Goddess in Cornwall 2006

by Marj Rowland

When my friend Geraldine McCarthy told me about the Goddess in Cornwall event back in January 1996 I said that I'd be happy to go so long as I didn't have to do anything- but Geraldine can be persuasive, and I found myself becoming more and more involved with her plans! As the event loomed closer there were various crisis within my family, and I wondered if going away would be such a good idea. I am so very glad that I did! So many wonderful women gathered in one place!

The sun was shining as we arrived, with a trailer load of Geraldine's gorgeous goddess sculptures for the altars, and bundles of withies for her workshop. I fetched and carried while Geraldine and Heather put up the altars, and took the chance to make myself familiar with the peaceful gardens and accommodation of Boswedden House. At the opening ceremony I helped out by lighting the fabulous torches to usher in the spirits of the directions for the weekend. I asked to take away 'inspiration' from the weekend, and I did. Plenty!

The following day I gave Geraldine a hand during her workshop, where bee energy helped us all produce amazing bees from withies and tissue paper. The Grandmothers had sent me a story about the origins of the dances of the bees, which I shared during our visit to the special stones of Boscawen Un circle. Next day was a lazy one, with a massage in the morning, a swim in the afternoon, and pottering around helping Freddie with her huge withy goddess. The pottering continued, around the construction of the sweat-lodge fire, and later with the hot stones and ashes - to which I gave all my moans about life!

On Sunday morning I attended a workshop by the beautiful Katinka, which fired the inspiration I had been hoping for. At Sennen beach in the afternoon Sheila led us in a ritual with the roaring surf as a back-cloth. Cornwall showed herself off with glorious weather that was unseasonably warm.

In between workshops etc. we were served fabulous food, nourishment for the body and the soul, as we ate together and chatted.

Our room is booked, and Geraldine and I have already started planning for the next Goddess in Cornwall with many bright thoughts to take me through the dark time of the year..................

©2006 Marj Rowland

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Content: © Goddess in Cornwall, 2006-8