MY WINTER SOLSTICE 2024

 

Solstice 2024 started when I was woken at 3:20 a.m. I was dressed at 6:30 a.m., with the Durga Mantra playing and Palo Santo incense burning before breakfast.

Then sat gazing into the pitch blackness of the early morning until gone 7am when the Last Quarter Moon of 2024 showed her face- said Good morning and left, camera shy today.

Then onwards to my favorite place the normally tranquil Chalice Well. I didn't stay until the complete end of today's celebrations, l didn't need to. I did what l went there to do. And that was to meditate let in the new light, said goodbye to the darkness, bought the things l needed to buy, helped a random old lady. And left feeling fulfilled.

I was complimented by a random stranger saying how festive l looked in my red trousers and green/ silver scarf, before being wished a Happy Christmas. 

Then onto the Well entering now as a Companion/ Member- being told l was now part of a community that would soon become family- how lovely is that?

And given a walking stick by a handsome stranger whilst in the gardens- albeit a pice of bamboo. It helped though as the lawns were muddy and slippery.

All compliments lifted my heart and made me smile.

The normal tranquillity of the Well was swarming with hundreds of people all there to welcome in the Winter Solstice new light- and she didn't disappoint- bang on cue of the silent minute of 12 Noon the sun popped her hazy head out of the clouds. 

And during our silent meditation the Icy winds of Winter blew in fresh air to remind us of where we are naturally and blew away the dark, dullness of the past few Winter days.

Ending with the magical vibration of the Ohm triple chant which never fails to amaze me, you can actually feel the vibration.

Vegan refreshments served and a welcoming coffee, balanced under the beautiful Yew tree twins, where strong winds tried to claim plates and crumbs. I decided l was done. l didn't want to wait for the fire ceremony and the drumming in of the new seasonal cycle. So l made a hasty retreat stopping off to get the small items l needed before heading to the bus stop for an early bus home.

Whilst waiting under the shelter l observed an old dear hobbling along with walking stick, bag and  french stick loaf of bread which was upside down in its flimsy bag, it was very close to escaping her cuddled grip.  I immediately jumped to her aid to rescue the bread and help her on the cobbled street. I wished her well and off she went on her merry way.

Then sat in the comfort of the bus for the trail home the sun shown bright and warm the whole way home. 

Safe to say the l think the New light has dawned and the Winter Solstice is done for another year.

TYNTESFIELD HOUSE- FRI. 13TH DEC. 2024

 

My first ever December coach trip, come with me. 

Today, we are off to the National Trust Tyntesfield House, a Victorian estate near Wraxall, Bristol.

It's 7.45am its still dark and dull, fingers crossed for a little daylight.  Tytnesfield is apparently all about Christmas, so looking forward to getting in the spirit.

Once everyone had been picked up, it took about an hour. The weather wasn't kind—dull, drizzly stuff all day—but I decided to embrace it. So long as you're dressed accordingly—recent coat and footwear—then it's fine.

The house is amazing was home to a guy called William Gibbs his wife and their 7 children.!!  Of the houses I've visited this one felt homely, as the rooms were small. In the reading room the Christmas tree was made of books, in the games room trees were made from pool cues and cut-out playing cards. In the sewing room there too were decorations made from buttons.  As I entered the house we were met by the sound of a piano playing and flutist which was very Christmassy.

Up the tiny, tiny spiral stone staircase into the quaint little chapel adorned with a beautiful dried flower wreath.

1.10pm after a trek down to the beautifully walled kitchen garden which is a far distance from the house.  I sat on a stone bench in the damp silence of the garden, the house is to my right but I'm facing a corridor of well-manicured shrubs. Watching the robin which has followed me all day.  The sky is a thick white cloud but the marked twigs and branches are laden with the glass beads of rain.  

And there is absolute silence.

It is absolute bliss.  Partaking in the air back in the day would've been glorious.

And as I'm fast discovering these places- stately homes, and grand estates are seasonal. You could come here any time of the year and view things differently.

Today is Divine Feminine Day Fri. 13th Dec. its dark dull and damp but still magical.

The walled kitchen garden is a far walk away from the house and was built in 1896 when my Grandad was born, its fabulous sheltered perfectly square walled garden growing all manner of vegetables and salad- even in the midst of December.

The air is fresh crisp and clear.

As always I've walked loads.  I adore the safety and serenity of secure wooded estates like this and l relish its beauty and the silence.  It is so so good for the soul.

2.10pm lm sat back in the cafe called the Cow Barn Cafe and the seating areas are converted cow stalls, I've a gingerbread latte and tea cake, which smells divine. I had time to waste so sat gaming and crocheting. 

I've been in the shop- spent!!! Don't ask - always expensive but lovely bits nonetheless. Lovely country bits love the rustic fancy stuff even if it is expensive. 

It's a day out so why not.

And that ladies and gents is it for this year. Looking forward to visiting more places in 2025.