White Leaved Oak.

Followers of this blog will know that I have wittered on about the White Leaved Oak for years. Right from when I had the shop, where I heard about it for the first time, I have tried, and failed, to find its exact location. Finding the hamlet is no problem but the tree is steeped in mystery. Rumoured to be a 1000 years old, it grows on a large stone somewhere between the hamlet and the base of the Malvern Hills. It's trunk has an image of the 'Old Hag' in it and it's branches are decorated in all manner of ribbons, trinkets and offerings. The trunk is hollow in the middle and you can climb down into it. Three people would comfortably fit inside. No made up road leads to it and you have to have a mind to find it in the first place. After Tree and I found it, to mark Lammas and our handfasting anniversary, I was tempted to put its location for all to find on the internet but then I thought 'No!' it must remain hidden. I believe it is like a pilgrimage and should only be seen by those who really seek it out. It's anonymity is its magic. If you find it, I am sure the peace and serenity of the whole place will fill you with awe. Happy hunting!!

Mabon greetings !!

Today is the Autumn Equinox or Mabon. Mabon is the second festival of the season of harvest - at the beginning of the harvest, at Lammas, winter retreated to his underworld, now at the Autumn equinox he comes back to earth. This is a time to reflect on the past season and celebrate nature's bounty and accept that summer is now over. Harvest Home marks a time of rest after hard work, and a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of nature.This is the time to look back on the past year and what you have achieved and learnt, and to plan for the future.

Tree and I celebrated with the first harvest of apples from our own trees, planted a couple of years ago. What better example of the relationship between us and Mother Earth can be found. Slice an apple width ways and see the pentacle, symbolising the elements Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. Eat one half and share the other with your partner, joining in a blessed union of old.

Happy Lammas and Phew! What a smell.

Well the flood waters have finally receded and what have we got left..a great big stink! You know that smell that you get at a festival, when the grass has been trodden down after the rain, well magnify that by 300 and you might be close to what Pitchcroft racecourse smells like. A combination of dead fish and rotting vegetation. I am happy on two points. Firstly, Tree and I haven't got an allotment by the river anymore and, secondly, we don't live in a flood plain. What amazes me is that you still hear adverts on the radio saying "Come to Worcester racecourse and get your heart racing". Trust me, you'll be lucky if you can breath with that foul stench.

On a more cheery note, I have started doing house and name signs for people and the first attempt isn't too bad, if I say so myself. Business is better as well, partly due to punters arriving for The Big Chill at Eastnor this weekend.

And most certainly last but not least, Happy Lammas! time to gather in the harvest both literal and spiritual. Take time to see where you have been and where you are going. Goodbye to the Sun and welcome the coming change. Be thankful and celebrate the fruits of your labours.!