Danu's Cauldron: Wisewoman's Ways, and Wild Fey Magic

Living in a sacred landscape, walking between the worlds in the veil of Avalon Glastonbury. Where the old gods roam the hills, and the sidhe dance beneath the moon...wander into the mists with me and let us see what we may find...

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A guide to working with Sacred Sites and the Powers of Place- part 2


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In this the second final part of my blog on working with ancient sacred sites, I look at offerings and how to approach the powers of place with the right attitude...

Offerings

One good way to relate to a sacred site and its spirits, and to 'give back' is the practice of offerings. Gift giving is very important in Celtic practice, and something I find very worthwhile continuing, between friends and relations, as well as between us and the spirits, our other kin. However, it is something that takes awareness. Please always think about your offerings carefully, especially at ancient sacred sites which are often archaeological sites as well. I think offerings are really important- not as a begging supplicant, but as an act of bonding, and mutual exchange...like bringing a gift to a friend, you show you care. You appreciate the gift of being in this special place, and the effect it has upon you. Some people will argue that offering aren't necessary- even dangerous- while others will say they should adhere strictly to a traditional pattern or gift. I would argue that thinking about what you are doing comes first, and finding a practical way to say thank you is just good manners in most cases. What you bring with you to an ancient ceremonial site will often dictate what sort of time you have, what sort of contact you make- so don't bring your fear. Be discerning, yes, but resist judgement of an ancient culture or a confrontational attitude! Bring gratitude, an open heart and a willingness to learn instead, and be sure that you show respect on all levels.

For example- too often people leave non biodegradable rubbish as offerings, especially as a confused version of the old Celtic practice of tying clooties or cloths to special Hawthorn trees. These cloths were originally used to dip into a sacred well or spring near the tree, laved over an ill or troubled person and then hung on its branches to take the illness or negativity  away. That doesn't mean if you tie a sweet wrapper, and old sock, a synthetic ribbon, a plastic flower, or anything you find in your pocket to a tree you are giving a gift to the Goddess. ( I have seen all things and more tied to trees- please don't add to the list! ) Instead leave a gift of song, or poetry, a gift of dance, a gift of your love. If you must leave something, leave non-germinating bird seed, a gift of a glass of wine or spring water poured among tree roots, leave a scattering of dried rose petals that biodegrade and fly on the wind ...or best of all, leave with a bag of rubbish ( trash) that you've collected on your visit.

Entering the silence.

The most important thing to do when visiting somewhere ancient and sacred, is to drop your daily agenda, including your usual inner dialogue, and just BE there. Take photos just before you leave, if you really must take them, but resist as long as possible. I've seen visitors at Stonehenge spend their whole visit looking through a screen- to show other people they were there- rather than putting the camera down and just experiencing the place. We cannot know everything that went on in such a sacred site, we don't  know enough details of their practices and customs, but we can get an idea by just being there. The spirits remain. Be still. Be quiet. Be receptive. Chant, drum, whatever works for you for a while if you must, or feel called to- but also make time for silence. Give them time to speak to you how and when they will.  Remember, you are trying to enter into relationship, not show them how clever you are. Its a two way exchange.

I like the adage that can be seen on signs at sacred sites around Cornwall 'don't change the site, let the site change you.'

Enter the silence, enter the sacred space, and be changed. You'll be glad you were.   

 

©danuforest2015  

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Danu Forest is a wisewoman in the Celtic Bean Feasa tradition of her Irish ancestors. You could call her many things- witch, seer, walker between the worlds, healer, druid, priestess, teacher, writer, gardener, herbwife, stargazer, faery friend, tree planter, poet, and wild woman. Danu lives in a cottage near Glastonbury Tor in the midst of the Avalon lakes, in the southwest of England. Exploring the Celtic mysteries for over 25 years, and noted for her quality research, practical experience, as well as her deep love of the land, Danu writes for numerous national and international magazines and is the author of several books including Wild Magic, The Druid Shaman, Celtic Tree Magic, Gwyn ap Nudd and The Magical Year'. She teaches regular workshops and online courses and is available for consultations, including healings readings and other ceremonies.

Comments

  • Natalie Reed
    Natalie Reed Tuesday, 28 April 2015

    In the mid-90's I was fortunate to visit the southwest of England on a tour of sacred sites. One of those sites was Modron's Well where grows a lovely clootie tree. People were tying ribbons and whatever they could find on the tree, I had nothing with me that would do. So I pulled some strands of hair out of my head, said some words of honor and asked to find suitable partner. He and I have been together for 18 years now - it seems Modron approved of my humble offering!

  • Danu Forest
    Danu Forest Tuesday, 28 April 2015

    that sounds great Natalie- i often leave hair too, its quite literally a gift of myself, and green too! I know modrons well i visit there often- sadly it gets really overcrowded with a lot of unbiodegradable clooties these days...we've got to love these places, not litter them! sounds like your magic was perfect! ;-)

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