Dartington Witchhazel - Early Spring Light in the Darkness

Once again the gathering of the Wood Sisters was a total inspiration to me. I think I will never cease to delight in all the depth, wisdom, creativity and laughter that a group of wild women can conjure up together.

We started the day sharing seasonal reflections on Imbolc/Candlemas and early Spring. As we spoke around the circle, a wild wind was circling around the house... with sudden silent moments in which the pure, delicate notes of bird song would ring clear . We spoke of clearing away old leaves and discovering and delighting in the tender green shoots of snowdrops emerging from the dark, moist earth...of working through dark, difficulties in our own lives and feeling the vulnerability and hope of new beginnings.

Soon we were moving into meditation, where in both inner stillness and walking silently out in nature we each had our own encounter with the spring goddess, Brigit. I was struck by the diverse and vivid images and words that later emerged as we each spoke of our inner experience. Sharing and giving form in this way to our inner worlds is a brave and beautiful work.

Lunch was a resplendent feast as ever. If anyone out there is wondering about joining the Wood Sisters, I would say...put aside all other doubts and come for the lunch!

Wood Sister Brides

In the afternoon we moved from a quiet, reflective mode to a dynamic, creative one...starting with making Bridie Dolls (and a marvellous mess!) I wish I was better at seizing photo shoot moments...such as the one when a line of finished dolls were lined up along the kitchen window sill. It was the ultimate catwalk with a rich range of styles from twiggy gatherings of greenery to glamourous women with round woollen breasts and sumptuous red satin skirts!

After we'd all drunk our umpteenth cup of tea, Sue spirited us out of the damp celtic lands and into the hot sands of ancient Egypt with a storytelling of Isis and Osiris. This is a epic tale that really deserves a journal entry of its own, especially with the resonances it now has with the present political struggles in modern Egypt.
For now all I shall say (in a lighter vein) is that, like my woodsister Maggie, when asked what struck me about the story, images of Osiris' golden penis came to mind!

The day concluded in quiet again, with a simple candle lighting ritual. For all that I love the juicy discussions, the rich images and crafts of women's mysteries...it is these quiet, sacred times that really touch me. Watching as each woman lit her own flame and planted it strongly in the earth....listening to the carefully chosen words and songs...seeing how each light dipped and danced in the still spaces as that wild spring wind circled the house...this is what shines in my mind's eye now as I remember and give thanks for our wonderful Wood Sisters Imbolc.

Serenity helps sort out the lost property and tries Daphne's bowl for size!

Closing Song
(traditional Canadian folk song)

Land of the silver birch, 

Home of the beaver

Where still the mighty moose

Wanders at will

Refrain

Blue lake and rocky shore,

I will return once more

Boom-diddy-ada, Boom-diddy-ada, Boom-diddy-ada, ehaaa

High on a rocky ledge

I'll build my wigwam

Close to the water's edge

Silent and still.

Refrain

My heart grows sick for thee

Here in the low lands

I will return to thee

Hills of the north

It may also be mixed together with another short song that is used to keep time while paddling a canoe:

My paddle's keen and bright Flashing with silver Follow the wild goose flight Dip, dip and swing Dip, dip and swing her back Flashing with silver Swift as the wild goose flies Dip, dip and swing