CLAN DOLMEN CHRONICLES: SUMMER 2021 by Clan Dolmen

CLAN DOLMEN

THE SEASON of INSPIRATION

AN INTRODUCTION BILL DUVENDACK

CERNUNNOS SMILES

ESCLARMONDE

THE POWER of the WRITTEN WORD

SUMMER QUEEN

TALOCH’S KITCHEN WONDERS

Taloch Jameson relates the Mystery and Magick that lies behind his song and latest film emerging from The Dolmen Castle of Concepts. CLAIRE WHILES on her Search for Her Past Life

Diane Narraway and Marisha Kiddle SCOTT IRVINE

CLASSIC DISHES WITH A TALOCH TWIST

CONNACH

INVITING NATURE into THE CITY

THE ADVENTURE THAT IS THE SEA

AFTERWORD, INFO & CONTACTS

The Wytch of Brigadoon: The Story Behind the Song

EVA-ŽIVA BLAŽKOVÁ

WRECK HUNTER GRAHAME KNOTT 3

As we sail out of a windy and grey

May, we still, as always, have the Sun in our sites as well as in our hearts, ever anticipating the long, warm days we’ll soon be spending together, and starlit nights round the fire that beckon us not to sleep the summer nights away. This summer’s issue of Clan Dolmen Chronicles is a cup that once more brims over with the wealth of talent and enthsiasm that members exude. With such creativity, humour and passion there is little that can defeat the human collective soul, as it invites the world to sense the fullness that all life has to offer in all its myriad forms, both in this realm and in others. With such wonderment, rain is that which quenches the thirst of all living things. Enjoy

Sem Vine : Editor

Please note that, in accord with the Clan Dolmen ethos of open-mindedness and as a community which extends its hand to all paths in the name of peace and friendship, all articles published in Clan Dolmen Chronicles are presented in that spirit of openness and non-judgmentalism. Clan Dolmen Chronicles, as an alternative to more dogmatic spiritual platforms, offers a space for those who wish to offer their personal research, ideas and findings, and to give a voice to those who may not find one elsewhere.

CLAN DOLMEN 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 Clan Dolmen 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 Clan is not a political organisation, preferring instead to focus upon the spiritual, this does not prevent either individual members or the Clan as a collective from playing an active part in humanitarian and environmental issues. There are no hierarchies or titles within Clan Dolmen, 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.

CLAN DOLMEN Clan Dolmen is unique community. If you are new to its concept, here is an introduction to what it is all about, its history and its purpose as a principally pagan oriented collective of individuals devoted to spiritual freedom and equality. There are regular gatherings, wheel of the year celebrations and ceremonies, as well as localised meetings, or moots. There are also a popular annual events list of camps, festivals, gatherings and other events to enjoy across the year, which are held both here in the UK and overseas. The Clan Dolmen Chronicles itself is a further platform which offers space to those who wish to share their personal research, experience, ideas and findings, as well as their craft, art, and expertise.

THE ROUND TABLE

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 Clan. They not only organise their respective moots but also the festivals and events hosted by Clan Dolmen.

CLAN DOLMEN MOOTS

Our Moots are regular meeting places which are held once a month in several areas. Although these are organised by and largely attended by Clan members, non4

members are always welcome to find out more about the Clan 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 the many Clan Dolmen organised events and gatherings, festivals and (where stated ‘member only’) Ceremonies and Courses, which are not only held in UK, but also overseas. 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 a number of ‘members only’ ceremonies throughout the year.

CONTACTS:

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

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NATIONAL MOOTS Clan Dolmen Weymouth Clan Dolmen Portland Clan Dolmen Hampshire Clan Dolmen Isle of Wight Clan Dolmen Cornwall

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION EMAIL:

DIANE NARRAWAY

ARLAHES OF CLAN DOLMEN

clandolmen@gmail.com OR

SEM VINE

EDITOR CLAN DOLMEN CHRONICLES

clandolmen@gmail.com 5

On June twentieth, we have the

Jupiter is currently stationing. solstice. I refrain from calling it the Stationing is when a planet is in the Summer Solstice because that is only middle of shifting from retrograde true for the northern hemisphere. motion to direct motion or direct In the southern, it is the Winter motion to retrograde motion. In this Solstice. Regardless of where you case, Jupiter is stationing from being are at, though, there is one constant direct to retrograde. The length of a found during this time, and that is the stationing period is determined by the constant of inspiration. Let’s take a planet, specifically, the speed of the closer look at the upcoming season to planet, which is also put into context see what I mean. of the speed of earth, and the orbit Oh! First, how good are you at seeing taken around the Sun. Mercury only your own areas for improvement? The stations for about twelve hours at a solstice in June begins while Mercury time, whereas outer planets like Jupiter is retrograde, which means it is the take days. perfect time to identify the problems Astrologically, the stationing period that come up in life because those are can manifest as “anything goes” areas of the self that need addressing. because the stationing planet is doing All this requires is humility and something different from what it understanding, so it takes minimal usually does, but what is different is effort. So, step one of the season is to not in line with retrograde or direct identify what needs work and why. behavior. Sometimes this manifests Following this, though, is where things as occasional quirks or glitches in get interesting because we move from the affairs of said planet. I remember self-reflection to contacting the great one time about ten years ago or so beyond. that Saturn was stationing for several What makes this days, and during that true at this time, the air time is just felt that heavy,

and things took a lot longer to accomplish than they normally did. These were byproducts of Saturn-time, heaviness, a feeling of lead instead of gold. When Jupiter is stationing, it means that there may be something fishy going on with your finances, but it could also mean that the energy is more conducive to spirit contact than other times. This is especially the case now, as we will see as we break this down. When Mercury is retrograde, it generally makes it easier to meditate and go within for guidance and wisdom. A few days after the solstice, Mercury retrograde blends with the North Node of the Moon in Gemini, which tells us that is a prime time to figure out where to go from here, spiritually speaking, and one of the better ways to accomplish this is through personal communication, whether the other “person” is in spirit or flesh. When Jupiter is stationing, the same effect might manifest. If those two indicators are not enough, we also have that season in June starting with four planets in water signs, and water signs are known as being intuitively or spiritually focused. These three factors all tell us that this will be the perfect time to develop your spirit contact. These also tell us this is an excellent time to seek guidance from the finer planes or

external spiritual beings around us and support us. Water signs also generally correspond to spiritual initiation, so if you have been looking for a good time for that kind of activity, it would be a good time during these three months. But, and this is important, water signs also correspond to emotions, so if you’re not careful, you might get drug into creating drama either through intention or not. Or, you may be surrounded by people that create drama to feed off of it, like the toxic vampires that they are, even if it is unconscious. Saturn also spends a good portion of that season retrograde, meaning it is an excellent time to review how you do things and see if there is a better way that is now available to you that wasn’t before. All of the water sign activity also brings our creativity to the forefront of life. This makes it a good time to start a new hobby or other creative endeavor. There are many benefits to this. First, whatever you develop can be an excellent vessel for selfexpression. Secondly, having a creative habit like this can also be a good way to blow off steam if stress levels get too high. Embracing and developing your creativity can also be great to open the mind to new and different ways to contact spiritual beings. One of the things I have enjoyed from my time as a musician is the trance nature

of playing the instrument. When the groove is right, you can get lost in it for hours, and with discipline and training, that can be an excellent channel for information and beings to come through. Cynics in the room may think that these opportunities are around us all the time, so noting them now is not-so-special, and while that is the case on a small scale, that criticism falls apart on a bigger scale. By the time the equinox in September rolls around, the emphasis drastically changes to that of internal reflection and changes, due in part to the fact that most of the water sign emphasis has faded and is replaced with air, making it a good time for reasoned plans and the use of logic, and not spiritual initiation or powerful insights. True, certain individuals may still experience profound initiations and insights then, which is due to the nature of their astrological charts. Still, by and large, that will not be the case for most people, whereas, in the upcoming season, it will be true more so than not. And remember, we are not necessarily aware of the initiations that we go through in life. Many people don’t realize that your first job is an initiation, or when you work for yourself instead of someone else is an initiation, too. Sometimes we only see the initiation in the rear-view mirror of our self-reflection. Make this season yours. This is what it is for this year. If you have been

planning on moving ahead with any of these themes, this will be the time to do it. Suppose you do not plan on doing anything like this. In that case, that is fine, too, because the Mercury retrograde will bring things to your attention to address anyway, meaning you will get further initiated into the mysteries of Mercury, the patron of tricksters, thieves, swindlers, communication, and alchemy. Do you want to test those odds? Copyright 2021 Bill Duvendack 418 Ascendant LLC All Rights Reserved Website : 418ascendent.com Email : bill@418ascendant.com Also find Bill Duvendack on facebook and on instagram Illustration Above: Sun and Moon (detail) from the Nuremberg chronicle, Hartmann Schedel, 1493 Attributed to Albrecht Durer 8

DOLMEN THE

ON FILM

For well over a decade, The Dolmen, a band who’s history spans three times that, have accumulated an impressive catalogue of film and video. With imagery as distinctive as their music, principal film maker, frontman Taloch Jameson has explored the ever growing conceptual facets that have emerged from The Dolmen creative hub, otherwise known as ‘The Castle of Concepts’. With an inimitable flair for narrative as well as cinematic timing, Taloch, as ever, remains an enigma within video-making as much as within the music industry. We asked him about his latest work, ‘Cernunnos Smiles’, its meaning and imagery.

The Mystery and Magick that lies behind Taloch Jameson’s song and latest film, ‘Cernunnos Smiles’.

Privileged to watch the initial

bumble about their business, Taloch drafts of Taloch’s new film to the song relates the deep origins of the song, ‘Cernunnos Smiles’, the immediate ‘Cernunnos Smiles’. sensory gift to the watcher is one of We are listening to a calling, an exuberant immersion in the pure beckoning us to not only to delight sensuality of existence. We soar over in the essential joy there is in being incredible vistas of sunlit downs, alive, but also to open ourselves to peer through undergrowth into other the possibilities that lie within all worlds, and visit the sacred halls of a existence. The voice, Taloch relates, Wytch’s temple, and it is the eternal reveals to us that we are not bound by spirit, given voice by The Dolmen, the mundane and material, the trudge who takes us there. and grind of bodily survival, but that Relaxing in the balmy sunshine of we have faculties within each of us that his garden, as jackdaws play on the can set us free to explore other realms, rooftops, scorched leaves of his apple worlds filled with the Fae, the Elven tree rustle softly in the breeze and bees and other creatures of the Mystical

and Magickal. This Cernunnos knows, for Cernunnos, with Ceridwyn as consort, communes with the source of universal creation, the origin of all things. Cernunnos converses with the omnipotent, that which is within every flower, every hillside and every star, no matter how far from us that star may be. Cernunnos, with Ceridwyn, both are assigned to the service of that great spirit, ‘the ancient and unoriginated one’, Hen Ddihenydd. The imagery in the film gives us glimpses of realms beyond this one as band members and other actors adopt personas of magickal creatures and entities of legend. Through the wonders of technology, we achieve the dreamlike ability to fly high above the ancient spiritual site of Maiden Castle, surveying the breathtaking wonders of creation for miles around us, above and below. ‘The magickal realm is the place

within which I dwell. My given name, ‘Taloch’, can be translated as ‘thunder and rain’, but also means ‘invisible mist’. As a Wytch, I study the occult realms. This is what is meant by ‘The Castle of Concepts’. As the white-haired Taloch, blackthorn cane at his side and garbed in white linen, sips from an ornate, white, milk glass goblet, the image of him becomes as translucent as his namesake, and it’s not difficult to perceive in him an ability to pass through seemingly impenetrable perimeters. ‘Experience is a gift,’ Taloch tells us. ‘Every waking moment is a miracle. Everywhere there is magick, the potential for peace, the tranquility of dream. Ceridwyn beckons to Hen Y Henydd to infuse the divine essence into her cauldron, that which regenerates, that from whence all

things grow, the very essence of consciousness itself, the indescribable, inconceivable Hen Ddihenydd.’ For a moment, the breeze brings a little chill to the skin through the heat of the sun. The budding plants in the garden shiver momentarily, and it is as if some spirit has joined us in the breath of a still youthful summer. ‘‘I am the calling, I am the reason in your heart,’’ Taloch quotes from the song. ‘The heart is the centre of our being, the seat of all our emotion, our empathy: it loves, it aches, it responds: it tells us of things that our mind only surmises in time. It is the voice of our spirit.’ ‘The songs of The Dolmen have always been songs of the Bard,’ Taloch

Above: A dramatic still of the colossal ancient settlement of Maiden Castle, near Dorchester, from ‘Cernunnos Smiles’ (from footage taken by Deltoid Media). The spiritual significance of this site cannot be underestimated. With evidence of a woodhenge, dated to 2000BC, close by, Stonehenge directly to the North and the Isle of Portland directly to the South, Maiden Castle is steeped in the memory, the knowledge of the Ancients.

continues. ‘Part of the bard’s role is to open the heart to possibilities, that the physical as well as the spiritual may revel in moments of the eternal, to call to the heart to embrace the timeless essence of existence, all the wonderful facets of being alive.’ Within that collective voice, within the power of this music, we listen to the voice of the calling heart. And just as the interview comes to a close, in the corner of my eye I perceive a movement in a crevice at the bottom of the garden fence, a flicker in the grass that is more than could be made by the breeze. I might imagine a foraging mouse, a bird

gathering moss for its nest or, perhaps, just maybe, an elemental that had stopped there to listen. Sem Vine All The Dolmen films are published on their YouTube Channel. By clicking ‘Subscribe’ you can receive notifications and enjoy new releases. And by signing up to be a Dolmen Patron at patreon.com/thedolmen, you’ll get special previews and patrons can also take part in live chats with the band during their weekly live performances. thedolmen.com youtube.com/thedolmen patreon.com/the dolmen 15

Cernunnos Smiles I am The Stars, I am The Sun, I am The Moon, The Earth of All. The Wind, The Rain, The Trees, I am the Voice whence Life began, I am the Fire. I am the Heart that beats The Blood Through Your Veins, Ancient of Days. I’m up here on the hill, Looking out across the valleys green, I see a Horned God, Holding his hand, A beautiful Queen. In wonder of the Magick Realms, Where Life is all one gentle Dream. Up here in the Clouds,

Thoughts and visions seen. Cernunos smiles at me, Ceridwen beckons me, To leap into the Cauldron Of all that’s ever been. I am the calling, I am the reason in your heart, I am the morning mist, I am the Sun ray’s Kiss Of your Smile. In these puzzles of the Mind, Sometimes confused The wrongs and rights, But in the world I choose, I see the ancient Light, Voices within the Stones, Spirits of Day and Night, With Beings of the Fae, This is where I stay. Words and Music: Taloch Jameson

“One spark of Spirit Wind, ignited by the chanting of harmonic sounds and the heartbeat rhythm of the sacred drum, can kindle a Holy Fire that will cleanse and renew ourselves, our souls, and the worlds of Being and beyond, of which we are an integral part. “ Taloch Although many of its tribal rhythms are inspired in large part by Taloch’s unique mixture of both Native American and Welsh Romany ancestry, the band Crow Dancers also pays tribute to the almost universal existence of similar indigenous spiritual practices found in ancient cultures throughout the earth. For many years a practitioner of those magickal arts that allow the individual to regain lost connections to the animistic aspects of the natural world, Taloch has used his music, chants, songs and stage performances as focussed ceremony and purposeful ritual; vehicles for soul journeying in which to bring healing, balance and harmony not only to individuals but the community at large. Weaving through and always underlying those rhythms is the strong and sure Heartbeat Drum that is attuned to the very real harmonic frequencies of the Life Force itself. Taloch maintains that our modern world has set itself apart from the interconnected web of Nature made manifest within the Winds, Waters, and Fires of Earth, as well as the myriad elemental forms and spirits that inhabit those realms. The price of such severance is that we have by and large forgotten that we are not owners of the Garden, but stewards. This disconnect from the encompassing Spirit of Love that is the essence of creation within the cosmos has caused humanity, in the name of ‘progressive evolution”, to turn a blind eye to the catastrophic destructions that we ourselves impose. Our survival, and that of generations to come, depends on our respect for the earth and the responsible use of its resources. Our survival, and our purpose, depends on a deep understanding of the divine nature of Love itself -being both a Temple and the Law. To this end, Taloch and The Crow Dancers are dedicated.

On this particular day the poor

My life in the 13C began in the Occitanie region of Southern France. In this particular “memory” I was in a simple pale brown colour dress, my hair was long and similar gold red to now, hanging loose around my shoulders.

teacher was attempting to elicit some French conversation from us 14 year olds, rather unsuccessfully. Then, jerking me back from my daydream, I heard her utter the words Massif Central. I remember vividly shivering as if someone had walked over my grave and that, as they say, is where it all began!

Sparked by seeing the face of the Templecombe Head looking out of the computer screen at me, I felt a time slip and someone dancing on my grave, whisking me back in time to this hilltop village. . . .

The understanding of our soul transmigrating at the time of death to be reborn into another body is part of many cultures and religions. The Law of Reincarnation says that our soul is to be reborn in order to learn lessons from our previous lives, with this cycle of life, death and rebirth continuing until we become part of the “Supreme Soul” or reach enlightenment. I first heard of this phenomena when I was a child watching a TV programme with my father. A lady under hypnosis talked about a cottage in Ireland, using vivid descriptions of a much earlier time. She had never been to Ireland or had an interest in visiting. Researchers subsequently discovered the cottage, empty and in a state of a decay, hidden deep in a dense ancient wood. Her incredible recall was accepted as her having had a previous life there.

. . . I was strolling out of a small, very plain and simple church situated on a hill that looked down on a castle. It was a sunny summer’s day, and I felt relaxed and happy; the birds were singing, the warmth of the sun on my face. I had been the last worshipper in the church, spending time chatting to the priest about our friends who practiced the religion of the Cathars. Suddenly, the priest forced a rolled up document tied with string into my hands, as he shrieked with a sickening fear in his voice, yelling “Escy! Run!!!!” With that, two men on horseback appeared, and as I ran I looked back and saw they had murdered him. I ran for my life through woods, down the hill toward Coustassa. I ran past the castle across fields and woodland where the trees were in full leaf, the darkness and denseness offering me protection, although the sharp branches scratched my face and tore my clothes. I knew

Little did I know then I would have memories come flooding back of one of my own past lives that I shall endeavour to share with you here. 21

I was never to be able to return to my place of birth, and the sadness ripped at my heart in so tangible a way I could of cried out loud there and then!

I found myself, eventually, at the Abbey in Alet les Bains. Marks etched on the walls of the Abbey indicated it was a safe haven in these troubled times. Kept warm in a room of stone . . . I have trekked many times with a roaring fire it gave me respite. through this region of France and On waking however I realised, with had strange experiences confirming horror, my dress had gone!!! What my memories, such as when I first am I hiding , am I in more danger? visited Rennes Le Chateau I knew The situation I was in roared through where to find the church, although I my blood. A kind looking serving girl didn’t know it was THE church of my entered the room, carrying my dress memory. On entering the church I and signalled to where she had hidden saw nothing of the Sauniere interior, the document sewn deftly into the just a simple church where I sat at inside. No words were spoken, but she the altar and broke down sobbing put her life in danger that day for me. uncontrollably. I finally left the church I somehow made my way through the only to see the priest and the men on Languedoc Midi Pyrennes, Auvergne, horseback and I was there, back in taking refuge in the Massif Central, time! As I came back to the present in a town called Clermont Ferrand, day, a Frenchman strangely came up to eventually heading west to La Rochelle. me and said, “You will find what you are looking for in Rennes Les Bains.” . . . Clermont Ferrand - just the and promptly walked away. . . name - knowing nothing about where in France, it was has been a frequent

The Persecution of the Cathars The Cathars followed a dualistic faith, believing in two gods, one good and pure, and one bad. The movement had emerged in the 12thC, particularly thriving throughout the Southern regions of France and Italy. While they were ostensibly a Christian movement, the Catholic church denounced them as heretics, and as such were violently persecuted. In the early 1200s, Pope Innocent III launched an armed crusade against them, during which thousands of men, women and children were brutally massacred. And the violence did not end there, as the Inquisition joined forces to ultimately crush the Cathars by trial, shame, banishment and burning at the stake. 22

Cathar Sentiere, Languedoc

and told to be quiet for my own safety. I realised with shock that I was surrounded by contorted dead bodies, mouths and eyes often open, covered in sores and pale like the sun had bleached their sorry skins of all its natural colour. The smell was indescribable and the fear and shock - I felt I couldn’t block out even if I closed my eyes. No one would search for me in a cart for the dead.

nagging voice to me: then I discovered it was in the Massif Central, so I made plans to go. My visit to the Cathedrale de Notre Dame de l’Assomption made me feel very uncomfortable and scared, whereas the Basilica of Notre Dame du Port was a haven and a place of familiarity, especially the crypt, a feeling of the past around me and secret conversations. . . At La Rochelle I acquired passage on a very old sailing ship on its way to trade in Dorset, a rough sea tossed my exhausted and fearful body around, sails billowing, sounds of men shouting, smells of sweat mingling with the smell of the salty sea. The ship docked at a small bustling port, mediaeval traders selling their wares, ropemakers busy with their trade, sheep baaahing loudly as if determined to make their voices heard as they were pushed from pillar to post. I was manhandled into an awaiting cart, not in the front, but under sacking,

. . . A recurrent dream all my life was this very scene of the dead and being in the cart. . . I was taken eventually to a wonderful community in some deep woods and cared for my monks with healing herbs and I finally felt safe! On my first walk to St Lukes ruined chapel in Abbotsbury, Dorset, as I struggled to find it, I stopped dead in my tracks. I heard a voice say to me as clear as day, as if you, the reader, were 23

came flooding back. The image took me straight back to the past around the year 1300 . . . . . . a tiny chapel, monks in pale robes going about their business in a gentle soft way. To the left, a herb garden growing foods and medicines. I saw myself as I was then and knew I had been brought to this place of safety. My days were spent in relative peace and harmony until suddenly, (I had a huge and frightening flash back), two men riding fast toward me, the horses’ hooves heavy on the land, their breath snorting out of their flaring nostrils.The monks were running, lifting their robes, trampling across the herbs, praying as they went. Fear was tangible in the air, heavy with the imminence of what was to come. I, too, tried to run as the horsemen charged toward me, but I could not run fast enough, and with a

The Auvergne

stood right behind me talking to me, “You’re nearly home!” I was startled, and looked around to see if there was anyone but us in the near vicinity, but I could see and hear no one, and all was quiet as before. I carried on and, a few steps later, turned a bend on the corner of the path to see a magnificent stone arch staring right at us. This was the remains of St Luke’s Chapel in the woods. I suddenly felt very nervous and slightly shocked, the voice, this place, I was feeling uneasy! Strangely I couldn’t bring myself to walk through the arch, I had to walk around which was rather odd! I walked into what would have been the inside of the chapel and a memory

The ruins of St Lukes, nr Abbotsbury, Dorset 24

simple swish of a sword I was gone! The year was 1308. . .

chronologically tell of the life of Escy.

The document I was given by the I was on one of my many walks Priest is yet to be discovered, if it ever to St Lukes, but this particular day is. Perhaps I have been back to find it I felt uncomfortable. The woods in lives between Escy and this lifetime. are always full of activity animals, Maybe, this time around, it is insects, and I believe other little beings time to make those discoveries that going about their business, but this have “drawn me back to my beloved day felt different, and I was slightly Dorset”, my hideaway place of safety. unnerved. I really felt watched. I took I don’t know! But what I do know is my usual routes around the arch into that I will be spending a good few the remains, keeping my eyes peeled, years more trying to find out! I’ll let and feeling a bit of adrenalin running you know! through me. Then I remembered my passing, seeing myself murdered by the men on horseback This shook me to the core, my mouth went dry, my heart pounded and I had to sit down, shaking and faint. The horsemen seemed to disappear back into the woods as quickly as they came. As I sat I saw the monks desperately trying to save me but it was too late. They prayed over my soul and I saw my limp, lifeless, blood stained body being carried away to prepare for burial. I was completely floored by this, the realisation that I met my end here all those years ago. Remembering this life has been a disorderly, fragmented experience of memories, dreams, feelings like electric shocks on hearing names and places, mediumship and synchronicities; much, much more than I can say here. The story I have shared with you is my attempt to

Claire Whiles is the author of an anthology of real life stories, Drawn to Dorset, stories from people who lilke Claire are powerfully drawn to Dorset. To find out more, as well as to purchase, please visit: drawntodorset.co.uk 25

Diane Narraway and Marisha Kiddle are familiar faces at all Clan Dolmen events. Diane Narraway, long-standing Arlahes of the Clan Dolmen community and equally long-serving past editor of the Chronicles, has played, and still does play, a pivotal role in the organising and facilitating of Clan Dolmen events. In recent times she has also, by harnessing a lifelong passion for literature, storytelling and the written word, modelled that passion into a remarkable business. With good friend, writer, artist and classical historian, Marisha Kiddle by her side, the formidable duo have published an impressive collection of books under two houses. Veneficia Publications specialises in (though are not limited to) Pagan, Heathen, Occult & Magickal works, and Ginger Fyre Press is dedicated to providing quality literature which is not only written by adults for young people, but by children and young adults themselves. Following an extraordinary 18 months during which reading, literature, and indeed creativity and writing has come to the fore as an ideal activity for such times, the Chronicles had a burning question, asked on behalf of the curious . . .

So, Diane and Marisha, suppose

to bring to life their ideas. Once it becomes a reality, we make their book available on as many platforms as possible in order to reach the widest possible audience. Both Marisha and I work long hours to achieve this and, fortunately for me, she is exceptionally good at administrative and promotional work. And if you’re wondering what I do, well, I’m the one who does all the formatting and turns your stories and poems from words on a page into a beautiful book. We, of course, pay royalties and, more importantly, we don’t charge any up-front fees. If we like your book and we believe there are others who will, then we represent you. It’s as simple as that. We approach shops and schools as well as potential stockists and purchasers. All of our books are immediately available on Waterstones, Foyles and our own website, plus we run promotional offers from time to time on our own websites. If you are looking to just dip your toe to begin with, we run various anthologies which feature short stories from a variety of different writers, and cover a variety of different genres. While we don’t pay royalties on these, they do offer valuable experience to new writers. We currently have three editors, as well as myself: Fi Woods, Bekki Milner, the creator of Witch Magazine and Bryony Warren, all of whom are fantastic, and we are lucky to have

I’m a young adult or someone who, like many, have had a lot more time on their hands over the past year or so. Over that year, I’ve finally been able to finish writing a book. I feel ready to send my manuscript off, and really like the idea of trying my my work with an indie publisher. As a young writer, what would Ginger Fyre have to offer me? If I’m a fully fledged adult, how can Veneficia Publications help me to make the dream I’ve always had of being writer come true?

Diane Narraway

Veneficia Publications veneficiapublications@gmail.com While Veneficia Publications is still a new kid on the block in the world of publishing, we work extremely hard for all our writers. Because we are independent, we don’t have a board of directors or company policies to follow. This gives us more freedom to consider new and as yet unknown writers. It’s a dream job, as I am a complete bibliophile and love writing, so win/win. I began as editor of Clan Dolmen Chronicles, which made me realise just how many good writers there are out there. When people come to us with their Manuscripts, we edit them, send them back with our suggestions and the process begins. We work closely with our authors and illustrators 29

them working with us. For those wanting to find out more about us, we are hosting two events later this year where there will be a wealth of information available to them from those in the industry; this will include those who have self published as well as traditional publishers; likewise, illustrators and artists. Also, if you just fancy trying it out elsewhere, find a writing group or take a creative writing course. They are great places to hone your skills, but above all, don’t write because you want to get paid, write because you have a story to tell, and the world needs to hear it!

writers, and they have exceptional talent. One such Author, Molly, has ADHD and Autism. We have helped her, not only with her book but other aspects in her life too. Molly has been nominated for the positive role model award by the National Diversity Awards 2021 and has just signed a contract with Netflix. Our support has included references for her, help with her university statement, guidance when and where needed, and not just about her book. Any of our young authors can contact us about anything and we will support them all when can, assuming we are able to. We nurture our young authors Marisha Kiddle throughout the whole publishing Ginger Fyre Press process, as some young writers can gingerfyrepress@gmail.com find this a bit daunting. We also help I think the biggest thing we can offer them with their advertising by making adverts through different media sites is support. We have several young for them to share. Because we don’t charge any upfront fees, it’s a win/win for young writers who can’t afford to pay out for editors, as we cover all of the book costs for them. They get first-hand experience of what it’s like working with editors, illustrators and publishers. Young people are great fun to work with and, let’s face it, they are the authors, illustrators, editors and publishers of the future. It is their ideas that will shape tomorrow’s literary world. We are just giving them a head start! 31

VENEFICIA PUBLICATIONS

Veneficia Publications is owned by Diane Narraway & Marisha Kiddle We are dedicated to providing quality publications, including: FICTION/DARK FICTION, NON-FICTION, JOURNALS, POETRY, FANTASY/SCI-FI, AS WELL AS MAGICKAL, PAGAN, HEATHEN AND OCCULT WORKS.

Veneficiapublications.com veneficiapublicsations@gmail.com

Ginger Fyre Press is a new publishing imprint dedicated to providing quality books for children and young adults gingerfyrepress.com gingerfyrepress@gmail.com

THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD

SCOTT IRVINE

Summer Solstice generally

out of it, and yes, I am sure they signifies the beginning of summer. are not vampires . . . though I do Despite it being the longest day, wonder sometimes. the sun’s power has only just When the sun is shining, the begun to bring the balmy hot world seems so much better, weather we enjoy in July and whatever we are doing. We receive August. Most people love the sun; a good dose of vitamin D from I say most because I know a few the sun, which helps the body to people who do their best to stay absorb calcium and phosphate

Illustration: Woman before the Rising Sun (Woman before the Setting Sun) (Detail) Caspar David Friedrich c.1818 Over page left: CME Eruption on the Sun (Detail) NASA 2012

from our diet, which is important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Of course, too much sun and we risk getting skin cancer, sunlight, after all is a radioactive energy that drives all material existence in the universe. It is a delicate balance between light and shade, or heavy dollops of sun cream. We cannot live without the energy of our star, a mass of electromagnetic radiation supplying the solar system with warmth and light. At the very dawn of time, the sun has been revered for dispersing the darkness of night every day. Our ancestors saw him as Father Sun, who impregnated Mother Earth with life each spring. They were aware of his power and would offer homage and offerings to him and in some cases a sacrifice or two.

Our star, who we know as the sun, is named after the Norse goddess Sunna, which means ‘All Bright’. Sunna was also known as Sol, or Soul. With her brother, the moon god Mani, which literally means ‘Moon’, they keep time to help humanity account for the passing of hours, days, weeks, seasons and years. The sun is the powerhouse of the solar system, spinning on its axis once every twenty-six days at the equator and every thirty-seven days at its poles. The twisting motion is what generates the cosmic furnace to bathe Earth and all the other planets, in not only light and warmth, but also charged particles of electromagnetic plasma. The energy is formed from a nuclear reaction in the sun’s heart in temperatures of 15,000,000°C, and cooling to a modest 5,500°C at its surface. It is mainly made up of 71% hydrogen gas, the most abundant element in the universe, and 27% helium, a gas named after the Greek sun god Helios. Both Hydrogen and Helium are two of the most basic elements that exist with a hydrogen atom consisting of one proton and one electron, and a helium atom being

two protons, two neutrons and two electrons. Don’t you just love creation? Meanwhile, back in the forest, after a beautiful spring romance and a spectacular sacred wedding at Beltain, love has turned sour for Briget and Maponos. Now pregnant with the ‘Divine Son’, Briget is putting all her focus and energy into the care of her unborn baby. Feeling ignored, The once radiant shine of the ‘Sun King’ was diminishing by the day, and had become obscured by clouds of rejection, and is now spending all his time deep in the forest hunting wild boar. During one hunt, Maponos came across a beautiful woman gathering flowers and becomes besotted with her. She is Grainne, the essence of fertility, and despite being betrothed to the ‘Stag Lord’ Cernunnos, she agrees to run away with the divine handsome youth. Unfortunately for both of them, the news quickly reaches the ‘Stag Lord’ who arranges for the ‘Sun King’ to have an ‘accident’. The very next day, Maponos is killed during the hunt, gouged by the tusk of a wild boar he was chasing,

dying a slow and painful death as his blood slowly drained from his young body, while his attendants struggled to stem the flow. You do not mess with Cernunnos, or his woman. Feeling guilty that the unborn child of the ‘Flower Maiden’ would arrive into the world without a father, Cernunnos leaves the forest for the rest of the summer to become the consort of Briget, abandoning Grainne deep in the forest alone.

Gardens and parks are blooming this time of year, the shrubs and plants lapping up the warm sunshine. Despite Covid, beaches are packed, small tourist coastal towns are gridlocked with visitors and the countryside is full of walkers and picnickers. For me, places to avoid, much preferring dark shady forests to explore and wander around. I love to find an old tree to sit and lean against and just be, listening to the wind rustling through the leaves, woodland birds calling to one another and unseen wild creatures foraging in the undergrowth. Just maybe I will come across the goddess Grainne, while she is out picking wild flowers. I promise I will not run away with her.

an author and poet, a philosopher, photographer, a gardener and nature lover. His passion is motorbikes, camping and exploring the ancient sites of Celtic hillforts and Neolithic stone circles. Scott’s book ‘Ishtar and Ereshkigal: The Daughters of Sin’ was published in 2020 and he has contributed to several anthologies and essays, including ‘Seven Ages of the Goddess’, ‘Naming the Goddess’ and the soon to be published ‘Naming the God’ for Moon Books (JHPublishing), available from Amazon. ‘Ereshkigal : The Dark Side of Venus’ was subsequently published in 2021. Scott has also contributed to the popular anthology, ‘Voices from the Ashes: Resurrecting the Wytch’, which is available from Veneficia Publications and Amazon.

Blessed be. Scott Irvine

Scott Irvine was born and bred on the craggy island of Portland, where he still lives. He is a druid in a witch’s hat, with the heart and mind of a Viking on mead and a pirate in search of adventure. He is 39

TALOCH’S KITCHEN WONDERS

CLASSIC CUISINE WITH A TALOCH TWIST Taloch’s Exotic Greek Finger Lickin’ Chick’n Kebabs (Also known as Souvlaki) Taloch, as ever, shows us how to keep calm in a crisis. When the wind blows and the rain comes falls sideways on your summer BBQ, Taloch has the solution for bringing the party indoors.

YOU WILL NEED: Chicken Breasts (chopped into strips) Prawns Chopped Shallots Sweet Peppers

Wraps and Pittas Salad of your choice Tzatsiki Dip (yoghurt, de-seeded cucumber, lemon juice, 2 cloves grated garlic, olive oil)

Olive Oil Salt and Pepper Cumin Paprika Chilli Powder Harissa (Aromatic paste)

Hummus (cooked chick peas, crushed garlic, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil) 40

First sear your chicken!

TOP TALOCH TIP: Add a good scoop of Harissa

TOP TALOCH TIP: Sear your chicken by putting several pieces on forks and hold over your gas flame Once the prawns are cooked, add the (being careful!) chicken into the pan. If you have electric, use a kitchen blow torch . . . TOP TALOCH TIP: In the pan that’s now free, warm your pittas and wraps. Heat oil mixed with generous amounts of cumin, chilli powder, paprika, When the pittas are ready, open the seasined with salt and pepper, in a pocket with a sharp knife, scoop a large frying pan. generous helping of chicken and Add your chicken pieces. prawn filling into it, top with salad and tzatsiki and hummus to taste. TOP TALOCH TIP: You can also have Using the warm wraps . . . wrap. marinaded the chicken in this mix of ingredients beforehand. TOP TALOCH TIP: If your wraps become too crispy in the pan, they While that’s cooking, prepare your make a great crisp to dunk in your salad. dips. Get your humous and tzatsiki ready. Rain or shine, bon appétit! TOP TALOCH TIP: Once the chicken looks white and cooked through, take each piece back to the flame again A step-by-step video guide to this until it starts to brown. recipe, which includes Safety Tips and Taloch Special Accompaniment - which got forgotten in the oven and is not included here - is available on THE DOLMEN CHANNEL on YouTube.

Then take it back to the pan . . TOP TALOCH TIP: Get exotic . . . Add chopped shallots and sweet peppers.

To catch up with more of Taloch’s Twists on classic dishes, all presented by the man himself, tune into THE DOLMEN CHANNEL on YouTube. Never miss out on a new recipe or any Dolmen update by clicking ‘Subscribe’!

Once the chicken is tender, drain the oil into another large pan. Add in the prawns and fry them in all those lovely juices. 41

connach.com connachofficial@gmail.com 07899 812919

sustained by true love, loyalty and social cohesion, protected and blessed by gods. Or is it a place in the Scottish Highlands, cursed and banished for eternity by dark Magick, doomed, stuck in an infinite loop of a century? Reality or Myth, History or Fairytale, good or evil Magick, Brigadoon is a realm detached from THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG the world of the mundane, invisible to the common people, but beautiful, With work still continuing idyllic and magickal to the ones on the much anticipated debut who have been there. Only once in a century Brigadoon casts off its veil to album from Connach, the duo be seen and entered by visitors. But if a took time to talk to us about one soul of Brigadoon’s shall ever leave the of the intriguing taster tracks, The realm that day, no mercy will be given. Wytch of Brigadoon, which was Swallowed by the mist of Magick, the recently released on video and village will be lost. Brigadoon with all which whetted fans’ appetites for that has existed will no longer be. more. For many of us ‘Brigadoon’ In our song, ‘The Wytch of immediately conjures images of the Brigadoon’, we provide a little 1954 Gene Kelly blockbuster, but insight to the genesis of the realm behind both the film and Connach’s of Brigadoon. We tell the story of haunting song, is an ancient and how the Wytch of Brigadoon was deep rooted legend. summoned by villagers, praying for The Chronicles asked the band help in times of war. The Wytch of to say more about the story that Brigadoon sees that all the human race inspired them. They wrote this for is equally guilty and shameful. The us: Wytch offers the villagers a way out of their misery and creates Brigadoon, a “You may have heard about the place of shelter, but a prison that can myths and legends around the magical never be escaped from, under absolute place called Brigadoon. control of, and at the mercy of, the It could be the place in the Scottish Wytch.” Lowlands near Ayrshire, by the Bridge that leads over a river named Doon, FIND a place of love, joy and celebration,

WBRIGADOON YTCH of The

CONNACH ON

Inviting Nature into The City

Written and Illustrated by Eva-Živa Blažková

Eva-Živa Blažková discusses how she has managed to overcome her sense of separation from Nature while living in the City, how by simple interactions with the four elements, she has maintained a sense of connection and a deep knowledge of a human integration with Nature as primal natural beings that exists wherever we live. 46

give it the most amazing care and everybody would benefit from it – sounded totally mad to me! How scary is it that we have got used to it so much that we accepted it as a norm! I literally started shaking in rage and grief, feeling the intense pain of indigenous peoples who have been moved from their homeland.

RULES OF SEPARATION

When the restrictions related to the

coronavirus started, it woke in me a very strong feeling of fear. Surprisingly however, the strongest one wasn’t of the virus itself, the social isolation or all the possible impacts. My strongest fear was that some outer force had the power to set up limits for my time, my interaction with Nature, could even separate me completely from it. I feared being imprisoned in the artificial world of the city where I would slowly die from the inside: because Nature is the biggest source of my energy next to creativity. I was deeply sad, being in the middle of a city, with only a tiny backyard and far from our land in Czechia; our land that is waiting for us to live on as soon as we have enough resources and all the required permissions. Looking closer into this fear, I could see lots of other layers within it, many of them coming from the collective subconscious rather than from my own experience: fear of the invisible power that can decide that this is not your land anymore. This power asserts that you can’t live on it; or you can’t live in this kind of house; or you can’t build a house here at all. You can’t live the way you want. It is prohibited. There are rules to follow, Rules of Separation. On one side is a human being, and on the other side is Nature. They are like separated lovers, left alone. And it goes much further. The same voice decides what forests will be taken down, what rivers will be turned into damps, what lands will become a wasteland of mining… without permission of the land itself and the people who inhabit it, those who truly live with it. Suddenly, the idea that, as is true in most countries, you cannot freely choose a land live on anymore – even if you would

Immediately after diving deep into this deep fear, I was given this message: ‘You are safe with me. I am all around you: behind the walls, under the concrete. In the walls, in the concrete. I am your bones and flesh and blood. I am every single cell of you. You are me. You are NATURE. Nobody can separate us. Stay connected to your body and you will stay connected to me. Nature is wherever I am. My own body is nature. Inhabiting our bodies.’

Illustration left: ‘What I carry in my Belly’ Above: ‘Swap’ Eva-Živa Blažková 47

I have realised that the times of the lockdowns we have faced over a year can be viewed as invitations to practice being in our bodies in the place where we are. As the whole world started to slow down and the usual structures of our daily lives dissolved or took different forms, new space opened up to us, space where it was possible to follow the rhythm of our bodies - Nature - more closely rather than when we were living the outer artificially created schedule. It became a space for being rather than for doing. At times I would fall back into old patterns of worrying and victimising myself.

Whenever the mind starts to interfere, the best thing is to do something that will take one straight back to the body and into the present moment. As our bodies are a combination of all the elements, I find connecting to the elements is the most powerful practise. I would like to share with you some activities we practise together as family to stay connected with our bodies and through it with Nature itself. These are simple things that can be done with just a tiny outdoor space or in a park. Many are possible to do indoors, but I would like to highlight the profound effect of being outdoors.

WORKING WITH THE ELEMENTS EARTH: creating a sense of belonging

Walk and be barefoot whenever you

presence in our man-made world is a profound act of reconnecting to the natural realm. I find that they respond immediately with a wave of energy when we express our interest and gratitude to them, whether through thought, gentle touch or song. I like a silent prayer, such as, ‘Thank you for being here, bringing us beauty, shade and clean air.’ Find your medicine tree. Different trees have different characters and offer various gifts. If you are attracted to a certain type of tree, it might be the energy that you need in your life. (I highly recommend Jane Struthers’s The Wisdom of Trees Oracle Cards regarding the medicinal power of trees.) I have several favourite trees in the city, even around the world, which I regularly visit. I sit with them, hug them, talk to them and sometimes climb on them, if they allow me! Sitting high in the branches wakes my wild spirit and gives me a strong sense of belonging to the realm of Nature.

can. Our feet provide us with immediate contact with the Earth, a wonderful way of grounding and becoming aware of the different surfaces. Grass, twigs, stones can also massage the acupressure points on our feet, activating and healing our whole body, so even a few minutes when crossing the park are worth it! Grow plants. Outdoor plants, especially, can guide us through the cycle of the year and help us to connect with our own cyclical nature. Many herbs, like lemon balm, mint, oregano, marjoram, sage, are easy to grow and don’t need a bigger space than a flower pot, yet they offer so much: healing properties, seasoning for the meals, green beauty and aliveness within your space. Attending them regularly creates a precious bond to the natural world and offers hideaways and nourishment to creatures like bees and butterflies Greet the trees. I see trees as old, wise beings, who remember much more than we humans. Simply acknowledging their 48

FIRE: awakening the inner passion

Collecting wood. When I lived near the

perhaps for celebrating new seasons or harvest time. Food cooked over a fire tastes different. Looking after fire takes us to more sacred levels of meal preparation. It is ritualised. You are in direct touch with the element, no impersonal mediator such as a gas or electricity company. You rely on fire for that moment and need to ask for his support: ‘Brother Fire, please bring us warmth, light and beauty.’ We humans return to a place of respect and gratitude to the natural powers. Singing, drumming and dancing around the fire are the most powerful and beautiful activities to nourish our wild selves. Doing this reawakens memories of doing so for thousands of years, and can bring a deep sense of belonging. Take a minute to compare dancing around a fire under the stars with dancing in indoors in a room filled with people and artificial stimulation. What calls you more? If you feel shy of doing this in the city environment, just start small, with quiet song or gentle movements with your hands. When the body gets space for its natural expression, it will lead you and the fear disappears.

forest, I would collect branches to make a fire, but it never crossed my mind to do it in the city. It took the first lockdown to realise that there are plenty of fallen twigs in the parks around us to be gathered, and in collecting them we also tidy the park! It soon became a favourite activity for me and my three-year old boy. Before burning them, we use them to create little houselike-structures, for instance, a tiny ‘yurt’, with leaves for the rooftop. With some string and other objects, twigs can be a wonderful material for hanging mobiles too. Make fire. Fire can help us connect with our passions, our inner fire. It can bring to life the wild, untamed parts of ourselves and its smoke supports spirit purification. So making a fire is one of the most sacred acts for me. Sadly, in the city, we often feel we cannot connect with the fire element - unless we have a fire stove. But it could be as simple as putting few old bricks on a concrete path to create a small campfire in a backyard as we did. Connect with a neighbour who has an outdoor space where makng a fire is possible, or find a communal space and suggest having a campfire,

Illustration Far Left: ‘My Body is Nature’ Left: ‘Divided’ Eva-Živa Blažková 49

AIR: expansion and liberation

Breath consciously. Breathing is perhaps the

most elemental exchange between our bodies and the outer world. When breathing, we can acknowledge the work of trees and plants which made the air breathable for us. Breathing in, we can invite more space, expansion and sense of freedom.

A magical breathing technique which is great for creating more space within and also slowing down, is ‘Durga Breath’ - inhaling in 3 phases starting with belly, then ribs, then chest and exhaling at once. With our breath we can release our difficult emotions and offer them back for transformation. For this, I especially like the ‘breath of fire’ (very fast exhales through the nose while the belly contracts). Let the air touch your body. That means sometimes wearing loose clothes or being completely naked when possible. Feeling the air on the skin is one of the most beautiful sensations yet we most often cover ourselves to keep warm and as well as keeping a certain identity suitable for the environment we live in. It is so freeing to let go of that sometimes! I love walking naked in our backyard during full moon nights when everybody sleeps. Also not wearing underwear all the time can be very freeing and healing for our sexual organs, as we tend to keep them bound in fabric. They love to breathe too! However, this can make one feel very vulnerable and exposed, as with all the primar things we need to learn how to own again. I would recommend to start in the space where you feel safe enough and try these practices as and when you feel ready to try them. 50

confidence!

WATER: releasing emotions and cleansing

Give thanks to the water you drink and

I hope this has been some inspiration

use. Our bodies are around 60% of water, so keeping hydrated is essential to stay alive and to feel alive! Give blessings to the water you drink and eat in whatever form, as even a solid meal has water in its cooking, in itself and its history. The trend nowadays is to have everything as organic and ‘natural’ as possible, however it is not affordable for everybody, but it is possible to change the energy of what you drink and eat when it is not from the ideal resource. Water accepts the energy so quickly and reacts immediately to thoughts. Tap water that is drunk with gratitude can be nicer than spring water drunk without any awareness! Have a cold shower/bath. The healing power of the cold water was my biggest discovery of corona times. I have always loved dips in cold water after a sauna but never tried going straight to cold water except when wild swimming in summer. It was my husband’s idea to stay sane when we entered the very first lockdown. Our inspiration came from the amazing Swedish artist, Jonna Jinton, who takes ice baths supported with breathing techniques (taught by incredible ice-man Wim Hof). Cold water instantly activates the whole body, builds up the immune system and transforms the heavy energies into vital ones. What a better medicine to use in the time of pandemic? Yes, it is challenging and uncomfortable the moment you enter the water, but once there you feel so alive, powerful and present! It is even better if you have a little space to do this outside, where you can perceive the power from the other elements too. I call this practice a daily dose of courage. If nothing else remarkable happened on the day, I faced my fear and discomfort, which is a great way to build

and encouragement for helping you to connect to Nature wherever you live! I would like to emphasise that, despite always being drawn to this kind of natural lifestyle (and I am pretty sure that readers here are too!) when I began living in the city, I became convinced that it wasn’t possible here, or at least, not as much as living in the countryside. I was waiting to live on the land, for the conditions to be right instead of creating them myself. I see now how limiting! This special time of isolation pushed my family and I to use what we have here and now. Yes, it often takes a different form that might not sound so exciting, like jumping in a cold bath rather than in a wild river, but the effect is still profound. One feels in touch with one’s own body, with the elements, with Nature itself. I find it so very magical to maintain this essential connection, and I believe that everybody can benefit from it. Even watering a mint plant on window sill means building a relationship with Nature; even a few conscious breaths a day, or a mindful sip of water, even one thought to a tree… It is ok to start small, I keep reminding myself. Yes, I still dream of living on the land, where all this will be possible on a much bigger scale, but for now, I feel fulfilled and nourished to keep inviting Nature to the city through how we fill our days. Eva Živa Blažková If you would like more tips about natural and creative living, please connect with me on my social media: INSTAGRAM: ziva.zena FB: Živa Žena Prints of the illustrations are available from my Etsy shop: ‘CreateShareNourish’ 51

“The Twilight Of Creation” captures the spiritual journey from which the Crow Dancers resonate in this beautiful crazy upside down world. Music is food for the soul and enables emotions to flow freely whether it invokes tears or laughter some good will come of it. Tribal drums, chanting vocals and the spirits of the sacred return to the open armed and kindred souls. As you believe in Magick so Magick will believe in you. Make each day part of your sacred journey. Taloch

It’s not too often that you get to

meet someone who embodies the commanding calm and energy of all the pioneering spirits you ever read about as a child. It’s not just been me who discerned the dynamism of a Hemingway character in Dorset’s own Grahame Knott, a man who’s been described by those in the know as ‘one of the best, if not the best, wreck hunters and dive skippers this country has ever produced.’ The inspiration for the haunting album ‘Journey’, (composed and performed by Taloch Jameson and Josh Elliott of The Dolmen), Grahame is indeed well-known for his passion for the sea, moreover, for his determination to save as much of the human story as he and his team possibly can from beneath the waves before it is lost forever. The Chronicles invited him ‘ . . . somewhere, somehow within to share some insights into his world me, is a driving force so strong that and, to paraphrase Hemingway there is no point trying to fight it.’ himself, to learn more of that which Grahame Knott he was born for.

‘Imagine arriving at a point no one has set eyes on before! No, I am not talking about a different planet but certainly another world. Beneath the waves off the Dorset coast lay the hidden remains of two world wars, the cold war, countless shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks and signs of early settlement, the oldest we have found to date being Bronze age. If you could push back the water what a wonderous landscape would lay before you just waiting to tell oh so many stories. Sadly we can’t remove the sea to take a look and Mother Nature ensures that anything we try and do in such a harsh environment is well earned, the sea gives up nothing easily and everything is hard won. Exploring the depths demands endless patience, cutting edge technology and on occasion a reasonable amount of bottle! Above all, certainly the way we have to operate at Deeper Dorset, it is also essential to be a jack of all trades, these would include, mechanical engineer, electronics engineer,

‘ . . . the sea gives up nothing easily . . . everything is hard won.’ surveyor, precision boat handler, diver, detective, historian, archaeologist, photographer, videographer, fundraiser, IT nerd and so the list goes on and on. However for me the most important driving factor is a passion and a desire to uncover the past for all to see and enjoy. Every wreck site, be it ship or aircraft, is the scene of a disaster and always has a unique story often of bravery and man’s ability to endure the harshest of times when up against the power of the sea. Whether we are investigating a 17th century shipwreck or working our way through a debris field that was once a cold war jet fighter, the desire is the same and that is to tell the story and record what is left, which in most cases constitutes the memorial. I am fortunate enough to have been involved in many discoveries over the years, from numerous cannon sites,

Sonar Image at depth of 200ft (left) of the Aracan, lost in 1874, pictured right.

a WW1 bullion ship (someone had the bullion), a 19th century sailing ship that could outrun the likes of the Cutty Sark on the far eastern run, a very early 19th century steamship and more recently, several aircraft wrecks

who sit in offices with a blinkered view. Meantime, we are at the sharp end, doing our bit for our maritime heritage by making further discoveries and telling the stories. The word ‘heritage’ infers we have a right to it? ‘ . . . for us the treasure I firmly believe that to have that right we should take responsibility for it, is in the story, and the and even if we can’t preserve what stories keep coming and remains, then at least tell the stories and do as much as we can to pass always will . . . Nothing them on to future generations. If it is lasts forever, apart from in the sea, the sea will one day claim it. Nothing lasts forever, apart from those those stories.’ stories. including that of the Hercules which Over many years, I have divided my was stolen from USAF Mildenhall time between running a successful back in 1969. dive charter boat business and then The question I am always asked is spending every spare moment hunting “have you found any treasure?” My for and researching what lays on the answer is always the same, yes! Loads ocean floor. 2021 now marks a new of it, because for us the treasure is in beginning for Deeper Dorset. the story and the stories keep coming I was going to, and did for a short and always will as we uncover more while, retire from the sea and run the and more of our maritime past. Deeper Dorset website, spending all As you can probably tell, I am my time researching and doing all I passionate about what I do, but as time could whist remaining on terra firma, goes by it does get ever more difficult, thinking it was time to hang up the money or lack of it is a constant issue, but we get by because we have to. However, the hardest thing of all to deal with is red tape and officialdom. I cannot think of any historic shipwreck in UK waters that has been found by a “professional”. It is all down to the efforts of dedicated amateurs on a limited budget, often branded as gold diggers and grave robbers by those

Earliest Find to Date: Bronze Age Axe Head

‘ . . . never could I tire of the adventure that is the sea.

sea boots at sixty-five years of age and that I deserved an easier life. After a year’s break from being on the water, whilst looking out over Lyme Bay with my niece one day, she said, “Don’t you miss being at sea?” and in a heart beat I thought, ‘Yes, I bloody well do!’ However, what I didn’t miss was the pressure involved with running a dive boat and doing all the extreme deep diving that I become well known for. Over the years, I have lost good friends to the sea, and true to say I was weary and tired of the emotional roller coaster, but never could I tire of the adventure that is the sea. It was then clear in my head what I had to do and that was work out how to replace the diver with technology and get back out there! Deeper Dorset’s new vessel, Sea Searcher, is fully equipped with sonar, bespoke remote camera systems and a seabed mapping facility that allows us a magical view of what lays below. This has all come at a cost and I have to yet figure out how I can make financial sense of it all, but that is the kind of challenge I relish. All I know was it was the right thing to do, and somewhere somehow within me is a driving force so strong that there is no point trying to fight it. My goal each day we go to sea is to ensure that when we come home and

Sonar image wreck of the Alex Van Opstal, lost at the start of the war in 1939 just outside Weymouth Bay in 100ft of water, length of wreck site, 100 metres.

Aboard Sea Searcher - ‘The Office’

Grahame’s diving career and life at sea

moor up we know more than when we left, and finally, I have two beliefs that have been proved time and time again over many years. Firstly, there is no such thing as luck. Luck is preparation waiting for an opportunity! Lastly and often to my cost, experience is something you get right after you needed it… ‘

started over thirty five years ago. He has owned and operated dive charter vessels at home and abroad, discovered lost shipwrecks and helped push the frontiers of diving to the very limits. The sole reason he started diving was for the adventure and he soon realised the adventure didn’t have to stop back on dry land as he became more and more fascinated by our rich maritime history. Combined with sea going activities a background in mechanical engineering stood him in good stead as he became involved in boat design and building alongside a rapidly growing interest in the development and operation of subsea systems. Working closely with a local sonar and electronics company he was in a unique position to build on varied experiences and soon became a dedicated researcher and shipwreck hunter with a real can do outlook. Never daunted by those that say “it’s all been found” or the fact that some of the objectives might be rather bold he is a big believer in “if it was easy it would all have been done”.

To find out more about Grahame’s work, his wreck hunting project, Deeper Dorset, and how you might get involved, visit deeperdorset.co.uk The evocative album, Journey, inspired by Grahame and composed and recorded by Taloch Jameson and Josh Elliott of The Dolmen, is available on download and to purchase from thedolmen.com 58

THE MEYER MYSTERY One of Grahame’s and his team’s projects that has achieved international recognition has been the discovery of a Hercules plane that had plunged into the English Channel in 1969. 23-year-old US Air Force mechanic Sgt Paul Meyer had, by presenting himself as a Captain, climbed aboard a Hercules transporter C-130 at the airfield at RAF Mildenhall in order to fly himself home. Paul, however, wasn’t to make it, and questions over his crash into the sea have yet to be answered. After extensive research, Deeper Dorset’s discovery of the long lost wreck now promises to ultimately reveal the truth. deeperdorset.co.uk

CLAN

DOLMEN

CHRONICLES Summer . June 2021

All at the Chronicles hope very much that you’ve enjoyed reading the Summer contributions as much as we have. It’s absolutely true when it’s said that everyone, no matter who they may be, has a story to tell. If you would like to share yours, whether it be an extraordinary event in your life, an experience you’ll never forget, something you’ve discovered of your family history, your passion for your art or craft, the story of the source of your spiritual energy, or any other story you would like to share, do feel free to contact me with your ideas. Our next issue is due at the end of what I’m sure will be (hopefully!) an Indian Summer!

Original Cover Photo : Sem Vine Clan Dolmen Chronicles Editor and Graphics Sem Vine

Sem Vine : Editor

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Above : Taloch’s Fivefold Ethos

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