SENSORY OVERLOAD OR RE-IGNITION

Took me, myself and l off for an impromptu day out to my favourite spiritual sacred place today - Chalice Well, Glastonbury.

Starting out standing in the overcast sunlight of Saturday morning awaiting the bus, looking at the array of Autumn colours appearing, delighting at seeing conkers for the first time this year, always an Autumnal delight.

Perched on a high seat towards the back of the bus, we rattled and wobbled our way through the Somerset countryside, always a delight to see. The levels not yet underwater from seasonal flooding, the patchwork of green fields, adorned by sheep, cows, bulls, calves, donkeys, jackdaws, magpies, buzzards and majestic goss hawks. The river and canals are lined in places with bullrushes and high grassy reeds. Chuck in the signature Somerset aroma of farmyard poo and you have the perfect countryside setting to re-ignite one's senses. I always admire the country cottages with tiny doors and many years of history, many wouldn't look out of place in a Snow White-type story. With their picket-edged rooves and leaded light windows. 

When you step off the bus into Glastonbury you're immediately met with another set of sensory delights, the sound of music, the sights and the smells just bring your heart alive and make you smile. Brightly dressed people mill about their business without a care in the world and without the judgement that so often arises in other places. Everyone here is happy, bright and joyful. The scent of sage, frankincense and a bit of cannabis wafts around as the signature perfume of this lovely town. I just love it.  The brightly painted shop fronts line the route to my favourite place, and famous murals beautifully, skilfully painted adorn many of the buildings too, a joy to see. 

Then you arrive after a short walk into The Chalice Well's sacred, tranquil garden which houses waterfalls, an array of flowers, trees, meadows, and a variety of benches scattered throughout for quiet contemplation, to meditate, sit and think, sit and listen, sit and see. 

Of course, no visit is complete without a paddle in King Arthurs's Healing Pool, where the water runs red and takes your breath away it's that cold and fresh. Once your feet are dry and tingling with warmth, l always head up the steps to the Lions Head fountain to collect a small bottle of iron-laden water, it is said to be drinkable, personally, l don't drink it but take it home to put on my altars. 

Past the Lions Head fountain walk up the cobbled path, pass the Angel seat shrouded in bushes to the infamous Well the most sacred part of the garden.  Step down to the wellhead which is currently adorned with Harvest/ Mabon seasonal fruits and flowers from the ceremony held last week. Take a seat on the wall or the steps and meditate. Taking in the absolute serenity and tranquil energy that oozes from the magic of the Well. Shutting out the muffled road noise to listen to the trees and birdsong which permeate the tranquillity.  Time stops here, worries stop here, visions appear- sometimes, peace comes, emotions come, happiness evolves and touches every fibre of your mind.  And when you leave you are filled with inner peace and calm and warmth.  Directly opposite the Well is the beautiful Mother & child statue which has caused some controversy this year. How you/ l view her is your own interpretation, she is whatever you perceive her to be a representation of. For me, she is the ultimate Mother & child statue she to me is not religious but is divine and sacred.  A lot of people are humbled by her and honour her- as l do.

The meadow area to the rear of this part of the garden gives lovely views up to the Tor and across the distant hills, I didn't venture up there today as after the recent heavy rains it's a tad slippery and muddy. I did go and sit under the cherry tree which was briefly the home of the Mother & Child statue, it has a blanket of sweet chestnut cases at the moment and a few well-used chairs for contemplation.

Down the cobbled stone stairs passed the Kings Arthurs pool back to the fabulous giant Yew trees which are currently home to families of squirrels.  Many people hug these trees and feel their energy. Today l just sat and watched Mumma Squirrel running back and forth with mouthfuls of materials for her family's hibernation home in the high trunk of one of the trees. Whilst she toiled back and forth her kitten babies played chase along the branches. In the neighbouring Yew tree, another squirrel family was also in residence. 

Then smiling to myself, l chatted to other garden visitors and walked down passed scent-filled herby shrubs to the Vesica pool where l sat and listened to the running water. Always a lovely calming sound isn't it, flowing water.

After leaving the tranquillity of the gardens l walked along the very noisy busy main road and around the corner to briefly visit The White Spring to collect a small bottle of calcium-laden water, it is drinkable but again l personally don't drink it. I do wash my face and anoint my heart with some.  Today l also stopped to chat to the guys selling spiritual wares buying a crystal and some jos sticks. 

With my senses buzzing I trekked off back into the town to buy more spiritual supplies, delighting once again in the sights, sounds and smells before travelling back home, enjoying the sights and scents of the Somerset countryside once again.

Senses well and truly overloaded or reignited......until next time.Thank you. 🙏