The Hedge Druid

Posts Tagged ‘hecate’

Sunday 20th June, 2010

Travelling back from Glastonbury we decided to investigate the area around the village of Priddy near the Cheddar Gorge. On the map Priddy has a smattering of mounds clustered around the village. This sounded inviting, and we entered along a long straight road. As we travelled along it we turned to each other and gave a knowing look – this was clearly a “corpse road” – a long straight road along which, it is reckoned, the spirits of the dead move, and which was reserved for processions of the dead. Of course it could have easily marked a ley lineThe term used by many British dowsers to describe an energy leyA straight line of neutral energy linking two or more sacred sites or other energetic centres. This is often confused with Alfred Watkins’ concept of the Ley Line. Strictly speaking a ley line does not necessarily mean a neutral energy line, only a sight alignmentAlignment relates to the concept that humans have their own energy fields that are oriented or formed in a specific way such that the person is either suited better to one energy source of another. Some people have their energy fields empowered by the direct subtle energy force of The Sun, whilst others are empowered by the indirect subtle energy of The Moon. Due to the historical associations and symbolisation of The Sun with masculinity and The Moon with femininity we designate these alignments as either being ‘male’ or ‘female’ alignments accordingly. We interchangeable refer to people as being ‘sun-aligned’ or ‘male-aligned’ and similarly with the female alignment. between notable places, whereas an energy ley is like a radial spoke in a wheel, with energy flowing outwards across the land in a straight line. It has sometimes been found that the energy ley can be diverted from its strict straight path by changes in the landscape or strong attractors that pull it away from its original course. Energy leys may have inter-twining streams of male and female energies weaving along them, as though the energy ley is an attractor, a pathway or a conduit for the male and female energies.. It is easily confused with ley and therefore its use is not recommended by dowsers.. We didn’t dowse as we drove. Maybe next time? Who do you think we are – Miller & Broadhurst?

Priddy Barrow

Using SatNav (and boy did we need it) we located the field within which the Priddy Long Barrow and accompanying barrows were supposed to be. Nothing. The field was empty. We wandered to the top of the slope that should have been the remains of the Long Barrow. It was completely clear. Obviously, nothing to see here! We re-dowsed – was there an energetic structure nearby – a barrow with any remaining energy in it? There was. We wandered into the dip in the field and found a spot. Only with the dowsing rods could we confirm the location of the site. Yet another instance where the rods have found things that are completely hidden to the naked eye. The remains of a barrow’s stone structure were tiny piles of stones hidden completely by thistles, nettles and grass clumps. Not much to work with, but it was registering some energy.

Within moments of arriving both Kal and I had each found a power centreA place where a person of a particular alignmentAlignment relates to the concept that humans have their own energy fields that are oriented or formed in a specific way such that the person is either suited better to one energy source of another. Some people have their energy fields empowered by the direct subtle energy force of The Sun, whilst others are empowered by the indirect subtle energy of The Moon. Due to the historical associations and symbolisation of The Sun with masculinity and The Moon with femininity we designate these alignments as either being ‘male’ or ‘female’ alignments accordingly. We interchangeable refer to people as being ‘sun-aligned’ or ‘male-aligned’ and similarly with the female alignment. (see ‘AlignmentAlignment relates to the concept that humans have their own energy fields that are oriented or formed in a specific way such that the person is either suited better to one energy source of another. Some people have their energy fields empowered by the direct subtle energy force of The Sun, whilst others are empowered by the indirect subtle energy of The Moon. Due to the historical associations and symbolisation of The Sun with masculinity and The Moon with femininity we designate these alignments as either being ‘male’ or ‘female’ alignments accordingly. We interchangeable refer to people as being ‘sun-aligned’ or ‘male-aligned’ and similarly with the female alignment.’) feels particularly comfortable and empowered. The place is an energetic centre where a particularly beneficial combination and formation of energies is formed into a pattern that is harmonic with the person for whom it can be called a power centre. to use. Having my recent experiences in Glastonbury to work on, I dowsed around to see whether there was any genius lociGenius Loci means 'spirit of the place' and refers to the geological/gaian spirit of place. It is transfixed to a place – being an embodiment of the collective intelligence of the place. at this site that could help with that work – to solve the riddle of  ”waking the dragonDragons are spirit or energetic beings that reside in sacred sites and have a particular location in them and also move throughout the day (and or season). They also leave the sacred site on occasion, which again differentiates them from Genius Loci which don’t.”.

Spot the barrow at Priddy

It’s a funny thing about the gnostic knowledge process, “gnowing” as I have referred to it on earlier posts. What you have to do is to be in the right kind of place (i.e. a place with earth or radiant energy) and then you can let your mind de-tune from the surroundings and instead tune into the land and whoever or whatever is around. Tale, for example, the genius lociGenius Loci means 'spirit of the place' and refers to the geological/gaian spirit of place. It is transfixed to a place – being an embodiment of the collective intelligence of the place.. There is some definite sentience to the entities that guard a special place. If you tune into this correctly then you can effectively form a conduit connection between your own mind and that of this sentient energy, and knowledge can be transferred.

GNOWING: The tricky thing, as a modern person living in the modern world, is that such a process has been not only ridiculed to the point of being outlawed, but there is a whole host of modern psychological garbage getting in the way that makes you think (for a brief second) that you are making this up. Then, some piece of information is ‘downloaded’ into your mind – a picture, a feeling or a thought – and you know that this was not from you. Because it takes you by surprise, and it could be information that you have no prior experience of whatsoever.

Merlin and Mab

There was indeed a presence within the site. I got the feeling that it was a presence that didn’t live there specifically, but that had been attracted to our activities at the site and was coming to meet us there. Just a feeling. I sat on the power centreA place where a person of a particular alignmentAlignment relates to the concept that humans have their own energy fields that are oriented or formed in a specific way such that the person is either suited better to one energy source of another. Some people have their energy fields empowered by the direct subtle energy force of The Sun, whilst others are empowered by the indirect subtle energy of The Moon. Due to the historical associations and symbolisation of The Sun with masculinity and The Moon with femininity we designate these alignments as either being ‘male’ or ‘female’ alignments accordingly. We interchangeable refer to people as being ‘sun-aligned’ or ‘male-aligned’ and similarly with the female alignment. (see ‘AlignmentAlignment relates to the concept that humans have their own energy fields that are oriented or formed in a specific way such that the person is either suited better to one energy source of another. Some people have their energy fields empowered by the direct subtle energy force of The Sun, whilst others are empowered by the indirect subtle energy of The Moon. Due to the historical associations and symbolisation of The Sun with masculinity and The Moon with femininity we designate these alignments as either being ‘male’ or ‘female’ alignments accordingly. We interchangeable refer to people as being ‘sun-aligned’ or ‘male-aligned’ and similarly with the female alignment.’) feels particularly comfortable and empowered. The place is an energetic centre where a particularly beneficial combination and formation of energies is formed into a pattern that is harmonic with the person for whom it can be called a power centre. and tried to connect to the genius lociGenius Loci means 'spirit of the place' and refers to the geological/gaian spirit of place. It is transfixed to a place – being an embodiment of the collective intelligence of the place. – kind of announcing myself and seeing what images or thoughts came to mind. Only one – a welcome from Mab. Who the heck….Queen Mab? Images of Miranda Richardson in the juvenile TV series ‘Merlin’ flickered through my rational mind but I knew this was me searching through my internal reference library, but only finding a facile equivalent in an attempt to appear helpful. I tried to switch this ‘facility’ off and carried on the communication.

I introduced myself, very politely considering this might be an entity who was ‘higher up the pecking order’ than I was used to. My politeness and quiet introductions paid off. She seemed quite friendly and I was being encouraged to communicate. In fact, it seemed like there was something that she wanted. As I was a “servant of Merlin” she wanted me to call upon his male energies so that she could utilise them. Should I do this? Did I know how to do this? I was feeling a bit dubious about this – could this so-called Mab be trusted? I stood up and picked up the dowsing rods to ask. “Is this genius lociGenius Loci means 'spirit of the place' and refers to the geological/gaian spirit of place. It is transfixed to a place – being an embodiment of the collective intelligence of the place. really called Mab?” – YES. “Does this Mab mean me any harm?” – NO. “Do I need to protect myself from this spirit?” – NO. Well, I felt I had to ask. Lessons learned, and all that.

In my mind I heard a far-off voice. I don’t know how to describe the concept – it’s like a visual overlay that you know is not there but which you can see, except this is a voice – an aural overlay. It’s a vocal overlay that you know is not IN your mind, but you mind is the space within which the echo of this voice is heard. Sometimes you will hear the voice as a variant of your own internal voice, and believe me, that’s even more confusing and prone to doubt! That’s about as close as I can get withthat description.

Anyway, Mab asked me to transfer some male ‘Merlin’ powers to her. She felt that, because I was Merlin’s servant, that I was a suitable person to ask this of. Why she needed this energy, I don’t know. What she would do with it? Same. Dunno. Why she couldn’t obtain these energies herself? Likewise. However, I did this, and in return she offered to help me with achieving my next stage’s aim. I stated my case. “I believe I have to got to Cadair Idris to wake the dragonDragons are spirit or energetic beings that reside in sacred sites and have a particular location in them and also move throughout the day (and or season). They also leave the sacred site on occasion, which again differentiates them from Genius Loci which don’t.. When I am there, will you help me to do this?“. She responded that when I was ready, at the top of that mountain, I could call her for assistance then. Well, that seemed like a fair exchange and I thanked her for her offer.  I was left wondering whether this had been a two-way exchange, or not? Only time would tell exactly how and when my half of the bargain would be fulfilled.

Queen Maeve

Here is some information about the tradition of Mab:

“Although Queen Mab has no direct references in Arthurian Legend, she is still a Queen of the Fae and worth investigation.

In the Celtic tradition, Queen Mab was also known as Queen Maeve. “Maeve” means mead and it was said that Mab gave this blood red wine to all of her consorts. Mead wine represented menstrual blood which was considered “the wine of women’s wisdom”. In Warwickshire, the word “Mabled” came to mean “led astray by the faeries or elves”. In Cymric (the Welsh language) Mab was defined as meaning “small child”. Additionally, Mab meant “Drunk Woman” and “Queen Wolf”.

Mythologically, Mab was the Queen of Connact; the warrior queen of the Ulster Cycle. She was the combined mother/warrior aspect of the Triple Goddess. The Pagan festival of Mabon was celebrated in her honor each year at the Autumnal Equinox. During the festival, those wishing to be King were not endorsed unless Mab invited them to drink of her mead wine. This ensured that the male king would be well versed in feminism and women’s mysteries.” (source: Rowan Sterling)

 I think, reading between the confused lines of history and mythology, that this “Mab” entity was the same energy that I was meeting the day before in the Chalice Well gardens. I had the same reaction to it, and an inherent level of trust (even though I did quickly check with the dowsing). Once the dowsing gave me the nod that all was well I complied with her wishes immediately and completely. Strange. Was I hoping to get something out of this? I think I was. I think I was already on the quest for the waking of the dragonDragons are spirit or energetic beings that reside in sacred sites and have a particular location in them and also move throughout the day (and or season). They also leave the sacred site on occasion, which again differentiates them from Genius Loci which don’t., and was involving myself in some extra-anthropoidal intelligence to try to gather some clues and set myself off in the right direction. I’m sure psychologists would have a lot to say about this – “archetypes”, “wish fulfilment”, “the anima” – it’s all there if you label it conventionally!

From one strange encounter to another strange event. Let me tell you next time about the finding of the Caerleon ley lineThe term used by many British dowsers to describe an energy leyA straight line of neutral energy linking two or more sacred sites or other energetic centres. This is often confused with Alfred Watkins’ concept of the Ley Line. Strictly speaking a ley line does not necessarily mean a neutral energy line, only a sight alignmentAlignment relates to the concept that humans have their own energy fields that are oriented or formed in a specific way such that the person is either suited better to one energy source of another. Some people have their energy fields empowered by the direct subtle energy force of The Sun, whilst others are empowered by the indirect subtle energy of The Moon. Due to the historical associations and symbolisation of The Sun with masculinity and The Moon with femininity we designate these alignments as either being ‘male’ or ‘female’ alignments accordingly. We interchangeable refer to people as being ‘sun-aligned’ or ‘male-aligned’ and similarly with the female alignment. between notable places, whereas an energy ley is like a radial spoke in a wheel, with energy flowing outwards across the land in a straight line. It has sometimes been found that the energy ley can be diverted from its strict straight path by changes in the landscape or strong attractors that pull it away from its original course. Energy leys may have inter-twining streams of male and female energies weaving along them, as though the energy ley is an attractor, a pathway or a conduit for the male and female energies.. It is easily confused with ley and therefore its use is not recommended by dowsers. and what it did to my compass!

Gwas.

We are still on our first day in Ireland, having just landed at the hotel and taken a breather from our long journey through the “non toll” roads of Dublin, we decided to hit out for Tara.

As Gwas will no doubt relate some of the historical aspects of this site I will deal with an interesting experience that occurred there for me.

We arrived, the long way around (this seems to have been a popular theme in Ireland) and the sun was just setting across the western countryside.

I wandered around the many gentle mounds of the site and eventually ended up in the church yard that is situated there.

The church is dedicated to St Patrick and to be honest, that late in the evening with the many crows nests above, it could have easily doubled as any Hammer House of Horror setting.

With the crows squawking there sleeping call I sat where the dowsing rods had led me i.e. in the church yard there looks to be the remains of a wall. You can see it in the picture below. So there I was, having been “called” to this haunting place by the rods promise of an “interesting” place.

After many moments of contemplation, with no result and it getting a bit cold, the day had been gorgeously sunny but the night was much cooler. I was thinking that it was about time to leave.

When a couple of crows landed right infront of me. They gave me a true fright and I half got up to run, but in the past I have had strange portents with crows so I decided to watch these with intent. They both jumped about and seemed to be fighting over some food on the floor, but I couldn’t see any. Then after a few minutes they let off an almighty screeching…it sounded to me like they were screaming “kay-leech, kay-leech” after a couple moments of this one flew off, then the other. I was dumb struck by the behaviour of these creatures and the mesasage they were trying to communicate.

About fifteen minutes later I met up with Gwas and we exchanged experiences. I asked him whether he had heard of anything called kay-leech. His response was no, so I let it skip from my thoughts. Then some time later to fill a curious void I decided to google it (at great expense!) and as I put in the words, google suggested …”caileach”

What! Seriously! I delved further…

“The cailleach is a sort of mystery; a Goddess who survived eons after her worship died out. she is vastly ancient, so ancient that we virtually nothing of her original myth and ritual. she can be found in Ireland and Scotland and England, traced through folklore, through the names of ancient monuments and natural wonders, and through enigmatic verses and stories.
It is not possible to obtain an idea how long she was worshiped, or by whom. The Celts came to the lands of the Cailleach some 2000 years ago. bringing their own pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. The new arrivals recognized the Cailleach as already ancient, for as a famous Irish poems says, ‘There are three great ages; the age of the yew tree, the age of the eagle, the age of the Cailleach.’ It is impossible to know what this Goddess meant to her original worshipers.
Cailleach must have been very important, for she did not disappear as countless other divinities have, If nothing is truly known about her, paradoxically she is still alive, still a power in the lands once dedicated to her. from these vestiges, we can reconstruct  something of the powerful original figure of ancient times.
She had many names Cailleach Bheur or Carlin in Scotland; Cally Berry in northern Ireland; Cailleach ny Groamch on the Isle of Man; Black Annis in Britain; the Hag of Beare or Digne in Ireland. She was of fearsome appearance, with only one eye an eye of preternatural keeness, in the middle of a blue black face.  She was noted to have red teeth and hair white as a frosted snow covered mountain top. Over it she wore a kerchief and over her dull grey clothing a faded plad shawl.” Source: Order of White Moon

What did this mean? I was at a loss to explain it that night, but the next day had more revelations and a deal to be had. But if you want a hint…it is right there in the text above…”There are three great ages; the age of the yew tree…”

Just before I finish this post I want to mention the locations that this path took:

• It started at Tara and St Patrick
• More was revealed at Knowth
• Concluded at Four Knocks

Google is a fantastic tool and I searched for a connection with these terms and found one that connected Tara, St Patrick, Caileach and Four Knocks… An Imbolc Celebration , stay tuned for more!

Bless,

Kal

A recent visit to Treadwell’s Bookshop in Covent Garden,London allowed me to stock up on some interesting Druid-related books. I only had an hour in there but in that time managed to find some great books, details of which I will add to the Bibliograhy list soon. The books were mostly things that I haven’t seen in other book stores, and that’s probably because Treadwell’s specialises in magickal books of all varieties and ‘denominations’.

I heartily recommend a visit there if you happen to be floating around London with an hour or two to spare. I got the recommendation from Philip Carr-Gomm’s new book “The Book of English Magic” that he wrote with Richard Heygate. It was certainly true that the staff have an excellent knowledge of the subjects and can direct you wherever your fancy dictates.

They also hold lectures there on esoteric subjects regularly, so if you have an evening spare too then you might learn something interesting!

Gwas Myrrdyn.

Finding dark corners.