Dolmen Grove Issue 9

DOLMEN GROVE ISSUE 9

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UNITED PAGAN PATHS THE DOLMEN GROVE “Respect and care for the elders for they have aged with the wisdom of time “ Taloch The Dolmen Grove is a non-political organisation; preferring to concentrate upon the quest for spiritual enlightenment and the manifestation of peace within a power hungry world of chaos.

The Dolmen Grove was originally formed in Dorset England where it still has its main H.Q. existing as a Spiritual meeting place for people of all nationalities, and over the years has grown steadily with membership now spanning several continents.

At the centre of The Dolmen Grove is the round table. This is made up of a group of people from all walks of life, following a variety of spiritual paths. These individuals get together once a month to plan and organize events, and gatherings.

Because these people give both their time and energy voluntarily the hopes and dreams of The Dolmen Grove continue to be recognized.

The Dolmen Grove do not have a hierarchy because we do not believe people need titles or labels in order to practice a spiritual path. However we do believe in spirituality based upon love, kindness and an open heart. We are fully aware that this policy which is upheld by the Roundtable of The Grove has upset people in the past and will no doubt continue to do so.

It is NOT our intention to offend anyone and we do not condemn those who wish to use such titles, and we shall continue to welcome all spiritually minded people seeking to enjoy good friendship with good souls who share a common interest.

The Dolmen Grove Banner - A Symbol of Unity

ALL ARE SPIRITUALLY UNITED WITHIN THE DOLMEN GROVE

CONTENTS 1…A Day in the life of…

2…House of Serendip – Melanie Miller-Wells 3…Reiki – Julie Weltch 4…Aromatherapy – Sandra Wiseman 5…Soul affirmations – Nancy Finch 6…Spiritual Healing – Sarah Penfold 7…Hypnotherapy – Diane Hamilton 8…Being a Crystal Healer/Properties of Iron Pyrite – Cheryl Waldron 9…The Urban Herbalist – Jacqui Apostolides 10…Dates to Remember 11…The Crabchurch Conspiracy compiled by Diane Narraway with input from fellow conspirators – Steve Booth, Sem Vine, Professor Ronald Hutton, Kit Berry,Marloes Visser, Duncan Wilde, Steve Howl, Debby Rose, The Dolmen and crew.

12…Gig guide 13…The Bookworm – Marmie Vergo 14…Poetry from within the Grove 15…Stone Is Land – Scott Irvine 16…Sacred Sites – Denny Bottley (Ravenswing) 17…Diary of the Hedgewitch – Rachael Moss 18…The Witches Cauldron …Ostara – Karen Cooper The Kitchen Witch – Cheryl Waldron 19…Dolmen Grove Moots 20…Adverts Photographs Jo Caswell, Scott Irvine, Duncan Wild, Mark Vine, Chris Hermon, Marloes Visser, Rachael Moss, David Lacey, Bekki Neveah. Cover photo – Scott Irvine.

Artwork Sem Vine, Jess Stephens, Rosalie Bottley.

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/The-Dolmen-Grove/110124449082503 All information is accurate at the time of publication and all articles are assumed to be the work of those being credited

A Day in the Life of…

Pyrate Jak (Q) Name and Religious title/path if applicable. (I.e. Witch, Druid, Pagan etc.)?

My government name is Jak Chaos known to many as Pyrate Jak..I am affiliated with the Dorset Pagan Pirates and a solitary practitioner of Magick.

(Q) How did you become involved with The Dolmen Grove?

It transpired many moons ago, 71 exactly! When two pirates made their way to several Dolmen gigs before getting into various trouble and receiving an invitation to the Beltane Spirit of Rebirth Festival. The story doesn’t end there but is only the beginning of so much more. Now, years have past and so many events too, which has lead to many friendships sharing stories and moments through the involvement with The Dolmen Grove to which feels more like an extended family.

(Q) What is your job title or brief description of job?

Currently I am a studying BSc Marine & Composite Engineering at The University of Plymouth. My Studies covers the essential in engineering studies and focuses more on marine vessel design – large ships to small boats, leisure and commercial, sail and power.

(Q) Can you describe a typical workday?

Since being a student I do have some freedom setting my own schedule and study at my own pace, so it’s hard to generalize. However, I can expect to spend 7 hours a day in Lectures. Between Lectures I would be working on current projects to do with my studies or some other social activity.

(Q) How do you feel your Pagan Beliefs fit into your everyday life?

As a student, there are simply never enough hours in the day it seems for anything but work. And when there is a brief moment all I really want to do is just take a deep breath and just...get back to Dorset, however magick exists in various forms. It is a way of perceiving and living in the world. It’s the small things that occur in everyday life that act as reminders of who we are and where we are in the web of life. Being creative in my art is a reflection of my spirituality as it is the deepest part of me. Whatever it may be, my soul vibrates with the energy that I pour into that object.

(Q) How do you feel your life has changed since becoming a member of The Dolmen Grove?

Since becoming a member of The Dolmen Grove, I have found that I was more than just taking a step to developing my own dogmas but I was taking a step into the lives of other people and how they also move into your life.

In many ways The Dolmen Grove is an extended family. Sharing not just my stories and moments with everyone, but also allowing their ideas to help shape my own life as we teach each other as we go along.

HOUSE OF SERENDIP My name is Melanie and I attend the Southend Moot, and I qualified as a nurse in

1979, and in 2005 I had a rather life changing event health -wise which made me review my journey through life, and I became increasingly interested in complementary and holistic therapies. I studied Reiki with two different masters Seichem as well as with the NFSH. Seichem reiki is a further development of the traditional. It was a developed

by Kathleen Milner who channelled further symbols. Therefore instead of Reiki as an earth element it brings in the healing qualities of water, fire and air. I particularly liked this as it seemed to create a further balance. If someone has too much heat you can cool this with water etc.

NFSH is the national federation of Spiritual Healers... an organisation that is well established in the UK. It is another system of healing but very similar in its principles, who now teach Reiki. The reason for doing both is more a question of recognition - not mine, but hospitals or hospices. I might have opted for one or the other but these days there is recognition for both.

It can be rather a minefield in terms of getting the message out there. It would be beneficial if instead of focusing on the differences in types of healing, it was realised that when all said and done healing is healing. Whichever way you do it; it is the art of working with universal energies to provide comfort and relief.

There can also be some resistance to 'healing' within hospices which may seem rather odd, but many of them are founded on Christian principles and as such do not accept Reiki in any form. Dorothy House in Wiltshire are one of the few that do, but this took some considerable amount of time and effort to achieve.

(Fairhavens and St Luke's in Essex do not. ) I qualified as a holistic massage therapist and a reflexologist and left the NHS and went to work for ‘Hospice @ home’ Fairhavens.

It was when my husband was promoted (MOD) that we moved down to lovely Wiltshire I worked for Macmillan and became a Lymphoedema nurse specialist. I worked as a complementary therapist and Lymphoedema nurse specialist for Dorothy House Hospice...

I have found that healing modalities can provide effective pain relief both spiritually and physically.

I have also studied with Felicity Warner as a soul midwife and believe this is incredibly important in enabling people to cross the sacred threshold. Soul Midwifery is not a new concept but is a long forgotten ancient tradition . In ancient times the midwife was there to not only help bring souls in to the world but also help their passage out. It is about being a companion to the dying, and bringing in various modalities to ensure that each 'friend' achieves as gentle a death as possible.

I guess this combines my nursing experience and complementary therapy ... But it isn't necessary to be a nurse, it just requires that the individual feels comfortable helping and caring for the dying. It is a great honour and privilege to be able to do this work and it can go some way to helping people who are experiencing bereavement, e.g you might consider telling a story to create a safe space for the 'friend' to ease their transition from this life.

The use of essential oils, singing bowls, drums, healing, massage and the act of 'being' ie just being able to sit with someone while they are dying, are all valuable techniques. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I left nursing, because today it is very hi tech and there is not the time to do this anymore which is very sad.

My mum passed last year and so we have returned to Essex and I am re-establishing my contacts here. I provide voluntary work for the gynae - cancer group at Southend hospital. I began working with St Luke's hospice in January as a Lymphoedema nurse, and am in the process of developing a new website My company name is House of Serendip (serendipity reflects how a series of accidental unexpected events leads to something unintended but beneficial which kind of sums up how I became a therapist).

Email: melaniemillerwells@yahoo.com Tel: 07805574112

Melanie Miller -Wells

Just for today, do not anger. Just for today, do not worry.

We shall count our blessings and honour our fathers and mothers and our teachers and neighbours and honour our food.

Make an honest living.

Be kind to everything that has life.

REIKI The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words, Rei and Ki which translates to universal life energy. Reiki is a form of hands on healing in which the practitioner acts practically as a straw for energy to travel through.

Reiki as we know it was invented by Mikao Usui in the 1800’s. One story goes that, previously a Christian and a school university principle, Mikao was asked by his students how Jesus performed healing and so he set upon a 10 year journey to discover this that eventually led him to Buddhism. However upon investigation no proof of his ever having practiced Christianity or having attended the university could be found and it is likely that these aspects may have been invented to make the Reiki form of healing more acceptable in the western world.

Mikao was residing in a Zen Buddhist monastery when he found the ancient Sanskrit texts describing the Reiki healing formula but there was no information on how to activate the Reiki energy itself so he devised for himself a test. The test was a three week period of meditation, fasting and prayer. He chose his meditation site and used stones to mark time as it passed. It was on the last day of this period just before dawn that Mikao saw a light coming towards him, it struck his third eye and he was rendered unconscious for a time and it was then that he received the symbols of Reiki and information how to perform an attunement. Of course this is a very condensed version of events but the whole story is a long and complicated one and we wouldn’t have room for it here. Suffice to say that Mikao then went on to use this powerful tool that he had acquired to heal the poor and sick and he also went on to attune other healers and masters who would in turn do the same.

One thing that can be said about Reiki is that it can be a very expensive method to be introduced to, Reiki first and second degrees costing somewhere between £150 - £300 in this country and considerably more in the US and Japan itself. The reason for this is said to be that when Mikao Usui gave healing to the poor and sick in his native home, he became disillusioned to find the same faces returning time and again because of poor life choices after he’d healed them, he felt that they didn’t appreciate the healing because it was free.

Of course this could just be an excuse made up by more modern practitioners as a justification for charging such high fees, who knows!

Principles of Reiki energy Ki as in Rei/Ki is the life force or energy that has always been present around us and by using Reiki we learn to channel this energy for healing. There are two types of Ki, heavenly and earthly Ki which is drawn into us and original Ki that is in us all and sits in the Hara or storage space situated in the space between the navel and belly chakra in front of the kidneys – the door of life. We move Ki through energy channels throughout our bodies much like our chakra points from root to crown. The discipline of moving Ki through these channels is called Kundalini in India and Ch’I Kung in Japan, in Reiki the energy moves through the primary channels in the body and is released through the hands. In Reiki one we increase the channels’

capacity for holding Ki, in Reiki two the healer begins to manipulate this energy and in Reiki three the healer learns to transmit the energy.

A very basic exercise to help you understand this is to rub your palms together until your hands are really quite warm, they should feel slightly tingly, then part your hands until they are approximately12 inches apart. Now bring your hands toward each other once again but this time more slowly, at about 5 or 6 inches distance you should feel some resistance, play with the feeling for a while, it’s like holding a ball of invisible energy – this is Ki.

Becoming attuned In order to practice Reiki you need to go through instruction and attunement by a Reiki master who can trace their lineage back to one of the founders of modern western or Japanese Reiki. It is a life changing event and you should be prepared to be changed forever.

For the first degree you are attuned, taught the principles and how to apply Reiki healing. You are taught the hand positions and how to self-heal.

With the second degree you are taught the symbols and how to use them, these are Cho-Ku-Rei to increase power, Sei-He-Ki for emotional and Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen for distance healing. You are taught healing techniques and how to perform Reiki on someone who consents to accepting the healing but who cannot physically be with you.

The third degree or master degree is the final degree and depending on your teacher, it enables you attune students yourself. teachers separate the third degree into two parts, part one enables you to continue practicing at this more advanced level and part two is for those who wish to go on to become teachers themselves. This third degree is not offered lightly; it would only usually be offered to the student by the teacher when he or she thinks that the student is ready and prepared to dedicate their life to Reiki healing and to pass on the teachings.

Reiki is a powerful healing method and what sets it apart from other methods is that there are no side effects to giving the healing. In some spiritual healing methods the healer will often take on the symptoms of the person that they have just cured but with Reiki we are connecting, and grounding and the ills that are removed from the patient are sent back to the earth and neutralised. It is also a very handy method of healing to have because it’s one of the few forms of non-clinical healing methods that can be used to heal yourself and indeed you will more often than not find that whilst providing healing to others, you benefit from the energy too.

To conclude I would just like to briefly touch on the subject of do we really need expensive attunements in order to be a Reiki healer? And in answer I would say yes to the attunements certainly. Reiki should be viewed as a discipline, as I mentioned before, it is a powerful tool and as well as being taught the methods of channelling the energy, we also benefit from learning the discipline and respect with which it should be used. The topic of the attunements being expensive is an emotive one and one that usually those who do charge horrendous amounts of money for will usually justify in one way or another but it’s like a catch 22 situation, while the cost of progressing to the second degree, Reiki practitioner is around £300 or more people will need to continue to charge for the healing just to make the money back and so goes the cycle.

One thing that is universally agreed upon however is that Reiki should always be offered with love and dedicated to the highest good juehoo@ntlworld.com, www.cosee.co.uk Tel: 07927043526

Julie Weltch

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.

Most people would use Sweet almond oil or Grapeseed oil to blends essential oils but if you want something different you could use Borage Seed Carrier oil

Borage Seed Carrier oil The beautiful star-shaped purple flower has given rise to the other name by which this product is known: ‘Starflower oil’. The oil is rich in Essential Fatty Acids and in particular it is well known as being the richest commercial plant source of GLA, an

Omega 6 Fatty Acid which is a key ‘building brick’ in production of the body’s regulatory hormones; it has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of dry/damaged skin tissue. The oil rich seed is pressed and extracted using traditional techniques, the crude oil obtained is then refined to yield a pale yellow, low odour product ideal for both dietary and cosmetic applications It contains the following natural ingredients Vitamin A Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B6 Vitamin D Vitamin E, High in GLA & Omega-6 fatty acids

Tea Tree Essential oil Tea tree is a small tree or shrub with needlelike leaves similar to cypress with heads of sessile yellow or purplish flowers. It is Native to Australia the name derives from the local usage, as a type of herbal tea, prepared from the leaves. Our present knowledge of the properties and uses of tea tree is based on a very long history of use by the aboriginal people of Australia.

This oil is unusual in that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is also a very powerful immuno-stimulant.

If you are having an operation, a massage with this oil you will get over the operation quicker. It can help influenza, cold sores, dab a tiny bit on it. Catarrh glandular fever and insect bites, athletes foot, dandruff spots nappy rash, asthma, coughs, sinusitis, TB and infections such as chickenpox it also helps Thrush and cystitis.

SAFETY DATA some people could be sensitive to this oil. Never take it internally

Mandarin Essential Oil Mandarin Essential Oil is a favourite of children and parents. Of all the citrus oils, Mandarin Oil is the sweetest and tends to be the most calming. If desiring to use citrus oil in the evenings before bed or with children, Mandarin Essential Oil is usually the best choice Constituents: - Limonene, methyl methylanthranilate, geraniol, citral, citronellal.

It can be used for stretch marks when pregnant, scars, for oily skin acne, fluid retention digestive problems hiccoughs, intestinal problems, insomnia. Nervous tension and restlessness Safety Information: I have read conflicting reports as to whether Mandarin Oil is phototoxic, but it may be prudent to treat Mandarin Essential Oil as phototoxic oil. Do not take any essential oils internally For information on aromatherapy or if you would like to attend a workshop you can contact me on 01702 523951, or 07804138585 web site therapies4you.co.uk or Email me at sandra_wiseman@talk21.com

HOW I BECAME AN AROMATHERAPIST It all started about 1992, when I became aware of an organisation called The Leigh Holistic Group who met quite near me. They produced a small booklet which informed people of what was on every week. Every other week was circle dancing and the weeks in between were holistic, spiritual talks, discussions and demonstrations.

I finally plucked up the courage to go, deciding circle dancing was not for me but I always enjoyed the other weeks. It opened my eyes to new subjects that I did not know about and met lots of new people who I am still friends with today. The people who went were “ordinary” like me but there were mediums, and complementary therapists there.

After attending the meetings for a while I decided that I wanted to be a “Therapist” as I wanted to help people to feel better. Now going back 20 years, this is no surprise as when I left school my first job was at a well known chemist, I was right next to the pharmacy but on the chemist counter selling surgical equipment and medicines. I had left school early with no qualifications so could not work in the dispensary If I had known about Complementary therapy then, who knows where I would be now.

After 4 years working there and feeling the grass was greener elsewhere, I changed direction and never thought about health again. But it was an obvious a trait in me.

So here we are in 1992 with therapists all around me and I said “I WANT to be a therapist”, but did not have a clue, which discipline or path to take. A lot of the therapist’s advised against it saying you would not earn a lot of money and tried to dissuade me but I had made up my mind.

There was a lady there called Shirleen who did Kirlian photography and was a Medium and so went to her for advice and she suggested I thought about herbs, crystals or Aromatherapy.

Well my first thought was Crystal healing as there was someone at the meetings who taught it and one of the girls was on her course, and it was quite cheap. With relatives around me against that idea I thought about becoming an herbalist. I went to a talk but was not impressed by the person who gave the talk; the course was expensive, around £4000 so decided against that. Then I looked at books on aromatherapy, and noticed lots of the oils are made from herbs, flowers and leaves amongst other things. My mother-in-law told me about a club she went to and informed me that someone was giving a talk on Aromatherapy. So off I went and was introduced to Val who was giving the talk. She was so interesting and inspired me that she ended up being my mentor and is still around to help me now with advice, if I need her. My husband found an aromatherapy video and I found a reasonably priced course, not far away and in the evenings.

The only trouble was in order to do Aromatherapy you first have to be trained in anatomy, physiology and massage. I decided that never having done exams I really needed to study hard so would find a part time job instead of working full time.

The course started in January 1994, so in the December I went for an interview and got a job which was due to start in the middle of January.

Then one day I was browsing in a second hand bookshop and I came across a book on Anatomy and Physiology so I felt it was meant to be. It was as if everything was simply falling into place.

The only trouble was in order to do Aromatherapy you first have to be trained in anatomy, physiology and massage. I decided that never having done exams I really needed to study hard so would find a part time job instead of working full time.

The course started in January 1994, so in the December I went for an interview and got a job which was due to start in the middle of January. One day I was browsing in a second hand book shop and a book fell off the shelf on anatomy and physiology so I felt it was meant to be. It was as if everything was simply falling into place.

I went away with a good knowledge, as I had learned that apart from using the oils in massage you can also use them to put on a hanky, in an oil diffuser, in the bath plus so many other ways. I began presenting talks and demonstrations and found new clients. It was the beginning of a journey which has not finished as am always finding new oils and blends and I now present workshops where I show people how to blend oils and use them in the home, I always seem to learn something new, as well and there seems to be new oils coming onto the market. I am even in the 2009 Guinness book of Records, as there was 154 people doing massage at the same time in London, which the picture above is from.

After practising Aromatherapy for a year I went and studied a Reflexology course which is another story, and have also qualified in a few more since If you are interested in doing a workshop in Aromatherapy, I can be contacted on 01702 523951 or 07804138585 E mail Sandra_wiseman@talk21.com for a bookings form For further information www.therapies4you.com

Sandra Wiseman

SOUL AFFIRMATIONS My name is Nancy Finch and I attend the Dolmen Grove Ivy moon moot in Cornwall. I am a Reiki Master, IIHHT Body Massage Certificate, IIHHT Diploma in Aromatherapy, IIHHT Diploma in Reflexology, IIHHT Diploma in Indian Head Massage, Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology, CCSE in Psychology, Complimentary therapist of the year.

I am an author, and wrote my first book ‘Soul affirmations’ in October 2011 and have recently arranged for ‘Soul affirmations’ to be available as an app for mobile phones. I am in the process of writing my second book ‘The Choice is Mine’ which will hopefully be completed this year.

I currently run ‘Cosmic Order’, ‘Inner – Child’, ‘Self Esteem’ and other similar workshops, as well as doing motivational and inspirational speaking. I also run guided meditation groups, as well as working with teachers and pupils in local schools, and I run and attend a holistic space for both myself and others at the largest market in Cornwall.

I do colour card readings which are designed to show up the life force energy in each part of our bodies/minds/emotions.

I both teach and practice Reiki on many levels to a variety of people, as well as practicing Reiki on wild animals in zoos as well as domestic animals within a home environment. Not only do I practice all the above qualifications, I also practice the art of visualisation, and employ a daily practice of self-improvement. My plans for 2013 include being part of ‘Retreats held Abroad’.

As a general rule when I see a client I like to do as colour card reading to identify/re-form and empower the person with knowledge and understanding (I use this technique in all my treatments), I then use the relevant treatment focusing my intent and attention on the areas requiring the most work. All my clients are given aftercare exercises that re-balance and empower them. I have long standing and loyal clients who have been clients for many years who enjoy, and validate the treatments they receive from me.

I like to work from the heart and both my experience and education afford me the confidence to reach out to many people, and work with them on a variety of different levels. I am always honoured by the positive results and feedback I receive. I have treated a vast array of different conditions ranging from minor aches and pains, through to major life threatening conditions with remarkable results.

My work as a therapist brings me both happiness and fulfilment, with many satisfied clients rewarding me with their well-being. As you may be able to tell, I live life to the full and my inspiration, and motivation is to always follow this motto; how may I be of service?

This is my destiny, my joy and my purpose, and I am so happy to be here!

THE COLOUR GAME I first invented the ‘Colour Game’ in 2005 as a demonstration of how imbalance in the body can be shown by the colours we instinctively choose and reject. The colours we are least happy with reflect an imbalance in our energy centres (Chakras), which are vortexes of energy needed to maintain physical and emotional balance and harmony.

When playing this game we become aware of imbalanced areas so the possible cause and solution can then be found to help re- balance the body and maintain well- being. The information given to those who have played my game has been personal, explicit and so far has proven to be very accurate.

The reading I give includes the emotional state of mind including how a person feels in all areas of his/her life and how our emotions affect our physical body and the shared knowledge of its physical effect. I do the colour reading in this way in order to interest, enlighten and empower the individual. Those I have treated have found the knowledge we share inspires confidence and responsibility for their own well-being.

The game consists of seven colour cards, representing the main chakra colours which I lay left to right; red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, indigo, and purple. Having arranged these cards in order I ask you or if it is an online reading I will tune into which cards you would choose based on the first look at them. This will quickly reveal a positive, transitional and negative display of your personal information. This affords us a chance to establish and correct any imbalances which may be holding you back in your personal life.

I keep clients interested by comparing their cards with any previous readings they have had, which demonstrates any change that has occurred through using the affirmation advice given at their last reading. The on-going results build upon each other leading to a feeling of personal awareness and inspiration. Positive results are always felt by those who play my game because the objective is one of a deeper sense of understanding, balance and harmony.

Life can be complicated but my card game can help to untangle and re-balance our sense of self.

AFFIRMATIONS Affirmations are strong statements of positive intention that are used to re-balance emotions and feelings, which in turn have a positive effect on our general well-being. In fact we have to ‘lie’ to ourselves (often telling ourselves the complete opposite of what we are feeling) in order to achieve the desired state of being.

The more we read and absorb these affirmations, the more likely they are to work and because your brain cannot differentiate between the truth and a lie, it will learn to feel whatever you tell it to.

The more complicated the affirmation is, the better which usually means it is the harder ones to read which will be required. When we say what we want to feel through affirmations; we allow ourselves to raise up our energy to a higher place.

This new place of energy is then only attracting the good things into your life and you will soon see rewarding results. Another way of looking at it is– like attracts like. Your energy is a reflection of what you are feeling so when you feel sad your energy is low and attracts the sadness you are projecting. Likewise when you are feeling positive emotions such as happiness or gratitude then you will attract positive occurrences and reactions from others.

There is good reasoning behind positive affirmations, as they really work in helping us to gain confidence and control over the things which dis-empower us. They offer us a chance to change the old ways we dealt with life’s challenges. They give us hope through difficult times and can inspire us and make us grow stronger. Most importantly they help us to realise our inner power and recognise our potential for growth. ..Understanding all that we are and all that we can be.

Affirmations are a new way of looking at life. As we are all evolving into being the masters of our own thoughts, body and spirit, we need to start paying more attention to the way we look at our thoughts, because they are responsible for the world in which we create.

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Dr Wayne Dyer

There are no limits as to what you can achieve when you use your thoughts to serve your wishes, by simply saying/thinking what it is you wish to be or receive and watch how quickly you attract the things you want.

I know that you may be a bit sceptical after all “It can’t be this easy” , but by thinking of yourself as a plant which has become pot-bound and therefore using positive affirmations you can effectively re-pot yourself and subsequently allowing yourself to grow.

Know always that happiness is ours!

For further information on workshops, group parties and follow up readings contact me on Telephone; 07788623699 Email; nancyfinch@hotmail.co.uk

SPIRITUAL HEALING… A Perfect Connection From an early age I always felt as though I was different from my friends and family. Although I felt different that difference still felt natural to me. Yet there never seemed to be anyone to talk to about the things I was experiencing without being told I was weird.

I moved to Weymouth and was drawn towards the members of the Dolmen Grove even though I was initially unaware of this occurrence. Before joining the Grove I met a spiritualist medium and healer who lived across the road to me. We became friends and through our conversations things began to make sense. Eventually I joined the Dolmen Grove and whilst I no longer feel so different I am unsure as to how well I can explain it.

Mine is a simplistic form of healing requiring the person to sit either on a chair or a stool while I stand behind them. I close my eyes and clear my mind. Commencing at the top of the head I allow myself to be guided by a connection that flows through me from above and below. My hands become hot and my hands are guided downwards through the body although my hands never touch the individual’s body.

Sometimes I experience visualisations which often turn out to be a memory of the person I’m healing. There is no time limit on how long each treatment takes and often it feels like no time at all, although in reality it usually averages out at around 30 minutes…give or take!

I finish by shaking my hands away from my person and reciting ‘No harm to me’ followed by ‘So mote it be’. The feedback I have received is that there is a sensation of warmth which passes through the body leaving the individual feeling re-energised.

These days I consider myself lucky to have this gift and I thank the universe for allowing me to have a perfect connection.

Sarah Penfold

HYPNOTHERAPY My name is Diane Hamilton; I am a hypnotherapist who works in Benfleet. For many years I have enjoyed going to Mind, Body and Spirit Fayres. I was always envious of the people I saw there who were doing something they really liked and at the same time were helping others, and thinking it was a lovely way to earn a living. I have dabbled with some complimentary healing, I have done an introductory course for Reflexology, and I am a Reiki Master, but it was while I was a member of St. John Ambulance Brigade about 20 years ago that I had one of those ‘wow’ moments.

One evening we had a lady visit to give us a talk about what she did, this lady was a hypnotherapist, she told us a bit of the background and then did a demonstration on one of the members. It was seeing this that made me want to learn the art myself, but it was a few years before the opportunity came up for me to be able to achieve my dream. I trained at The Essex Institute of Clinical Hypnosis in Southend-on-Sea, gaining my Diploma.

A Brief History of Hypnotherapy Far from being a modern technique, the Egyptians had knowledge of hypnosis as early as 3000 BC; this has been proved by hieroglyphics found in tombs of that period. It was also understood by the Greeks, the Mayans, Chinese, Celts and others, and was often referred to as ‘incantations’. Voodoo and Witch Doctors also use a form of hypnosis. It is entirely possible that it goes back to prehistoric times with various rituals being handed down through the generations.

Modern day hypnosis was pioneered by Anton Mesmer; sometimes know as ‘The Father of Hypnosis’. It is from him that the term mesmerised originates. Mesmer was a Viennese physician who one day had been watching a street magician using magnets or lodestones, claiming that he could make people do his bidding by touching them with one of the magnets, this led Mesmer to believe that the power was in the magnets and from this he developed his theory of magnetism.

He claimed that a person’s good health depended on the direction of the magnetic flow and that it could easily be reversed. What he didn’t realise was that this was just the power of suggestion. But thanks to the research carried out by such people as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and more modern therapists, for example James Esdaile and Dave Elman and one of the greats Milton H Erickson, we know far more about the subject. New advances are being made all the time, there are many ways that hypnotherapy can be used to alleviate problems.

What is Hypnosis?

There are many misconceptions about the art of Hypnosis, it is just a deeply relaxed state, and you are not asleep or unconscious. You cannot be made to do anything that you don’t want to do, or that goes against your own moral code. So if anyone asks “Can I be made to cluck like a chicken”, then the short answer to that is “Of course you can, if that’s what you want”. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that happens to us every day of our lives. Daydreaming, being engrossed in a good book or film, or maybe starting out on a journey, driving somewhere, and when you get to your destination, for some reason can’t remember the middle part, these are all different forms of hypnosis. Anyone of average intelligence can go into hypnosis, if someone doesn’t, it is because they don’t want to, not because they can’t.

What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?

There is no standard ‘hypnotised feeling’, everyone experiences it differently, you might just feel very relaxed, you might be more alert and all sensations will seem to be sharper. Your mind may even drift away, perhaps you will be going over your shopping list or thinking about what you will do later in the day, you may not consciously hear a word that is being said to you, but your subconscious will hear everything.

You might feel heavier or lighter, you may get tingling in your hands or feet, you may even have some time distortion, thinking that you have been in hypnosis for only five minutes, then discovering that it was actually half an hour. You may even feel no different at all. But there are physical signs that the therapist can see which will show that the client is in hypnosis.

How the Clinical Hypnosis Works The first meeting with a client is what we call the Initial Consultation, this is absolutely essential, we need to find out what the problem is that is being presented by the potential client. We need to get some background knowledge so that any therapy can be tailored to their specific needs and personality type (there are three basic types); we also need to get their medical history in case it is necessary to get permission from their health professional. The client may be on certain medication, or have a certain medical condition that means hypnotherapy would be unsuitable for that particular person. Someone might come to me for pain relief; perhaps they were having headaches, in these circumstances I would have to be satisfied that all medical reasons had been ruled out before proceeding with any therapy. It would be folly to treat someone only to find out that they had dropped dead three months later because they had a brain tumour.

We are not allowed to work with anyone who has a mental illness, as taking them into hypnosis could make their condition worse. We would also not work with anyone who at the time is under the influence of drink or drugs.

How effective is it?

As with all therapies, whether they are conventional, complimentary or fringe, hypnotherapy is not always successful. Some people are not suitable, some problems can’t be solved. You cannot repair congenital damage, you cannot grow a new limb or make someone live longer, although you may help them have a happier, healthier life, and you cannot change a person’s basic underlying personality. However, hypnotherapy is totally safe and drug-free. If you went to your GP and were prescribed tablets or ointment for a condition and it didn’t work, you would go back to that GP for a different prescription, it’s the same with a hypnotherapist, should the treatment not be effective, it could just mean that the particular therapist wasn’t right for you, but then you could get spectacular results with another therapist.

What can it treat?

The range of conditions that can be treated with hypnotherapy is vast; there is not enough room here to list all of them. A therapist will always say treat not cure, although with some therapies it might feel like a cure.

Someone may have been suffering from I.B.S. for a number of years, but after a few sessions with a therapist who will teach them relaxation and visualisation techniques they feel so much better. Many people have the impression that I.B.S. starts in the intestines, whereas it actually starts at the throat, the muscles in the gullet push food and drink down, which is why you can still eat and drink whilst hanging upside down.

It’s when those muscles get out of sync that causes the pain.

The most common problems that seem to be presented to the therapist are those where someone wants to quit smoking or reduce their weight. They may have tried to do this on their own for years without success before eventually seeking the help of a hypnotherapist. Even though a person may have consciously wanted to change a behaviour, there is something in the subconscious that is preventing them from doing so.

During the very relaxed state of hypnosis the subconscious can be accessed more easily, and if the subconscious then accepts that the changes that you want to make are for your benefit it will act upon them.

In over 90% of cases high blood pressure has no medical cause; they could be mainly down to lifestyle, diet, lack of exercise, stress, a mistaken belief that everyone else in the family has it so it is just the client’s fate that they will have it as well.

According to the rumour mill, The Duchess of Cambridge is undergoing hypnotherapy to help with her morning sickness, it has also been suggested that she will use hypnotherapy when she gives birth. It is fear and tension that causes the pain in childbirth, we as therapists can change that perception by teaching relaxation and visualisation techniques so that the mother has a calmer, more relaxed birthing experience.

Why is it that the uterus, when it is doing the job that it has been designed to do, is the only muscle in the body that causes pain, animals don’t experience pain in childbirth because they haven’t been told that they are supposed to.

These suggestions get into the subconscious from an early age, when mothers take their youngsters along to groups and they start talking to all the other mums about their experiences.

Other treatments that can be offered are Confidence Building, Stress Reduction, Fear of The Dentist, Improving Sports Performance, Driving Test Nerves, habit breaking, Nail Biting for example, Memory and Learning, Speaking in Public, Blushing and many, many more.

If you are unsure if a therapist can help, then ask one, if you have a problem with something, then it is a valid problem, even though it would not cause a problem for another person. No-one will judge you, everything you say to a therapist is in complete confidence and most therapists will offer a free consultation with no obligation, so that if you decide that it is not for you, then you can just walk away. Because there are so many conditions that can be treated successfully, no one therapist will deal with all of them, most therapists will have their own areas of expertise, so that if a potential client has a problem that the therapist does not work with, that therapist will know someone who does and refer them on.

Diane Hamilton Within Spinal and Natural Healthcare Centre, 112 Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, Essex SS7 4DW,

Tel: 01268 857589 www.dianehamiltonhypnotherapy.co.uk e-mail: info@dianehamiltonhypnotherapy.co.uk

Being a Crystal Therapist Ever since childhood I had always held a fascination for crystals; their often vibrant colours and the variety of shapes from smooth tumbled palm stones to jagged, spiked rocks and the exquisite polished specimens that have been worn by humans for ornamentation for thousands of years, but most of all, it is their ability to heal and their extreme power that really captured my imagination.

To be able to use these gifts from Mother Earth herself, to help heal people and to do so in conjunction with the therapies I was already doing, was the beginning of my deep love for crystals and the start of my career as a Crystal Therapist. As a Crystal Therapist, I use crystals holistically, both in isolation and incorporated into other therapies, to restore, balance and soothe physical, mental, emotional and spiritual ailments.

The way I choose the crystals varies vastly from one client to the next. Once client may require chakra balancing which can be done by either placing the appropriate crystals on the chakra points on the body or by using a crystal pendulum. Another client may require a grid of crystals placed around them whilst being treated with massage, while yet another client will require the use of a crystal wand or egg on the feet to stimulate certain reflexes during reflexology.

Often the Crystal Therapy can be as simple as placing a Black Tourmaline next to your computer to block geopathic stress or holding an Amethyst to your brow to draw off a stress related headache; equally the crystal therapy can be complicated. A client may have a number of ailments where the choosing of the correct crystal is paramount, for example; my client may be suffering from headaches and digestive problems. Although Amethyst or Lapis lazuli are commonly used to treat headaches and Red Jade or Chrysocolla for digestive problems, however if the headaches are being caused due to the stress of the digestive problem, then a simple Moonstone or Citrine place on the brow will suffice, as opposed to half a dozen different crystals.

For clients with a sore throat I would prescribe an elixir or essence of Amber or Gold Beryl to gargle at regular intervals whereas to stimulate the immune system I would make a grid of crystals, placing Green Tourmaline, Bloodstone or Amethyst over the thymus, a Chevron Amethyst over the heart, Clear quartz above the head and surround the client with Malachite.

I also use crystals to cleanse, heal and align the aura and chakras for some clients and for divinatory purposes for others.

So you see, each and every time I use crystals to heal, is very different from the last. It is also very important to remember that it is neither solely myself nor the crystals that do the healing, but a combination of both.

The crystals work through resonance and vibration, through their contained minerals and therapeutic properties. I use the crystals as vessels, holistically to get to the root cause, to rid clients of disease both physical and/or psychological as well as to realign the subtle energies of the body.

Cheryl Waldron

Properties of Crystals - Iron Pyrite Source: United Kingdom, Chile, Peru, North America Iron Pyrite, also known as ‘Fools Gold’ is a very positive stone and is an excellent energy shield, particularly good at blocking negative energy and pollutants. Gold and brown in colour, it’s most distinctive feature is the tiny individual cubes found on nearly every specimen, except pyrite flowers It is a stone often used for business planning as it stimulates the flow of ideas and the potential in oneself, while advocating diplomacy.

Emotionally it is used for feelings of despair or melancholy and particularly good for overcoming emotional fatigue.

Psychologically it strengthens confidence and self-worth, helping to overcome complexes.

Iron pyrite is an excellent choice for students to use in and in the lead up to exams, improving memory recall and mental capabilities; this is so because Iron pyrite increases the supply of oxygen to the blood. Its oxygen increasing capabilities in turn, strengthen the circulatory system, which in turn can help with bone and cellular problems, respiratory and circulatory problems and conditions of the digestive tract.

Iron pyrite is often used to soothe and treat hiatus hernias in the oesophagus by placing a piece on the throat, nearest to the hernia as possible. Other healing: Asthma, Bronchitis, gastric problems, psychosomatic disease, neutralising ingested toxins, blocking infectious disease, intuition, instinct, aggression, analysis, frustration and deflecting harm and danger.

Cheryl Waldron

The Urban Herbalist My calling and my path!

My name is Jacqui Apostolides (AKA The Urban Herbalist).although I practice under my maiden name of Fordham for ease of pronunciation. My business is called Urban Herbals.

I would say my spiritual path is that of a shamanic witch. I used to belong to a large coven, but for some years now have been a solitary practitioner, more by circumstance than choice, until I found the Essex chapter of the Dolmen Grove.

Becoming a Herbalist It was a calling! I had always been fascinated by plants and my father taught me to grow and tend plants at a very early age. He even built me my own greenhouse when I was 10!

There has been a history of women in my family particularly in Wales that were, shall we say the village wise women, so I was influenced by that. But, it did not come to the forefront until my late teens, when a professional herbalist helped me get well after a bought of Pneumonia. I had been through the normal medical route and was just getting sicker. The experience helped me reconnect with plants again.

It was not until later years after working in the organic food industry that I had the opportunity to go to University as a mature student to get a professional qualification that would allow me to set up a practice. I studied for 4 years at the University of Westminster and gained a BSc (Hons) in medical herbalism

The training We have to study and pass examinations in Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Nutritional biochemistry, plant chemistry, modern pharmacology, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, herbal materia medica, botany, practitioner development, and then there is the matter of 500 hours of clinical practice then final examinations plus a dissertation. The training is arduous and life changing and not for the faint hearted (although the training may be about to change over the coming years).

What a Medical Herbalist Does Imagine a doctor that instead of prescribing pharmaceuticals, prescribes plant medicine instead. We are the only other profession aside from Doctors and Pharmacists that can hold a full dispensary under the Medicines control act (albeit ours is purely plant based). We are also the only alternative profession that can diagnose as we have had the same medical training as a GP. BUT, that is where the similarity ends. We encourage our patients to take part in the healing process by making nutritional and lifestyle changes. We treat holistically, mind, body and spirit.We are more interested in treating the person and in doing so we treat what ails them.

Herbalism encompasses treatment with herbs, nutrition and suggests anything that would be advantageous to the patient/client to help them on their path to wellness. We are there for you at all stages of your life, and treat things from common colds and flu right up to serious life threatening illnesses, and we can also liaise with your doctors about treatment, but that only tends to work if you have an open minded doctor. In the current climate, there is a lot of prejudice against herbalism. We seem to be moving further away from integrated medicine, which is politically driven and that is a shame.

Manufacturing Herbal Medicines I run a medicinal herb farm with a small team of people, as well as a herbal clinic so every day is different.

If you haven’t worked it out yet, the herbs we use in practice are far removed from what you find on the shelves in supermarkets and health food stores, although, don’t get me wrong, they have a place in the scheme of things, but they are not what professional herbalists use.

Many of the medicines we use in practice are produced on farms such as ours and the sale is tightly controlled to qualified practitioners only, due to the strength and effectiveness of them. Some herbs are very restricted and we have a duty of care under the medicines control act that governs their proper use. People think that herbs are safe and by and large they are very safe, although occasionally scare stories appear in the media, but scratch beneath the surface and you find that this is more common in the Chinese herbal trade or over the counter products that have been “altered” in some way so as to bear little resemblance to the original plant material. Another example of ‘safe’ is that munching dandelion leaves or roots is fine, but munching handfuls of belladonna is not! However belladonna in a practitioner’s experienced hands, in the right dose can perform miracles.

We must respect these plants and their power!

A typical Working Day Well some days in clinic I see clients, take a case history, check blood pressure and pulses and together we formulate a healing programme for them and then tailor make a herbal prescription. It’s so individual that no prescription for any 2 people is the same, because no 2 people’s physiology or health problem is exactly the same.

Days on the farm are spent growing and harvesting with the seasons. We grow biodynamically, it’s like organic but with bells on! A process that treats the whole farm as a living entity and uses no fake chemicals, all organic. Biodynamics also follows planting by the moon and planets and has days for planting seed crops, leaf crops and so on. It really works.

Combining My Pagan Beliefs with My Work On the farm (which is actually a large small-holding ) we also work very much with nature spirits out in the field, much like they do at Findhorn. Keeping a spiritual aspect to our work does make for a better herbal medicine and our customers have remarked on it. This, I feel follows through into my clinical work. Some clients are prepared to delve deeper into the spiritual/mental aspect of their illness and I really enjoy that aspect of my work. But we are taught in our herbal training that we treat everyone in a non-judgmental way, so for example if I treat someone who thinks herbalism is a bit ‘oofy foofy’, then I tend to treat them in a more medical way to make them more comfortable with the process.

Teaching Herbalism I am passionate that people understand herbalism because it’s been hijacked!

Although in the last several years there's been a deep renewed interest in medicinal plants, the way to use them that has been popularized has been severely lacking. Often, one of two extremes exist;- either the herbs are used in a very superficial "take this herb for that condition" manner (Echinacea for colds and flus, valerian for insomnia,) or the herb has been scientifically investigated for the "active ingredient". Then, all sorts of assumptions have been made based upon the actions of one constituent, and not the whole herb. For example, using black cohosh for menopause because "it contains phytoestrogens", simply isn't an ideal use of that plant.

Both of these approaches lack any of the refined nuances that exist when working within the traditional structures of herbalism. Neither addresses the uniqueness of the individual relationship between the person, their wellbeing (or lack thereof) and the plants used to restore balance. It's impersonal. They may be using herbs, but they're not doing so in a holistic manner.

The resurgent interest in herbs has also been largely commercial. People are often surprised to realize that they are quite literally surrounded by medicinal plants, and that by learning to properly identify and prepare these herbs as simple teas, tinctures, oils, and syrups they can create preparations that rival (and more often than not exceed) the quality of what can be purchased in stores. The majority of the common "weeds" we spray poison on (dandelion, chickweed, plantain...) are intensely nutritious and medicinal plants.

I teach people; how to understand how herbs work within the context that their use arose from (traditional herbalism), and how to integrate herbalism into their everyday lives. I've shared this knowledge at large conferences, in small classes, and one on one with individuals; often right out in the woods and meadows where the plants are growing. I also teach from my home, everything from making skin creams, to medicine making.

Springtime Allergy Relief As spring arrives with its entire array of colour, vibrancy, light, and new growth you may, unfortunately, experience an array of discomforting symptoms. Your eyes may water, you may have a scratchy or draining throat, your nose may be constantly itchy or blocked and you may always be on the verge of a sneeze or experience repeated sneezing from the dreaded seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies are usually accompanied by “stuffiness”, sneezing, watery eyes, excess drainage, runny nose, excess mucus. These symptoms are the body’s attempts to flush out an offending allergen. For those with seasonal allergies these symptoms can get out of hand and result in feeling miserable.

Herbs can be a useful aid to help make your change of season more comfortable and enjoyable.

It’s all about natural chemistry. Compounds called bioflavonoids are an important constituent found in many flowers, leaves, and fruits that help bring relief for seasonal allergy symptoms.

They are important to prevent the formation of histamine. Histamine is one of the substances released by the body in an attempt to get rid of the offending foreign particle - the allergen. Histamine causes watery eyes and runny noses as the body attempts to flush out the offending allergen. Histamine prompts the body to quickly get rid of the allergen by activating the common allergy symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, runny and congested nose and sinuses, and swelling and inflammation.

Increasing your intake of bioflavonoids helps prevent the formation of histamine (as opposed to commonly used over the counter anti-histamines which interfere with histamine’s action after it has been produced).

Herbs that help alleviate sneezing, watery eyes, and runny noses contain substances that prevent the formation of histamine. Without histamine, your seasonal allergy symptoms can be significantly reduced.

Many bioflavonoids are also anti-inflammatories, which decrease the swelling of tissues caused by reacting to an allergen.

Anti-allergenic and bioflavonoid rich herbs include plantain, nettle, eyebright, baical skullcap, lemon balm, peppermint and chamomile, but there are so many more.

Various combinations and dosages of these herbs taken either in teas or in tincture form can be very efficacious, if you know how to blend them.

A good anti-allergy tea blend Sambucus nigra flowers (Elderflowers) 25g Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort plantain) 20g Euphrasia officnalis (Eyebright) 20g Urtica dioica (Nettle) 25g Mentha spicata (Spearmint) 10g or less if you don’t like the taste.

Take one heaped teaspoon of herb blend, cover with a cupful of boiling water, allow to infuse for 5-10 minutes, strain. Use more for a pot, a teaspoon per cup/mug for however much you want to make.

Handy Tip: I recommend making a whole pot in the morning, straining it and putting in a thermos flask to drink throughout the day. For a true medicinal effect, you will need about 4-5 cups/mugs a day, for mild afflictions then much less than that. Trying one cup a day for a serious problem just will not work and this is where people go wrong with herb sometimes.)

More Herbal Allergy Helpers An allergic response can cause tissue lining in the sinuses to swell, which can block the outlets of the sinuses to the nose. When this happens mucus build up in the sinuses can cause headaches and mucus draining from the back of the nose into the throat (the common postnasal drip). Using over-the-counter anti-histamine with these symptoms can thicken the mucus even more so that it cannot drain. It is better to help dilate the sinus passages in order to thin and liquefy the mucus so that it can drain easier. Hot chilli peppers are very effective at draining thick, congested mucus and relieving these symptoms. Herbs such as ginger, garlic, yarrow, chickweed, red clover, and elderflower can be effective decongestants that thin and liquefy the congested mucus.

To help relieve the scratchy, sore throat that accompanies seasonal allergies you need herbs that soothe and coat the mucus membranes. These are known as demulcents, and can be effective. Demulcent herbs include: marshmallow, slippery elm, and violet. If a cough accompanies the sore throat, you can try plantain, wild cherry bark, or white horehound all of which act as excellent cough relievers.

Nettles are very anti-allergenic and help to prevent the excessive release of inflammatory substances called leukotriene’s, which are natural body substances that are released when an allergen enters the body resulting in an inflammatory response. This leads to irritated and swollen mucus membranes that secrete excessive mucus.

Another helpful herb to use to increase the body’s ability to resist reacting to allergens is milk thistle. Milk thistle protects the liver and improves its ability to clear antigens from the body and strengthens mucus membrane integrity while providing our old friends the bioflavonoids.

Herbs can be a definite benefit in helping you enjoy the early days of spring and also moving into the warm days of summer.

Before taking any herbs always learn about the herb you are taking to be sure it is compatible with you, especially if it is a long term chronic condition. And, if it is chronic and does not respond, then fear not as your local neighbourhood herbalist will have many stronger herbs in their dispensary that can be tailor made to suit your personal constitution.

All the information is available on www.urbanherbals.co.uk. Although this website is being upgraded at present, so for a list of current workshops or clinics please email info@urbanherbals.co.uk

Jacqui Apostolides

DATES TO REMEMBER Ostara Stonehenge open access will be on the 20th At approximately 5am A sunrise circle will be held on portland bill on 21st March at 6.30am hosted by the portland witches.

Beltane Spirit of RebirthGathering of the clans 3rd – 5th May 2013 TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED BELOW http://www.dolmengrove.co.uk/BeltaneSoR.html

Please see main advert for details |

THE CRABCHURCH CONSPIRACY In 1645 when a group of Royalist supporters conspired to deliver what was known then the twin ports of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis into the hands of King Charles 1st.

It has been suggested that the intention behind the conspiracy was to secure the ports as a coastal haven where they could land a significant number of allied French Catholic troops which they hoped would defeat the Parliamentarian forces, and bring about a swift conclusion to the war.

This may well have worked but for the fact that the Royalists had somewhat underestimated their opposition in particular one man - Colonel William Sydenham who despite the loss of several of his troops including his brother Francis Sydenham, who was himself an excellent soldier, he managed to rally enough of an army to make a stand against the Royalist conspirators.

THE CRABCHURCH CONSPIRACY 2013 This year a group of people came together and conspired to put on an event that raise awareness of an event in local history now known as ‘The Crabchurch Conspiracy’ whilst providing entertainment and raising money for a local cause. It was a weekend extravaganza that got off to a spectacular start on the Friday night with a ‘packed out’ performance by the internationally renowned The Dolmen.

This was followed by a day where history came to life with re-enactors at both the Old Town Hall and on the Weymouth beach. There was also a children’s competition, a raffle and refreshments. In the evening there was a talk by Professor Ronald Hutton and more music from the mighty Dolmen who brought the evening to a close. On Sunday re-enactors marched through the town bringing history to life once more as they concluded the weekend’s events.

The Conspirators The Go-Between - Steve Booth who was a key player responsible for a large amount of organising of the Crabchurch Conspiracy weekend, acquiring sponsorship, arranging advertising including arranging the financing of the event, the accommodation for the re-enactors plus anything else required “All I have ever wanted was to bring attention to the Old Town Hall and bring the history to life again. The Crabchurch Conspiracy Event seemed the perfect way of doing that ... and along with my very good friend Mark Vine I think we made this an event to be remembered whilst raising a lot of money for the hall.”

Steve Booth

The Artist – Sem Vine whose beautiful artwork not only graces, the book and album cover of the me name, but who was responsible for much of the artwork advertising the event.

“Seems a singular truth that ethereal loves do not leave you, and my first was as a young girl with a man long passed some 350 years. He was, was prince and privateer, pioneer artist and inventor, and was deemed both divinely protected and the Devil himself, his glowing white dog his familiar, by both sides fighting the English Civil War. Through these dreamy years of girlhood and pilgrimage few fleshly beings could compare till I realised the worth of Mr Mark Vine. We were at the time, on opposing sides within the English Civil War Society, I with my robber prince and he with his beloved Dorset. It took a little while but it was not he who moved camp on the field to be with me!

Some years and two children later, on moving to Weymouth and burrowing its historical warrens, Mark followed the scent of a hidden story, an expansion of all he had studied and loved in his Societal duties and a true and human tale of a Dorset community in the hard times of deep internal conflict.

In recent times and still captured in the powerful wake of his well respected book and its continuing effects, he has in Steve Booth a friend and force of comparable spirit, and together they prove a dynamic and productive match. Saturday evening was a magnificent rendering of that revelation. Stunning wordsmith and fount of joy and wisdom Prof Ronald Hutton conveyed all that is the deepest essence of history, and The Dolmen attained a pinnacle of something I'm not even sure they were aware of themselves.

And that wonderful audience felt it, that deep collective passion for an ancestry across the centuries.

The Crabchurch Conspiracy is a microcosm of the depths and heights in which the human heart moves, and the ghosts of those memories still walk these streets. Though in the telling there are uncovered the places we dare not tread again, there are also revealed the most sublime acts of love and courage, there offering more reason to remember and acknowledge their place in our blood and origins, our kinship with them in the story of Mankind.”

Sem Vine The historian - Professor Ronald Hutton himself a renowned historian, author and TV expert who made himself available for a book signing of some of his work at Imagine books Weymouth on the Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening he shared his profound knowledge of the English Civil War, enthralling a large audience at Weymouth Colleges Bay Theatre.

“What happened in Weymouth and Melcombe Regis on the weekend of 15-17 February brought together some of my greatest enthusiasms: the county of Dorset, the history of the English Civil War, historical re-enactment, and the Dolmen Grove and band. More generally, I am always delighted, only given the necessary time, to help a local community get in touch with its history, and to get to know that community and that history better myself in the process.

The Crabchurch Conspiracy weekend was a model of both experiences, touching so much of the town in the course of the celebration, in situations, locations, activities and age-groups.

It was a great privilege to be involved.”

Professor Ronald Hutton The Author – Kit Berry the much loved author of the Stonewylde series of books. Kit like Professor Ronald Hutton was available for a book signing at Imagine books.

"I bought tickets for the Crabchurch Conspiracy evening event as soon as I saw the announcement on Facebook - at this point there was only going to be room for 60 people in the original venue and I didn't want to miss out! Mark Vine had given me a copy of his wonderful CC book a couple of years before and I was keen to come home to Weymouth (where I'd lived for 26 years) and see the re-enactment and the evening lecture and gig. I'm a huge fan of

Prof Ronald Hutton and was keen to hear his lecture, and also see the amazing Dolmen perform again. Mark asked for volunteers to help with the narration so I came forward, and before I knew it I was also helping to judge the children's art competition and doing a book signing at Imagine Books as well! It was a truly amazing weekend and I was honoured to be a part of it. It's also given me lots of inspiration for my next novel, which will be set in Portland and Weymouth during the English Civil War.” Kit Berry The Manager – Marloes Visser, who played a key part in promoting the event and was on hand taking photographs throughout the weekend "The first Dolmen album I had was the Crabchurch Conspiracy album. Mark sent it to me in the summer of 2010. At first it was difficult to get into as I did not know the history nor The Dolmen music. I loved the songs but had to get used to the narrations in- between. At some point after playing it over and over again, after having read the Crabchurch Conspiracy book and having had the tour of Crabchurch Conspiracy Weymouth by Mark it became more and more special to me. I now know the songs and narrations by heart and have grown to love them. A very special and unique album like the concert last Saturday was a very special and unique event. That was the main reason to be there, to experience the recognition and the praise Mark, Steve, and the band deserve for pulling this off, for making it happen! To understand even more what it is all about! I am so very glad I could be there, be part of it and see the huge success the weekend was!”

Marloes Visser The Driver - Duncan Wilde who travelled from Hampshire to step in as driver and roadie for the Dolmen.

“We had planned to go to Weymouth for The Crabchurch Conspiracy weekend some time ago, After reading Mark's excellent book, and listening to the Brilliant album of the same name by The Dolmen, we couldn't miss it. Steve Booth kindly put us up for the w/end, and asked if we could help out, which of course we did. The weekend for us, was about the History, the music, friendship, atmosphere, and the fantastic hard work going on to save that wonderful and historicaly important building, The Old Town Hall. “ Duncan Wilde The compere – Diane Narraway Editor of Dolmen Grove Magazine had reviewed, both the Crabchurch Conspiracy book by Mark Vine, and the album of the same name by the Dolmen plus it was decided that she was both well-known enough and loud enough to be effective on stage.

“When Mark asked me if I would compere the evening I can honestly say I felt privileged to be part of an event that brought history to life in such an entertaining way. Also with so much of Weymouth being demolished, rebuilt and re-designed it seemed important to restore a building that been such an important part of local history. It seemed that if it had been worth fighting for and even worth dying for then it had to be worth putting a couple of quid in a bucket. “ Diane Narraway

The Pirate – Steve Howl who as well as playing a major role in the re-enactments, being a guest narrator alongside Ronald, Hutton and Kit Berry at the evening event he was also the face of the weekend. It was his face on banners, posters and even ‘Special Ale’ tap clips.

“The Crabchurch Conspiracy weekend has been attended By Poole Re-enactment Society for the past three years over which time there has been more and more re-enactors attending, however this year was so much more with a Civil War skirmish taking place on Weymouth beach and the addition of the performance of the Crabchurch Conspiracy Album by The Dolmen, Ronald Hutton and Kit Berry.

On a personnel level, for me it was one of the best events I’ve attended. I was very proud of the Poole Re-enactment Society members who put in some brilliant performances around the town centre and while fighting on the beach. I also so felt honoured to be asked to take on Mark Vine’s roll from the Crabchurch Conspiracy Album, and while I was very nervous I’m so pleased to have played even a little part in such an amazing show.

From my self and everyone from P.R.S. who attended I should like to say a massive thank you to everyone who made it happen, especially Mark Vine and Steve Booth.

Here’s to next year’s event. “ Steve Howl The Guardians of the Old Town Hall, This is a not-for-profit, Community Interest Company which was formed in 2009 and took on the lease of the building from WPBC. The plan was and still is, to renovate the building to create a Heritage Centre for Weymouth with the Civil War being the main emphasis as the battle fought in 1645 took place around it. The Hall is also hired out for community use. The Guardians have no official funding and raise money by holding events, hiring out the Hall and sponsorship.

“Mark Vine who wrote the Crabchurch Conspiracy had initially posted on the guestbook of my website saying he had written about the Civil War in Weymouth some years previously and that he would happily send it to me to be put on my website. He sent it and as I began to read, I not only thought that he wrote beautifully, but that he captured the essence of the time so that you felt like you were part of it. Anyway, I wrote back to him and told him that it was far too good to just be put on the website and that he should get it published. I offered to help him do that and so I edited it, added a few bits of my own research and a couple of my photos. Semi had already done all the paintings so they were scanned and included in the book, which we then got printed in paperback. That was in 2004 and it soon went out of print as has the hardback version of 2006.”

Because the Crabchurch Conspiracy tells the true story of what happened locally during the Civil War it was instrumental in the council allowing members of the community to take on the lease.

We estimate that the Crabchurch Conspiracy weekend has raised in excess of £2000 towards the cost of renovations of the Old Town Hall and it is our intention to use the money to provide a disabled access ground floor toilet.”

Debby Rose (Guardian Old Town Hall)

The Dolmen “We got involved with the Crabchurch Conspiracy after being introduced to the history by historian and author Mark Vine. It seemed appalling that such a rich part of Dorset history had been completely disregarded and that for years the local councils as normal had done nothing to promote or even recognise the part the dorset family known as the Sydenhams, had played in the devastating era of the civil war.”

The Dolmen

The Singer -Taloch Jameson a singer songwriter who along with Josh Elliot wrote the music and whose unique vocal style provided a significant and thoroughly enjoyable look at this point in history and brought a fabulous conclusion to the days event.

The Guitarist – Josh Elliot an exceptionally talented musician who alongside Taloch Jameson wrote the music performed at this event, as well as provding additional vocals.

The Bassist – Kayleigh Marchant a singer songwriter and musician who lends her own uniquely seductive vocal style along with a polished musical performance.

The Flautist- Keri Pinney both an accomplished musician and vocalist whose haunting vocals and flute bring capture the essence of this period in history

The Guest Musician - Chris Pinney an exceptionally talented musician who as well as a polished performance on the Bouzouki provided additional vocals.

The Drummer – Chris ’Spankie’ Jones a skilled drummer whose brings his own limitless vitality to the performance.

The Cameraman – Joanna Caswell Sound Technician- Kirsty Brown

The Merchandisers - Moo Vine an accomplished artist and owner of Vine Art and Liam fisher who stepped in as roadie and merchandiser for the evening. www.thedolmen.co.uk http://www.facebook.com/thedolmen?ref=ts&fref=ts

Chief Conspirator -Mark Vine without whom this weekend would not have happened. Prior to Mark Vine having written his book little was known locally about either the event or the Sydenhams. In fact the phrases ‘Battle of Weymouth’ and ‘Crabchurch Conspiracy’ did not exist Not only did Mark bring this event to life through his book but through his collaboration with other eminent authors, historians, Poole Re-enactment Society and the highly acclaimed Dolmen as lyricist on the Crabchurch Conspiracy album Col.William Sydenham and his family’s part in the civil war will be forever immortalised through his words and their music.

A conspiracy to remember!

“It felt like I'd achieved something to address the centuries of neglect that the Sydenham name had suffered. Like putting the record straight. And of course, total pride in the band for their performance. And to have the likes of Professor Ronald Hutton and Kit Berry lending their expertise to the performance ably aided by the inimitable Cap'n Steve Howl was just the icing on the cake.”

And the compere wasn't half bad either."

Mark Vine

The Book Seller - Ann Newman proprietress of Imagine books who sold tickets for the event and who as well as stocking books by Ronald Hutton and Kit Berry will also be stocking the new edition of Mark Vine’s Crabchurch Conspiracy.

Nestling in a grade 2 listed building in the famous St Alban Street (Flag Street) in Weymouth, Imagine Books is a brand new concept in book shopping. It mixes thinking people's books with a clean, comfortable and historically enchanting environment.

There is a huge selection of brand new Local Interest books in the front of the shop, reflecting people's love of Weymouth and Dorset.

We now have an excellent Children's Section, catering for all reading ages.

We carry a large selection of classics, including Thomas Hardy, Dickens, Jules Verne, and Children's Classics.

The Apothecary offers handmade natural oils soaps, essential oils, incense sticks, etc.

Unusual gifts, bags, tiaras, jewellery and antiquarian books add to the fascination of browsing the shop.

In the side room, you will find a huge Mind Body Spirit section.

NEW - BEYOND IMAGINATION in the back room with hundreds of classic and modern weird fiction, including Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Graphic Comics and Graphic Novels - Enjoy! http://www.facebook.com/imaginebooksweymouth?ref=ts&fref=ts

THE DOLMEN GIG GUIDE Friday1st March - Eastleigh Irish Club, Eastleigh, UK 8-10 Southampton Rd, Town Centre, Eastleigh SO50 9FJ

Phone:023 8061 3835

Saturday 2nd March - The Lugger acoustic, Weymouth, UK : 30 Chickerell Hill, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4DY

Phone:01305 766611

Monday 4th March - The Boot, Weymouth, UK High W St, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8JH

Phone:07809 440772

Saturday 9th March - Avalon Faery Ball , Glastonbury UK

Thursday 14th March - The John Gregory, Weymouth , UK 113 Radipole Ln, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9SS Phone:01305 767233

Saturday 16th Wyrdfest, Swansea University, Swansea, UK Saturday 23rd March - Pirates Keep, The Lord Nelson, Poole, UK The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ Phone:01202 776226

Monday 1st April - The Boot, Weymouth , UK High W St, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8JH th

Phone:07809 440772

Saturday 6 April - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum 20th Anniversary ,Dortmund, Germany

Thursday 11th April - The John Gregory, Weymouth, UK 113 Radipole Ln, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9SS th

Phone:01305 767233

Saturday 13 April - Ostara Festival, Bourtange, The Netherlands Sunday 14th April - Ostara Festival, Bourtange, The Netherlands

Saturday 27th April - Pirates Keep/Mick's 50th Birthday, The King Charles ,Poole UK 1 Thames St, Town Centre, Poole BH15 1JN

Phone:01202 566405

Friday 3rd May - Beltane Festival, Dorset, UK

Saturday 4th May - Beltane Festival, Dorset, UK Sunday 5th May - Beltane Festival, Dorset, UK

Monday 6th May - Beltane Festival, Dorset, UK

Saturday 11th May - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum, Rastede, Germany Sunday 12th May - Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum, Rastede, Germany Thursday 16th May - The John Gregory, Weymouth, UK 113 Radipole Ln, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9SS

Phone:01305 767233

113 Radipole Ln, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9SS

Phone:01305 767233

Saturday 25th May - The John Gregory, Weymouth, UK Sunday 26th May - Pitch on the Pitch, Weymouth Football Club , UK

Saturday 13th April The Jolly Anglers Public House 5 Grantley Heights Kennet Side, Reading, West Berkshire RG1 3EG Sunday 21st April Pagan Future’s Belostra 2013 The Bedford (Pub/theatre) 77 Bedford Hill,Balham , London SW12 9HD http://www.paganfuturefests.org.uk/id2.html Saturday 4th May Rochester’s 1st Enchanted Fairy Ball The Royal Function Rooms, 12 Star Hill,Rochester,Kent ME1 1XB http://enchantedgementerprises.weebly.com/event-tickets.html Saturday 11th May Magical Faerie Festival Findon , West Sussex http://www.magicalfestivals.co.uk/#/tickets/4537808752 Sunday 26th May Dolmen Grove Essex Beltain Picnic 2013 Hadleigh Roundhouse, Hadleigh Country Park, Hadleigh, Essex

The Bookworm

Witch Light by Susan Fletcher This is a beautifully atmospheric story based upon true events and characters. It tells the story of an epic historic event, of the difference a single heart can make - and how deep and lasting relationships that can come from the most unlikely places.

The author actually took up residence in Glencoe for the duration of the time taken to write this book so that references and descriptions are accurate about what is still an undeveloped area of the country. T look at it is little changed since that time.

The Massacre of Glencoe happened at 5am on 13th February 1692 when thirty-eight members of the Macdonald clan were killed by soldiers who had enjoyed the clan's hospitality for the previous ten days.

Many more died from exposure in the mountains.

Fifty miles to the south Corrag a wild young girl from the mountains of Scotland is condemned for her involvement in the Massacre. She is imprisoned, accused of witchcraft and murder, and awaits her death.

The era of witch-hunts is coming to an end - but Charles Leslie, an Irish propagandist and Jacobite, hears of the Massacre and, keen to publicise it, comes to the tollbooth to question her on the events of that night, and the weeks preceding it. Corrag was witness to the bloody and brutal Massacre of Glencoe.

Leslie seeks any information that will condemn the Protestant King William, rumoured to be involved in the massacre, and reinstate the Catholic James. But to reveal what she knows, Corrag demands a chance to tell her true story. It is a tale of passion and courage, magic and betrayal. She agrees to talk to him so that the truth may be known about her involvement, and so that she may be less alone, in her final days. As she tells her story, Leslie questions his own beliefs and purpose - and a friendship develops between them that alters both their lives.

Marmie Vergo

Poetry from within the Grove Spring

Waiting for spring

Spring runs Across the land In the form Of a hare.

With her icy breath she whispers That our wait is almost done The silvery residue of winter lies in her wake And defies the rising sun

The plough Furrows The field of night.

Stirrings of life felt As winter rouses from its bed With the exception of the Galanthus Shyly hanging her pretty white head

The infinity of life Is held Within an egg.

A maiden and her man Have made their pact anew, And walk the world, Handfast within a dream of life.

Pacing the deosil dance, That waxes and wanes With the year.

The victory of oaken spirit, Lightens the heart of mother earth.

And quickens the life within the seed Of all that’s born.

Whilst The children of many generations, With smiling words of welcome Carried on a voice of drumbeats, Raise their arms, To lift the sun Toward mid-summer.

Martin Pallot

Soon enough new life will emerge And with it comes the time to toil So we take this short time to rest a while As does the dormant seed within the cold dark soil.

Julie Weltch

Imbolc Buds as pale as winter’s night Naked branches under grey held sky's Howling winds with sharp edged teeth Candles near, lit and on high Upon the night of this lean time Calls of the wolf heralds her time As the belly of the world starts to stir The lady returns with visions of life Her wells shine out to match her light As the flame heralds the suns return As her hearth warms the home The willow speaks as tree's whisper Calls echo from grass and meadow From hills and fields In rings of hammer on anvil The crackle of fire on log And refrains from word and prose The call we echo forth From circle and home To doll in bed and cross THE MAIDEN RETURNS

Paul walker

The return of Imbolc and Brigid.

There are Circles with windows And of shadows in time.

There’ll be Chanting and music Rhythm and Rhyme.

We look towards the future As the light returns again.

Imbolc the milk is flowing Rebirth of Spring and flame.

There are Circles with windows And of shadows in time.

There’ll be Chanting and music Rhythm and Rhyme.

Brush away the winter Cleanse away the past.

Leave out your offerings Brigid returns at last.

There are Circles with windows And of shadows in time.

There’ll be Chanting and music Rhythm and Rhyme.

Striking of the Anvil The bell tolls again.

Light your candles To show the way.

There are Circles with windows And of shadows in time.

There’ll be Chanting and music Rhythm and Rhyme.

Beginning of a season A time to celebrate.

Keep your fires burning Stoking hearth and grate.

There are Circles with windows And of shadows in time.

There’ll be Chanting and music Rhythm and Rhyme.

The showing of the snowdrop And hope of times to come.

Brigid your fire is burning For the birth of a new dawn.

Cliff Car

Love Beyond Religion Nail my hands upon the tree, Where once I sat and watched you play, And know that they still desire, To hold you closer with each day.

Nail my feet as tears I weep, For sunny days beneath this tree, Spent watching you from the shade, While you were playing wild and free.

Place the crown upon my brow, Made of thorns that will tear my flesh, And mix my blood with my tears, Lamenting all I’ve lost to death.

Pierce my already broken heart, So the love held inside can flow, Taking me beyond this realm, To where your light forever glows.

Diane Narraway

Luna Seeing your significance, way up there in the sky, Knowing I am a part of it, but never asking why, Gazing at your beauty, spaced out with a million stars, Across the fields, over the hills and sometimes in front of cars.

Effecting all the commuters, on this earth shaped moving train, No one really guessing, that your beauty is to blame, Only a few know and really understand, How they act and treat each other is not "the measure of a man".

The foolishness of the erratic soul, it happens again and again, It is time to learn the lessons, count the drops from an hour of rain, As you disappear Though never really gone, I dedicate the memories, The lessons, To you, My guiding moon.

Defoe Smith

Stone Is Land

The Isle and Royal Manor of Portland, to give it its proper title is a block of limestone sitting on top a hill of Kimmeridge Clay and surrounded by water. It is isolated from the rest of the world except for a bank of clay where the pebbles of Chesil (from the Saxon koesil) lay, connecting the stone block to the mainland. Fault lines criss cross the island, caused by the porous nature of the sedimentary rock formed 140 million years or so ago in the Jurassic period, when Tyrannosaurus Rex ruled the world.

The limestone was formed when oolites, the skeleton of tiny prehistoric creatures mixed with mud and sand in warm lagoon type conditions near to the equator. Water pressure and temperatures crushed and hardened the mixture into rock over millions of years. The rock moved north over time to its present location and rose out of the sea as a land locked hill on the northern

reaches of what would become Europe. A great cataclysm 8000 years ago separated Britain from the rest of the continent when the valley between the two flooded at the end of the last ice age leaving Portland an island in the process.

Before mankind began to try and conquer his surroundings a weave of subterranean energy flowed around the planet nourishing the land wherever it was needed. Working with elemental beings the slowly evolving land was maintained and kept energised. It was nature. Oolitic limestone conducts energy and also amplifies magnetic forces. Underground rivers under Portland created large amounts of electromagnetic energy in the strata passing the energy into the stone.

Professor Philip Callahan believes that the ancients used Portland Stone in their structures for its highly energised/magnetised qualities that bought balance and harmony to the surrounding landscape. By building stone circles and long barrows with alternating energised stones a powerful energised area would be created. When two opposite energies are bought into a relationship a third energy is produced. That is how the universe works.

sustainability and the use of waste stone as a sustainable resource and the regeneration of the quarry environment as a cultural and educational amenity.

Sadly most of these ancient energised areas have been destroyed by first quarrying from the early 17th Century onwards and then by major governmental building works on Portland in the 19th Century. Who else but the government would think of building a prison in the place of a Druid dolmen at the Grove?

The project Stone Island was conceived mainly by Paul Crabtree and Hannah Sofaer from the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust for the London 2012 Inspire Mark Programme. Stone Island is an exploration into the landscape through art and science. The aim is to engage with the community and visitors and allow them to experience the landscape of Portland through a series of art residencies, exhibitions, workshops, performances and talks by local researchers over the summer.

Portland is shaped by the elemental forces of nature and quarrying, where human time and geological time visibly intersect. The stone holds the evidence of life on earth before mankind arrived underpinning the fragile layer of ecology on which we exist. Stone Island looks to change attitudes and develop new approaches to engaging with and positively influencing our environment and landscape for the future. Its goals are for

Performers on the Stone Island programme included the Tashi Lhunpo Monks on their Power and Compassion European Tour. They spent the weekend during the Olympics at the Drill Hall creating ‘The Peace Mandala of Yamantaka’, the wrathful aspect of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom using powdered marble dyed by the monks themselves.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘sacred circle’ or ‘container of essence’ and is a symbol of all there is; an abstract form of the cosmos, the joining together of the microcosm and the macrocosm. It is also a map to the very centre of ourselves, a spiritual map. When completed, Yamantaki was respectively requested to leave the mandala and return to his own realm. The sand was then swept from the outside towards the centre symbolising the fact that at the time of death everything once more returns to the primordial source at the centre of the heart. It is a lesson in the impermanence of all things; whatever comes out of nothingness will eventually return to nothingness. Before the mandala was destroyed and sprinkled into the sea at Portland Bill, in the presence of the completed mandala the monks performed a masked dance and sacred chant described by the Independent newspaper as ‘a window of time onto a magical universe of reincarnation and release’.

The tunnel under Wide Street represented the emergence of modern man. From here the Timelord spoke, ‘We have been through the Silurian period, the Permian period, the Triassic and Jurassic periods, the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods to the evolution of man. We pass through the tunnel of time to an era where nature and nurture combine, where man shall exploit the earth’s resources, create and destroy, enrich and extinguish.

While waiting for the Paralympics to start at the Sailing Academy ‘Walk Through Time’ occurred through Tout Sculpture Park. With every footstep representing 250,000 years, 140 million years was experienced through art, dance and drama performed by pupils from the Royal Manor Arts College. From the ‘Big Bang’ overlooking the ‘Circle of Stones where the audience congregated before following the dance and drama through time towards the present patiently waiting at the Drill Hall.

Man must listen to the whispers of the stone’. He concludes with the message that when we walk through time we must keep in mind that once man has gone, the stones will live on.

Stone Island 2013 programme is being planned.

Scott Irvine

SACRED SITES Since megalithic times, sacred sites have dominated the British Isles, Europe and beyond.

Stone circles, monuments and sculptures were a vital spiritual focal point of worship, a place where people could interconnect with one another, with nature, their environment and more importantly their ancestors. These sites were indeed a means where folk endured a sense of togetherness - a spiritual unification and solidarityâ€Śâ€˜Oneness’!

In this article, I will look in depth at three specific sacred sites within the British Isles, The Standing Stones of Stenness, Callanish Lewes Orkney, also the Circle of Brodgar in Orkney and Avebury stone circle in Wiltshire.

The remarkable locations of these two sacred circles are indeed very striking; each circle is positioned at the opposite ends of the causeway close to Loch Harray. The towering impressive geometric forms of the stones which grace the vast open landscape coupled with the sheer density of the Orkney skies, really amplify their dominance and significance to the land and its people.

The shapes of the stones at Stenness, for me really do try to connect or communicate in some mystic form.

Indeed, the way the geometric shape points to the skies from one angle personifies the connection between Mother Earth and Father Sky - the two embrace symbolising their unity to the earth and its people.

Paradoxically, this particular visualisation of this sacred circle played an important part within the lives and worship of the individuals in ancient times.

Symbolically, and in geological terms, the landscape of the Orkney mainland encompasses an ideological setting for megalithic structures.

Amidst the landscape lies a rich source of brown and red smooth sandstone, which hold admirable conditions well suited for trouble-free distributaries of stone. Hence a large proportion of the decaying farm dwellings in and around the area have large stone slabs amongst them. Many are four feet in length, three 'feet wide and vary in between three to four inches in thickness.

These materials were used in various ways, namely as integral walls, posts for fencing and paddocks. Predominately stone has been used as a material in Orkney, with its use permeating right through to the mid 1900's. Clearly the Orkney mainland benefited from such a rich source of this readily available natural material, thus serving the whole community and indeed the environment for thousands of years.

Stone circle by Rosalie Bottley

In Scotland, high up on the Orkney Isles, lies two magnificent stone circles, namely the Ring of Brodgar and within a mile of these stones, the Standing Stones of Stenness. These two hengelike circles are two of the most ancient in the British Isles. Back in 1997, samples of soil were analysed from and around a ditch which lay next to the standing stones of Stenness, and carbon dating placed the stones age at around five thousand years old.

The stones of Stenness are dated to around 300BC whereas the Ring of Brodgar dates to 2500BC. Distinctively, Orkney folklore reflects of stories, which envisage the Islanders as fun-loving mellow folk, with many a tall tale to amuse for the long cold winter evenings by the fire-side. It has been suggested that on completion of the Stenness stones, the circle would have measured 104 feet in diameter which is approximately a third of the size by comparison to the circle of Brodgar.

Interestingly, the circle of Brodgar has the third largest diameter (out of a thousand circles) within the British Isles. Moreover, some 90,790 square feet encompass the space within the circle. It has been further suggested that between 1,000 to 1,500 individuals could comfortably gather within the circle's space.

Focussing essentially on Brodgar, historically this circle comprised of sixty stones each of which were positioned six degrees apart around the circumference. Remarkably, now only a fraction of the original stones still survive‌approximately 25 to 35 are still standing. Intrinsically, the diameter of Brodgar is an impressive 125 MY yards (megalithic yards) which incidentally matches that of the two inner circles at the great Avebury Temple.

Predominately the maximum height of the stones at Brodgar is around 7 feet - as opposed to the soaring height of the stones at Stenness - a staggering 18feet 9 inches tall, 4 feet 7 inches in width, yet remarkably only lOinches in thickness each weighing approximately 7 tons.

Significantly, the elemental constructs present within the Orkney mainland manifests to favourable metaphoric levels, for example, both henges are situated next to fresh water lochs namely Loch Harray and the Loch of Stenness. In addition, these lochs nestle in-between low hills providing a perfect setting for a place of worship.

Hence, Earth, Air, Fire and Water all unite enabling a powerful fusion of all four elemental forces.

The religious symbolism which emanated from this perfect landscape of the hilly environment, the clear blue skies and the rich source of sandstone, together with the beautiful fresh water lochs ensured the perfect spiritual sacred gathering space for pagans for thousands of years.

Essentially, Stenness and Brodgar were sacred spaces where people could connect in everyday life and celebrate their festivals and rites uniformed in harmony, peace and indeed love.

In much of stone circle culture, the stones have symbolised individuals, often women, it is said that if one stands within a stone circle long enough, they can become overwhelmed with a swaying motion resembling ancient forms of dancing and rites. Many have argued that the stones really do seem to move, specifically at night under the stars.

The stones themselves seem to have been carved purposely to create a human image. Aesthetically, this concept becomes very apparent if you look close enough at the stones of Stenness and Brodgar, mystically faces seem to be visible set deep within the formations of the stone.

Historically,legend has it that on New Year's Eve ( Scottish Hogmanay), a stone which stands between the two circles of Stenness and Brodgar takes nourishment from the loch as midnight strikes, this is recognised as the "Watch Stone".

Only on this specific night can the stone take human form and walk to the loch to drink its pure water.

Within a spiritual context, the element of water plays a vital role. Of course Orkney is enclosed by water meaning that for Orkney's people the water holds significance beyond its obvious importance.

The lochs represent a goddess as 'Mother of the Sea'. Our Celtic ancestors heavily relied on bountiful fish stocks and other seafood harvests which the oceans produced. Essentially the Islanders realised how the changes of the seasons worked together with the 'Mother of the Sea'- she calms the waters in the summer months to assist with abundant yields of the oceans harvests.

Moreover in winter - the conflict of summer and winter are apparent, one endeavours to conquer over the other, which locally is known as ‘Vore Tullye'.

Stone circle by Rosalie Bottley

The diverse arrays of legends which surround Orcadian folklore indeed reflect the spiritual connotations of the land. Stenness and Brodgar are without doubt two of the most ancient sacred spaces in Scotland. Captivating and divine, Stenness and Brodgar typify our ancestral correlation between human beings and all things natural - the sources of nature herself and all that she encompasses as hand in hand these sacred temples were and still are a means of Cosmic interaction and spiritual comfort for many generations and those to follow.

Some 4,000 to 4,500 years ago the magnificent stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury experienced the ultimate adoration. They were indeed two of the most exceptional stone temples in the world. Built by nearby tribes upon the striking chalk plains of the Wiltshire landscape these circles resonate the sheer scale of the devotion felt by the people who built these spiritual structures. Their dedication to erect such a prime focal stone temple to proclaim their religious culture is truly wondrous.

Amazingly, Avebury circle was built using colossal Sarsen stones which were hauled tirelessly from the hills with many a tedious journey. The Swindon Diamond stone, (an indication to the road that led to the city of Swindon) situated at the North entrance is said to weigh a phenomenal 60 tons. Incredibly it's the largest stone at Avebury which became a study of the Antiquarian William Stokeley way back in 1723. Before its deterioration, this stone weighed a remarkable 80 tons. This tall obelisk-type stone stood in the centre of the Southern Inner circle.

Within a visual capacity it is plain to acknowledge by first impressions, that like the stones of Stenness and Brodgar, Avebury too appears to have formations deep within the stones similar to human facial forms.

Each and every stone yields a different facial entity, many conducive with goddess deities.

Ultimately, these striking observances magnify the sheer significance and spiritual symbolism of the circle. Initially, the chronology of Avebury has become indistinguishable due to the fact that insufficient radio carbon data exists from this megalithic period. However, Avebury's estimated age of construction is most definitely no later than 2800BCE. Incredibility a large proportion of Avebury village sits within the outer circle, initially a couple of private dwellings, a post

office, some shops and the Red Lion public house, so the scale of the circle at Avebury is vast.

Moreover, Avebury circle encompasses a symbolic affinity towards the sacred sexual act (Great Rite) and ultimately conception - certainly within our ancient Celtic culture the ultimate sexual act which takes place between the Goddess and her consort is interpreted as having a much more powerful influence than the act itself - it ensures an exalted reverence towards the goddess and god for their union which will benefit the land and it's people - and thus yield an abundant fruitful harvest.

Fundamentally, Avebury is a 'Great Sacred Site' which our Celtic ancestors deeply considered a place of union, birth, death and the constant regeneration of life, the pinnacle of human celebration which connected, supported and enabled perpetual harmony amongst the Pagan people. Implicitly every sacred rite was a form of joyous celebration - even in death, our ancestors took comfort in the journey beyond to the summer lands it was a time to honour the individuals passing to be re-born once more.

As previously mentioned the stones at Avebury originally would have embellished the intense Spirituality of the people together with their ancient rites. Originally people were brought together in a communal force within the processional routes to Avebury stones.

These routes coupled with the shape of the stones very much resembled the shape of the 'Womb' or a 'Cauldron' where all creation is born. Furthermore, another relative ancestral element is of course the 'Snake' it reflects lust and the ever turning wheel of creation. Similarly, with both Avebury and the standing stones of Stenness, routes weave through the central circle, just like a snake through the spiral of life.

The religious indications become even more profound within the realms of the astronomical connotations that further contribute to the sacred significance of Avebury, for example: star constellations united with the elemental momentum. Our Celtic ancestors would have been immensely aware of these forces working alongside them in a spiritual cosmic connection.

Pagan Briton found great comfort and solidarity in worshipping at these great hallowed monuments at traditional times of the year to perform sacred rites, as well as their own rites of passage. To this day Pagans from all paths still flock to Avebury to stand in wonderment , harmony, spiritual respect and reverence to our Celtic ancestors, who left to

us this "Gift" of human gratification in 'All' aspects - and supremely our place in the cosmos.

Stone circle by Rosalie Bottley

Denny Bottley (Ravenswing)

Diary of the Hedgewitch expressions radiate out from the Earth, all experience of past and present is propelled onto the future, generations springing from generations, eternally in a state of becoming.

The soft green of the buds and yellow blooms give way to purple crocus’s, violets, and bluebells before a drunken revelry of colour, scent, and motion borne on the breeze of the soaring wings of the returning swallows, as we are whisked upon the dance of change, of polarity, of chaos, of transformation, forever whirling upon the stormy tides that flow in our veins, and forever fuelling the fire perpetually ignited within.

The world exhales and expansion is sensed in the moist anticipation of the early spring mornings and the damp expectation of the gathering dusk.

Something stirs and reawakens, mirrored in the heartfelt cries and twittering of birds, the rhythmic drum roll beats of the woodpecker and the booming coos of the wood pigeon, that herald the light-filled days; and in the surging, quivering, unfurling growth of the first plants to greet the spring.

Blossoms are coloured like the returning Sun, the yellow primroses, golden celandines, daffodils, and the snow white hues of snowdrops and blackthorn flowers, a reminder that winter, though its grip is loosened, still clings. There is an uncoiling as the motion of Life continues, surging, onwards, each outward breath, each day, altered, changed, differing from the last as we spin, continuing our journeys; feeling again as if reborn as we are expelled into the season that bursts full of all-possibilities and promises, of hope, exploding with Life, renewed.

The quietness and stillness of winter retreats as spring breaks forth into an intoxication of streaming forces that are coming into being, seen within the opening buds and blossoms and germinating seeds, full of all potential, and within the vibrating clusters of frogspawn preluding their journeys of metamorphosis; and is the power of creative energy in the springtime courtships of birds, manifesting in their oval eggs, brimming with possibilities. Vitality pulsates as new

The receptive winter has given birth again to the potent fire of a new spring, in the lust of Life and Creation. The sap surges, dripping, an expression of that force that cannot be contained or restrained as it ever thrusts onwards.

As I sow my first seeds of the season, the main job in the garden for this time of year (before busily pricking out, potting up and planting out when seedlings have flourished), I am filled with anticipation and expectation; the images of juicy ripe tomatoes hanging lavishly, voluptuous globeshaped onions heaving in papery skins, creamywhite cauliflowers glowing under an autumn sun, and delicate sweet-pea blossoms twinning upwards under a summer sky appear in my thoughts. Myriads of tastes are experienced, and delicious scent, invoked by past memories that propel into and create the future. It is the seemingly miraculous emergence of new forms

appearing, seen the most easily within a seeding as we can visibly watch it grow before our very eyes, as substances are weaved, separated and combined in ceaseless motion, that brings our awareness to those dimensions that are not known to our physical senses, that may make up the larger part of what we see before our eyes as they bring the plant into physical manifestation in endless eternal changeability.

This cycle forever spun within the pulse of Life as we unfurl into spring, germinating from the darkness of winter where all is held latent and allpossibilities brim, to enter into chaos like the seed during the moments of germination, ultimately flourishing into an outpouring of uninhibited expressiveness as our lives weave in and out, each time returning to a seed where all potential heaves.

All plant forms, perhaps, are one that is continually coming into being, expressing itself in many different forms and adaptations.

We can participate in these changes within a plant as it grows and metamorphosis’s, from the seed after its winter slumber as it transforms in the moment of chaos at germination when it is penetrated by forces that build its form; the first appearance of the seed leaves and stems pushing their way upwards, expanding, the wavering stem, stretching, the first appearance of the first true leaves as the plant reaches, yearningly up and out, filling the space, expressing itself.

We can follow the process all the way to the delicate buds opening out to reveal the first blossoms, and the forming of the plant’s own seed, contracting, containing all its experiences and those that have gone before.

The growing light and the lengthening days has also fuelled the emergence of the silky soft furry willow and golden hazel blossoms, catkins that quiver in the chilly early spring breeze. The hazel is associated with knowledge, wisdom, inspiration, fire, poetry and fecundity. Knowledge and understanding are said to be held within the nut of the hazel tree, where wisdom dwells in the nutshell that brims with possibilities.

The hazel is a tree of Mercury too, who was the messager of the gods, a mediator. The staff of Mercury, or caduceus, is said to have been of hazel; and forked hazel rods are the divination rods. Hazel was also one of the first woods to be used for kindling the Beltane fires, and it has been used since early times for fencing and making baskets and tools, as well as for making wattle walls in houses. In the Somerset levels, the ancient track ways were built with hazel foundations.

The entire journey is contained in each stage and present within our expectations, mapping out a trail into and out of physical space. The eternity of Life is seen in the experiences of a plant, from seed to seed and over again and again, each manifestation different, never returning to a starting point.

A plant that is traditionally harvested in the early spring as a spring tonic when the growing tips of the fresh growth are forming is the stinging nettle.

With its fiery nature, the stinging hairs, the stinging nettle is a plant of Mars. It is high in iron, can be cooked like spinach and makes a good soup, and has been used for centuries for stimulating the circulation, and in the alleviation of rheumatic and arthritic pain by rubbing or beating the plant on the affected area.

Nettles have also been used for loosening the bowels, cleansing the kidneys, lung disorders and in folk remedies for nosebleeds, reducing swellings, rashes and burns, and for increasing egg production in poultry. More recently they have also been used for allergies, anaemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, and to increase milk production. Nettle is also said to revive lost vitality in the case of paralysis or muscular degeneration.

The word “net” means something woven or spun and nettle fibres have been used for cordage and clothing since the Bronze Age at least. In Germany and Austria when cotton was scarce during the First World War, nettle fibre was used for making military uniforms. Nettle fibre has been said to make the best cloth, and sheets and tablecloths were also made from its fibres.

The high iron content and sulphur within nettles make it an important plant too for the garden. As well as being a stimulator on the body it also stimulates plant growth and is said to radiate iron.

Rudolf Steiner said of the stinging nettle: “the stinging nettle we find in the wild does not deserve our customary scorn. It should actually be growing all around our hearts, since the role it plays in nature by virtue of its marvellous inner structure and way of working is very similar to that of the heart in the human organism.” Young nettles can be harvested, allowed to wilt slightly, then buried in the ground for a year. After a year they can be dug up and placed on a compost heap, which will aid in the release of nutrients according to specific plant requirements.

Nettles stimulate the growth of other plants, but there are many interactions between different plant species and deliberately planting specific plants together is known as companion planting.

Companion planting involves growing plants together that aid each other in various ways, making use of the interactions between them, other organisms, and their environment. It provides a holistic way of gardening, and it is part of seeing the garden as a whole living organism, where all the individual pieces have an impact on the rest of the garden, and beyond. Plants influence other plants, the microorganisms and minerals within the soil, insects and other creatures, and are a central part in the interrelationships within a habitat.

Companion planting has been traced back to the first century BC with advice on interplanting, and since then, many of the relationships and interactions between plants and other forms of life within a particular habitat have been explained by science, but many more remain mysteries.

Plants influence, and are influenced by, their environment in different ways. Flowers feed insects that can be useful for encouraging beneficial insects into a garden to pollinate crops, or to prey on pests (poached-egg plant Limanthes is well known to attract hoverflies, a predator of aphids). Others may attract pests, and can be grown as a sacrificial plant, luring pests away from other crops (nasturtiums can attract cabbage white butterflies away from brassica crops). Some repel pests (alliums) or other plants, or destroy them with chemical excretions (Mexican marigold Tagetes minuta is said to destroy the persistent ground elder and couch grass with its root exudates), whilst others may reduce diseases in other plants (dandelion protects tomatoes from the

fungus Fusarium wilt). Some plants give off warning signals, promoting protective chemicals to be released in others. Some improve the soil by accumulating minerals (Thorn- apple accumulates phosphorous), break down nutrients for other plants to use (nitrogen-fixing bacteria on legumes), encourage organisms such as earthworms (yarrow and valerian), or aid the structure of the soil (Phacelia, spinach). Growing deep rooted plants and shallow rooted plants together will allow the deep rooted plants to bring up minerals that were inaccessible to the shallow rooted plants.

caressing wind, in the bursting forth of the seedling rising from the cold Earth, and the renewed flight of the birds as they ceaselessly soar and glide reverberating the air as the coming light ignites the colours of feather, flower and fur.

As the seedlings germinate, buds and blossoms unfurl, light expands, and sap surges, new forms come into being afresh, and vitality and creativity flood boundlessly through Life. We enter another dimension of experience, the world opens out, freed from the dark cold clasp of winter, and we can exhale, breathe, and express ourselves into spaces unlimited by form and matter.

I look at a tree and wonder at its shape, how it fills a particular space, how the branches curve and bend, reaching outwards and upwards, but stopping when they have reached a particular size and shape, not growing beyond those furthermost branches upwards and outwards, finally reaching a realisation of form; the boundaries of their form mapping out and expressing individuality.

Tall plants such as sunflowers or sweet corn can be grown as supporting frames for other crops, such as peas, or to provide shade or wind breaks for other plants. Plants that are beautifully attractive or taste good also encourage us to grow them, providing us with most of our food and medicines. Other relationships between plants may not appear positive, such as aromatic herbs hindering germination of seeds, and some combinations of plants just do not grow well together (beans and onions).

I have included a companion planting chart for anyone interested in experimenting this season.

Although here the winter has been a dreary dull wet one, and at the time of writing, it has been cold and grey with very little glimmer of sunshine, still we feel the rising pulsing flow of force, unrestricted and unrestrained, that stimulates and vitalizes, it is mirrored in the stings of the nettle and the pendulous quivering catkins stirred by the

With the expansion of early spring, it feels as though a spring is released, and with the frenzy of surging energy, perhaps we can easier glimpse these shapes beyond their physical structures, and an opening and expansion of awareness comes with the light of day and the lightness of being, and we sense that these shapes and forms, beautiful but limited, are only a tiny expression of themselves of which is infinite and boundless, unbridled in passion; and feel united with the creative power of the world and forces that surge in our blood along with the rising sap, carrying within all the latent possibilities of the seed

Rachael Moss

Companion Planting Chart

Plant Apple

Grows well with Chives, nasturtiums

Does not grow well with Potatoes

Asparagus

Tomatoes, parsley, basil

Onions

Aubergine

Beans, peas, tarragon, thyme

Beans, broad

Beans, French

Beans, runner

Beetroot Borage

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Cabbage

Chamomile (German) Carrots

Carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, cucumbers, beet, leeks, potatoes, squashes, strawberries, tomatoes

Celery, cabbages, cucumber, brassicas potatoes, strawberries.

Potatoes, sweet corn

Broad and French beans, brassicas, garlic, kohl rabi, onions Strawberries

Celery, chamomile, French beans, garlic, hyssop, mint, onions, peas, rosemary, sage, thyme.

Celery, chamomile, French beans, garlic, hyssop, mint, onions, peas, rosemary, sage, thyme.

Celery, chamomile, dill, French beans, garlic, hyssop, mint, onions, peas, rosemary, sage, thyme. Flowers in general.

Cabbages, onions Chives, celery, coriander, garlic, lettuce,

Beans help to prevent Colorado beetles Alliums, gladioli, sunflowers

Alliums, gladioli, sunflowers

Onions, beetroot, kohl rabi sunflowers

Runner beans

Runner beans, strawberries, tomatoes

Strawberries, tomatoes

Celery, chamomile, French beans, garlic,

Thrive with carrots and cauliflower, and aids leek and celeriac if not planted too thickly, or else the growth of all will be retarded.

Produce root exudations, killing wireworms that attack potatoes. Alliums are inhibitory.

Aid celery if interplanted thinly, aided by cabbages, mutually beneficial to cucumbers and strawberries Produce root exudations, killing wireworms that attack potatoes, prevent mealy bug and root fly on brassicas. Alliums inhibit the growth of French beans.

Produce root exudations, killing wireworms that attack potatoes. Can use sweet corn for support, in turn adding nitrogen to the soil.

Onions suppress runner beans.

Alliums may help to deter eelworm, beans fix nitrogen, but runner beans may dry the soil.

Accumulates minerals, attracts bees, mutually benefits strawberries

Herbs help to confuse pests such as the cabbage white butterfly and French beans repel root fly and mealy bugs. Tomatoes help to attract cabbage white butterflies away from broccoli but their growth is inhibited by broccoli.

Herbs help to confuse pests such as the cabbage white butterfly and French beans repel root fly and mealy bugs.

Runner beans, strawberries

Herbs help to confuse pests such as the cabbage white butterfly and French beans repel root fly and mealy bugs. Flowers help to balance the suppressed flowering stage of cabbages.

Increases yield and flavour of cabbages and onions

Dill

leeks, onions, peas, rosemary, sage, salsify

Cauliflower

Benefits and Effects Chives help prevent apple scab.

Nasturtiums repel woolly aphids. Lowers resistance of potatoes to blight.

Tomatoes repel asparagus beetles, asparagus, in turn destroys nematodes that attack tomato roots

Strong-smelling plants repel root fly, and the growth

of peas benefit when grown with carrots Runner beans, strawberries,

Celery particularly aids cauliflower. Herbs help to

hyssop, mint, onions, peas, rosemary, sage, thyme.

tomatoes

Celery and celeriac Chives

Beans, brassicas, leeks, tomatoes Apples, carrots, roses, most plants

Coriander

Carrots

Courgettes

Beans, beetroot, carrots, peas, sunflowers, sweetcorn

Cucumbers

Beans, beetroot, carrots, peas, radishes, sunflowers, sweetcorn, tansy

Potatoes, aromatic herbs such as sage

Dill

Cabbage

Carrots, tomatoes

confuse pests such as the cabbage white butterfly and French beans repel root fly and mealy aphid.

Celery and celeriac repel pests from brassicas Help to prevent apple scab and black spot on roses, deter aphids, and chive tea can prevent mildew on

Fennel

cucumbers and gooseberries.

Repels carrot fly and aphids. Prevents seed formation in fennel Sunflowers and sweetcorn help to provide shade

Sunflowers and sweetcorn help to provide shade support. Radish and tansy help to deter cucumber beetles. Lowers resistance of potatoes to blight.

Suppresses the growth of carrots and tomatoes but is good to grow with cabbage.

Fennel

Beans, caraway, coriander, kohlrabi, tomatoes

Fennel has an inhibitory effect on many plants and

French marigold destroys harmful nematodes, deter pests, and encourages tomatoes to bear more fruit.

Prevents carrot root fly, kills aphids and onion flies, improves the scent of roses, promotes the growth of vetch. Inhibits the growth of beans and peas.

Attracts cabbage white butterflies away from

French marigold

Beans, potatoes, tomatoes, most plants

Garlic

Carrots, fruit trees, roses, vetch

Beans, peas

Hyssop

Brassicas, grapes

Radish

Kohl Rabi

Beetroot, onions

Runner beans, tomatoes

Leeks

Carrots, celery, celeriac, onions

Lemon Balm

All plants

is itself inhibited by coriander

brassicas. Inhibits radishes.

Lettuce Nasturtium

Onions

Carrots, cucurbits, radishes, strawberries Apple, brassicas, beans, radish, tomatoes

Beetroot, camomile, carrots, chard, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes

Orache Parsley

Peas

Helps to make radishes taste tender Repels whitefly, squash bugs and woolly aphids.

Attracts cabbage white butterflies away from brassicas and black aphids from tomatoes and beans.

Beans, peas

Help to deter slugs from other crops, prevents mould on strawberries, deters carrot fly

Potatoes

Inhibits the growth of potatoes

Roses

Beans, carrots, celeriac, cucurbits, radishes, sweetcorn

Inhibited by runner beans and harmful to tomatoes, but grows well with beetroot and onions.

Help to deter carrot fly, not as harmful to beans as other alliums.

Beneficial to all. Prevents bees from swarming if applied to the inside of bee-hives.

Repels aphids from roses Garlic, onions, shallots

As with other legumes, is nitrogen fixing. Are inhibited by most alliums.

Peppers Plums

Potatoes

Basil Beans, garlic, peas

Beans, brassicas, celery, French marigolds, hemp, horseradish, peas, sweet corn, turnips

Kohl rabi Anemones Apple, cherry, cucumber, orache, pumpkin, raspberry, sunflowers, tomatoes

Pumpkins/squashes

Sweetcorn

Potatoes

Radishes

Cucumbers, lettuces, nasturtium, peas

Hyssop, spinach

Basil attracts aphids away from other plants Legumes fix nitrogen, garlic protects from pests.

Anemones harbour plum rust.

The legumes fix nitrogen, horseradish destroys

eelworms, hemp reduces the risk of blight. Blight resistance is lowered by apple, cherry, cucumber, pumpkin, raspberry, sunflowers. Potatoes stunt tomatoes, orache stunts potatoes. French marigolds destroy nematodes that attack potatoes.

Sweetcorn provides shade whilst pumpkins act as a ground cover Repels cucumber beetle, lettuce makes radish taste tender

Rosemary Roses

Carrot, sage Garlic, lupins, onion, parsley

Repels carrot fly, stimulates sage Garlic increases the scent of roses, onions and parsley repel some rose pests, lupins fix nitrogen.

Rue Sage

Salsify

Figs, most plants Brassicas esp. cabbage rosemary, most plants

Basil

Deters pests Deters cabbage white butterfly, improves the taste of cabbages, stimulates rosemary.

Carrots

Deters carrot fly

Spinach

Strawberries

Cauliflower, radish

Strawberries

Beans, borage, lettuce, spinach

Brassicas

Cucumbers

Beans, potatoes

Mutually inhibits radishes but likes strawberries.

Improves soil structure.

Onions improve disease resistance but inhibit the growth of strawberries.

Sunflowers

Can provide support for cucumbers. Can act as windbreaks. Lowers resistance of potatoes to blight.

Thyme

Brassicas esp. cabbage

Deters cabbage worms and whitefly Cauliflower, kohl rabi, potatoes

Tomatoes

Alliums, asparagus, basil, marigolds, nasturtiums, roses, stinging nettles

Turnips

Peas

Turnips and peas are mutually beneficial

Valerian Yarrow

Most plants Most plants, esp. medicinal herbs

Encourages earthworms and accumulates phosphorus Increases oil production in other plants, accumulates

Tomatoes repel asparagus beetles, asparagus, in turn destroys nematodes that attack tomato roots.

Stinging nettles help tomatoes keep. Tomatoes help to protect roses from black spot. Lowers resistance of potatoes to blight.

phosphorus, calcium and silica. rch Sowing Calendar

Date

Constellation of Moon

Crops to Sow

Other Information

Fri 1

Virgo (Earth) until 15hrs

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Sun trine Saturn 20hrs

Sat 2

then Libra (Air) Libra (Air)

late summer cauliflower late summer cauliflower

Sun 3

Libra (Air) until 17hrs

late summer cauliflower

Moonset 7.50hrs Moon conjunction Saturn 13hrs Moon trine Sun 15hrs Moonset 8.20hrs North (ascending) node 3hrs

Mon 4

Scorpio (Water)

Asparagus, summer cabbage, celeriac and celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kohl rabi, leek, salad greens (under cover), spinach

Tues 5

Wed 6

Scorpio (Water)

Sagittarius (Fire)

Asparagus, summer cabbage, celeriac and celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kohl rabi, leek, salad greens (under cover), spinach Aubergine, Broad bean, peas, peppers, tomato

Moonset 9hrs Moon oppostion Jupiter 11hrs Sun conjunction Mercury 14hrs 3rd quarter 23hrs Moonset 9.50hrs Lowest Moon 8hrs Moonset 10.40hrs Perigee 0hrs Moon conjunction Pluto 19hrs Moonset 11.50hrs

Thurs 7

Sagittarius (Fire)

Aubergine, Broad bean, peas, peppers, tomato

Venus trine Saturn 3hrs Mercury conjunction Venus 5hrs Mercury trine Saturn 7hrs Moonset 12.50hrs

Fri 8

Capricorn (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Moonset 14.10hrs

Sat 9 Sun 10

Capricorn (Earth) Aquarius (Air)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish late summer cauliflower

Moonset 15.30hrs Moon conjunction Neptune 12hrs Moon conjunction Mercury 21hrs Moonset 16.50hrs

Mon 11

Aquarius (Air)

late summer cauliflower

Moon trine Saturn 2hrs Moon conjunction Venus 12hrs Dark Moon 21hrs Moonrise 5.50hrs

Tues 12

Pisces (Water)

Asparagus, summer cabbage, celeriac and celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kohl rabi, leek, salad greens

Moon conjunction Mars 12hrs Moonrise 6.10hrs

(under cover), spinach Wed 13

Pisces (Water)

Asparagus, summer cabbage, celeriac and celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kohl rabi, leek, salad greens

Moon conjunction Uranus 1hrs Moonrise 6.30hrs

(under cover), spinach Thurs 14

Pisces (Water) until 19hrs

Fri 15

Aries (Fire)

(under cover), spinach Aubergine, Broad bean, peas, peppers, tomato

Moon opposition Saturn 16hrs

Aries (Fire) until 18hrs

Aubergine, Broad bean, peas, peppers, tomato from

Moonrise 7.20hrs South (descending) node 7hrs

Sat 16

Asparagus, summer cabbage, celeriac and celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kohl rabi, leek, salad greens

Moonrise 7hrs

11hrs Sun 17

Taurus (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Moonrise 8hrs Moonrise 8.30hrs

Mon 18

Taurus (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Moon conjunction Jupiter 2hrs

Moonrise 9.10hrs Tues 19

Taurus (Earth) until 18hrs

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Highest Moon 0hrs Apogee 4hrs 1st quarter 18hrs Moonrse 10hrs

Wed 20

Gemini (Air)

late summer cauliflower

Moon trine Saturn 17hrs Moon opposition Pluto 18hrs Moonrise 10.50hrs

Thurs 21 Fri 22

Gemini (Air) Cancer (Water)

late summer cauliflower Asparagus, summer cabbage, celeriac and celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kohl rabi, leek, salad greens (under cover), spinach

Moonrise 11.50hrs Moon trine Venus 8hrs

Asparagus, summer cabbage, celeriac and celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kohl rabi, leek, salad greens (under cover), spinach

Moonrise 14hrs

Leo (Fire)

Aubergine, Broad bean, peas, peppers, tomato

Moonrise 15.10hrs

Leo (Fire)

Aubergine, Broad bean, peas, peppers, tomato

Moon oppostion Neptune 0hrs Moon oppostion Mercury 8hrs Moonrise 16.30hrs

Virgo (Earth) from 10hrs

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Moonrise 17.40hrs

Virgo (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Full Moon 10hrs Moon opposition Venus 10hrs Moon opposition Uranus 13hrs Moon opposition Mars 19hrs Moonrise 19hrs

Thurs 28

Virgo (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Fri 29

Virgo (Earth) until 18hrs

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, radish

Sat 30

Libra (Air)

late summer cauliflower

Mercury trine Saturn 11hrs Sun conjunction Venus 19hrs Moonset 5.50hrs Venus conjunction Uranus 0hrs Sun conjunction Uranus 1hrs Moon conjunction Saturn 19hrs Moonset 6.20hrs North (ascending) node 7hrs

Sat 23

Sun 24 Mon 25

Tues 26 Wed 27

Sun 31

Cancer (Water) until 19hrs

Scorpio (Water)

April Sowing Chart

Asparagus, summer cabbage, celeriac and celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kohl rabi, leek, salad greens (under cover), spinach from 16hrs

Moon trine Sun 11hrs Mars conjunction Uranus 18hrs Moonrise 13hrs

Moonset 7hrs Perigee 5hrs Moon trine Sun 23hrs Moonset 7.40hrs

Date Mon 1

Constellation of Moon Scorpio (Water) from 3hrs

Crops to sow Asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celeriac & celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kale, kohl rabi, leek, parsley,

Other Information Lowest Moon 13hrs Moon opposition Saturn 23hrs

Tues 2

Sagittarius (Fire)

salad greens (under cover), spinach Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers, peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse)

Moonset 8.30hrs Moon conjunction Saturn 13hrs Moonset 9.40hrs

Wed 3

Sagittaruis (Fire)

Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers,

Moon conjunction Pluto 1hrs 4th quarter 5hrs

peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse)

Moonset 10.50hrs

Thurs 4

Capricorn (Earth) from 6hrs

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, turnip

Moonset 12hrs

Fri 5

Capricorn (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, turnip

Sat 6

Aquarius (Air) from 6hrs

Broccoli, cauliflower, flowers

Moonset 13.10hrs Moon conjunction Neptune 21hrs

Sun 7

Aquarius (Air)

Broccoli, cauliflower, flowers

Mon 8

Tues 9

Wed 10

Pisces (Water) from 3hrs

Pisces (Water)

Pisces (Water)

Asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celeriac & celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kale, kohl rabi, leek, parsley,

salad greens (under cover), spinach Asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celeriac & celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kale, kohl rabi, leek, parsley, salad greens (under cover), spinach Asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celeriac & celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kale, kohl rabi, leek, parsley, salad greens (under cover), spinach

Moonset 14.30hrs Venus conjunction Mars 5hrs Moon trine Saturn 6hrs Moonset 15.50hrs Moon conjunction Mercury 4hrs Moonset 17hrs

Moon conjunction Uranus 12hrs Moonset 18.10hrs

Dark Moon 10hrs Moon conjunction Mars 13hrs Moon conjunction Venus 16hrs Moonrise 5hrs

Thurs 11

Fri 12

Aries (Fire) from 2hrs

Aries (Fire)

Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers,

Moon opposition Saturn 22hrs

peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse)

Moonrise 5.20hrs South (descending) node 12hrs Moonrise 5.50hrs

Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers, peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse) before 8hrs and after 16hrs

Sat 13 Sun 14

Taurus (Earth) from 1hr Taurus (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, turnip Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, turnip

Moonrise 6.30hrs Moon conjunction Jupiter 19hrs

Mon 15

Taurus (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, turnip

Moonrise 7.10hrs Highest Moon 6hrs Apogee 22hrs

Tues

Gemini (Air) from 1hr

Broccoli, cauliflower, flowers

Moonrise 7.50hrs Moon trine Saturn 21hrs

16

Wed 17

Gemini (Air)

Thurs 18

Cancer (Water) from 10hrs

Broccoli, cauliflower, flowers

Moonrise 8.50hrs Moon opposition Pluto 2hrs Moonrise 9.40

Fri 19

Cancer (Water)

Sat 20

Leo (Fire) from 3hrs

Sun 21

Leo (Fire)

Mon 22

Leo (Fire) until 20hrs

Asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celeriac & celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kale, kohl rabi, leek, parsley, salad greens (under cover), spinach Asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celeriac & celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kale, kohl rabi, leek, parsley, salad greens (under cover), spinach

Sun conjunction Mars 0hr 1st quarter 13hrs Moonrise 10.40hrs Moonrise 11.50hrs

Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers,

Mercury conjunction Uranus 9hrs Moonrise 12.50hrs Moon trine Sun 3hrs Moon opposition Neptune 10hrs Moon trine Venus 16hrs Moonrise 14hrs Venus opposition Saturn 8hrs

peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse)

Moonrise 15.20hrs

Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers, peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse) Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers, peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse)

Tues 23 Wed 24

Virgo (Earth) Virgo (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, turnip Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, turnip

Moonrise 16.30hrs Moon opposition Uranus 1hr Moon opposition Mercury 12hrs Venus trine Pluto 16hrs Moonrise 17.50hrs

Thurs 25

Virgo (Earth)

Beetroot, carrot, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, turnip

Fri 26

Libra (Air)

No sowing or planting

Moon opposition Mars 17hrs Full Moon 20hrs Moonrise 19.10hrs Moon conjunction Saturn 0hr Moon opposition Venus 9hrs North (ascending) node 14hrs

Sat 27

Sun 28

Scorpio (Water) from 7hrs

Scorpio (Water)

No sowing or planting

Asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celeriac & celery (in heated greenhouse), chard, kale, kohl rabi, leek, parsley, salad greens (under cover), spinach

Moonset 4.50hrs Perigee 20hrs Moonset 5.40hrs Sun opposition Saturn 8hrs Moon opposition Jupiter 15hrs Lowest Moon 20hrs Moonset 6.30hrs

Mon 29

Sagittaruis (Fire) from 10hrs

Tues 30

Sagittarius (Fire)

Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers,

Moonset 7.30hrs

peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse) Aubergine, Broad and french bean, peas; cucumbers, peppers, tomato & sweetcorn (in heated greenhouse)

Moon conjunction Pluto 7hrs Moon trine Venus 20hrs

Moonset 8.40hrs The dates in bold indicate transplanting/planting dates, the moon is descending on these days (this would be reversed in the Southern Hemisphere).

the Witch’s Cauldron Ostara - The Sabbat of the Spring Equinox.

This Sabbat is associated with the Anglo-Saxon Spring Goddess of fertility -” EOSTRA,” Eggs are used to represent her Gifts and Blessings.

This sabbat is all about Fertility and Growth, Witches work Magick at this time to draw in their life’s goals and to fertilise their idea’s.

Make a shrine to honour the awakening Earth, use spring flowers, symbols representing balance and fertility symbols of the hare, eggs etc.

Decorative Eggs.

Place an egg in the foot of a sheer stocking, place fresh herb leaves of different shapes around the egg, tie the top tightly and place in a pan of water with red onion skin and Hard boil the egg.

When cooled remove from stocking rinse in cold water.

Your egg will emerge with a decorative herb leaf pattern.

Use a marker pen to write your dream, wish or desire on the egg then Place the egg in a cup at the centre of your altar for the duration of the sabbat.

Take your egg outside the next day and bury it in the earth, saying: Goddess Eostra, Take this Symbol and Fertilise my Dreams So Mote It Be. OSTARA BLESSINGS !

Karen Cooper

The Kitchen Witch Mother Nature’s Own Medicines.

For simple ailments, there is more often than not an equally simple remedy growing in our garden or within our own dried herb collection.

Warts, are very unpleasant, but also very common and are caused by viruses. The ones we all know are the common wart, found on the hand and plantar warts or verruca’s, found on the feet. Modern acid burning treatments can be painful and lengthy, but there are a few home remedies I have used and prescribed that, if used correctly really work.

The kitchen witch by Emily Balivet

Lemon Essential Oil: Who for: Adults and children Normally this essential oil would not be used undiluted, but in this case it is fine.

How to: Apply 1 drop of lemon oil to the wart or verruca, twice daily using a cotton swab to distribute the oil evenly. Continue this for 3 weeks. Occasionally, for stubborn warts and verruca’s you may need to treat for up to 4 weeks. The same can be done with cinnamon essential oil for adults only. Dilute 3 drops of cinnamon oil in to a carrier oil and apply in the same way.

Marigold: Who for: Adults and children How to: Place 5 g of dried flowers or 10g of fresh flowers (general rule of thumb is to use twice the amount of fresh herbs) in to 1 litre of boiling water and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Soak a cloth in the infusion and apply 3 – 4 times a day until the warts have gone.

Eco friendly household cleaner:Fill a jar with lemon and orange skin/rind and fill to the top with white vinegar and seal.

Leave to infuse for 3 weeks, shaking occasionally.

After 3 weeks, decant in to an empty spray bottle, using a sieve to catch the lemon and orange rind. Fill the remaining space in the spray bottle with cooled, boiled water and use as an everyday household cleaner.

For anti-bacterial properties, add a few drops of tea-tree oil.

Cheryl Waldron

Dolmen Grove moots All Dolmen Grove Moots hold regular meetings, where people can find out more about the Dolmen Grove ethos and membership. Because the Dolmen Grove host a variety of events their moots provide a perfect opportunity to find out about up and coming Dolmen Grove workshops, courses, talks, and open circles.

Southend Essex Dolmen Grove Moot Every month we have a regular drumming session plus healing drumming... and now folk are bringing didgereedoo's singing bowls and such... Plus Regular talks and workshops The Cricketers Inn Every 2nd monday of the month, 228, London Road, Westcliff-on-sea, Essex SS0 7JG 8pm onwards.

Hosted by Denny and Steve Bottley

Portsmouth Dolmen Grove Moot Regular talks and workshops The salisbury hotel, Every second wednesday of the month Lonsdale Road, Cosham PortsmouthHampshire PO6 2PX 7:30pm onwards Hosted by Julie Weltch

WEYMOUTH DOLMEN GROVE MOOT This is the groves oldest and most established moot where every month there is the opportunity to talk to those at the forefront of the pagan world and learn more about the ceremonies and rituals of the dolmen grove, as well as the various paths found within paganism.

The john gregory Every second wednesday of the month 113 radipole lane Dt4 9ss 7.30pm onwards hosted by taloch jameson and/or diane narraway

PORTLAND DOLMEN GROVE MOOT This moot is hosted by the dolmen grove Portland witches and there are regular talks as well as regular discussions on witchcraft and earth magick The george inn Every fourth wednesday of the month 133 reforne, portland, dorset, dt5 2ap 7.30pm onwards hosted by teach and beth

THE DOLMEN GROVE IVY MOON MOOT This is the groves newest moot that offers talks, workshops and so much more from those at the heart of Cornish witchcraft.

Polgooth inn Every first wednesday of the month Ricketts Lane, Polgooth, st.austell, pl26 7da hosted by karen cooper and lucy miles

BERKSHIRE (BRACKNELL) MOOT a social moot where all are welcome to join like minded people on various pagan paths.

The boot public house Every 3 third Wednesday of the month park road, bracknell, berkshire , rg12 2lu hosted by baz and max cilia Moots are advertised regularly on the dolmen grove facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dolmen-Grove/110124449082503

Irvine Photography covers all types of photography but specialises in photojournalism. I photograph pagan rituals and ceremonies and am the official photographer for the Cotswold Order of Druids when they perform at Stonehenge.

I am a member of Dolmen Grove and live on the beautiful island of Portland.

I have my own mobile lighting studio so able to come to you for a portrait in your own home.

Events

£25 per hour +expenses

Portraits 1 x 10”x8” photograph + disc 3x 10”x8” photograph + disc Special Pagan rates 20% off Contact scottirvine25@yahoo.com www.irvineimages.co.uk kkkkkkkk

£24 £52

MOON GODDESS )o( MAGICAL & MYSTICAL GIFTS TAROT READINGS CRYSTALS & GEMS FANTASY ART UNITS 12-13 PANNIER MARKET LEMON QUAY TRURO,CORNWALL TR1 1LW

Rev.Julie Weltch

HIEROPHANT PRIESTESS IN THE TEMPLE OF ISIS I am offering year and a day training as part of the Lyceum of The Circle of spirit, Earth and Elements by correspondence in any area/country or in person should you live in the Portsmouth area.

I am also offering celebrant services such as hand fastings, baby namings, death rites, coming of age rites etc also offer reiki healing, house cleansings and blessings and I do not charge for any of my services, all I ask is travelling expenses if you are out of my area.

Blessings, Julie

www.cosee.co.uk

TALIESIN’S DEN HANDCRAFTED SILK FLORAL CIRCLETS FOR ANY OCCASION SPEEDY SERVICE AND DELIVERY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT DENNY ON 07989480421 Email:avalonian_star@yahoo

Wynterkallista offers a range of natural,ethically sourced Aromatherapy health and beauty products created with care.

We also specialise in hand madePagan/Wicca products, such as Wands and Staffs, Herbs, Dilly and spell bags.

We are fully licensed by Cosmetic Safety Consultants Ltd. Also a qualified, experienced and fully professional member of the Guild of Holistic Therapists Wiccan High Priestess and Celebrant winterkallysta@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/Wynterkallista

Further information on the Dolmen Grove Magazine, including back issues, up and coming features, and article submissions can be found on facebook.. http://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine?fref=ts Editor Diane Narraway Further information about regarding membership, courses, up and coming events and ceremonies (including membership enquiries) is available through The Dolmen Grove – website www.dolmengrove.co.uk Email: dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk Or through Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dolmen-Grove/110124449082503 Further information about music from The Dolmen including c.d. purchase is available at www.thedolmen.com Email UK thedolmen@thedolmen.com Email USA thedolmenusa@thedolmen.com Or through Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dolmen/250111806234