be the change - tread the path

Seems like a lifetime since I last wrote anything for this site and I’d like to thank all of you who sent messages in the lull. Finding balance in a very ‘full’ life has proven to be a very delicate attempt at fine-tuning.

I’ve used my time away wisely and the majority has been spent with family and friends with the next ‘chunk’ focused on reducing my ever growing pile of ‘to read’ books. My Spiritual path has most definately led down the Celtic path and Druidry/Paganism takes on much more strength each and every day.

The involvement of my family in my development is a key aspect of my personal evolution and they have been more than happy to join in the fun. The picture at the top of this article was taken during a beautiful day out visiting the Nine Ladies Stone Circle not too far from where I live.

We packed the car with sandwiches and treats, not forgetting to include the kids, and the sun shone bright throughout the whole day. The only parking is in a lay-by and the stroll to the site was exhilarating with fields of purple heather in full bloom as far as the eye could see. 

On reaching the Circle it was great to see that the nearby Oak Tree was festooned with gifts - ribbons, bracelets, pendants, crystals, etc. The children were mesmerized, running from each offering to the next culminating in the obvious request to join in the fun and present offerings of our own.

We found a comfortable spot and sent the children off, keeping in eyes view, to gather ‘gifted’ materials to use as craft material. We had actually brought some posies of flowers with us, one for each of the children, and these were immediately tied to the tree with a spare string which lay nearby.

The three boys immediately took on the traditional role of ‘gatherers’, heading off into the nearby trees to see what they could discover. Tara, Gillian and myself stayed at ‘camp’ and begun to weave some grasses together to act as binding. 

Eventually we had crafted two Pentacles and a straw dolly which we presented to the Oak on behalf of the whole family. Looking at my watch I was shocked to see that we had spent over three hours enjoying our time at the Circle and decided that it was time to return to the car for the journey home.

On the way back we gathered some lucky Heather and after a short’ish detour, thanks to me trusting Tara’s sense of direction, we arrived back at the car safe and joyful. The children soon fell asleep and I drove home warmed by the day and the welcome glow of some much needed exercise.

It’s been great sharing this story with you all once again and I hope to keep up with the site updates from here on in. This is an important part of my personal journey of development and the trip just hasn’t been the same without you.

Much Love,

Damian /|\