RUTH’S REPORT

If it seems odd that I should begin at the end; I hope that the reader will forgive my eccentricity on the grounds of my inexperience and the sheer panic of being asked to write this report!

It was hard to believe that the festival of ‘The Goddess in Cornwall, 2007’ was over and that I was in the car and on the way home, my mind still at beautiful Boswedden House.

Still in that mindset as I walked into the supermarket the next morning, I was smiling, my arms metaphorically outstretched in greeting. I was brought swiftly down to earth as I saw the closed, unsmiling faces of the other shoppers!

I was made even more aware of the gift of friendship and sisterhood that I have shared with the other women at the festival over the last few days. We had been living as it must have been long ago, living in the way of the Goddess, everyone working toward the same goal for the greater good of all. Everyone in that safe space, free to be ourselves, free to express ourselves in whatever way felt right, able to care for each other and support each other through the highs and lows of emotion.

I remembered finding it remarkable how all these women, most of us strangers when we met, were totally at ease with each other, sharing confidences, eating and laughing together, enjoying each other’s company. I remembered the workshops where the Priestesses taught us to know our Celtic Goddesses, and how by honouring and praising the Goddess we can bring her into our daily lives, and how by doing so we find our own Goddess within. I remembered the soft heartbeat rhythm of Jackie Dash’s drum calling us to the sacred fire circle at night, and as we all sang Sally Pullinger’s beautiful songs we were mindful of the beauty around us, and the endless bounty of the Great Mother. The night sky overhead was a deep dark velvet blue, and the Milky Way so bright that I felt that I could reach up and touch the stars.

I have brought all of this, and so much more, away with me, my heart is light, I feel taller, I have grown spiritually – and it feels good.

September 5th , Beginning of Goddess in Cornwall, 2007

As soon as we arrived I felt that there was something special about the place. The sun was warm and bright so Boswedden House and the grounds, overlooking Cape Cornwall, looked lovely – but I felt something more than the peace and beauty of the site. There was a sense of timelessness and magic, a feeling of a breath held, waiting. There was almost a shiver of anticipation in the air around me. I knew this event was going to be good.

Marj had made sure that we arrived early. Marj Rowland and Geraldine McCarthy were to create the sacred altars in the house and the marquee in the grounds. I was happy to tag along to learn and help wherever I could. Geraldine’s arrival was announced by Angel, her lovely chocolate Labrador, who greeted us with much tail wagging, expecting tummy rubs in return. Geraldine came with arms full of herbs and flowers from her garden, these would put the finishing touch to the altars.

With our hosts' (Nigel and Thelma) permission we cleared the entrance lobby to Boswedden House. Geraldine’s breathtaking oil painting of the ‘Summer Solstice’ was hung over the main altar. Marj had created a beautiful Goddess in Cornwall banner, which we positioned to greet everyone as they entered. The fabric for each letter had been chosen by a different woman, who had written three wishes for Cornwall on the back. Marj also placed ‘spirit dolls’; the Lady of Healing went in the room to be used for therapies, the Lady of the Hearth went in the dining room, and the Lady of Cornwall went in the entrance porch. The altars in the entrance porch came to life as Geraldine’s amazing clay sculptures of the Goddess were put into place. It looked perfect, a great welcome to everyone as they entered the house. Nigel was so pleased with the effect that he would have liked to have kept it all there always!

In a secluded part of the garden, but still close to the house, Marj had created a place for retreat and meditation. This lovely quiet space was an altar to the Goddess of the Cornish sea, set off with a mermaid banner, also made by Marj. With rugs and cushions on the floor, and the entrance lit by candles, this was the perfect place for time alone. We were entering the dark phase of the moon, a time for reflection and making plans for the future. A time to journey deep within ourselves and make our resolutions, ready to carry them forward and put them into practice at the time of the new moon. I knew that this area would be well used.

The three of us went on to prepare the marquee, which was situated at the top of the site, and from where we could see both the fire pit and the labyrinth. Geraldine had brought her powerful paintings of the four elements, which were placed in their appropriate directions. Under each painting an altar was set, and at the centre of each inspirational and magical spirit dolls were placed. Each one had been lovingly sculpted in fabric by Marj, the detail and artwork was wonderful, and each one represented each element perfectly. The altars were crowned with a withy ring hung with streamers to correspond with the colours of each element. These whirled and danced in the breeze. With the pure white spirit doll placed on the centre altar, a transformation had taken place. The marquee had become a Temple.

As we left we saw Jackie Dash building the fire, putting huge logs in place. Heather Campbell was putting candle lights around the labyrinth. It was apparent that a lot of work had gone on over the past few days. Cheryl Straffon, Geraldine McCarthy, Marj Rowland, Jackie Dash, and Heather Campbell, the organisers of this festival, have all worked with the Goddess for many years. I was moved by how much work and preparation these five dedicated women must have done over the last year to bring this fantastic event to fruition. 

Back at the House, I sat outside, enjoying the tranquillity of the sunshine, and a cup of tea, when the first of the women began to arrive. One by one, quietly, like the pilgrims of old, soft smiles of anticipation on their faces. The trickle became a flow, as more and more arrived. The air was suddenly full of women’s voices and laughter, names called, hugs returned, the joy of meeting old friends, the pleasure of meeting new, a sense of sisterhood as we all gathered in the name of the Goddess – the festival had begun!

Cheryl had arranged an introduction before dinner  to give us all the information we would need about the workshops, therapies, etc. We were each given a red marble as our token for one of the therapies on offer, together with instructions not to lose our marbles. The programme was very full, with so much to do, I realised I would have to make choices, and it would be hard, I wanted to do everything, it was all too good to miss. We each took a tiny envelope from a cauldron. Inside the envelope was a coloured card to indicate which ‘sister group’ to look for after dinner (the first of the delicious meals we were to enjoy over the next few days) so that we could get to know each other. 

As we gathered outside, waiting for the opening ceremony to begin, the sunset was spectacular. We all watched in awe and delight as the huge red gold disc of the sun dipped slowly into the horizon, creating a wide pathway of copper and gold across the sea to our very door. This was just the first of the magical experiences to come.

The opening ceremony was powerful. There were only four of us Trainee Priestesses of Kernow present, the others were to join us later, but we felt very emotional as we watched our Priestesses and Mentors in their ceremonial robes, calling in each Goddess, bringing them into our sacred hearth-fire to be with us and bless our festival.

As the Goddess of the North was called in there was a thunder of hooves from the next field as the cattle there seemed to respond to the power of the moment, and charged along the other side of the wall. Great torches were lit and carried to the centre by each Priestess, where the flames ignited the fire, so skilfully laid by Jackie that it sprang to life immediately. The Goddess was with us. The celebration had begun. We danced under the stars, we played our drums, we sang our songs. It was breathtaking, beautiful. I left the outside world behind as we became as one with the land.

Thursday Morning

I had slept well. Breakfast was laid out in the dining room. There was so much to choose from it was difficult not to be very greedy. I chose lovely hot creamy porridge topped with yogurt and fruit, yummy! – and no washing up. During breakfast I chatted to some of the women around me and got to know some of their names. I was astounded by how far some of them had travelled to be at this festival. One lovely lady, Pat Perkins, was on holiday from the U.S.A., and had decided to come to Cornwall for the festival. I liked her instantly.

There was a short ‘sharing circle’ facilitated by one of the organisers each morning after breakfast, held either in the marquee or at the fire circle. This was a general get together to discuss the previous day’s activities and voice any problems we may have had (there weren’t many!), and an opportunity to get to know one another. I thought it a good start to the day.

I noticed as I wandered up the site that lots of small tents had popped up in the night like coloured mushrooms, and thought from the luxury of my enjoyable en-suite single room in the house I thought how nice it might be to lay out under the stars each night and wake up to the sun on my face. Maybe next year?  I reflected on how there seem to be many options regarding accommodation at Boswedden, something to suit everyone. Whatever option chosen, the food was not to be missed. The meals were all vegetarian, home cooked by Thelma and her staff. They were wholesome, plentiful, and very delicious.   

The first workshop, facilitated by Geraldine McCarthy and Marj Rowland, focussed on the Snake Energy of the Goddess. The magical, mysterious, and primordial serpent, which holds the secrets of rebirth, regeneration, transformation, and life force. Serpent is the Guardian of the ancient dragon pathways of our ancestors that connect stone circles, burial mounds, and sacred sites. Spine tingling stuff! (no pun intended!) As we stood in power in our circle Geraldine handed round a skeletal spinal column that she had found on her land; it was interesting to see how each vertebrae linked together allowing the spine to twist and turn, but still protecting the spinal chord. Through the bones I could imagine the deep energy that had belonged to the animal, and thanked it for its gift.

To activate the sleeping serpent at the base of our spine that controls our baser instincts and raise the vibrations of our energy to higher planes we first had to shed our skin. We went through a list of the everyday roles that we all adopt, that are not the real us, and burnt the list to signify leaving these unimportant parts of us behind.
We were instructed to take a partner, and one of us knelt down, adopting the yoga pose of the child. Being a woman of generous proportions I have found this a difficult pose for some years now, but down I went, and my partner, under instruction from Marj, proceeded to remove my stale, blocked, unwanted energy, by moving her hands, not touching me, but keeping them just above the surface of my back and spine. It felt very strange at first and the top of my head felt as though it was on fire. Gradually I felt my spine relax, and I could really stretch out, and afterwards my back felt really good. I just hope I did as much for my partner!  

Then we all went out into the sunshine to make our snake masks. It was great fun. Pots of paint of every colour, glue and sticky tape everywhere, bits of gold paper and cardboard flying in the breeze. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The finished masks were amazing, each one different, dramatic, and full of life and colour. It was also amazing that we managed to get them finished with the amount of talking and laughing that had gone on.

In the afternoon we went to Tregeseal Stone Circle. The bus took us as far as it could, then we walked the short way to the track that led across the moor. The track was narrow so we walked mainly in single file. I was bringing up the rear. As I looked ahead I saw that the women had formed the shape of the winding path we trod, the serpent shape. I had the thought that, but for our clothes, we could have been pilgrims from long ago, coming to pay homage and celebrate the Goddess. Nothing had changed. Time stood still. The stone circle was magical, peaceful, timeless. Just the sound of bees in the heather and gorse.  No one disturbed us.

As we connected both physically and mentally with the stones a deep sense of peace settled around us.   After a ceremony to honour the Snake Goddess, led by Geraldine and Marj, we were given time to write, draw, or paint our impression of that special place. I felt so connected to the earth there that I was hardly aware of the others around me, I was in a different space. Suddenly it was time to go. The memory of that afternoon will stay with me.

After another great dinner, we had the choice of two workshops. I chose the singing and voice workshop with Sally Pullinger. Sally’s amazing energy is catching, we sang our hearts out and raised the roof a bit. I hadn’t enjoyed myself so much for ages. I came away thinking that singing is definitely good for the soul, and that I intend to sing more often.

Friday

Sheila Bright facilitated a workshop in the morning, ‘Brighid’s Healing Flame’. We all dressed in white in Brighid’s honour. In the centre of the Temple Sheila had placed a breathtaking altar, its centre a crown of white candlelight. The candles had been lit from Brighids perpetual flame from Her Centre in Kildare, Ireland. Around the candles vessels of water from Cornish sacred wells had been placed. Those of us who had brought gifts to Brighid were asked to place them on the altar. During the workshop we asked, through invocation, chant, and meditation, for Brighid to bless us with Her healing powers.

The atmosphere in the Temple was gentle, and calming. As Sheila led us, and spoke about Brighid, I could see the love for her Goddess written on her face. We chanted and brought Brighid into our circle, and I felt that She is the good in all of us, and that She shows Her face to us through the kindness and love we show to others.

Sheila led us on a beautiful visual journey to meet Brighid. We travelled on the backs of three white swans, and as I followed Sheila’s voice I could feel the soft feathers around me and the wind on my face as the swans flew. I was suddenly back to earth as a cloud of tiny spiders engulfed me. They were in my hair, on the back of my neck, down my back and front. I tried so hard to concentrate on the meditation and not disturb anyone, but the dozens of tickly little legs were just too much to ignore. I prayed that Brighid should move them to a safer place, and this She did in due course, but meanwhile I tried gently and surreptitiously to move them myself. As I did so I noticed that one or two of the other women had been similarly blessed. I thanked Grandmother Spider for her gift, saying that while I appreciated the gesture, I thought that her timing could have been better. The thought came straight back that perhaps I needed to work more on my powers of concentration. I hope I didn’t disturb anyone else!

Towards the end of the workshop we were given pure white strands of thread to plait our own healing girdle. As I worked I wove in my prayers for the gifts of healing. Everyone lit a candle from Brighid’s flame, and we were given these to take away with us. As I walked back to the House in the sunshine I felt happy and relaxed.

Again, we had a wonderful lunch. Feeling very full and lazy, I was tempted to just lie in the sun all afternoon, but I didn’t want to miss Brighid’s Blessing at Madron Well. I am so glad I went. It was my first visit, and I know I shall return again and again. As we silently walked the wooded path on our way to the Well we passed the Cloutie Tree, covered in bright tributes and prayers. We stopped a while to add our own, and just enjoy this quiet place. We walked on and came to the little chapel that had been a sacred place of Celtic worship through the ages. It is impossible to describe the magic of this blessed place surrounded by its protective circle of trees, and open to the skies. Peace and tranquillity were all around the stone altar and the sacred Well. Cheryl gave each of us a simple blessing as we all sang ‘Holy Water, Sacred Flame’. There was time for a quiet prayer, then we left, and as we did there were people waiting respectfully to come in.

Then there were workshops to choose from again that evening, and I, of course, wanted to do both. Drumming with Jackie or Motherpeace Cards with Geraldine. I chose the latter in the end, and was not disappointed. The room was full as there were 23 of us and only 22 cards being used. Mary-Rose and Pat decided to share, and that problem was solved. They are both lovely ladies, and so easy to get on with, I knew it would work out OK.; and as it turned out the card they picked worked for both of them.

Geraldine was very focussed as she always is when working. She managed to give us all a reading from the description each of us gave of our card. It was interesting to see how her readings had meanings for each and every one of us, and all of our questions were answered in a direct and positive way. Geraldine’s knowledge of her subject was apparent. The evening was fascinating, and great fun, but I thought that Geraldine must have been exhausted at the end of it, she had worked so hard.

Saturday

The morning workshop was dedicated to ‘the Goddess of the Sea’, and facilitated by Katinka Soetens. I had been looking forward to this, having been to one of Katinka’s workshops before as part of my training for the Priestess of Kernow Group, when I enjoyed her teaching, her energy, and her enthusiasm.

The altar to the Goddess of the Sea was beautiful, and reflected Her many aspects and attributes. We had all been asked to bring the gift of a shell, which we placed on the altar with our own personal prayer. I found it very moving as each woman humbly placed her gift and honoured the Goddess. In this workshop we were to meet the Sea Goddess in all her forms and come to be mindful of Her gifts of life, love and emotion, Her great bounty, joy and mystery. Using the blue veils we had brought we connected to the Goddess through dance. I could feel the rhythm of Her movement in my own body and felt that She caressed me and moved around me as I danced. The whole Temple was full of colour and movement and great energy.

Katinka then asked us to lie on the floor, which felt good after so much dancing, under our veils. She took us on a journey to meet our Goddess at the bottom of the sea. We chose a guide to take with us. Mine was a seal who I had met as she came close to me as I swam at my local beach at Portreath last summer. Following Katinka’s voice we swam together down through darkening shades of blue and green until I found my Goddess in a huge cavern full of bright and beautiful light.

When sharing our journeys afterwards, Sally Pullinger had been inspired with a mermaid song, which she taught to us, and as we sang her song it was a lovely end to a brilliant workshop.

After another more than delicious lunch we went to long Rock Beach – a change of venue due to tides that day. It was a perfect afternoon, the sun was hot, and the view of St Michael’s Mount made a spectacular backdrop. Most of us went in for a swim, the water was cold and felt great. Sally came to the water's edge to conduct us and we all sang her mermaid song as we swam. It was great fun.

We combed the beach for items to build a spiral pathway, and then joined in a simple ceremony led by Sheila and Katinka. We gave thanks for the love and good things in our lives, and while doing so I realised how much I am blessed. As we sat with our backs to a wall that had been warmed all day by the sun swans magically appeared on the sea in front of us. We could hardly believe our eyes, it was a wonderful moment. We were all delighted, but I think Sheila was especially moved. Brighid was with us.

As we walked back along the beach the sun was setting, dogs were rushing in and out of the waves, and a group of horses and riders were enjoying the surf. What a blissful place this beautiful land of Cornwall is. I am so lucky to live here, I will always fight to preserve her beauty and defend her traditions.

The time for the Cabaret had arrived, and we were all encouraged to do our bit. I hadn’t realised the variety of talent we had among us. We were entertained with music and exotic dance. I laughed till my sides ached as ‘Miss Smith’ described her experience of the festival, and the trauma of camping out. Her Brighid’s Girdle was a wonder to behold. A hard act to follow, but ‘Angel-Ena’ came on, with her illumination and bottomless bag of goodies that no serious devotee of the festival could do without, and we were all laughing again.

Poems were recited, wonderful stories told, but the star of the show for me was 3yr old Ella George, singing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ between each act (we were all expected to join in and do the actions ), then she thanked us all for coming to her party - magic.

I haven’t forgotten the climax to the evening; Nikki Frith and her amazing fire dance, performed outside the marquee. It was an incredible sight, as she made great streamers of fire that circled and whirled around her. Nikki is a beautiful and talented dancer, and words cannot do the sight justice. I never tire of watching her.

Sunday

There are seven of us in this year’s Priestess of Kernow Training Group. Halfway through our training, we had been asked to create the closing ceremony by ourselves. Of course we were nervous (I was shaking), but we were together, the Goddess was with us, we were empowered.

As I listened to my Sisters in the Group as each one hailed and said farewell to her Goddess, as each one gave thanks for the bounty and the beauty of this land, for the sunshine and all the laughter we had shared, and for all the blessings we had received during this festival, I felt so proud to be part of this Group. I realised how much we had learnt and how we had grown under the teaching and guidance of our Priestesses. We would all like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

It was time to say our goodbyes. And make our promises to meet again next year- so I am back where I started this report, at the end.

Blessed Be!

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Content: © Goddess in Cornwall, 2006-8