Dolmen Grove Issue 8
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Transcript of Dolmen Grove Issue 8
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…The Legend of the Green Man (a modern myth)… Diane Narraway 2…Magickal Mistletoe … Jess Stephens (Selkie) 3… Crabchurch Conspiracy with contributions from … Mark Vine, Kit Berry and Diane Narraway 4…Aromatherapy … Sandra Wiseman 5…Coppertongue with contributions from … Chris Pinney, Keri Pinney, Adam Holmes and Diane Narraway 6…Music and Gig Guides 7…The Dolmen Grove Yule Ball and Winter Solstice 8…Herbal Recipes for Winter Health… Jacqui Apostolides 9…Properties of Crystals – Garnet …Cheryl Waldron 10…A Day in the life of… Denny Bottley (Ravenswing) 11…The Yule Log … Julie Weltch` 12…Waldron Family Yule Log Burning Ritual …Cheryl Waldron 13…Solitary Yule Ritual … Cheryl Waldron 14…Poetry from Within the Grove 15…Diary of the Hedgewitch … Rachael Moss 16…Recipes
Photos in this issue by Joanna Caswell, Rachael Moss, Mark Vine, Chrissey Luna le Fey Storer, Lee Teiwaz Akasha, Jim Gregory, Chris Hermon, Duncan Wild. 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
Legend of the Green Man
When I was younger I travelled to many lands, and heard many a good tale but
was in a faraway land one winters evening that I met an old magician. The
wind was howling and the snow fell so hard that it was difficult to see. I was
lost, cold and very afraid when I chanced upon his cottage. He welcomed me
in and as we sat beside the fire we got to talking…and as it was the eve of the
winter solstice he told me the tale of the real ‘Father Christmas’ - The Green
Man.
Long ago when the first trees began to shed their leaves, and the days grew
colder and darker, the young trees grew afraid that the sun was gone forever, so the nature spirits gathered
the fallen leaves, and petitioned the high Gods, who breathed life into the fallen leaves and the Green Man
was born.
He was the spirit of the forest whose first gift was the evergreen. This was a symbol of eternal life and a sign
that one day the warmth would return to the land.
Over time the trees grew and became thick dense woodlands that were home to a variety of birds and
animals, and eventually mankind was born, and the Green Man welcomed the Earths new inhabitants,
changing his role to spread a feeling of hope and good cheer during the dark, cold months when food is
scarce and times are difficult.
People of all cultures knew him, and he went by many names, and in many cultures came to represent the
rebirth of the sun. For this reason he was occasionally considered to be a feminine spirit or goddess.
Whether he is known as The old man of the wood, Dionysis, Baccus, Pan, Woden, Odin, Jack of the Green,
The Green Man or even Beiwe; the goddess who returned fertility to the arctic lands and rode through the
sky in a chariot made from reindeer bones, his role as the spirit of winter remains ever constant.
People were grateful for the gifts of evergreens and holly to feed their livestock and initially honoured the
Green Man of the woods with a sacrifice followed by feasts and celebrations. Later they came to honour his
gifts by emulating his generosity and they began to give gifts to each other.
Now so strong was the spirit of the winter around the solstice that newer faiths adopted this time of
year…give or take a bit of poetic licence on their part, and by Tudor times the Green Man had become
known as ‘Old father Christmas’. An old man dressed in a fur trimmed green coat, hardly unfamiliar attire
for a man of the woods.
Whether the old magician spoke the truth or not I cannot say, that is up to you to decide.
But certainly as British Pagans we have come to know him as the Green Man whose image these days
adorns Pagan homes and churchyards alike, while the Coca Cola company’s ‘Father Christmas’ for many
has become the new spirit of winter …
Yet as Pagans we know that neither new religions nor advertising campaigns can silence the heartbeat of the
Green Man…The true spirit of Yuletide!
Diane Narraway
Magickal Mistletoe
Mistletoe is the common name for the plant Viscum album. The latin Viscum is from the same root as ‘viscous’,
referring to the sticky flesh of the berries, while album is well known to mean white. The common name, mistletoe, is
thought to be derived from the Old English word ‘misteltãn’: ‘mistel’ meaning different and ‘tan’ meaning twig.
However, ‘mist’ also meant dung, which essentially makes the mistletoe a ‘dung-twig’ – a reference perhaps to the
way the plant is spread, which I refer to later!
Few houses are without a sprig of mistletoe
throughout the Yuletide season, and the mystery
of this unique plant stretches back into pre-
history.
Pliny wrote of the Druids and their customs;
Druid priests would cut mistletoe (which they
named ‘All Heal’), with a golden sickle from a
sacred oak tree. Oaks and mistletoe were both
regarded as sacred, and Oaks aren’t the most
common hosts for mistletoe, and thus mistletoe
from an Oak was considered to be “double-
magickal”!
The sprigs would be harvested during the
waxing moon following the Winter Solstice, and
has also been said that a pair of white bulls were
sacrificed as part of this ritual. This was believed
to bring prosperity to the receivers of the
mistletoe, which was distributed to the local
people.
‘Gather ye mistletoe before it hits the ground…’
The reason behind gathering the mistletoe before it touches the earth is possibly because it is a ‘plant of the sky’. It
naturally never touches the ground (unless it’s died and fallen), and therefore it has been deemed bad luck to let it do
so when gathering this sacred herb.
Mistletoe has been used throughout history as a treatment (and sometimes a cure) for epilepsy, the ‘falling sickness’ -
it was attributed to the illness due to the way its seeds could ‘fall from the sky’, and science now backs up its
medicinal qualities. Interesting that the initial connection seems so tenuous, yet the true potential of the plant and its
uses holds to this day. Again, if the mistletoe were to touch the ground, its healing properties would be deemed lost.
The idea of mistletoe as a ‘sky plant’ is also present in the belief that a lightning strike on an oak tree could cause
mistletoe to grow there; it has been given a strong connection with thunderstorms. The belief was that this special sort
of lightning induced oak-mistletoe would have been endowed with properties that protect from lightning and fire.
‘…to bring us good luck for the whole new year round’
Since Celtic times, right through to today, mistletoe has been hung over doorways and entrances into the home. The
Celts believed this would protect the inhabitants from evil, and welcome good luck for the following year. I love that
this ‘superstition’ has found its way into popular Christmas culture, and that this magickal plant finds its way into the
homes of so many people from so many different paths…
In Christianity, mistletoe is not so well loved, as it was said that the crucifixion cross of Christ was made from the
wood of a mistletoe tree. As a sort of punishment, the wicked plant was condemned to never grow on ‘God’s earth’,
and must live on host trees away from the ground. It is even said that the type of trees it has been allowed to live on
are classed as ‘good’ trees; particularly Ash, and further penance was that it should have to give blessings to all those
who passed beneath it.
In Norse tradition, the goddess of love and
beauty Frigga had a son called Baldar, the god of
summer. He repeatedly dreamt of his own death,
as did Frigga. As dreams were seen as prophetic,
this troubled his mother, who knew that all life
on earth would die with him.
Frigga took an oath from all of the animals,
elements and plants that they would not harm
Baldar. They gave her their promise: nothing on
or under the earth could hurt him.
However, Loki (God of Evil, bringer of mischief)
discovered that Mistletoe had been overlooked: a
plant that didn’t grow on or under the earth, but
above it. He made an arrow tip (or possibly a
spear, the story differs) from the plant and gave it
to Hoder (the blind god of winter) who shot it at
Baldar, killing him.
Every element and power tried to bring Baldar
back to life for three days, but to no avail. Frigga
cried for her son, and the tears she shed turned
the red berries of the mistletoe to pearly white.
Baldar came back to life, and Frigga in her
delight, kissed everyone who passed under the
tree on which the mistletoe grew.
From then on, no harm would come to those
who stood under mistletoe; they would be blessed and receive a kiss instead! Mistletoe as a symbol of immortality can
perhaps also be attributed to this story.
Golden Sickle Sunrise – The Dolmen
Like ghosts in the darkness, walking single file
To the sacred oak-tree, on this storm-guarded isle
Gather ye mistletoe, before it hits the ground
To bring us good luck for the whole new year round
Golden sickle sunrise, golden sickle dawn
Year after year on the cold solstice morn
Golden sickle sunrise, golden sickle dawn
Year after year on the cold solstice morn
Oh Mother Frigga dry your tears of white mistletoe
Your summer son will rise to end your pain and woe
Fire, Water, Earth and Air, remember your vow
And bless all those who meet beneath the sacred bough
Music: Taloch Jameson
Lyrics: Mark Vine
Fertility
The association between mistletoe and fertility appears to have many roots, showing itself today as the traditional ‘kiss
under the mistletoe’. Some say the way the berries form on the plant resemble the male sex organs, and this led to a
belief that the plant was an aphrodisiac. Druids believed the berries represented the ‘Sperm of the Gods’: when
squeezed, a semen-like milky substance is exuded. Other sources go deeper and say this belief was that the berries
were drops of semen from the cosmic bull (a horned god that symbolised the power of divine lightning) that
impregnated the fertile goddess ‘Earth’. In Roman times, the Winter Solstice was celebrated with a festival called
‘Saturnalia’, where mistletoe played a major part in the fertility rites. The Greek goddess Artemis was said to have
worn a majestic crown of mistletoe, which symbolised both fertility and immortality.
During medieval times, mistletoe was popularly used as a charm for women trying to conceive, as well as a cure for
reproductive problems. It is said that this belief could stem from the mystery surrounding the growth of the plant – it
flourishes without soil, and was somewhat seen as a miracle plant. There must be some magick in a plant which grows
‘up in the sky’!
Where to find Mistletoe The mistletoe we all know and love here in the UK, Viscum album, is the least fussy of all mistletoe species, although
it still favours trees from particular families. Its top choice is the Rosaceae family, which includes apples, hawthorns,
rowans, whitebeams, and quinces to name just a few. It’s a common sight to see big bunches of mistletoe hanging in
old apple orchards, and is often low enough to reach. Other trees that take the fancy of mistletoe include long-leaved
willows, black poplars, limes, birches and maples, as well less likely hosts like the Oak, and if you are a die-hard
Druid that may be the mistletoe you really want to track down.
Mistletoe is diecious, meaning there are separate male and female
plants. They need each other in order to achieve pollination, and
produce berries. Please bear this in mind when collecting your mistletoe
– always leave a healthy amount of both male and female plants behind
to continue the colony. Sadly, the male mistletoe with its yellow-green
buds is not so desirable for festive adornments, and is often left behind
while the trees are stripped of berry-laden female plants.
Mistletoe is what is known as a hemi-parasite. It appears to live entirely
by leeching from its host tree, but actually does its own photosynthesis
and only uses the tree for a supply of water and minerals. It will very
rarely severely damage or kill a tree; this only occurs if left unmanaged
for many, many years. It can, however, lessen the yield of crop bearing
trees like apples if the mistletoe colony dominates the size of the tree. If
you have mistletoe in your garden, you can thin the plants when taking
your sprigs for Yule, which will help keep them in check and the host
tree healthy.
How to get your own Mistletoe in the garden
There are conflicting opinions on the best time to harvest mistletoe berries for their seed. Mistletoe generally flowers
in February and March, is pollinated by insects, and then begins to set fruit. It starts small and green, before turning
yellow and slowly to white. When berries are plump and milky white, they are ripe. This can be from October (so
some berries gathered for Yule can be sown in spring if not totally dried out), however some berries may not ripen
until spring (they can take almost a full year to ripen), so can be harvested and sown straight away.
Male Mistletoe growing on the branches of an old Apple tree.
When you have found a suitable host, a decently sized outer branch should be chosen – 4” or more in thickness, to
support the mistletoe. A tree of 15 or more years old is best, as it will be mature and well established enough to handle
being a host. You simply squeeze the seeds out of the berries and stick them to the side or underside of the branch –
stick plenty of seeds all the way along. They will stick with the viscose juice from the berry. Birds may eat them if
they find them, so sow as many as you possibly can. You need to try and get both male and female plants to germinate
to achieve berry production, so maximize your chances.
Now, be patient (the hardest part for me!). Although germination can be quick, the initial stages are mostly unseen –
you should see a slight swelling, and leaves the year after sowing. It can take more than 4 or 5 years before you will
see any flowers or berries though.
There are only a few birds that eat mistletoe berries – these include the mistle thrush that eats the berries and excretes
the seed, a hit and miss strategy, as the chances of the seed then hitting a viable host tree are low. The other main
consumers are blackcaps, which are much more useful at spreading the species, as they squeeze out the seeds from the
berries and wipe them onto the bark of trees with their beaks (they are only after the flesh of the berry!). While much
mistletoe habitat has been lost in recent years, the species is not thought to be under serious threat, and much of its
success must be credited to the birds that distribute the plant.
Herb or poison?
The earliest archaeological evidence for the consumption of Mistletoe is from Lindow Man – a bog body from the
Roman-era found well preserved in Cheshire. His stomach contents were analysed and some grains of mistletoe pollen
were found. This led to some assumptions that the man had drunk some kind of ritual mistletoe concoction before his
death and therefore could have been a druid or even a sacrifice of the druids! However, most believe he was simply
using mistletoe as a medicine, which is quite plausible really.
Mistletoe is often demonised for its toxic qualities,
however as with most misunderstood plants, when used
in the right quantities it can often be found to possess
beneficial medicinal qualities. Culpeper endorses the use
of the juice of the berries for treating tumours and
swellings. When combined with vervain and valerian root
in equal parts, it can be a useful tonic for nerves.
It is commonly used as a tea throughout Europe (though
not in Britain) for its effects on relieving circulatory and
blood pressure problems. Mistletoe extracts are also often
found in many cosmetics, especially shampoo, though it’s
not made obvious. Sometimes you will find the Latin
name on the ingredients list. Tesco used to produce a
mild shampoo containing mistletoe!
Mistletoe has roots in fertility treatment for livestock; the
Celts often fed the plant to their cattle, despite its
potential to induce miscarriage. However, it is now used
in modern veterinary medicine as a relaxant, and is
included in some herbal ‘calming’ tablets for pets.
Viscum album, image credit: A Modern Herbal [Online]
There is also lots of research into the use of mistletoe as a complementary therapy to aid cancer treatment. Rudolf
Steiner is responsible for making the connection between the two, through his work on the ‘science of the spirit’
(anthroposophy), which suggested that a specific ailment could be linked to a specific plant species. The research has
come a long way since then, with mistletoe currently undergoing trials and even being used now in some parts of
mainland Europe. The extracts from the plant are injected simultaneously and act as stimulants to the immune system,
which is believed to give patients a better quality of life when having cancer treatment.
It all starts to get a bit complicated when you delve deeper, as it has been found that mistletoe from different host trees
will contain slightly different chemical properties, meaning a huge variety of possible chemical combinations and
applications. Critics say mistletoe is not the best plant for this kind of treatment, as the toxins within the plant may
also cause harm. It is true that mistletoe contains viscotoxins, and lectins (similar to Ricin, famous for its use to poison
the tip of an umbrella…).
Please Please note:
If you are planning to try the medicinal properties of mistletoe – please do
further research and buy from a reputable herbal supplier to avoid any
accidental poisonings! And indeed, if you want to poison someone: there are
much better poisons out there more suited to the purpose. (Just joking!!!)
Magickal uses
Though the stories and traditions surrounding this unique plant are varied, its main qualities stay constant. It comes
through strongly as a symbol of love, fertility, and protection. The attributed properties include the plant being a
potent aphrodisiac - strong in workings to draw love, or for success in creative exploits and business.
It is also used in dream work, and with its connection to immortality, is useful for healing charms. Though
medicinally it is not the best fertility medicine, its connection with love and sex makes it a powerful conception
amulet; a sachet of mistletoe leaves can simply be carried on the person.
Whether you buy into the folklore and tales of this plant or not, it still remains an iconic plant of Yuletide. At least you
now know a little of the rich history which has led to the common use of this plant as decoration today!
Jess Stephens (Selkie)
References
Ratsch, C and Muller-Ebeling, C (2006) Pagan Christmas: The Plants, Spirits, and Rituals at the Origins of
Yuletide, U.S: Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Culpeper, N (1983) Culpeper’s Colour Herbal UK: W Foulsham & Co Ltd
Grieve, M A Modern Herbal [online]
Available: http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/mistle40.html [19 Dec 2012]
Lindow Man, Great Archaeology [online]
Available: http://www.greatarchaeology.com/lindow_man.htm [22 Dec 2012]
Mistletoe Plant Profile, Royal Horticultural Society [online] Available:
The History of Crabchurch
In 1645, several royalist plotters within the twin towns of
Weymouth and Melcombe on the Dorset coast conspired
to deliver the ports back into the control of King Charles 1.
It has been suggested that he needed a safe south coast
port at which to land a huge French army which he hoped
would deliver a decisive blow and end the resistance of the
Parliamentarians whom he had been fighting for almost
three years.
The conspirator’s plans were almost successful, but
their intended victim, Colonel William Sydenham,
Commander of the Parliamentary garrison and MP for
Melcombe, managed to get most of his force into that
town, though he lost a much loved and respected
brother and fellow soldier, Francis, in the initial
assault. Soon, a two week long internecine
bombardment was taking place between the factions.
In the third week, what appeared to be the coup de grâce
arrived in the shape of the archetypal cavalier general,
George, Lord Goring and his 6,500 strong army which
meant that Sydenham’s tiny but stubborn garrison of
just 1300 souls, were now outnumbered six to one. It
would surely only be a matter of time before Melcombe
too fell to the King’s Army.
Underestimating Colonel William Sydenham, the eldest
son of a local Dorset Landowner, was Goring’s first and
biggest mistake, for not only did Sydenham succeed in
retaking Weymouth, but he also withstood the full might of Goring’s military response, delivering a
“miraculous victory” and ending the King’s aspirations of getting the upper hand in Dorset.
Mark Vine
THE DOLMEN
THE
CRABCHURCH CONSPIRACYThe Crabchurch Conspiracy is a historical if not
monumental album from the Dolmen which focuses on
the civil war in Dorset, and in particular an incident
known as The Crabchurch Conspiracy.
Centred on the book of the same name, written by local
historian and author MarkVine, features a clever mixture
of narrative and songs.
Professor Ronald Hutton provides a foreward narration
which perfectly sets the scene in the for the atmospheric
tale that follows as well as also providing a moving
narrative on track 6 which brings to life the harrowing
account of Doctor Wiseman.
The songs on this album are inspired by one family’s
courage and determination, while the historical narratives
providing a compelling insight into the times, as they are
deftly woven between songs of bravery, loyalty, defiance and loss pulling no punches as they describe the
horrors of this war. Some of the more soulful tracks which lament the sense of loss experienced by so many
will bring a tear to the eye.
This is a far cry from modern warfare and can at times be a harsh reminder of the courage displayed by a
few men, who stood together in a world where hope was in short supply and even your neighbour could be
your enemy.
This album combines the timeless musical talents of The Dolmen, and compelling imagery conjured up by
the passion of local Historian – Mark Vine making it one of the most unique albums ever written.
All music by Taloch Jameson except for:
Englands Freedom, Soldier’s Rights - Taloch Jameson/Josh Elliot
Avenging Angel - Taloch Jameson/Josh Elliot
The Heights of Chapelhay - Taloch Jameson/Josh Elliot
Pax Quaeritur Bello - Taloch Jameson/Josh Elliot
Lord Goring’s March - Taloch Jameson/Josh Elliot
King Saviour - Taloch Jameson/Jez Lee Narration written by Mark Vine
All lyrics by Mark Vine except
The Heights of Chapelhay - Mark Vine/Taloch Jameson
Artwork and Cover Design - Sem Vine
All tracks performed by - The Dolmen
Featuring guest musicians - Jez Lee Additional guitar and Bouzouki on King’s Saviour
LucySmith – Fiddle
plus
Foreward narration - Professor Ronald Hutton
For further information or to purchase this cd
http://www.thedolmen.com/album2.html
other Dolmen cds are also available at
http://www.thedolmen.com/albums.html
Diane Narraway
Special Guest – Kit Berry
Having recently completed the Stonewylde series of books which
were set in the heart of Dorset, Kit Berry was in Weymouth for a
book signing at the invitation of Ann proprietress of Imagine
Books. This was part of a promotional tour which culminated in
Poole shortly after.
Having spent the last few years writing and promoting the Stonewylde series Kit decided it was time for to a
new project, and was keen to write a novel set around Portland and Weymouth during the Civil War.
With that in mind seeing the Crabchurch Conspiracy/ Civil War event being organised by Mark Vine and
featuring a lecture by Professor Ronald Hutton who has not only read the Stonewylde books but has also
endorsed them plus a re-enactment seemed like an opportunity not to be missed.
Although unlike the historically accurate tale of an actual event portrayed by Mark Vine in The Crabchurch
Conspiracy, hers will be a novel set in that period and location. Mark who is also a local historian
Kit admits that in theory her next book could have been set more or less anywhere but that the events which
happened at Weymouth and Melcombe Regis had always fascinated her. It is an area that Kit knows well
having lived in Weymouth for 26 years, where she attained her degree at the Dorset Institute of Higher
Education and taught in some of the local schools. Kit added that she felt the island setting of Portland
should be significant. Maybe one day her books will be set elsewhere but for now her focus remains in
Dorset.
It is all these connections to the that have led to her being the ‘Special Guest’ at the Crabchurch /Civil war
event organised by local historian and author Mark Vine
For further information on this event
http://www.facebook.com/groups/151860796918/?ref=ts&fref=ts#!/events/377273812355521/?fref=ts
For further information on Kit Berry and Stonewylde
http://www.facebook.com/#!/Stonewylde?fref=ts
http://www.stonewylde.com/
THE CRABCHURCH CONSPIRACY
The Crabchurch Conspiracy is an atmospheric and insightful
look at a key event in the civil war. It is the tale of one Dorset
family who fought bravely for what they believed to be right,
despite the harrowing times and loss of close family members.
In the twin ports of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Royalist
supporters conspired to deliver the ports back into the hands of
King Charles 1 for use as a ‘safe’ port where he could land allied
French Catholic troops, which he hoped would bring about a
favourable conclusion to the war.
In a beautifully crafted tale that sees historical facts effortlessly
mingle with descriptive prose set in and around the prominent
coastal towns of Dorset an intricately woven tapestry of deceit
unravels.
Col. William Sydenham who despite the loss of several troops
including his brother who had proved himself to be a formidable
soldier, managed against the odds to raise enough of an army to
stand against the Cavaliers. Despite their subterfuge, French
allies and somewhat misplaced optimism had as it turned out
bitten off more than they could chew.
This is a tale of bravery and loyalty to both their kinsman and their beliefs, and of a side who foolishly
underestimated the determination of their opposition.
This book is steeped in imagery, that subtly combines a myriad of emotions, and as a reader I felt almost
privileged to be able to share their story with them as I felt their anger, their determination, and even shed a
tear for their loss.
Mark Vines gritty and heartfelt tale of real people in real times who fighting heroically in a war that saw
neighbours become enemies is a must for anybody with a love of Dorset, history or just a good tale.
Diane Narraway
MARK VINE Mark Vine wrote the Crabchurch Conspiracy after a couple of
decades studying the event not only breathing life into this piece of
local history, but he has also provided key events with memorable
names. Neither the ‘Crabchurch Conspiracy’ nor ‘The Battle of
Weymouth’ existed in the history books as anything other than
unnamed and surprisingly uncelebrated incidents in Dorset’s
history.
ran the re-enactment regiment of the same name.
After Steve passed away Mark continued reading about the original
regiment and their role in this part of the civil war. Despite having
acquired a wealth of knowledge on the Crabchurch Conspiracy, and
those most involved, it was moving to Weymouth in 1993 that it began to fall into place. Being able to see
the actual places, which were in the main still present in and around the town brought the whole thing to life,
and after a few months ensconced in Weymouth library researching, the first version - originally a 40 page
pamphlet was completed in 1994.
It was whilst on a computer course which entailed either presenting an ‘Office based exercise’ or a small
project of their own that the second version came into being. Unenthused by the idea of an ‘Office based
exercise’, and coinciding with his then fourteen year old daughter finding it hard going studying the English
Civil War as part of her GCSE, he decided to write about Colonel William Sydenham, and what happened
locally, hoping to stir her interest.
Since its humble beginnings the Crabchurch Conspiracy has come a long way, with the Dolmen releasing
the album of the same name, as well as talks, re-enactments and charity events.
Mark Vine is currently working on what will be the fourth and most comprehensive edition, and he has
recently written a screenplay of the whole event.
Imagine Books Weymouth U K
Tickets to the Crabchurch Conspiracy event featuring Professor Ronald Hutton and
Stonewylde author Kit Berry. Imagine books will also be stocking the new edition of
the Crabchurch Conspiracy as soon as it is published. There is also the possibility of
a launch day and book signing from the author. Currently they have available the Stonewylde books by Kit
Berry, The Dolmen's Crabchurch Conspiracy CD plus their latest CD Wytchlord. Also available from
Imagine Books is Selwyn Williams book ‘The Treasure of the Golden Grape’ which is a prequel to Mark
Vines Crabchurch Conspiracy.
For further information please contact:
Ann Newman
23 St Alban Street, Weymouth
Dorset DT48BZ
http://www.imaginebookshops.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/477663865618279/#!/imaginebooksweymouth?fref=ts
Aromatherapy This is an overview of essential oils as if some of you may not have
read the previous articles about Essential oils and if you have then
here is some more information for you. 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.
A more detailed description is as follows:-
Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and
physical well-being.
Essential oils are the pure essence of a plant, which have been found to provide both psychological and
physical benefits when used correctly and safely. The Essential Oil Profiles area details over 90 essential
oils - Absolutes, CO2s and Hydrosols are also commonly used in aromatherapy.
Although essential oils, CO2 extracts and absolutes are distilled by different methods, the term essential oil
is sometimes used as a blanket term to include all natural, aromatic and volatile, plant oils including CO2s
and absolutes.
In addition to essential oils, aromatherapy encourages the use of other complementary natural ingredients
including cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba (a liquid wax), hydrosols, herbs, milk powders, sea salts, sugars
(an exfoliator), clays and muds.
Products that include synthetic ingredients are frowned upon in holistic aromatherapy. It is important to note
that perfume oils also known as fragrance oils (and usually listed as "fragrance" on an ingredient label) are
not the same as essential oils. Fragrance oils and perfume oils contain synthetic chemicals and do not
provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
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 a
carrier oil.
The most common carrier oils are Sweet Almond oil and Grape seed for everyday use but if you want to use
different carrier oils occasionally you could consider using either Evening primrose oil or Wheat germ oil.
Evening Primrose Oil.
This oil is pressed, and it is the seeds of the evening primrose plant
(Oenothera biennis)which are used. The yellow flowers only open in the
evening, hence their common name. Evening Primrose is a common
wildflower native to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia
The plant was used by Native Americans and early settlers as a nutritional support and to treat against
conditions such as sore throats, stomach aches, hemorrhoids, and bruises. Evening Primrose has also been
used medicinally in Europe since the seventeenth century. Over the last 20 years, this oil has once again
become popular for its medicinal properties; it contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is an essential
fatty acid.
Essential fatty acids are required by the body for growth and development, and must be obtained from the
diet.
Evening primrose oil is well tolerated by most people. The mild side effects may include gastrointestinal
upset and headache.
Wheat Germ oil
Wheat Germ Oil contains high levels of Vitamin E Oil, as well as other
vitamins, minerals, protein, and Essential Fatty Acids. Essential Fatty
Acids support physiological functions, and are essential for the health of
our organs and subsequently our overall health.
They cannot be produced by our own bodies, and instead must be
obtained from dietary sources.
Wheat Germ Oil contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic fatty acids. These are needed for our
cardiovascular, immune, nervous and reproductive systems to maintain healthy cells and body functions.
The Vitamin E Oil present in Wheat Germ Oil promotes skin cell formation, and is great for nourishing and
rejuvenating dry, mature and dehydrated skin as well as reducing scars, stretch marks, sunburns, and helping
to heal damaged skin. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, which may be beneficial
medicinally as well as in cosmetics.
The high Vitamin E content in Wheat Germ Oil is a natural preservative, helping to prevent rancidity, and
prolonging the shelf life of cosmetic products.
Specifically, this oil is known for its antioxidant properties and has been shown to be effective for the
following conditions:
Dry and cracked skin, Eczema, Psoriasis, Prematurely aged skin, Stretch marks, Dull complexion, Tired and
overexerted muscles, Sunburn and burns, Scars, Poor blood circulation, Improves lymph function, High
cholesterol levels
The Essential oils I have chosen to focus on in this issue are Cajeput which is
quite common and the more usual essential oil Ravensara. Both of these will help
at this time of year when there is always colds, flu and
bugs about.
Cajeput
This oil is closely related to Tea Tree In Malaysia it is called ‘caju-puti’
meaning ‘white wood’ due to the colour of the timber. It grows wild in
Malaysia, Indonesia, java, the Philippines Australia and south eastern Asia.
Cajeput (melaleuca cajeputi) is not only related to tea Tree but other members
of the melaleuca group such as eucalyptus, clove, niaouli so good for colds
etc. It is held in high regard in the East, where it is used locally for fevers and cholera
amongst other ailments.
The common method of extraction is steam distillation from the fresh leaves and twigs. The colour is clear
with yellow tinges, although sometimes it can be a pale yellowy green mobile liquid. The green tinge comes
from traces of copper found in the tree.
The constituents are Cineeol (14-65 percent depending on the source) terpineol, terpinyl acetate, pinene,
nerolidol and lots of other traces. (The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils)
It can be used for insect bites, oily skin and spots but must be diluted if it is being used in a diffuser for
Asthma. It may also be used to treat bronchitis, coughs, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis, sore throat,
spots, cystitis, urethritis and other urinary infections. Special precautions are only that it may irritate the skin
in high concentration.
If you have a medical condition you should consult a doctor.
Ravensara
A colleague of mine gave me a tip about this oil for when there is the flu or other viruses in the house. Just
put a few drops into a diffuser, and the rest of the house will hopefully not succumb to it.
The health benefits of Ravensara can be attributed to its properties. It is analgesic, anti- allergenic, anti -
bacterial & anti - microbial, anti - depressant, anti- fungal, anti - septic, anti - spasmodic, anti- viral,
aphrodisiac, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, relaxant and tonic.
There is a big tree in the rain forests of Madagascar that has the botanical name is Ravensara Aromatica, and
its’ essential oil is praised in Madagascar as the “Cure All” oil, in much the same way as tea tree oil is
praised in Australia.
The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from its leaves and contains some of the following:-alpha
pinene, delta carene, caryophyllene, germacreme, limonene, linalool, and methyl.
This makes it an effective remedy for many types of pain including
toothache, headache, muscular and joint pain, pain in ears from cold etc.
By inhibiting the growth of bacterial and viral microbes, it cures old
infections and stops new ones, so it is most effective against diseases
resulting from bacterial and viral infections such food poisoning, cholera,
typhoid etc.
There are so many other benefits such as it can treat insufficient blood and
lymph circulation, fatigue and pain in muscles and joints, oedema,
indigestion, shingles and herpes.
Always consult your Doctor if you have been feeling unwell for over a
week.
The only pre-cautions with this oil, is that it is not recommended in
pregnancy since it has aphrodisiac properties which mean that it works on certain hormones whose secretion
can have certain adverse effects in pregnancy.
For further information about essential oils my next workshop is on 2nd February 2013 Sandra Wiseman -
Therapies 4 You
Phone 01702 523951
Email [email protected]
http://www.therapies4you.com/
Sandra Wiseman
Coppertongue
Coppertongue
Coppertongue is the reformed and renamed Caru Can.
Originally husband and wife Chris and Keri Pinney
formed Caru Can as a duo but since the addition of bass
player Adam Holmes they have now become a trio, with a
new sound and a new name.
Originally Coppertongue was a name that Chris had come
up with when he was considering starting up a band a few years ago.
Caru Can (welsh) - meaning ‘To love music’ was a name that although they believed portrayed who they
were, unfortunately people never really seemed to get to grips with it.
Their intention now is to bring out an album in the New Year and establish themselves as a band for the
future.
Keri Pinney – Flute, Guitar and Vocals.
Chris Pinney – Guitar, Mando – Cello and Vocals.
Adam Holmes – Rhythm Section and vocals.
*
As a live band they come across as professional, accomplished musicians who
despite their Dolmen origins have achieved their own unique sound. Not only are
they all exceptional musicians, but they are also writers and their set is a mixture
of original material plus a few reworked covers. The clean vocals and effortless
harmonies merge beautifully with a variety of different musical elements
including blues, folk and country amongst other to produce a style that is
exclusively… Coppertongue
Chris Pinney…
Originally began his musical career at 14 years old, which at this point
like most young musicians consisted of practice jamming sessions in his bedroom and
with friends. A year later this was to change, when at only 15 years old he was asked
to join the, then recently reformed Dolmen. This in itself would turn out to be a
baptism of fire, as only a week before their first gig in December 2005; Taloch shoved
a bouzouki in his hand along with a list of songs that they would be playing.
After only a short time with the Dolmen Chris decided to leave to pursue other interests, only to return a few
months later because, in his own words “Keri convinced me to!”
He finally left the Dolmen in 2009 by which time he and Keri were married, and had recently become
parents. This time his reason for leaving was to spend more time at home with his new family, as by this
time the Dolmen were gigging every night, as well as being on the road a lot. It was no longer practical for
them both to remain with the Dolmen so Chris left, and Keri stayed with the band.
Although Keri enjoyed being with the Dolmen, she wanted the chance to sing more and as they had enjoyed
working together they formed Caru Can as a husband and wife team, but although they played at dolmen
Grove festivals and a few local gigs it never really got off the ground.
This seemed largely due to time, as at this point they were both studying at university, as well as Chris
working and the pressures of a young family, plus Keri was still gigging with the Dolmen.
Chris felt it that as duo they were limited, and adding an extra layer of music and rhythm would be
beneficial, hence the introduction of a bass player, and of course with the new line up came a new set and
the new name.
Keri Pinney…
Was born into the world of the Dolmen, and can remember her Dad recording her singing
from a very young age.
At secondary school Keri decided she wanted to play the flute, but quickly became
disillusioned with it after the music teacher required them to play ‘Love is all around.’
‘I hated it ‘she admitted and the end result was that she put the flute down with the
intention of never picking it up again.
At this point the Dolmen had disbanded and Taloch plus some
original Dolmen members alongside a few new musicians
including Keri as vocalist formed Elfin. Because Elfins musical
style was heavily flute based, when their flautist left Taloch
decided it was time for Keri to pick up the flute again.
Not only did she pick it up, but within a fortnight she was ready to become Elfins
flautist as well as vocalist. The speed at which Keri learned the flute she attributes to
her being naturally musical and her ability to ‘play by ear’.
Over time a couple more people left Elfin until eventually the two bands merged, this
time becoming The Dolmen, with Taloch as the vocalist and Keri as the flautist. It was always the intention
to re – introduce her as a vocalist later, and although this did happen after the birth of her second child, she
felt it was time to explore other musical avenues.
Whilst she and Chris had enjoyed working together as Caru Can, both work and family commitments along
with her decision to attend university, had hindered their success.
Although as a duo they had explored a variety of musical ideas it was time to look at adding something new,
so when Chris suggested that perhaps what was needed was an extra layer of music, we knew it was time to
look at becoming a trio.
Adam Holmes…
Is the new addition to the band, and his musical career didn’t begin until he
was around 17 years of age. His motivation for playing was that his Dad
already played in a band as well as having a lot of friends who played musical
instruments.
Initially it began with him picking up his Dads bass guitar to try it out, he
recalls how it felt like something he could really learn, so with that in mind he
saved up and bought his own bass guitar. From there he met a few guys in the
sixth form and they practiced each week.
In 2011 he went to work in America where it seemed ‘everyone’ played the guitar, so Adam began to learn
the guitar reasoning that it would help him play bass guitar better. Also because it is much easier to sing
along while playing the guitar, he felt this in turn would improve his
vocal ability.
Up until August 2012 despite having played bass guitar for a few
years, he had only ever jammed with friends or played ‘Open mic’
nights in local pubs. This however didn’t stop him replying to an
advert posted by Chris and Keri Pinney that was ‘Looking for a bass
player, with a view to possibly progressing onto other instruments plus
some vocals.’
Because Adam knew Chris from school he sent him a message and in his own words “Here I am!”
Further information can be found on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/coppertongue?ref=ts&fref=ts
04/03/2013 - Enchanted FairyBall
The Royal Function Rooms
12 Star Hill
Rochester, Kent
ME1 1XB
10/05/2013 – Magical Faerie Festival
Findon
West Sussex
further information
http://www.sprigganmist.co.uk/index.html
http://www.facebook.com/#!/spriggan.mist
The Mike Porter Collective will be appearing at The Enchanted Market
presented by Spriggan Mist on 09/02/2013
at
Pinewood Bar &Cafeé, Old Wokingham Road,Wokingham, Berks RG40 3AQ
Thursday 3rd January Acoustic The John GregoryR
113 radipole Lane, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9SS Phone:01305 767233
Saturday 5th January Dolmen Grove Male Bonding Cider Bash
Worth Matravers, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3LF Phone:01929 439229
Saturday 26th January Acoustic
The John Gregory 113 radipole Lane, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9SS Phone:01305 767233
Thursday 7th February Acoustic
The John Gregory 113 radipole Lane, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9SS n Phone:01305 767233
Saturday 9th February Bracknell Spriggan mist presents
The dolmen Pinewood bar & café, old wokingham road, wokingham rg40 3aq
Saturday 16th february
Crabchurch Weekend featuring Ronald Hutton and special guest Kit Berry
Sunday 17th february The Nelson
The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ Phone: 01202 77622
Friday 1st march Eastleigh
Saturday 2nd march Acoustic The lugger
30 Chickerell Hill, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4DY Phone:01305 766611
Saturday 9th march Avalon Faery Ball
Glastonbury town hall
News from Black Wreck Music Project Ahoy mateys, ‘tis Wreck here from The Black Wreck Music
Project.
I just wanted to publicly convey the bands warm hearted thanks for the chance to share our stories with you
all and especially for the level of patience and hard work Diane has shown us/done for us in the last issue of
the magazine, twas brilliant stuff and we really do appreciate it.
The Cap’n, Matt Black and I have been busy over the last few months finishing off our latest album ‘The
Seas my Mistress’ which is now available for download from our band camp page (link at the bottom). As
with all of our studio albums ‘Rough Notes’…‘Hells bells’…’Ye Gods and Little Fishes’…’Load another
cannon’ and now The Seas my Mistress’ the internet downloads are free!
Next Year is looking to be quite exciting for us all with possible gigs already emerging throughout the year,
but if anyone knows of a venue or event that’s needs a bit of extra salt in the form of either ‘The Boarding
Crew’ or The Black Wreck Music Project, we are willing and able.
For booking information and availability please email:-
As for the rest of this year well, we are changing/ adding to our set lists with songs from our latest album,
plus Matt and I are already working on our sixth studio release.
Tis fairly safe to say that as long as there is a story or tale to share, those lovable Dorset rogues of The Black
Wreck Music Project will always be on hand to tell it with a pinch of fine salt sprinkled on top.
Get the albums here
http://www.theblackwreckmusicproject.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/theblackwreckpirates
Like us on faceboat
http://www.youtube.com/TheBlackWreck
Moving pictographs
A great friend once said this and it is so true…
“Life aint a disney film”
Look sharp mateys and be well.
Robinson Wreck
The Dolmen Grove
Yule Ball Irrespective of weather warnings many of the Dolmen Grove Clan got together at the John Gregory to
spend a wonderful evening in the company of those who most of us do not see anywhere
near enough.
The evenings musical entertainment got off to a fabulous
start with the newly formed ‘Coppertongue’ whose rendition of the old Cameo
song ‘Word up!’ got people up and dancing.
The evening was made extra special as after 18months of being the chairman of the
Dolmen Grove it was time for me to step down. I reached this decision with the
intention of being able to devote more time to the ceremonial aspect of the Dolmen Grove, and of
course the magazine which has gone from strength to strength over the last year. Of course this would
not have been possible without all those who have written for it, and indeed those who have read it, shared it and
helped to get it out there.
With this in mind it was time to ceremonially hand the chair to Denny Bottley, whose excellent organisational skills
and genuine affection for the Grove makes her ideal for this position. I am certain that under her guidance the
Grove will flourish.
There was more music from the ever popular Spriggan Mist also captured the dance
floor with their own blend of Modern Pagan Folk music as they played tracks from their
magical album ‘Soul retriever.
During the evening we were also treated to Captain Steve Howls take on ‘The
Legend of the Green Man ‘which is featured in this issue.
There was a Dolmen style farewell to flautist Ellie Goldsack
as she was playing her last gig with them before beginning her new life in New Zealand, as rebel folk giants The
Dolmen brought the evening to an energetic climax with songs from their new album Wytchlord along with a good
helping of piratical mayhem.
2012 Winter Solstice
at Stonehenge
The Winter Solstice at Stonehenge was magnificent. It was excellent that so many people brought their Drums, Horns
and positive energies, as it was beautiful to hear the Henge vibrating with true tribal energy,
conjuring the spirits of the past to celebrate with those of the present.
I believe it was also a great honour for the Dolmen Grove to perform our sacred rite from within the centre of
Stonehenge and to see and feel the Sun as it filled the inner circle in which we all stood at
that precious moment of the 2012 Winter Solstice.
Magick was manifested and performed as the words of Diane Narraway carried out to the world
from within that ancient circle of stones and at a moment when the energies within that cauldron of
inspiration flowed over the rim and out to the consciousness of the world as the drums pounded like
the earth’s heartbeat.
To all Dolmen Grove members who celebrated the Sunrise where ever you were,
I believe your Magick - our Magick through Unity is manifest at this important
time and may Peace and Love be with All as we embrace the future.
We also thank Senior Arch Druid of Stonehenge Rollo Maughfling for yet again an
excellently facilitated Ceremony, as well as all his efforts and hard work to the pagan community and
beyond.
Arthur Pendragon for his call for peace and unity and for all his work and dedication which
he has given to the Pagan community.
To all wherever and whoever they may be, may 2013 - The year of the Witch, be a building
block to a more positive future.
Taloch Jameson
Herbal Recipes for
Winter Health
With the change of the seasons upon us and heading into the winter months, it’s time to think about those
herbs and brews we may find useful to keep us well or help us heal from winter infections.
Remember that, when using herbs for healing and wellness, it is important to bring their powers into your
life from many different angles – use a tea, tincture, and/or an aromatherapy steam to reinvigorate a weak
constitution,and think preventatively to strengthen immunity during times of good health.
Botanical Brews:
This simple blend can serve as a base for any soup, or can be taken ‘as is’. It strengthens the immune system
and can help prevent weakness during the winter months. It can be quite powerful, but as with any herbal
tonic (blends designed to strengthen over the long term) it is best used on a regular basis.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root 1 cup of dry root
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root ½ cup dry root
Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom ½ cup dry mushrooms
(if you cannot find these use Shitake mushroom fresh or dried).
Burdock (Actium lappa) root ½ cup dry or fresh root
Garlic (Allium sativum) bulb 4 minced cloves
Take the above ingredients, and simmer them, covered, in a pot with 8 cups of water (this process is called a
decoction).
Simmer on very, very low heat for at least one hour (in China, these types of tonics are often simmered for a
whole day) – a slow cooker can be helpful.
Be sure to keep an eye on the soup, and add water as needed. Don’t scorch the pot!
Strain and serve, perhaps with a little honey, or freeze for storage. The daily dose is 8 fluid ounces (1 cup).
Get creative with this brew and make a soup! Add onions, carrots, seaweed (dulse, arame for example) and
salt to taste. You can also add cabbage, potatoes, and cooked beans to make it more of a hearty meal. Or
herbs and spices like Cayenne, Thyme, and Parsley. These soups remind us that our daily food is our best
medicine!
Herbal Tea – For lung congestion
Sometimes a cold can ‘go down’ into the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and producing a deep
and sometimes painful cough. In these cases, this blend can help.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) leaves 3 Tablespoons dry leaves
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) leaves 1 Tablespoon dry leaves
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root 1 Tablespoon dry root
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) root powder 2 Teaspoons dry powder
Place all the ingredients in a teapot or kilner jar.
Add 4 cups of boiling-hot water, cover, and steep for 15 to 20 minutes (this process is called an infusion),
then strain.
Drink the whole brew over the course of a day. You can prepare this tea the night before, and let it steep all
night if you like, but I have found that teas for colds and flus work better if you drink them hot.
Add honey to taste.
Herbal Tea Blend – For nose and sinus congestion
Often times the worst part of a cold is a stuffy nose. This blend can help relieve that congestion,
drying up the nasal passages a bit. It is also useful, I’ve found, after the worst of a cold or flu is
done, to help relieve lingering symptoms of congestion.
Elder (Sambucus nigra) flowers 2 Tablespoons dry flowers
Red Clover (Trifolium praetense) flowers 2 Tablespoons dry flowers
Peppermint (Mentha piperata) leaves 1 Tablespoon dry leaves
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) 2 tablespoons dry herb
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) dry root pieces or powder, grated fresh is best. (1 Teaspoon)
Place all the ingredients in a teapot or kilner jar.
Add 4 cups of boiling-hot water, cover, and steep for 15 to 20 minutes (this process is called an infusion),
then strain.
Drink all of the tea over the course of 4 hours, then repeat if necessary.
You can add a little honey to taste if desired, although I’ve found too much sweetness can make nasal
congestion worse.
Aromatherapy steam
This process is very useful to help relieve congestion in the nose and lungs. Usually best to do at
night, before bed, to clear the breathing passages and encourage restful sleep.
Also it’s really useful during the day if feeling really poorly.
1. Boil some water and pour straight into a bowl.
2. Add 2 drops each of these essential oils from herbs (highly concentrated plant essences – use only a few
drops, never internally, and be careful because, undiluted, they can irritate the skin):
a. Rosemary
b. Thyme
c. Eucalyptus
3. Cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes.
You can also put the oils in a facial steamer instead if you have one.
Hope you have fun with all these herbal brews.
Jacqui Apostolides - The Urban Herbalist BSc(Hons) Herb.Med.
For further information on treatments as well as the dried herbs for all these recipes can be found at
www.urbanherbals.co.uk
Properties of Crystals;
Garnet
Garnet is most commonly mined in Russia, Kenya, Tanzania and Turkey
and comes in many colours including, green, yellow, brown and blue, but
most people will recognise the garnet as a deep red crystal.
It is associate with the base chakra and the planet Mars. It is the
birthstone for January and is linked to the element of fire, most probably
due to its deep red colour. It is good for soothing emotional stress and
controls anger, whilst balancing and purifying energy.
Given as a gift of love, it inspires romantic love, devotion and opens the heart. It brings passion or serenity
as is appropriate and can help to balance the sex drive.
Garnets bring courage, hope, serenity, understanding and trust. It inspires self-confidence, stability and inner
strength, releases bad karma and negative energy. It is an excellent positivity booster and is often used in
spells associated with travel.
Garnet stimulates the metabolism, boosts the immune system and is ideal for healing skeletal disorders.
Used for arthritis, exhaustion, fertility, low blood pressure and hormone balancing.
Cheryl Waldron
A Day in the Life of… Denny Bottley
Q ) Name and Religious title/path if applicable.(i.e.Witch, Druid, Pagan etc)?
My path is that of Crone Witch
Q) How did you become involved with The Dolmen Grove?
I became involved with the Dolmen Grove, way back in early 2009 (but knew of them before then). Steve
and I saw them at a gig, where they announced the Tribal Dreams camp, we went along to that , and that was
it... hooked and we’ve never looked back since; ‘twas meant to be…totally!
Q) What is your job title or brief description of job?
My job title, well, I have many jobs to do, but I suppose I class myself as a writer. I write for a few different
pagan publications, plus I've written about psychological/sociological/philosophical subjects, and in the past
I have been a Sacred sites editor for 'Pentacle' magazine.
I'm also a therapist in meditation, and am a qualified counsellor. I offer guidance/teachings/knowledge to
those who seek it for which I don’t charge. But yeah, I'm a bit of a 'jack of all trades' but then I am getting
on now!
Q) Can you describe a typical work day?
A typical day for me starts by my daily ritual, sending love and healing, giving thanks for everything, and
looking after my DG family.
Usually, I connect further by having a walk into the village. I love to forage in the fields and hedgerows
(depending on the season's gifts) mostly for fruits, herbs, plants etc. I am fortunate to live in the countryside,
where I am surrounded by green fields.
As I walk, the energies of Mother Earth and Father Sky and others keep me company, ‘tis comforting,
uplifting and inspiring.
The rest of my day consists of working in my study, usually writing, or I sort out events/ moot related stuff.
In addition, I compile my weekly meditation class for my ladies, and if I have an event approaching, I make
and sort out my market stall stock, as well as finishing incoming orders. (circlets etc.)
There are many tasks I have to address daily & weekly, from working from home, to obviously being out
and about socialising etc., compiling rituals/life rites/ my counselling work and my PF work (Pagan
Federation Regional Coordinator for South Essex). My duties involve, writing up folks memberships,
providing advice on pagan issues via telephone/online etc. but my ultimate duty is that of being chairwoman
of the Dolmen Grove – ‘tis the BEST job in the world for me!!! Totally! I'm over the moon... really!!
Q) How do you feel your Pagan Beliefs fit into your everyday life?
My pagan beliefs influence my whole existence on this earth, it affects my whole being as a human in every
way, I eat, drink, and sleep my pagan beliefs, without my paganism, I wouldn’t be here, ‘tis that simple…
Totally!
I always try to treat folk how I would like to be treated with kindness, understanding, honesty and above all
compassion. I always say courtesy to others doesn’t cost anything and it all helps to keep folk happy and in
harmony.
Q) How do you feel your life has changed since becoming a member of Dolmen Grove?
How has my life changed since becoming a member of the Dolmen Grove....?
I'm ALIVE!!!... And thanks to the Grove, I look forward to the future.
I’M HAPPY AND WITH THE BEST PEOPLE ON THIS EARTH, MY FAMILY…MY CLAN…MY
TRIBE.... MY DOLMEN GROVE! AHRYHAH!!!!
Plus a few hopes for the future as the new Chairwoman of Dolmen
Grove….
In view of my hopes and dreams as Chairwoman of the Dolmen Grove in 2013, I intend to build upon the
good work that both Diane and Mandy have done. I hope to help make the two camps at Beltane and
Lammas, somewhere even more spiritually beneficial so that everyone can experience an immense sense of
belonging, spiritual unity and above all peace.
Primarily, I have a couple of new ideas, one being the 'online' Round Table meeting, and the other, to try
and set up an Essex Dolmen Grove camp (still field searching).
In addition to my new role, I hope to assist those in a spiritual context, e.g. through advice, ceremonial
work, life rites etc. Largely because for many folk who enter into a pagan lifestyle, it can seem confusing at
first, specifically which 'path' to follow, which is the right one for them and so on, indeed for many people
‘our path finds us’!! So to help with guidance on the individual’s personal journey is as satisfying as it is
essential. It can be beneficial and comforting to know there is guidance and of course advice available when
needed - so yes, I hope to provide a helping hand within the realms of projection to those new to paganism. I
take my Crone hood very seriously, and one of the many vows I made to my Lord and Lady & sister Crones
was to pass on the knowledge and wisdom to those who seek it, and to assist those new to the 'Old Ways'
which I will always do in Love and Peace.
Denny Bottley
The Yule log
The Yule log is traditionally a very large dense log that in
days gone by would have been brought inside and burned
for the twelve nights of Christmas, beginning from
Christmas Eve. However its true origins can be traced back
before the popularity of Christianity to the Norsemen and
their midwinter festivals. Their sacred ceremonies
surrounding the log would have been linked to health,
fruitfulness and productivity and in England it would have
been sprinkled with ale or cider before being set alight and
kept burning for twelve hours.
When the fire was eventually quenched, what was left of
the log would have been preserved until the following year
and used to light the next Yule log to be used for the festivities. The ashes would also have had their use as
they were scattered over fields for fertility.
Some sources state that the origin of Yule is associated with an ancient Scandinavian fertility god and that
the large, single Log is representative of a phallic idol. Tradition states that this Log was required to burn
for twelve days and a different sacrifice to the fertility god had to be offered in the fire on each of those
twelve days.
Nowadays the only Yule logs you’ll generally see around are those on the shelves of a supermarket made
from sponge and chocolate frosting, very rarely do people bother with the old traditions of burning the log
but I have been following my own version of this tradition for many years now, using the base of last year’s
Yule tree as this year’s log, decorating it and burning it on Solstice night. And in 2011 the Hampshire
Dolmen moot incorporated the tradition into our own Yule festivities and I’d like to share a small
ceremonial version of this tradition with you all.
The Ceremony of the Yule log
One large log gifted from nature! A green or red candle
Cider or ale
All who wish to join the ceremony should have brought something that is safe to burn so that they can attach
it to the log. Something as simple as a written blessing will do.
The bare log is placed in the centre of a table or altar and all who wish to take part should gather in a circle
around the table.
The elements are called into the circle.
Intent – As we stand here at the time of midwinter with our backs toward the dark half of the year, we look
forward with hope in our hearts for the light that is to come. For now we are at peace with the dark, we
have used this time of rest and contemplation to our advantage and our plans for the coming year are alive
in our minds and hearts. We take this dead wood and we revive it and adorn it before it lives again in the
flames.
Each person now has the opportunity to add their gift to the log and when all gifts are added, all return to
their place in the circle while one attendee sprinkles it with cider for fruitfulness and another places the
candle upon it and lights it.
All join hands and close your eyes as you contemplate what energy it is that you would like to add to the log
before it is burnt. This can be a healing wish for another, a hope of your own for the future, a wish for your
own grove/coven or even a prayer that you can add silently for a loved one when the time comes to release.
After a couple of moments unlink hands and hold your hands out at arm’s length toward the log. Release the
energy that you have just built in the circle and silently send your hope, wish or prayer into the log.
When you are finished, relax and get ready to bid farewell to the elements.
When the circle is closed (there is no need to cast a circle or formally close it in an informal rite such as this)
leave the candle to burn down and when the time comes to burn the log all should accompany it to the
fireplace and one person should place it upon the hearth and as it burns one attendee should recite
“As the log burns, it lives once more, and in the invigorating fire the spark of our hopes and dreams for the
coming year shall ignite, and as the smoke rises to the universe our wishes and prayers are sent forth. So
mote it be!”
This ceremony can be easily adapted to solitary use.
Julie Weltch
Waldron Family Yule Log
Burning Ritual
The burning of our Yule log is one thing we do as a whole family, gathered around our Yule/Christmas
decorated fireplace, and even my non-believing, very nearly atheist Hubby will join us, albeit sat on the
sofa, quietly grumbling watching over the proceedings. It is never straight forward and rarely goes to plan,
there is usually squabbling over who got the best cushions to sit on, and somebody always gets more candy
canes than someone else, somebody always knocks on the door half way through and I usually turn to a well
needed alcoholic drink afterwards, but this is our ceremony and we would like to share it with you.
I have no need to cast a circle in my family home where our ceremony takes place as it is a happy and
protected home already. Also it lengthens the ceremony time and the younger children get easily bored, and
who could blame them, after all they really just secretly want to fast forward to the part where they get to eat
goodies and drink hot chocolate….and who can blame them!
Our Yule log itself will be decorated with seasonal greenery, Pine Cones, Holly, Ivy, berries and whatever
else the children like to add to it, empty Acorn shells, leaves and usually a letter to Santa, which works well
for our multi-religion family. Our fireplace will have the usual artificial garland, decorated with Holly, Ivy,
Pine Cones, fairy lights and flowers. The hearth will have deity candles, a Sun candle with solar sigils
inscribed on it, lots of small tea-light candles anointed with frankincense oil, a bowl of chocolates, candy
canes, oranges and cookies and mugs of hot chocolate. And finally, there is an array of various plump and
old ragged cushions scattered on the floor in front of the fireplace. And there it is, our family Yule altar, and
so our ceremony can begin.
We begin by turning the main lights off so the room is illuminated by the glow of the fire. One of the
children will light the Goddess and God candle, asking them and the elementals to be with us this evening,
while I will say:
The wheel of the year has turned once more and the Earth has gone to sleep,
The days are shorter, the nights are longer and the leaves gone from the trees,
But tonight on this darkest Solstice night, we celebrate,
For tomorrow the darkness will retreat and the sunlight will return.
Another of the children will then light the Sun candle and say a Celtic Yule blessing.
The food is put away for the Winter,
The crops are set aside to feed us,
The cattle are come down from their fields,
And the sheep are in from the pasture.
The land is cold, the sea is stormy, the sky is grey.
The nights are dark, but we have our family,
Kin and Clan around the hearth,
Staying warm in the midst of darkness,
Our spirit and love a flame,
A beacon burning brightly in the night.
This is when we light all the tea-light candles and place the Yule log into the fire, eat all the goodies from
the altar, drink luke-warm hot chocolate and sit on lumpy cushions watching the flames dance in the fire.
It is also a time where, just for five whole minutes, my family are together, quietly, peacefully and un-
manic…and it makes me proud.
Cheryl Waldron
Solitary Yule Ritual
At the Winter Solstice we have a family Yule ritual in front of a roaring fire. With my sister witches, we
have a Yule ritual in the woodland, and as fulfilling as they are, I still like to have a solitary ritual of my
own. This I do in the comfort of my own home, when everybody else has gone to bed and the house is quiet
and peaceful.
I set my altar and sit before it, and take a few moments to reflect on the past year, my own harvest, our
ancestors and how, even though the nights right now are very long the Sun and its light will return. I light a
Sun candle and say:
Tonight is the night of the Solstice, the longest night of the year
As the wheel once again takes a turn, I know that when the Sun rises in the morn
It will start its long journey back to us and bring with it, new life, warmth and light
And blessings from the Earth
I then light a candle for the Goddess and say
Now is the time of the Goddess of Winter, and I celebrate the festival of Yule
The Winter Solstice, the re-birth of the Sun God, and the deep slumber of the Goddess
And the return of the light to the Earth once more
I then light a candle for the God and say
Tonight I honour the god of the forest
The King of nature, who rules the season of Yule
I give thanks to him and to the Goddess who brings new life to the Earth
I then take some time to meditate on the changes I would like to see happen before the next celebration of
Imbolg and allow the candles to burn out of their own accord.
Cheryl Waldron
Poetry from within the Grove
Cailleach
Dark and hard, she is cold
As rock and a wintry storm
Her cloak of death upon the ground lies
And will remain until the earth grows warm
Her gait far striding and her reach equal far
She extends her influence across the land
Bringing dormant rest and peaceful sleep
With the sweep of one bony hand
Though she is not all gloom, like us she weeps
over doom
Her humility still but buried deep in her centre
Hospitality she shares with those who are in need
And for those who into her lair dare to enter
Respect she requires above mans desire
Formidable is her mighty wrath
But revered adequately and left to live free
The Cailleach is fair and will allow you your path
Among her creations, the river and hill
The mountain, the valley and ravine
She carved her signature into the land
And created a rapturous scene
So though dark she is old, she’s hard and she’s
cold
Warmth exists to those who can see
Way deep in her soul, where embers burn like hot
coal
The Cailleach I accept as the dark aspect of me.
Julie Weltch
A Simple Message from a
Simple Higher Being
So, what’s the meaning of life?
Well, why the hell do you care?
Are you scared and afraid that you're lost as a
person?
Or are you afraid the answer isn’t there?
Well, I can't promise you much in this cosmos
But this I can honestly swear.
You see you are far more important that you could
ever imagine
Just by your presence here.
So let’s celebrate to the ones we have loved and
lost
For you see they aren’t gone at all.
As the knowledge they gave us, fond memories
and favors.
Will keep us all standing tall.
And don’t believe all that bullshit
About how they're locked away in your heart.
They're small and insignificant neurons, floating
around your brain
That will keep you happy and smart
Because you see it’s personal. It’s all personal.
It’s different for you and me,
But still our points of consciousness
Work in perfect harmony.
It’s kind of hard to explain,
How we all grow from what we gain.
But your knowledge and experience
Can make your world a better place.
So just be happy.
Mike Porter
Winter Solstice
In the crisp winter wind,
The wise raven waits, a black dot on the clear blue horizon,
A messenger between the worlds,
His piercing eyes surveying the sleeping land, he’s waiting patiently,
He knows what will follow …..
As the mid-winter sun edges above the baron horizon,
The land begins to stir and wake from the longest night,
She sighs with the gentle warmth of the warming sun’s rays
The rhythmic drumming and gentle chanting grows nearer……
They are coming ………as have their forefathers before them …..
The time is near for the glowing winter sun to pass through the scared stones,
Beckoning our ancestors home,
And its time ….
For the stag lord to lead his modern tribe of followers over the crisp frosty carpet,
In time to honour the rising sun,
As have so many before him
An ancient ceremony, on a scared land, in a modern world
The circle of life continues ……… unbroken by the passing of time ……
Jo Leach
R-Evolution
A spindle dance around Earth’s core
The spinal line from South to North.
Wind the universal threads that surge
From the Sky and from the Earth.
The left hand leads the turn to feel
The world move true as each thing grows.
Ignite the sunlight heart that heals
So from it what is fine will flow.
All health and wit and love, a smile
That all good things be reconciled.
Whirl long enough upon this line,
Fibre optic, bright and fine.
Connect pole light above below
A solar flare light fireglow
And by its flaming heat reveal
It is not you but all that reels.
It blends and hums, a sparkled blur,
A mist of colour and of sound.
Feather soft, a flock of birds
A breath of leaves turn all around.
Seek blue and red like chlorophyll
For in that moment Time stands still.
Sem Vine
A Different Point of View
The following poem is written by Dolmen Grove member Harry Sanford. Harry is an autistic
teenager who will be 14 years old in January 2013, and this is the winter holiday from his point
of view.
Christmas Time
Christmas is a time when people go as green as the Grinch drinking the eggnog,
Christmas is a time for giving and receiving,
Christmas is a time when adults are stressed, ‘Hint hint,’
Christmas is a time for eating Christmas turkey,
Christmas is a time for families to be together,
Christmas is a time when sometimes soldiers at war do not have to fight,
Christmas is a time when children wake up in the morning with big smiles,
Christmas is a time for Christmas TV shows.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Harry Sanford
Diary of the Hedgewitch
When wind and winter harden
All the loveless land,
It will whisper of the garden,
You will understand. Oscar Wilde, To My Wife
The dark mysteriousness of the crisp nights have deepened, the direct light of the
Sun weakened, only gradually, frailly, drawing its strength after the Winter
Solstice; modified and reflected in the cold slivery moonlight that is chillingly
cast upon the motionless and forlorn frozen Earth. Moon-shadows from naked
trees are tossed upon the barren land that is grasped, gasping, in the clutches of
harsh winter, whilst the lonely screams of the hungry vixens tear the air, as they
call desperately for a mate in the long dismal hours of night.
Far off into the heavens, the glinting, quivering, light of the stars and the planets
pierce brightly through the blackness, and glitter tantalisingly through the stain of
the Milky Way spilt across the fathomless sky. The distant warm world of colour
has chilled and faded into sliver and black, and dreary grey, soft textures and
sweet fragrances are now transformed into sharp freezing brittleness, whilst bitter
winds whip and howl. Free-flowing water is halted in its movements as it is forced from ever-changing
liquid to imprisonment into solidity as ice. But as water freezes, the beauty of those forces bringing form
into manifestation are seen in the awe-inspiring geometry of ice crystals that sparkle on windowpanes, and
that are active in the crystal formation deep within the Earth, and in the
heavens in whirling galaxies.
Despite the harshness and bitterness of winter we also perceive
wonderment and beauty. Frost crunches underfoot, creeping over the
land, glistening sharply and glitters, like the starry winter sky, on
frozen crispy leaves and bare branched trees. The world, to me, is
always full of mystery and awe, and as the sunbeams ray down on the
frosted, hazy Earth, spreading gentle subtle light, in that moment, as in
so many, miracles occur. We participate in, even shape, the world, with
our imaginations, forever active in unravelling its mysteries and
creating the future. By sensing and observing we can, as Goethe
beautifully expresses:
“..glimpse the seemingly impossible even with the unaided eye, a fact that forces one to prostate oneself in
adoration before the mysterious origin of all things”
We see transformations occur before our very eyes, as water freezes, for example, changing its form and
condensing into ice; or during cooking as it transforms from liquid to gas to air (and whilst cooking on a
wood fire, the orange and red darting flashing flames beneath dance in the air, flitting; water in the melting
pitch and Earth in the ashes).
The world contracts in winter bearing its experiences
that vibrate with all possibilities to flourish afresh.
Whilst we also contract and withdraw, we also
expand our awareness into space, and are drawn
upwards, longingly, into the mysterious comforting
light of the stars and planets and the moon that
prevail our senses when the Earth is cold and hard in
the depths of winter, when the Sun no longer
dominates our world. At the beginning of each new
winter day, (weather permitting) I am enthralled to
watch the reassuring bright glow of light-bringing
Venus sailing up from
the Eastern horizon, heaving behind her the Sun that
spills his warm blood red and pink hues, spattering
the sky, as he is delivered into each new-born morning.
Seemingly so far off and distant, planetary forces penetrate into our beings and their influences are seen in
the growth of plants. Simply, the Moon forces are said to, along with growth, effect rooting processes, whilst
the Sun, as well as providing energy, effects the
vertical growth of a plant. Leaves and flower
petals, in their spacings and growth patterns
resemble the movements of Mercury and Venus,
the closest planets to the Sun. Within the blossom,
fiery Mars influences anther and pollen
development, Jupiter fruit, and distant Saturn, seed
formation.
The forming forces in plants are modified by the
Moon, and the Moon in her tides of fecundity is its
most powerful during the Winter Solstice when
the full Moon is as high in the sky as the potent
mid-summer Sun. Leaf buds are at their deepest
dormancy until the Moon reaches her zenith in
December.
Jupiter strongly influences his role, with his almost twelve
year cycle, directing the forces from the Sun, his expression
impacting upon the lives of deciduous trees. Also connected to
the Sun and the returning hours of daylight after the winter
solstice, although a tree strongly connected with midsummer,
is the oak, representing the masculine fertility of the Sun, the
vitality of the Earth, and within its leaves the merciful
whispering voice of Jupiter. Its acorns emblems representing
the endurance of life and bearing all possible past present and
future within their casings.
Seeds that lay within the cold Earth at this time, are heaving
with anticipation, awaiting the first warmth of spring to each
bear one possible potential through. Although physically
diminutive and contracted, the seed is greatly expanded
etherically, as all possible manifestations whirl and weave
beyond our physical senses.
It is during the winter when we care for our fruit trees, pruning
apple trees that have gifted their precious bounties during the
autumn and now stand bare against a grey sky. For the sake of
knowledge, independence and experience Eve ate from the tree that
represents the feminine as the gates of matter. The pentagram, the
symbol of humanity, is seen when an apple is sliced in half,
reflecting also the movements of Venus during her 8year cycle, and
bears its seeds of all potential within this. Venus is connected to the
5th day of the week, Friday (Freya’s day), and is the goddess of the
rose, the same family as the apple tree.
On 17th January, old Twelfth Night, we can wassail the apple trees
for the sake of the spirit of the Apple Man, a protector of the tree’s
fertility, and to ensure a future good harvest. For this songs are
sung, music played, and cider and toast are flung onto roots or
placed upon branches. These ancient customs renew our
relationships, not just with the trees themselves, but with the spirits
of land, moon and stars, and of those lives of our ancestors who
have gone before.
As a gardener at this time of year, apart a from pruning beloved fruit trees and finishing heaping on thick
layers of manure for the spring, there is little to do, and the garden looks a little bare and forsaken. Over-
wintering onion sets and garlic sit on the frosted ground, requiring long periods of low temperatures before
surging forth in the spring. Parsnips and turnips still await devouring, the long roots of parsnips drawn
down deep beneath the soil. Brussel sprouts and kale, their leaves crisp and brittle in the cold, provide us
with green nutriment to ward off colds and flu over the winter.
Winter flows into spring, and as we await the first snowdrops in early February we are reminded of life in
apparent desolation, of the continual existence of all that is good, and of hope. Our graceful birch, too, is a
tree often connected with the spring and of new beginnings. It is a tree associated with the moon and the
stars, and of Arianrhod and her Silver Wheel. Whilst the world can appear ravaged in lifelessness, plants
remain as symbols for rebirth and creation.
Just as the Earth is a garden where the physical world as we know it is borne into manifestation in all its
myriads of forms, to rise, flourish into experience and fall and decay, transformed; as we look to the
universe and its glimmering stars, of which each of us are, we look at a cosmic garden where all things are
springing into existence, life in infinite creation is coming into being, evolving, creating, and transforming
endlessly, flowing continually through all, stars, rivers, trees, humanity...
Rachael Moss
January sowing chart 2013
Date Constellation of Moon Crops to Sow Other Information
Tues 01 Leo (Fire)
Tomato in heated greenhouse Moon opposition Neptune 20hrs
Moonset 9.40hrs
Wed 02 Leo (Fire) Tomato in heated greenhouse Moon trine Sun 17hrs
Moonset 10hrs
Thurs 03 Leo (Fire) until 2hrs
Tomato in heated greenhouse Moonset 10.20
then Virgo (Earth)
Fri 04 Virgo (Earth) Moon opposition Uranus 10hrs
Mars trine Jupiter 13hrs
Moonset 10.50hrs
Sat 05 Virgo (Earth) 3rd quarter 5hrs
Moonset 11.10hrs
Sun 06 Virgo (Earth) Mercury conjunction Pluto 17hrs
Moon conjunction Saturn 23hrs
Moonset 11.40hrs
Mon 07 Libra (Air) Moonset 12.10hrs
Tues 08 Scorpio (Water) Winter salads in greenhouse/ North (ascending) node 1hrs
polytunnel Moon opposition Jupiter 20hrs
Moonset 13hrs
Wed 09 Scorpio (Water) Winter salads in greenhouse/ Lowest Moon 17hrs
polytunnel Moonset 14hrs
Thurs 10 Sagittaruis (Fire)
Tomato in heated greenhouse Perigee 11hrs
Moon conjunction Venus 12hrs
Moonset 15hrs
Fri 11 Sagittaruis (Fire) Tomato in heated greenhouse Moon conjunction Pluto 1hrs
Moon conjunction Mercury 12hrs
Dark Moon 21hrs Moonrise 7.20hrs
Sat 12 Capricorn (Earth) Moonrise 8hrs
Sun 13 Capricorn (Earth) Moon conjunction Mars 8hrs
Moonrise 8.30hrs
Mon 14 Aquarius (Air) Moon conjunction Neptune 13hrs
Moonrise 9hrs
Tues 15 Aquarius (Air) Moon trine Saturn 5hrs
Moonrise 9.20hrs
Wed 16 Pisces (Water) Winter salads in greenhouse/ Moonrise 9.40hrs
polytunnel
Thurs 17 Pisces (Water) Winter salads in greenhouse/ Venus conjunction Pluto 1hrs
polytunnel Moon conjunction Uranus 2hrs
Moonrise 10hrs
Fri 18 Pisces (Water) Winter salads in greenhouse/ Sun conjunction Mercury 9hrs
polytunnel Moonrise 10.30hrs
Sat 19 Aries (Fire) Tomato in heated greenhouse 1st quarter 1hrs
Moon opposition Saturn 23hrs
Moonrise 10.50hrs
Sun 20 Aries (Fire) Tomato in heated greenhouse Moon trine Venus 5hrs
Moonrise 11.20hrs
Mon 21 Taurus (Earth) South (desending) node 2hrs
Moon trine Sun 18hrs
Moonrise 12hrs
Tues 22 Taurus (Earth) Moon conjunction Jupiter 3hrs
Apogee 12hrs
Moonrise 12.40hrs
Wed 23 Taurus (Earth) Mercury trine Jupiter 2hrs
Highest Moon 7hrs
Moonrise 13.20hrs
Thurs 24 Gemini (Air) Moon oppostion Pluto 23hrs
Moonrise 14.20hrs
Fri 25 Gemini (Air) Moon trine Saturn 1hrs
Moon oppositon Venus 21hrs
Moonrise 15.20hrs
Sat 26 Cancer (Water) from 9hrs Winter salads in greenhouse/ Sun trine Jupiter 4hrs
polytunnel Moonrise 16.20
Sun 27 Cancer (Water) Winter salads in greenhouse/ Full Moon 6hrs
polytunnel Moon opposition Mercury 18hrs
Moonrise 17.30hrs
Mon 28 Leo (Fire) Tomato in heated greenhouse Moon opposition Mars 17hrs
Moonset 7.50hrs
Tues 29 Leo (Fire)
Tomato in heated greenhouse Moon opposition Neptune 3hrs
Moonset 8.10hrs
Wed 30 Leo (Fire) Tomato in heated greenhouse Moonset 8.30hrs
Thurs 31 Virgo (Earth) Moon opposition Uranus 17hrs
Moonset 8.50hrs
Date Constellation of Moon Crops to Sow/plant Other Information
Fri 01 Virgo (Earth) Garlic, parsnip Moon trine Sun 5hrs
Moonset 9.20hrs
Sat 02 Virgo (Earth) Garlic, parsnip Moonset 9.50hrs
Sun 03 Libra (Air) Moon conjunction Saturn 8hrs
3rd quarter 15hrs
Moonset 10.20hrs
Mon 04 Scorpio (Water) from 12hrs Winter salads under cover North (ascending) node 3hrs
Mars conjunction Neptune 21hrs
Moonset 11hrs
Tues 05 Scorpio (Water) Winter salads under cover Moon opposition Jup[iter 3hrs
Moonset 11.50hrs
Wed 06 Scorpio (Water) until 16hrs Winter salads under cover Lowest Moon 2hrs
Mercury conjunction Neptune 23hrs
Moonset 12.50hrs
Thurs 07 Sagittarius (Fire) Broad beans, tomatoes before 10hrs
Venus trine Jupiter 6hrs
Moon conjunction Pluto 11hrs
Perigee 13hrs Moonset 14hrs
Fri 08 Sagittaruis (Fire) until 17hrs
Broad beans, tomatoes Mercury conjunction Mars 18hrs
Moonset 15.10hrs
Sat 09 Capricorn (Earth) Garlic, parsnip Moon conjunction Venus 10hrs
Moonset 16.30hrs
Sun 10 Capricorn (Earth) until 16hrs
Garlic, parsnip Dark Moon 8hrs
Moonrise 6.50hrs
Mon 11 Aquarius (Air) Moon conjunction Neptune 2hrs
Moon conjunction Mars 10hrs
Moon conjunction Mercury 14hrs
Moon trine Saturn 17hrs Moonrise 7.20hrs
Tues 12 Pisces (Water) from 11hrs Winter salads under cover Mercury trine Saturn 20hrs
Moonrise 7.40hrs
Wed 13 Pisces (Water) Winter salads under cover Moon conjunction Uranus 13hrs
Moonrise 8.10hrs
Thurs 14 Pisces (Water) Winter salads under cover Moonrise 8.30hrs
Fri 15 Aries (Fire) Broad beans, tomatoes Moonrise 9hrs
Sat 16 Aries (Fire) Broad beans, tomatoes Moon opposition Saturn 8hrs
Mars trine Saturn 20hrs
Moonrise 9.20hrs
Sun 17 Taurus (Earth) from 9hrs Carrot, garlic, onion, parsnip South (descending) node 4hrs
1st quarter 21hrs
Moonrise 10hrs
Mon 18 Taurus (Earth) Carrot, garlic, onion, parsnip Moon conjunction Jupiter 12hrs
Moonrise 10.30hrs
Tues 19 Taurus (Earth) Carrot, garlic, onion, parsnip Apogee 8hrs
Highest Moon 15hrs
Moon trine Venus 19hrs
Moonrise 11.20
Wed 20 Gemini (Air) from 10hrs Moon trine Sun 15hrs
Moonrise 12.10hrs
Thurs 21 Gemini (Air) Moon opposition Pluto 6hrs
Sun conjunction Neptune 7hrs
Moon trine Saturn 10hrs Moonrise 13.10hrs
Fri 22 Gemini (Air) until 18hrs Moonrise 14.10hrs
Sat 23 Cancer (Water) Winter salads under cover Moonrise 15.10hrs
Sun 24 Leo (Fire) from 9hrs Broad beans, tomatoes Moonrise 16.20hrs
Mon 25 Leo (Fire) Broad beans, tomatoes Moon opposition Venus 5hrs
Moon opposition Neptune 12hrs
Full Moon 21hrs
Moonrise 17.30hrs
Tues 26 Leo (Fire) Broad beans, tomatoes Mercury conjunction Mars 9hrs
Moon opposition Mercury 17hrs
Moon opposition Mars 18hrs
Moonset 6.40hrs
Wed 27 Virgo (Earth) Carrot, garlic, onion, parsnip Moonset 7hrs
Thurs 28 Virgo (Earth) Carrot, garlic, onion, parsnip Moon opposition Uranus 1hrs
Venus conjunction Neptune 15hrs
Moonset 7.20hrs
Recipes
Full Moon Cauliflower
This dish looks like the shining face of a full moon when cooked. The lunar energies are further enhanced by
the cauliflower, milk, butter and eggs.
1/4 cup butter 2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk 3 eggs 1 clove garlic, minced
1/4cup bread crumbs 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup grated white cheese 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets and cooked
Method Preheat the oven to 400oF.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a low heat.
Mix in the flour to form a paste. Slowly stir in the milk until smooth. Beat in the eggs.
Stir in the garlic, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, white cheese, and cauliflower.
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Garnish with additional white cheese.
Will serve 4.
Magical Attributes: Moon magic, fruitfulness, insight. Celebrations: Birthday of the moon, Rites for a patron Goddess.
Creamy Tomato Sauce
1tablespoon of olive oil
1 onion chopped
1 clove garlic chopped
1red pepper chopped
1 rasher of bacon (optional)
2 chopped beef tomatoes with skins removed
2 teaspoons tomato puree
A pinch of basil
A pinch of oregano
Pinch of chilli powder (paprika can be used)
Black pepper
Salt (optional)
500ml tomato passata
250ml crème fraiche
Place beef tomatoes in a bowl or jug and cover with boiling water-This is to soften and split the skins so
they are easier to remove.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the onion, bacon, garlic and red pepper.
Stir in chopped beef tomatoes, tomato puree, basil, oregano, chilli powder and season with salt and black
pepper.
Stir in the passata and bring to the boil.
Simmer for 5 minutes then place the mixture in a blender/liquidiser and blend for a couple of minutes until
smooth.
Blending is optional as ingredients are chopped.
Add crème fraiche and blend for a further minute then return to a low heat until ready to serve.
This sauce can be used with meatballs, pasta and pork steaks. (Although I’m sure there are a variety of other
options)
Omit the bacon and stir the sauce into fresh pasta, and top with grated cheese for a tasty vegetarian option.
Chicken liver pate
220g/8oz butter
1 onion, finely diced
1 garlic clove, crushed
450g/1lb chicken livers, trimmed and cut in half
1 tbsp. brandy
1 tsp. mustard powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Melt 110g of the butter in a pan over a medium heat, then add the onion and fry until softened, but not
coloured.
Add the garlic and chicken livers and fry the livers until golden-brown all over and cooked through. Add the
brandy and mustard powder and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Place the liver mixture and 55g/2oz of the remaining butter into a food processor and blend until smooth.
Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Transfer the pâté into a serving ramekin or small dish and decorate with a couple of cranberries and a bay
leaf.
Melt the remaining 55g/2oz of butter in a clean pan. Skim off the froth and pour the butter over the pâté.
Transfer to the fridge to chill, and then serve from the ramekin when ready.
Chelsie Syme
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 marquis of granby
Every second wednesday of the month
Chickerell road, weymouth, dorset, dt4 9tw.
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
)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 I 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
www.facebook.com/Wynterkallista
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 £24
3 x 10”x8” photograph + disc £52
Special Pagan rates 20% off
Contact [email protected]
www.irvineimages.co.uk
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/lee.akasha/photos_albums#!/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:
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 on
our Website: www.thedolmen.com
Email UK [email protected]
Email USA [email protected]
Or through Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dolmen/250111806234