The hearth, the source and the beauty

holy springs, ancient trees and litter removal

centuries of footfall indented the steps up to the chapterhouse at Wells Cathedral. Photo WP.

I have been away: from home, from work, from all recently familiar anchors, for a week in West Dorset, then Wiltshire and Somerset. I would like to write about it, but it seems I cannot find many words. This week’s post is very simple, and I hope you will not mind the complete lack of commentary upon experience. Last night saw a huge electrical storm here and an abrupt change of season, welcome and fresh. I defer to the new easterlies and spots of rain. So, I offer these images on your glowing screens, made possible by the passage of electrons, in lieu of what we would talk about if you were here with me at my desk, drinking tea and looking out towards the Solent, this morning.

I will return with words very soon, and an invitation to help me create a rather special earth pilgrimage. Deep blessings of the green, the hazels and the rising waters to you.

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Chapterhouse, Wells Cathedral, like a soaring forest canopy of pale stone.

unparalleled organic sinuous beauty in every direction, lifting the gaze upward. Of all the cathedrals I have yet visited, Wells is the one that feels most alive to me, perhaps due to the flowing spring it still harbours.

Glastonbury Tor, from Wearyall opposite, where the famous twice flowering hawthorn of Joseph of Arimathia has been most wonderfully returned by persons unknown… We picked up much litter and plastic waste to clear the site and restore the clarity of the way.

Queen of Heaven from the centre of the magnificent Othery Cope, a masterpiece of Opus Anglicanum.

the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, destroyed in the Reformation. The spring sacred to Joseph of Arimathia is under this spot. It still flows, we touched the waters.

the Compton Dundon churchyard great yew tree. Ancient but absolutely thriving, full of exceeding beauty and energy. Life / death / life.

the oak door with Tudor roses at Othery church, inside are so many simple wonders of traditional craft, including misericords carved with vines and acorns.

the welcoming beeches behind the clear spring of St Aldhelm’s well whose waters we have been drinking all week These beeches, and several others, were where I have sat in great peace.

I hope these photos give you a glimpse of the west country I have been moving trough this week. If you are headed this way, let me know, so I can recommend places to explore. ¹

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my second ever pack-basket to which I will add a lid and accoutrements over the next months to fit my friend’s wayfaring needs

This week’s good thing: I have been making another pack-basket with Amanda Rayner of Wyld Wood Willow. Over the years it appears I have now made six baskets, two each of three kinds, with her and each time I learn so much. You can order kits and take online lessons from her website at the link as well as seeing her at festivals and events in the UK. There is much for people abroad to enjoy on her site too, even if you cannot order willow kits for postage outside Europe. If your hands have never attempted to wrangle willow, I heartily recommend it for a humbling, grounding experience.

the best classroom in England, at Joe O’Leary’s Wilderness Survival Skills, Wiltshire

1. Links to information about the places in the photos: Glastonbury Thorn, St Aldhelm’s Well, Compton Dundon Yew, Glastonbury Abbey, Othery Church, Wilderness Survival Skills School.