from the Winter Solstice.

In herbal medicine the leafy twigs are used as the berries are poisonous. It is used for the circulation and the nervous system. I use it with herbs including Hawthorn, Common Valerian, Cramp Bark, and Limeflowers to treat high blood pressure, particularly where nervous tension or anxiety are factors. It is also used for rapid heartbeat, excitability, insomnia, nervous tension, tinnitus, benzodiazepine withdrawal, painful and heavy menstrual periods.

It is an old remedy for epilepsy … ‘the powdered dried leaves are food for the falling sickness’.

Culpeper 1659 It was known that taking too much caused an increase in seizures; another example of knowing the herbs and treating them with respect.

It has long had an anti-tumour reputation. The Druids applied the berry juice to external tumours and Culpeper commended the juice as being ‘good to ripen hard tumours and swellings’.

In modern times it is used as an anticancer remedy (Iscador is one trade

name). It is given by subcutaneous injection so cannot be given by herbalists. This was advocated by Rudolph Steiner back in 1920 and is available privately from reputable clinics although not the NHS. A remarkable herb, both in its folklore and its healing properties. Celebrate it at Yule!

Andrew Cowling BSc(Hons),Dip.Phyt,D.Hyp,RCST,MNFSH,FN IMH. Herbalist, Craniosacral Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Healer.

62 Grove Road Portland DT5 1DB. Tel. 01305 860611.

Spriggan Mist Saturday 9th January 2016 Spriggan Mist’s Wassail - The Acoustic Couch 11 Market St, Bracknell, RG12 1JG Saturday 30th January 2016 The Snug Weymouth 38 Maiden Street Weymouth, Dorset Saturday 13th February 2016 Enchanted Market 2016 Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, RG2 2LN Saturday 20th February 2016 Surrey Steampunk Convival The Royal Oak, 90 Coombe Road, New Malden Saturday 26th February 2016 Crabchurch Weekend The Crown Hotel, 51/53 St Thomas Street, Weymouth DT4 8EQ www.sprigganmist.co.uk

CLIFF CARR …BEING A DRUID BARD IN TODAYS WORLD

photo – Maria Light

Write something about my Bardic and Druid path, she said. Leg wobble, it went. And mention something about what it means to be a Druid today. She added!

Good job I was already sitting down.

On a serious and personal side. It’s simple. It’s a way of life.

Like many of you. Over many years, I’ve walked many paths. But without going into too much detail and personal history. I’d like to share with you a small insight into my life of druidry and the inspiration that encourages me to be a Bard.

I discovered Stonehenge when I was 17 years old and I was intrigued and it was not long before I started to ask questions, and over the years, my understanding through observation became a little clearer to me.

As the years went by. I discovered Avebury too.

I’d met a few people at Stonehenge and through local Druid groups I was introduced to a few of the locals in Avebury, who I met up with during a visit.

Eight times a year I’d visit then after. To hold witness to the wheel of the year, to talk and listen with what the good people were saying, in ceremony, or in general chat around someone’s house, campfire, or even the local pub.

I’d like to stress that it has only been within the last 10 years from when I was encouraged and offered the chance to work in such a magical and mysterious place that my writing and druidry developed massively.

So, after a few years, I was asked if I would become the Bard. I was honoured and took on the position, grabbing it with both hands, and after the initial challenge of writing about Cernunnous, I was accepted as bard of Caer Abiri. A position I held for 5 consecutive years.

From being accepted. I asked those who were here, there and present, to “Walk with me”.

The affect that the place had on me was an eye opener and it soon became a big part of, and a new chapter in my life. To work in such a fantastic place, (I use the word work, as observances etc), Inspires me! It opened my eyes and also, my heart.

Even to this day. I feel the warmth and energy as I pass Windmill Hill and enter the henge from the North entrance when visiting. And feel a sadness when I’d leave. Bidding the place a hail and farewell.

I’d like to add too that although I had found druidry many years ago and called myself a pagan from an early age. My druidry really took off now.

A place of obvious and proper meaning, somewhere to learn from and as I’ve said before, an inspiration and breath of fresh air for me.

To feel the sun on my face, the moon wax and wane, respecting the planet and her ways, the seasons and their growth as the animals come and go, always knowing that the circle of life will remain.

Druidry and paganism, for me is a way of life. It is an eclectic compendium of knowledge coming from many different aspects of life. And the one thing that brings us all together is spirit.

My observances gave me a realisation and broader understanding of the systems that we all can relate to. Just like our ancestors did. It inspires me to write.

And even though, I am still just scratching the surface as much been lost over time so it is hard to visualise the shadow movement of say, the obelisk, which disappeared a long time ago or the missing circles, such as the one on Waden hill, there is plenty still there to inspire and open one’s eyes.

I now find inspiration easier to find from many aspects in one form or another. I walk through or sit amongst the woods more frequently now, climb a mountain or just sit in an open space and observe the world go by. All the right ingredients to bring out the bard in me.

Within my druid path and druidry in general I look for signs to learn from regularly. It’s a spiritual thing which is very deep and sincere; unique to me personally. I question my belief every day and it’s never long before I get a sign of some kind which keeps me believing in my belief structure. The answers, I call ‘the magic’.

Just like our ancestors and the traditions of ceremony. I feel that this aspect has been kept to a similar standard, adapted within our time and to some extent, for a very long time. Although obviously we adapt the new ways from what we know of the old so that it works with today’s world. We tweak it a little because after all we, do live in the 21st century.

We believe from the days of old that the druid was the wise one. Although this is only one meaning for the word druid, and there are many interpretations, all feasible too. It may also come from a word Duir-id. Wood or Oak-wise? Duir came to me from the understanding of the tree Ogham. It’s Celtic for Oak It is not known if the druids worked within stone circles, but we believe that the stone circles were used by our ancestors for solar, lunar and other terrestrial occurrences and celebrations much like other monuments were. They were probably not recognized as being called a Druid either. But in today’s world we all recognize and understand the word because it’s a good word.

It is my understanding. It is what makes sense to me, I believe that the ancient druids worked within the woods and within nature itself just like myself. Looking for signs of change, as the wheel of the year turns and that he would observe and advise as deemed suitable for the time.

Over the many years. I find that changes are always happening but the druid today is not looked upon for the main source of information anymore which is a great shame to those who don’t know of one to ask. But, because times change a compromise and happy medium has to be developed. And although we have other

sources to gain information from, like TV, papers, radio and even computers, most of the information given is usually questionable and up for debate; being a long way from the true story and so far from reality that does not reveal the full picture.

Religion too plays a part as do the politicians of the world where the powers that be dictate how one should feel or even live. Also we now have the likes of supermarkets so the hedgerows, fields, woods, rivers and streams are mostly free of foragers now. Only a few enjoy nature’s bounty seasonally while the rest enjoy a summer fruit in winter.

Is life now, a life for the better? I’ll leave that for to you think about. One thing is for sure my life with druidry has changed me from when I was a lot younger. It is now an everyday part of my life to feel humbled and although it is frowned upon and deemed less important by some of today’s society druidry is my inspiration and my way of putting things into perspective. It is a way of passing on our ancestral knowledge and to live life for the love of it! This is a Bards way of life!

If you ask me if there is still place for Druidry in today’s world. Then the answer from me is. Yes most definitely! We have to keep the traditions alive and teach the younger generations about the magic and the basics of life within the world around them. Inspire their minds and hearts to be able to make wiser choices when they are old enough to understand.

I’d like to add at this point that I hope that what I’ve shared with you, has given you a little insight into my belief of druidry, how it works and how it helps me to develop as a bard.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to give Thanks to the Dolmen Grove for accepting me as one of the family and also for giving me the great honour of being the Dolmen Grove Bard. A position that I had never previously given a thought and I’m now looking forward to learning, working and sharing with you all in the future years ahead with love, light and inspiration.

Cliff Carrr

OUT NOW OGHAM OF THE WOOD CLIFF CARR

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNtIO4BS1c_nvSvAVPQcIOOUCPfSg3a9K http://rvrb.fm/1fR1OXc https://www.facebook.com/Cliff-Carr-rygbard-182261731346/ clifford.carr42@yahoo.co.uk

A 21st Century Druid

I thought maybe I would look into Wicca but although certain aspects of it fitted, I didn’t feel that it was right for me at that time.

Then quite by accident my internet browser directed me to a page that was still being set up, but on the main page was a description about druidry. This was exciting. It ticked all of my boxes. At the time it was the middle of December and I asked my husband if he could take me to the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge because I had read another article saying the Druids would be there.

I have been following the druidic path for about a decade now. Before that I had been confirmed into the Church of England but the dogma and ethics of Christianity didn’t feel comfortable. It was like trying to wear a pair of shoes one size too small and pretending that the confined space and overall discomfort was fine as long as I walked a level path.

I was at my happiest whilst walking in the woods and learning to craft things with my hands and could feel the changes in the seasons deep inside my very being. I was raised in a village and spent a lot of time exploring the countryside around me and questioning my beliefs. My Grandfather was a herdsman and we used to visit the farm during school holidays. I had the most wonderful experiences of my life on that farm and as I began to research my beliefs I realised that I had in fact had a very pagan upbringing.

We had celebrated the seasonal turning of the wheel, made corn dollies and watched fox cubs and badgers playing in the fields at dusk. I remember Grandad taking my sister and myself to the barn after dark to watch the barn owl swoop down from a hole near the roof. It was awe inspiring; an apparition of ghostliness. However, at that point in my life I hadn’t even heard of the word pagan and was made to go to church every Sunday even though my parents never attended.

The older I got the more unsettled I became until one day I decided to do some research on the internet about different beliefs.

When we got there it was very dark and extremely cold but the atmosphere of a large crowd of excited people started to work its magic.

We walked up to the stones and then we heard the drums. The Druids were coming. My heart was beating ten to the dozen. All I can really remember from that morning was the spiritual high I got when the drums and chanting started.

That’s when I was certain I had found my comfortable shoes. I looked around my local area and found a Druid grove and I was invited to join them for a ritual. I will always be grateful to them for giving me a solid foundation to my learning even though we have now gone our separate ways.

Through them I joined the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.

That seems like such a long time ago because I have grown spiritually and expanded my beliefs and horizons. I now practice druidcraft, a mixture of druidry and witchcraft, and because of my ability to see and communicate with spirit I feel drawn towards a new path, Shamanism.

Not much is known about the ancient Druids because the only written accounts we have were a few descriptions left by the Greeks, Romans and other various authors and artists. According to these writings, Druids appear to have been philosophers, scientists, astronomers, mathematicians, teachers, magicians, poets and healers. It is believed they held high office and were called upon as judges and to officiate rituals.

I can only relate my perspective and experience of druidry. I have a love of learning and crafting, not just in the magical sense, but with my hands. I have a strong spiritual connection to the land, sea and sky. I don’t believe I am an ‘ancient’ Druid as I don’t know what their daily practices were but I do know that I’m doing the best that I can to uphold the ethics and practices of modern day druidry. If I make mistakes, I alter my perception and meditate on it. I talk to my spirit guides and read … lots! My understanding and knowledge is changing on a daily basis. If I don’t agree with something that I read then I dismiss it and focus on what does makes sense to me.

I’m not just a Druid anymore, I’m also a Witch and Shaman as well as being a medium and empath from birth. I still question everything.

My advice to anybody starting out on their journey is to get out there and feel the earth beneath your bare feet, hug a few trees and meditate with them. Connect with spirit and put your beliefs into action. Practice ritual, join a grove if you wish and talk to people on different paths. Seek knowledge and be accepting of yourselves. No two people will have the same beliefs and sometimes it is all right to walk the path alone. We are spiritual beings having a physical experience so enjoy the ride. In the peace of the grove.

Tarnia Spaven

MEMBERSHIP OF THE DOLMEN GROVE The Dolmen Grove offers a lifetime membership, which simply means a one-off payment of £20 for those who wish to embrace and enjoy the freedom, Clanship and the right to practice their own spiritual path within the Grove family.

Full Members of the Grove will enjoy reduced rates for events such as Gatherings like the Beltane Spirit of Rebirth and Tribal Dreams, and many other events when stated.

A Full member will receive a Membership Card and a unique Membership Number that identifies who they are when wishing to attend Member only Ceremonies and other Dolmen Grove Events.

The Dolmen Grove does not have a hierarchy, as we do not believe that people need titles or labels to follow a spiritual path; instead the spiritual ethos of the Grove is facilitated by a Round Table, a circle of people from all walks of life.

For further information on the Dolmen Grove and becoming a member please send an email to dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk .Also find us on faceboook - thedolmengrove and thedolmengrovemagazine

THE YULE LOG Bringing in the Yule Log is a tradition that is classically held with much celebration. Even if your log is more modest than those depicted in the old woodcuts, you can still make a celebration of it.

Bless your Yule log with the following charm either after you have cut it and brought it indoors or after you have finished decorating it with pine boughs and holly: ‘We welcome, O Yule log, With hearts ablaze to make our home a joyous place.

Beyond our windows, The bracing weather Frames our good fortune together’ When the time comes to burn the Yule Log, it should be sent on with as much fanfare as it was when brought in.

Recite this charm over your log before setting it alight: ‘Farewell, O Yule log, With our hearts aglow in the season of ice and snow.

Until glad springtime returns may your merry fire burn!’

Yule Log incense If you are unable to have a Yule log, try this incense instead. It captures the same essence of blessings and warmth as the original, but is more manageable in small or shared spaces.

2 pt. Pine wood shavings 1 pt. Pine needles 1 pt. Cedar shavings 1 pt. Oak bark 1 pt. Bay leaves 1 pt. Cardamom pods 1/2 pt. Sage 1/2 pt. Orange peel or a few drops Orange oil 1 pt. Vanilla sugar Grind ingredients until they are still coarse.

Mix together and burn on a charcoal disc.

Molly McHenry

Aromatherapy If you are new to Aromatherapy or have not read previous articles on this then an insight to it is: - Aromatherapy is the use of organic essences extracted from aromatic plants for healing and maintenance of vitality.

It may help minor ailments, keep us fit whilst still enabling us to be relaxed and at ease with ourselves.

The oils work by entering the blood stream via the skin, smells evoke memories and the brain registers the scent via the neurological and the endocrine system.

The therapeutic potential of essential oils, like other plant derived remedies, has yet to be fully realized.

Although numerous medical herbs have been utilized since antiquity, many of which have become of modern drugs (such as Quinine and cocaine)

In order to use an essential oil apart from Lavender and Tea Tree they MUST be blended with carrier oil.

Baobab Seed Carrier oil

– Adansonia

digitata The Baobab tree is found in Africa and has many beneficial uses. It has a distinctive look with a grey bark and branches that fan out from the top, providing it with an 'upside down' appearance. ~It can live to 6000 years and stores water of up to 100.000 litres in its trunk in case there is a draught.

Image by Bernard Gagnon

The Baobab tree produces a velvety shell fruit around the size of a coconut and its oil is extracted from the seeds by cold pressing. Although it is known for being a super food the oil is also intensely nourishing and rich on the skin. It is high in vitamins A and F (Linoleic Acid) which are two of the main vitamins vital to anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation As well as vitamins A and F, it also contains vitamins D and E as well as Omega 3, 6, and 7 fatty acids. It is a semi-fluid golden-yellow oil that is gently scented and contains nearly equal amounts of saturated fats.

When used as massage oil, it is absorbed easily and quickly without leaving an oily or greasy residue and instantly softens dry skin. It is helpful for Psoriasis and Eczema as well as being good for antiageing. It is also beneficial as hair conditioner as it replenishes dry and damaged hair.

Image by T. K. Naliaka

Nutmeg Essential oil Myristica fragtrans

Nutmeg is an evergreen tree that grows up to 20 metres and is native to Moluccas and is cultivated in Grenada Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Image by J. M. Garg

The oil is extracted by Steam distillation from the seed and the aroma is nutty warm and spicy with the colour of water-white or pale yellow.

Nutmeg has a long tradition of topical support for seasonal aches, pains and rheumatism especially when combined with massage or a hot bath, as it is an analgesic. It stimulates the heart and circulation, is anti-emetic so can help prevent vomiting as well as providing relief for gastric problems, bacterial infections and nervous fatigue as it is a stimulant that helps to relax the body and mind so it can assist with a peaceful and full night’s sleep. This also supports energy levels The Spiritual Influence of Nutmeg is it is not only calming to the body but can also have a profound effect on our emotions. It dispels doubt and resistance. And allows us to embrace flexibility, spontaneity, and joy so we can move forward. If you are into Chakras Nutmeg corresponds to the sacral, solar plexus and heart chakras and to the colour Yellow

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ALTHOUGH NUTMEG IS NON-TOXIC AND NON-IRRITANT IN SMALL DOSES DO NOT USE THIS OIL ON CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE OR IF YOU ARE PREGNANT. IF USED IN LARGE DOSES IT CAN CAUSE NAUSEA, STUPOR, AND CAN CAUSE TACHYCARDIA AS STIMULATES THE HEART AND CIRCULATION.

Sandra Wiseman Therapies 4 You 07804 138585 6 www.therapies4you.com

DOLMEN GROVE MOOTS All Dolmen Grove Moots hold regular meetings where people can find out more about Dolmen Grove membership, ethos and upcoming events including camps, workshops and talks.

Hampshire, Fareham, – The Heathfield Arms 116 Blackbrook Road, Fareham po15 5bz - First Monday of every month, 7:30pm onwards. https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.dolmengrovehampshiremoot/?fref=ts Essex - Scout Hut, Cromwell Road, Grays, RM17 5HT Weekends https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot/?fref=ts Dorset, Weymouth – Old Town Hall High West Street DT4 8JH Weymouth, Dorset - Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/435089566582005/?fref=ts Dorset, Portland - The George Inn 133 Reforne, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2AP Last Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/148075512033935/?fref=ts Cornwall, St Austell - Polgooth Inn Ricketts Lane, Polgooth, St.Austell, PL26 7DA - First Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/460165050682366/?fref=ts Berkshire, Bracknell - The Acoustic couch 11 Market St, Bracknell, RG12 1JG -Third Tuesday of every month, 8:00pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/150234135114242/?fref=ts Dorset, East Dorset Travelling Moot – Various locations in East Dorset - first Thursday of every month 7:30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/groups/285539554914086/?fref=ts Berkshire, Newbury - Last Thursday of every month, 7.30pm onwards See Facebook group for venue details https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654789994736431/?fref=ts All Dolmen Grove moots are advertised regularly on www.dolmengrove.co.uk with up-to-date information on individual moot Facebook pages

DOLMEN GROVE EAST DORSET TRAVELLING MOOT What's a travelling moot?

Well as we couldn't decide on a location for East Dorset Moot, as Dolmen members in East Dorset seemed quite spread out between North East, South East and everything in-between, we decided to try a travelling moot. The plan is to meet in different locations to accommodate members throughout the area and to welcome other pagans in the area that may not know about us. We are open to seeing how this will pan out in the longer term and it may be that we will settle in one location, if that location proves more convenient and successful than others; but equally we may keep on trucking if that is what works for us. It’s really up to what Dolmen Grove members in the East Dorset area want. We have had exciting and interesting suggestions including meeting at a ferry port so that members from Isle of Wight could travel as foot passengers to join us. Fantastic idea!

We will be fostering an active ritual group with rituals taking place outside of moot meeting times to coincide with whatever is important to moot members. These times could possibly be related to Solar or Lunar events or both. There are so many possibilities to explore and East Dorset is a landscape rich in ancient and sacred sites. We want to take our rituals outside to communicate with the spirits of this wonderful land. With such an abundance of free food around us we also plan to take foraging trips to feed body and soul.

Our first meeting was at The Lambs Green Inn, Corfe Mullen and was well attended. We had a busy agenda regarding possible meeting places /times /themes etc. A lively discussion was held regarding the forthcoming ritual for the Dolmen Grove Solstice gathering at Stonehenge. We are keen to encourage those new to ritual to participate and everyone involved was energised by the experience and keen to explore further. We were grateful to have our first moot ritual in the great mystical space of Stonehenge surrounded by the support of our Clan.

The second meeting will be at The Green Man pub at Wimborne on Thursday 7th Jan 7pm 7.30pm. Focusing on ritual practice the topic for this meeting will be The Quarters; the history, the similarities and differences in our individual and group practices. Diane Narraway will start us off with a talk which will be followed by a discussion and sharing of experiences.

February's topic will be Sigil Magic and a talk by myself (Linda Moonbow) will lead into a discussion. It will take place on the first Thursday of the month with the venue to be confirmed.

Future moots will have an exciting range of topics and talks delivered by Dolmen Grove members and guest speakers. If you have a talk you'd like to share with us or a venue you'd like us to visit please get in touch on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/556080981209172/?fref=ts We look forward to you joining us on your travels.

East Dorset Travelling Moot is hosted by Linda Moonbow and Gitta Cooper.

A Blessed Solstice WINTER SOLSTICE.

SOLSTICE

Each year we gather at the Stones, The cold doth chill us, to our bones But we bring with us solstice cheer To celebrate this time of year

Silent, secret, sylvan shadows, Slip between the winter trees.

A breath of sound like distant drumming, Carries on a rustling breeze.

Within the henge the circle grows, And through us all the energy flows, The sun has risen upon the plain, and so the wheel has turned again.

Dancing, Drumming, Singing, Chanting, Winters magic swirling, starting, Blessed are we to be in this place, Within this yuletide's dark embrace.

So celebrate eternal light, the sun's rebirth, the longest night, Now we leave ‘til next solstice eve, When we'll gather again at the stones.

Karen Cooper

RETURN OF THE LIGHT As the sun stands still And the earth is calm Mother nature is sleeping Restoring her charm

A figure walks the dreaming trackways, Through this ancient forest night.

A woman, pale as silver birch bark, Dressed in gown of purest white.

She steps from out the trees dark shadow, Into a glade of frost touched turf.

Her footfall leaves no print upon it, She is the moon, come down to earth.

Within this landscape wreathed in magic, Walks another maiden fair.

Clothed in robes of green and amber, Oak leaves woven in her hair.

Given form by earth’s great spirit, Come to meet her moon born kin.

Her eyes are bright as rain washed berries, Like summers wild rose is her skin.

Goddess becomes great Mother The new Sun is born, Our souls dark night Waiting for morn.

They meet within the trees soft circle, Greeting with a sisters kiss.

Then stand and watch towards the pole star, There is a third that yet they miss.

For 12 Yule nights The candle will burn A blessing to all The Sun King will return

And time is held between two moments, Like the pause within a breath.

Or like, that infinite quietus, That seems to wait upon a death.

Claire Whiles

The other comes on steps of silence, Dressed in robes of Raven black.

A coldness, worse than any winter, Follows fast upon her track.

A cowl enshrouds the ancient features, Of this dark unseelie she.

A face of cruel and harsh uncaring, That mortal eye would dread to see.

She is the Hag, midwinter’s spirit, Collector of the seasons due.

Those lives, demanded by the north wind, To let the spring be born anew.

She steps into the star lit clearing, Moves her hand above the ground.

A mist arises from the frost fret, Begins to drift the circle round.

Within this icy breath of winter, These spirits tread a sunwise path.

Creating with their slow progression, A timeless, placeless, hallowed garth.

A space for them to work their wisecraft, Where the drumming louder grows.

And where, like ice, so slowly melting, The time once more begins to flow.

Quicker now their footsteps falling As they weave the world afresh, Their forms, so ghostly in the mist light, Seem to shimmer, shift and mesh.

Round in sunward sacred circle Three in one the figures flow The heartbeat drumming of the season Deep within the ground below Then, all is gone from in the clearing, Except, the mist drifts deosil, It spirals, wanders, weaves and falters, Stops, and all is utter still.

Faint the sound of drumbeat fading, Lingers on the cold night air, The mist, performs one last enchantment; Unveils the figure standing there.

This shortest night draws to its ending As golden glimmers edge the Earth, And from this charm of solstice making, The form of spring is given birth.

A maiden, fair as season’s blessing, As golden haired as harvest dream.

Her gown is like a may day meadow, A sunrise sown in every seam.

She looks towards the days new dawning, Her skin is washed in pearly light Her eyes reflect the east’s pale colour, She trembles like the lark in flight.

She is the gift of ancient spirits, She is the wise craft that they send, She is the new life of the season, She is the gold at rainbows end.

She walks towards the forests welcome, She steps in wonder, like a fawn.

Beneath her feet, the world is breathing, As all that’s green is now re-born.

She reaches to the trees bare branches, At her touch, the leaves unfurl.

She smiles to see this gentle magic, And walks into the waking world.

Silent, secret, sylvan shadows, Slip between the springtime trees.

There comes a sound, like, pan pipes playing, Carried on a rustling breeze.

Martin Pallot

LOVE STREET www.lovestreet.me

February 2016 sees the 22nd year of commemorating The Crabchurch Conspiracy in Weymouth during the English Civil Wars. It is the name given to a Royalist plot during the autumn and winter of 1644, in which a rich merchant called Fabian Hodder, schemed with various other influential supporters in Dorset of the King, Charles 1, to bring about the downfall of the Parliamentarian garrison in the twin towns of Weymouth and Melcombe.

The Governor, a local man called Colonel William Sydenham had no idea of the plot and in fact his regimental preacher, a puritan called Peter Ince wrote in his diary at the time…“In the beginning of February, we were in as sweet a quiet and security as any garrison in the Kingdom: no enemy near us, but one at Portland, and that not very considerable, being but about three or four hundred men”.

But, at midnight on the 9th February 1645 a force of 120 Portlanders attacked the town of Weymouth, taking two major forts there and killing Sydenham's dashing younger brother, Francis in the fighting. Sydenham's forces retreated to Melcombe and an internecine bombardment lasting several days, began. Eventually, after a further 4,500 royalist soldiers under the command of the infamous George, Lord Goring, joined the two thousand already facing Sydenham's meagre force of 1300 men, all seemed lost.

But, when on the 27th February 1645, the combined royalist force of 6000 men attacked, Sydenham somehow won a miraculous victory, killing about 500 royalists with the loss of only about ten of his men.

To find out how and all about the events leading up to it, go to http://crabchurch.co.uk/ The Crabchurch Commemoration next February will be a little different from the usual format in that the now famous Dolmen Crabchurch concert in which they perform live, their seminal concept album, 'The Crabchurch Conspiracy', will be separate from the talks and in a different venue to them.

The talks, which this year will once again include the ever popular Professor Ronald Hutton and another superb civil war expert, John Rees, will also include a bit of theatre in the guise of 'Bishop Bray', a royalist ranter, more used to touring with folk rock stars, the Levellers & Maddy Prior etc. in the 'Freeborn John' stage show. He will deliver his sermon-like observations on the civil war and its parodies with modern life in a slightly comical show which the audience will find irresistible. But if the Bishop thinks he's getting it all his own way, he wasn't taking into account the counter-argument which will be delivered by our own Jon Dixon in the guise of Preacher Peter Ince and the two of them will argue it out live on stage, Royalist against Puritan ... and may the best man win !

The talks etc. begin at 5pm in the ballroom of the Crown hotel and finish at 8-15pm. Which will give you plenty of time to stroll the few hundred yards over to the Belvedere Hub music venue where The Dolmen will perform their concert live, with special guests Diane Narraway and Cap'n Steve Howl, beginning at 930pm.

Throughout the week leading up to the Crabchurch weekend, there will be a free English Civil War exhibition at the Weymouth Old Town Hall and on the Saturday of the talks and concert, re-enactors will be in full 17th century costume performing scenarios in the town of events which took place during the Crabchurch time. The following day on the Sunday morning at 11am, you will be able to watch the trial and executions by hanging of the conspirators, an enactment of what really took place after Sydenham's victory was complete.

So if you want to be a part of this great weekend which will feature some excellent historians and an awesome night of wonderful music from The Dolmen go to the link below and secure your tickets for one or both of the events taking place. Tickets are limited to 100 for each event, so get in quick!

CRABCHURCH ...WHERE MUSIC MEETS HISTORY ... AND MAGICK IS BORN. Mark Vine http://cc16.co.uk/

Further information on Dolmen Grove can be found www.dolmengrove.co.uk Dolmen Grove Facebook links Portland Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/14807551203393 Poole Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/28553955491408 Weymouth Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/43508956658200 Berkshire/Bracknell Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/15023413511424 Cornwall Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/46016505068236 Essex Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot Hampshire Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.dolmengrovehampshiremoot/ Berkshire/Newbury Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654789994736431/?fref=ts Dolmen Grove Chronicles https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine Dolmen Grove www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dolmen-Grove/110124449082 Email Diane Narraway (chairman Dolmen Grove/Editor Dolmen Grove Chronicles) dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk