Dolmen Grove Chronicles

Wishes you a very happy Yuletide !

What it means to be a Druid………… Clliff Carr on being a Druid bard in today’s

world & A 21st Century Duid by Tarnia Spaven

News from the Dolmen including Crow Dancers

Magick of the Dolmen Grove

www,dolmengrove.co.uk

THE DOLMEN GROVE

The Dolmen Grove is a pagan organisation of mixed spiritual paths established in the early 90s by

Taloch Jameson, which over the years has grown from one small circle in Weymouth Dorset, to several

clans not only across the UK but worldwide.

The Spiritual ethos of the Dolmen Grove has remained the same throughout and is based purely upon the

Freedom of the Individual.

It is the collective belief that in an age where technology can often dwarf our humanity, it is important that

we take control as individuals and embrace our own spirituality in order to maintain the equilibrium within

an ever changing world.

Although the Grove is not a political organisation preferring instead to focus upon the spiritual, this does not

prevent either individual members or the Grove as a collective from playing an active part in humanitarian

and environmental issues.

There are no hierarchy or titles within the Dolmen Grove as it is our aim to encourage each man and woman

to discover their own unique and authentic journey so that their spiritual connection is founded upon that

which works for them as an individual rather than a spiritual rule book set for the masses.

The key to our success is the Round Table which is made up of around twenty people from a variety of

spiritual paths who uphold the spiritual ethos of the Grove. They not only organise their respective moots

but also the festivals and events hosted by the Dolmen Grove.

Our Moots are regular meeting places which are held once a month in several areas. Although these are

organised by and largely attended by Grove members, non-members are always welcome to find out more

about the Grove and enjoy the company of other free thinking people as well as the activities organised by

the Moot.

There is a membership in place that enables those who wish to be part of this ever growing Clan to enjoy

reduced ticket prices for Dolmen Grove Events, festivals and where stated ‘member only’ Ceremonies and

Courses. Although we host many Ceremonies which are open to the general public, to avoid crowding and

to allow our members to celebrate free from pressure we also hold members only ceremonies.

‘

ALL ARE SPIRITUALLY UNITED WITHIN THE DOLMEN GROVE’

CONTENTS

1…Dolmen News and gig guide – Taloch Jameson

2…Diary of the Hedgewitch – Rachael Moss

3…Magick of the Dolmen Grove including the Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge – Taloch

Jameson/Diane Narraway

4…Mistletoe – Andrew Cowling

5…Being a Druid Bard in Today’s World – Cliff Carr

6…A 21st Century Druid – Tarnia Spaven

7…The Yule Log – Molly McHenry

8…Aromatherapy – Sandra Wiseman

9…Dolmen Grove Moot Information & The East Dorset

Travelling Moot

10…A Blessed Solstice - Poetry with Contributions from

Claire Whiles, Karen Cooper & Martin Pallot

11…Crabchurch’1 – Mark Vine

Photographs and artwork in this issue by Joanna Caswell,

Rachael Moss, Maria Light, Aaron Cilia, Sem Vine, Kate Sawyer

Crabchurch 2016 advert and Dolmen and Dolmen Grove artwork

Sem Vine with photography by Joanna Caswell.

Spriggan Mist artwork – Aaron Cilia and Kate Sawyer

. Unless otherwise stated all other images are from the public domain.

Further information on the Dolmen Grove can be found at:

www.Dolmengrove.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheDolmenGrove/110124449082503

All information is accurate at the time of publication and all articles and

images are assumed to be the work of those being credited

https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine?ref=hl

Editor… Diane Narraway email

dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk

THE NEW KAYLEIGH ALBUM IS OUT NOW!!!!!!

Available from

www.thedolmen.com

Dolmen News Back in the enchanted circles of Dorset, The Dolmen have been in preparation for 2016, rehearsals and recording taking up much of the time but still managing some

down time away from the studio where they have been spending time at some of the local sacred places gaining inspiration for their work on the Comhluadar

Album and the infamously secret Nuada Album.

Comhluadar, a Celtic word pronounced Co-Loo-Der, meaning United Harmony.

A Live Dvd as well as a Live audio Album, Filmed and Recorded at Castlefest, Netherlands 2015, is set for release in February.

The release of the New Kayleigh Album, 16 Dolmen songs that have featured on other albums in the past but now brought together on one disc featuring a taster

from the coming concept band Crow Dancers as well as a couple of classic re-mixes and the previously unreleased ‘Bloodthirsty Queen’. Taloch Jameson

A taste of the Comhluadar Album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUeO81rAwpA

‘Crow Dance’ is a solo release by Taloch Jameson, singer/songwriter and founder

member of the The Dolmen. The album is a shamanistic journey calling upon both the

natural and spiritual aspects his own indigenous Welsh and Native American ancestry.

The Crow is seen here in his role of a messenger who travels between the different

realms weaving magic, mystery and mundane into one joyous dance....’The Crow

Dance’.

In much the same way as the crow traverses the boundaries between the living and the

dead, Taloch draws upon his extensive musical knowledge and deep spirituality to cross

the boundaries between the ancient and modern worlds. The raw tribal drums and

haunting melodies coupled with the unique vocals of Taloch as his singing and chanting

take us on a visionary journey. In this album Taloch has created a truly mystical

collection of songs dedicated to the ancient dance of the crow, as the tribal shaman of the

Air.

Crow Dance is a supernatural journey of the soul painted through the imagery of music.

Friday 1st January 2016 Winter MPS Dortmund, Germany

Saturday 2nd January 2016 - Winter MPS Dortmund, Germany

Sat 23rd January 2016 -Golden Lion Weymouth

Saturday 13th February 2016 Enchanted Market Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, RG2 2LN

Saturday 20th February 2016 - Golden Lion Weymouth

Friday 4th / Saturday 5th March 2016 - Mystica Hamelyn, Germany

Saturday 26th March Dolmen Grove Ostara Psychic Fayre and Spring

Ball. www.thedolmen.com

Diary of the Hedgewitch

Winter. Dark, cold, bleak, barren, still, silent.

The wild reckless winds have ripped the remaining

leaves from trees that now stand sullenly naked,

twisted and bent against the gloomy grey

foreboding skies. Dead stalks droop limply, spent,

their lives given up in their seed or withdrawn into

their dormant roots within the dark earth.

Mother Nature who gave life so lavishly has now

demanded it back and the world has become pallid

and monochrome, except for the red-breasted

robins that sing sweetly and dance. The harsh cries

of crows and rooks dominate, joined by the

clattering of jackdaws and the occasional loud

lonely resonance of ravens, reverberating their calls

over plundered ploughed field, windswept cliff and

hilltop, and ravaged woodland.

The Sun, our most powerful and

potent star bringing boundless

vitality, stumbles low on the horizon,

the demise of his rule bringing the

withering, contracting, and death, as

his potent vitality withdraws, to be

taken in and transformed.

The prickly glossy-leaved holly is in berry, the

swollen red fruits contrasting with the deep green.

The holly represents sacrificed gods, as the Sun

represents the potency of the male creative force,

and the transformative power of light and

consciousness and all it represents, and whilst the

Sun again begins his rule at the Solstice, the Holly

King is sacrificed so that the Oak may rule the

lighter part of the year, in the dance of opposites.

But as the Sun/Son rises earlier again on the 25th of

December and so is linked with the birth of Mithras

amongst others and the dawning of a new era, the

holly is also associated with the sacrificial blood,

the leaves and berries symbolizing suffering and

blood. A sacrifice has always to be made for

progress to move onwards. If only we can all bring

that light within us each to blaze.

The ivy, also full of berries at this time, but small

bunches of hard dark ones, is partnered with the

holly in the well-known carol “The Holly and the

Ivy”, a reminder of the continuation and ever

onward transformation of life, and of Light, the

sacrifice and triumph of spirit encased in matter;

the holly also representing, perhaps the male potent

and expansive energy, and the ivy the feminine,

contractive energy that gives birth to restrictive

form, the dance of the two coming together to

create new birth.

The first frosts have hardened the land, the world

contracts, inhales to bursting, transmuted, vibrating

with all those experiences taken in from the mad

dance of summer and fertilised with the

possibilities to come. From the rich humus that

ferments in the soil are created new life, new,

forms, new thoughts, and new consciousness.

As we withdraw into the darkest time of year

towards the shortest day, and as the course of the

Sun through the heavens appears to standstill for 3

days at the Solstice, there is a pause, and

anticipation, at the time of apparent

death before the Sun begins to move

Eastwards again and the days begin

to gradually lengthen, the birth and

dawning of an era, a new

consciousness gestated from the

remains of summer’s death and

autumn’s putrefaction. The Sun now

rises at the time of the Solstice in the

constellation of the Archer, Sagittarius, if we can

begin to have the strength and will as a race to shoot

the arrow from the world of darkness and

disillusionment, from the primitive depths of

ignorance, into the light.

So this time of Yule, for me, is a

time of great re-birth, as

vegetation has withered and

leaves have fallen, creatures

hibernate, and the world becomes

bare and stark and barren, it is a

time of withdrawing into the

fermenting darkness and bringing

the light, and the heat and fire, the

passion, of summer, inside, into

the hearth fires where all that has

been experienced is re-kindled

and transformed anew with the

rising of the Light of the winter Solstice Sun.

Rachael Moss

All photography - Rachael Moss

The Magick of the Dolmen Grove

With the recent release of the Crow Dance Rituals under the umbrella of the Dolmen Grove we

thought it would be a great idea to share a couple of the previous productions associated to Crow

Dance and that have also helped many to gain a deeper insight into the Magic and Spiritual

Philosophy of Taloch Jameson founder member of the Dolmen Grove

http://issuu.com/dolmen-grove/docs/dolmen-grove

http://issuu.com/dolmen-grove/docs/awakening_the_gods

Celebrating the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge 2015

I call upon the solstice sun that warms this land

I call upon the spirit that holds the troubled

hand.

I call upon the Lord of eternal light

And lady moon that shines in the darkest night.

I call upon the words of grimoires and tomes

I call upon this sacred circle of stones

I call upon the gods, ancient and high.

I call upon the land, the sea and the sky.

I call upon the flame in the astral fire

I call upon man’s primeval desire

I call upon the purest newborn soul

I call upon the crone, haggard and old

I call upon the love of a mother, tender and

mild

I call upon the beast, savage and wild

I call upon the baby still in the womb

And I call upon those asleep in their tombs

I call upon the strong, the wise and the brave

I call upon the mad, the sick and depraved.

I call upon the power we hold in our hands

I call upon us all to heal this land

I call for an end to pain, suffering and fear

I call for an end to the senseless tear.

I call for an end to war fuelled by hate

I call for it now, before it’s too late

So I call upon the voice of the still, silent heart,

To whisper words of hope and heal their scars.

I call upon the beat of the Dolmen drum

Whose rhythm is powerful, steadfast and

strong

I call upon the words within this verse

To ring throughout the entire Universe

And I call upon all who are spiritually free

To echo the words ‘so shall it be’

Diane Narraway

https://www.facebook.com/BBCSouthToday/videos/953511358072788/?pnref=story

Photo – Joanna Caswell

February 13th and 14th ...Enchanted Market Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 2LN.

March 26th…Ostara Psychic Fayre and Spring Ball.

April 22nd - 24th April inclusive…Beltane Spirit of Rebirth Camp, Dorset.

August 26th - 28th inclusive…Tribal Dreams Camp, Dorset.

September (Mabon) – Local Ceremonies.

October 31st (Samhain) – Local ceremonies and Events.

December – Yule Winter Wonderland Market and Ball.

www.dolmengrove.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/The-Dolmen-Grove-110124449082503/?fref=ts

MistletoeMistletoe (Viscum album) is probably the

most famous herb associated with Yule

and midwinter; holly and ivy being close

competitors.

A true parasite, it grows on tree branches

and can be found predominantly on

Apple and sometimes on Ash and

Haawthorn. It rarely grows on Oak

which is why it is so revered when it does.

The English name is from the Anglo

Saxon Mistletan; mistl meaning different

and tan meaning twig. The Latin Viscum

means sticky and refers to the texture of

the berry juice, the berry colour is

reflected in album, meaning white.

Mistletoe is a sacred herb of the Druids,

particularly when growing on Oak and is

harvested around the Winter Solstice, 6

days after the new moon at this time. The

ritual involves a Druid maintaining a

shaman stance and cutting the herb with

a golden blade which represents the sun’s

energy and the moon’s substance.

The herb is caught in a white sheet held

above the ground; it is believed that the

plant loses its power if it touches the

ground. This ritual also involved the

sacrifice of two white bulls, perhaps

symbolic of the white berries which grow

in pairs. It was then distributed for use as

a cure all.

Mistletoe is a symbol of fertility and

rebirth, peace, protection and welcome.

The fertility symbolism probably relates

to the similarity of the berry juice in

colour and texture to that of semen with

the fact that the berries occur in pairs

adding to the symbolism. The practice of

kissing under the mistletoe stems from

this belief, a berry being removed for

each kiss. As an adjunct to fertility,

carrying the herb in an amulet was

believed to heighten sexual experiences

and have an aphrodisiac effect on the

wearer.

Farmers burnt a globe of Mistletoe and

Hawthorn or Blackthorn, throwing the

ashes onto the field that was to be

ploughed first in the coming season to

promote fertility of the soil.

Conversely, the herb was carried by

women as an aid to contraception. This

might be connected to the custom of

placing it by the bedroom door, hanging

it on the bedstead or putting it under the

pillow to ensure peaceful sleep.

It protects against a wide range of events

including lightning, disease, fires and

misfortunes. It was placed in the cradle

to protect the baby from being stolen and

replaced by a changeling.

Hanging Mistletoe tied with a red ribbon

over the door at Yule symbolises

harmony and welcome to visitors. It is

believed to banish evil and negative

energy and bring good fortune and joy.

In Celtic practice all war had to cease

when Mistletoe was cut; the Winter

Solstice thus becoming a time of peace

and goodwill.

Used in ritual at the Solstice it gives

strength to the weak sun; the ripe berries

are golden in colour, representing the sun

energy. At the ritual each person throws

a berry into the fire to promote the

realisation of personal aspirations as the

sun grows towards summer.

After Yule the first person across the

threshold carries a sprig of Mistletoe in

one hand and a branch of an evergreen in

the other; a kind of first footing.

Mistletoe was often saved until

Candlemas when it was burned in the fire

symbolising the completion of the

transition from the Winter Solstice.

In herbal medicine the leafy twigs are

used as the berries are poisonous. It is

used for the circulation and the nervous

system. I use it with herbs including

Hawthorn, Common Valerian, Cramp

Bark, and Limeflowers to treat high

blood pressure, particularly where

nervous tension or anxiety are factors. It

is also used for rapid heartbeat,

excitability, insomnia, nervous tension,

tinnitus, benzodiazepine withdrawal,

painful and heavy menstrual periods.

It is an old remedy for epilepsy …

‘the powdered dried leaves are food for

the falling sickness’.

Culpeper 1659

It was known that taking too much

caused an increase in seizures; another

example of knowing the herbs and

treating them with respect.

It has long had an anti-tumour

reputation. The Druids applied the

berry juice to external tumours and

Culpeper commended the juice as being

‘good to ripen hard tumours and

swellings’.

In modern times it is used as an anti-

cancer remedy (Iscador is one trade

name). It is given by subcutaneous

injection so cannot be given by

herbalists. This was advocated by

Rudolph Steiner back in 1920 and is

available privately from reputable

clinics although not the NHS.

A remarkable herb, both in its folklore

and its healing properties. Celebrate it

at Yule!

Andrew Cowling

BSc(Hons),Dip.Phyt,D.Hyp,RCST,MNFSH,FN

IMH.

Herbalist, Craniosacral Therapist,

Hypnotherapist, Healer.

62 Grove Road

Portland

DT5 1DB.

Tel. 01305 860611.

Spriggan Mist

Saturday 9th January 2016 Spriggan Mist’s Wassail - The Acoustic Couch

11 Market St, Bracknell, RG12 1JG

Saturday 30th January 2016 The Snug Weymouth

38 Maiden Street Weymouth, Dorset

Saturday 13th February 2016 Enchanted Market 2016

Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, RG2 2LN

Saturday 20th February 2016 Surrey Steampunk Convival

The Royal Oak, 90 Coombe Road, New Malden

Saturday 26th February 2016 Crabchurch Weekend

The Crown Hotel, 51/53 St Thomas Street, Weymouth DT4 8EQ

www.sprigganmist.co.uk

CLIFF CARR …BEING A DRUID BARD IN TODAYS WORLD

Write something

about my Bardic

and Druid path, she

said. Leg wobble, it

went. And mention

something about

what it means to be

photo – Maria Light a Druid today. She added!

Good job I was already sitting down.

On a serious and personal side. It’s simple. It’s a

way of life.

Like many of you. Over many years, I’ve walked

many paths. But without going into too much

detail and personal history. I’d like to share with

you a small insight into my life of druidry and the

inspiration that encourages me to be a Bard.

I discovered Stonehenge when I was 17 years old

and I was intrigued and it was not long before I

started to ask questions, and over the years, my

understanding through observation became a little

clearer to me.

As the years went by. I discovered Avebury too.

I’d met a few people at Stonehenge and through

local Druid groups I was introduced to a few of

the locals in Avebury, who I met up with during a

visit.

Eight times a year I’d visit then after. To hold

witness to the wheel of the year, to talk and listen

with what the good people were saying, in

ceremony, or in general chat around someone’s

house, campfire, or even the local pub.

I’d like to stress that it has only been within the

last 10 years from when I was encouraged and

offered the chance to work in such a magical and

mysterious place that my writing and druidry

developed massively.

So, after a few years, I was asked if I would

become the Bard. I was honoured and took on the

position, grabbing it with both hands, and after the

initial challenge of writing about Cernunnous, I

was accepted as bard of Caer Abiri. A position I

held for 5 consecutive years.

From being accepted. I asked those who were

here, there and present, to “Walk with me”.

The affect that the place had on me was an eye

opener and it soon became a big part of, and a new

chapter in my life. To work in such a fantastic

place, (I use the word work, as observances etc),

Inspires me! It opened my eyes and also, my

heart.

Even to this day. I feel the warmth and energy as I

pass Windmill Hill and enter the henge from the

North entrance when visiting. And feel a sadness

when I’d leave. Bidding the place a hail and

farewell.

I’d like to add too that although I had found

druidry many years ago and called myself a pagan

from an early age. My druidry really took off now.

A place of obvious and proper meaning,

somewhere to learn from and as I’ve said before,

an inspiration and breath of fresh air for me.

To feel the sun on my face, the moon wax and

wane, respecting the planet and her ways, the

seasons and their growth as the animals come and

go, always knowing that the circle of life will

remain.

Druidry and paganism, for me is a way of life. It is

an eclectic compendium of knowledge coming

from many different aspects of life. And the one

thing that brings us all together is spirit.

My observances gave me a realisation and broader

understanding of the systems that we all can relate

to. Just like our ancestors did. It inspires me to

write.

And even though, I am still just scratching the

surface as much been lost over time so it is hard to

visualise the shadow movement of say, the

obelisk, which disappeared a long time ago or the

missing circles, such as the one on Waden hill,

there is plenty still there to inspire and open one’s

eyes.

I now find inspiration easier to find from many

aspects in one form or another. I walk through or

sit amongst the woods more frequently now,

climb a mountain or just sit in an open space and

observe the world go by. All the right ingredients

to bring out the bard in me.

Within my druid path and druidry in general

I look for signs to learn from regularly. It’s a

spiritual thing which is very deep and sincere;

unique to me personally. I question my belief

every day and it’s never long before I get a sign of

some kind which keeps me believing in my belief

structure. The answers, I call ‘the magic’.

Just like our ancestors and the traditions of

ceremony. I feel that this aspect has been kept to a

similar standard, adapted within our time and to

some extent, for a very long time. Although

obviously we adapt the new ways from what we

know of the old so that it works with today’s

world. We tweak it a little because after all we, do

live in the 21st century.

We believe from the days of old that the druid was

the wise one. Although this is only one meaning

for the word druid, and there are many

interpretations, all feasible too. It may also come

from a word Duir-id. Wood or Oak-wise? Duir

came to me from the understanding of the tree

Ogham. It’s Celtic for Oak

It is not known if the druids worked within stone

circles, but we believe that the stone circles were

used by our ancestors for solar, lunar and other

terrestrial occurrences and celebrations much like

other monuments were. They were probably not

recognized as being called a Druid either. But in

today’s world we all recognize and understand the

word because it’s a good word.

It is my understanding. It is what makes sense to

me, I believe that the ancient druids worked

within the woods and within nature itself just like

myself. Looking for signs of change, as the wheel

of the year turns and that he would observe and

advise as deemed suitable for the time.

Over the many years. I find that changes are

always happening but the druid today is not

looked upon for the main source of information

anymore which is a great shame to those who

don’t know of one to ask. But, because times

change a compromise and happy medium has to

be developed. And although we have other

sources to gain information from, like TV, papers,

radio and even computers, most of the information

given is usually questionable and up for debate;

being a long way from the true story and so far

from reality that does not reveal the full picture.

Religion too plays a part as do the politicians of

the world where the powers that be dictate how

one should feel or even live. Also we now have

the likes of supermarkets so the hedgerows, fields,

woods, rivers and streams are mostly free of

foragers now. Only a few enjoy nature’s bounty

seasonally while the rest enjoy a summer fruit in

winter.

Is life now, a life for the better? I’ll leave that for

to you think about. One thing is for sure my life

with druidry has changed me from when I was a

lot younger. It is now an everyday part of my life

to feel humbled and although it is frowned upon

and deemed less important by some of today’s

society druidry is my inspiration and my way of

putting things into perspective. It is a way of

passing on our ancestral knowledge and to live life

for the love of it! This is a Bards way of life!

If you ask me if there is still place for Druidry in

today’s world. Then the answer from me is. Yes

most definitely! We have to keep the traditions

alive and teach the younger generations about the

magic and the basics of life within the world

around them. Inspire their minds and hearts to be

able to make wiser choices when they are old

enough to understand.

I’d like to add at this point that I hope that what

I’ve shared with you, has given you a little insight

into my belief of druidry, how it works and how it

helps me to develop as a bard.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to give

Thanks to the Dolmen Grove for accepting me as

one of the family and also for giving me the great

honour of being the Dolmen Grove Bard. A

position that I had never previously given a

thought and I’m now looking forward to learning,

working and sharing with you all in the future

years ahead with love, light and inspiration.

Cliff Carrr

OUT NOW OGHAM OF THE WOOD

CLIFF CARR

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNtIO4BS1c_nvSvAVPQcIOOUCPfSg3a9K

http://rvrb.fm/1fR1OXc

https://www.facebook.com/Cliff-Carr-rygbard-182261731346/

clifford.carr42@yahoo.co.uk

A 21st Century Druid

I have been following the druidic path for about a

decade now. Before that I had been confirmed

into the Church of England but the dogma and

ethics of Christianity didn’t feel comfortable. It

was like trying to wear a pair of shoes one size too

small and pretending that the confined space and

overall discomfort was fine as long as I walked a

level path.

I was at my happiest whilst walking in the woods

and learning to craft things with my hands and

could feel the changes in the seasons deep inside

my very being. I was raised in a village and spent

a lot of time exploring the countryside around me

and questioning my beliefs. My Grandfather was

a herdsman and we used to visit the farm during

school holidays. I had the most wonderful

experiences of my life on that farm and as I began

to research my beliefs I realised that I had in fact

had a very pagan upbringing.

We had celebrated the seasonal turning of the

wheel, made corn dollies and watched fox cubs

and badgers playing in the fields at dusk. I

remember Grandad taking my sister and myself to

the barn after dark to watch the barn owl swoop

down from a hole near the roof. It was awe

inspiring; an apparition of ghostliness. However,

at that point in my life I hadn’t even heard of the

word pagan and was made to go to church every

Sunday even though my parents never attended.

The older I got the more unsettled I became until

one day I decided to do some research on the

internet about different beliefs.

I thought maybe I would look into Wicca but

although certain aspects of it fitted, I didn’t feel

that it was right for me at that time.

Then quite by accident my internet browser

directed me to a page that was still being set up,

but on the main page was a description about

druidry. This was exciting. It ticked all of my

boxes. At the time it was the middle of December

and I asked my husband if he could take me to the

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge because I had read

another article saying the Druids would be there.

When we got there it was very dark and

extremely cold but the atmosphere of a large

crowd of excited people started to work its magic.

We walked up to the stones and then we heard the

drums. The Druids were coming. My heart was

beating ten to the dozen. All I can really

remember from that morning was the spiritual

high I got when the drums and chanting started.

That’s when I was certain I had found my

comfortable shoes. I looked around my local area

and found a Druid grove and I was invited to join

them for a ritual. I will always be grateful to them

for giving me a solid foundation to my learning

even though we have now gone our separate ways.

Through them I joined the Order of Bards, Ovates

and Druids.

That seems like such a long time ago because I

have grown spiritually and expanded my beliefs

and horizons. I now practice druidcraft, a mixture

of druidry and witchcraft, and because of my

ability to see and communicate with spirit I feel

drawn towards a new path, Shamanism.

Not much is known about the ancient Druids

because the only written accounts we have were a

few descriptions left by the Greeks, Romans and

other various authors and artists. According to

these writings, Druids appear to have been

philosophers, scientists, astronomers,

mathematicians, teachers, magicians, poets and

healers. It is believed they held high office and

were called upon as judges and to officiate rituals.

I can only relate my perspective and experience

of druidry. I have a love of learning and crafting,

not just in the magical sense, but with my hands. I

have a strong spiritual connection to the land, sea

and sky. I don’t believe I am an ‘ancient’ Druid

as I don’t know what their daily practices were but

I do know that I’m doing the best that I can to

uphold the ethics and practices of modern day

druidry. If I make mistakes, I alter my perception

and meditate on it. I talk to my spirit guides and

read … lots! My understanding and knowledge is

changing on a daily basis. If I don’t agree with

something that I read then I dismiss it and focus

on what does makes sense to me.

I’m not just a Druid anymore, I’m also a Witch

and Shaman as well as being a medium and

empath from birth. I still question everything.

My advice to anybody starting out on their

journey is to get out there and feel the earth

beneath your bare feet, hug a few trees and

meditate with them. Connect with spirit and put

your beliefs into action. Practice ritual, join a

grove if you wish and talk to people on different

paths. Seek knowledge and be accepting of

yourselves. No two people will have the same

beliefs and sometimes it is all right to walk the

path alone. We are spiritual beings having a

physical experience so enjoy the ride. In the

peace of the grove.

Tarnia Spaven

MEMBERSHIP OF THE DOLMEN GROVE

The Dolmen Grove offers a lifetime membership, which simply

means a one-off payment of £20 for those who wish to embrace and enjoy the freedom,

Clanship and the right to practice their own spiritual path within the Grove family.

Full Members of the Grove will enjoy reduced rates for events such as

Gatherings like the Beltane Spirit of Rebirth and Tribal Dreams,

and many other events when stated.

A Full member will receive a Membership Card and a unique

Membership Number that identifies who they are when wishing to attend Member only

Ceremonies and other Dolmen Grove Events.

The Dolmen Grove does not have a hierarchy, as we do not believe that people need titles

or labels to follow a spiritual path; instead the spiritual ethos of the Grove is

facilitated by a Round Table, a circle of people from all walks of life.

For further information on the Dolmen Grove and becoming a member please send an email

to dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk

.Also find us on faceboook - thedolmengrove and thedolmengrovemagazine

THE YULE LOG Bringing in the Yule Log is a tradition that is classically held with much celebration. Even if your log is more modest than those depicted in the old woodcuts, you can still make a celebration of it. Bless your Yule log with the following charm either after you have cut it and brought it indoors or after you have finished decorating it with pine boughs and holly:

‘We welcome, O Yule log, With hearts ablaze to make our home a joyous place. Beyond our windows, The bracing weather Frames our good fortune together’ When the time comes to burn the Yule Log, it should be sent on with as much fanfare as it was when brought in. Recite this charm over your log before setting it alight: ‘Farewell, O Yule log, With our hearts aglow in the season of ice and snow. Until glad springtime returns may your merry fire burn!’ Yule Log incense If you are unable to have a Yule log, try this incense instead. It captures the same essence of blessings and warmth as the original, but is more manageable in small or shared spaces. 2 pt. Pine wood shavings 1 pt. Pine needles 1 pt. Cedar shavings 1 pt. Oak bark 1 pt. Bay leaves 1 pt. Cardamom pods 1/2 pt. Sage 1/2 pt. Orange peel or a few drops Orange oil 1 pt. Vanilla sugar Grind ingredients until they are still coarse. Mix together and burn on a charcoal disc. Molly McHenry

Aromatherapy

If you are new to Aromatherapy or have not read previous

articles on this then an insight to it is: - Aromatherapy is the use of organic essences extracted from aromatic

plants for healing and maintenance of vitality.

It may help minor ailments, keep us fit whilst still enabling us to be relaxed and at ease with ourselves.

The oils work by entering the blood stream via the skin, smells evoke memories and the brain registers the

scent via the neurological and the endocrine system.

The therapeutic potential of essential oils, like other plant derived remedies, has yet to be fully realized.

Although numerous medical herbs have been utilized since antiquity, many of which have become of

modern drugs (such as Quinine and cocaine)

In order to use an essential oil apart from Lavender and Tea Tree they MUST be

blended with carrier oil.

Baobab Seed Carrier oil – Adansonia

digitata

The Baobab tree is

found in Africa and has

many beneficial uses. It

has a distinctive look

with a grey bark and

branches that fan out

from the top, providing

it with an 'upside down'

appearance. ~It can live

to 6000 years and stores

water of up to 100.000

litres in its trunk in case

there is a draught. Image by Bernard Gagnon

The Baobab tree produces a velvety shell fruit

around the size of a coconut and its oil is extracted

from the seeds by cold pressing. Although it is

known for being a super food the oil is also

intensely nourishing and rich on the skin. It is

high in vitamins A and F (Linoleic Acid) which

are two of the main vitamins vital to anti-ageing

and skin rejuvenation

As well as vitamins A and F, it also contains

vitamins D and E as well as Omega 3, 6, and 7

fatty acids. It is a semi-fluid golden-yellow oil that

is gently scented and contains nearly equal

amounts of saturated fats.

When used as massage oil, it is absorbed easily

and quickly without leaving an oily or greasy

residue and

instantly softens dry

skin. It is helpful

for Psoriasis and

Eczema as well as

being good for anti-

ageing. It is also

beneficial as hair

conditioner as it

replenishes dry and

damaged hair. Image by T. K. Naliaka

Nutmeg

Essential

oil - Myristica

fragtrans

Nutmeg is an evergreen tree that grows up to 20

metres and is native to Moluccas and is cultivated

in Grenada Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the West

Indies. Image by J. M. Garg

The oil is extracted by Steam distillation from the

seed and the aroma is nutty warm and spicy with

the colour of water-white or pale yellow.

Nutmeg has a long tradition of topical support for

seasonal aches, pains and rheumatism especially

when combined with massage or a hot bath, as it

is an analgesic. It stimulates the heart and

circulation, is anti-emetic so can help prevent

vomiting as well as providing relief for gastric

problems, bacterial infections and nervous fatigue

as it is a stimulant that helps to relax the body and

mind so it can assist with a peaceful and full

night’s sleep. This also supports energy levels

The Spiritual Influence of Nutmeg is it is not only

calming to the body but can also have a profound

effect on our emotions. It dispels doubt and

resistance. And allows us to embrace flexibility,

spontaneity, and joy so we can move forward. If

you are into Chakras Nutmeg corresponds to the

sacral, solar plexus and heart chakras and to the

colour Yellow

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

ALTHOUGH NUTMEG IS NON-TOXIC AND NON-IRRITANT IN SMALL DOSES DO NOT USE

THIS OIL ON CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE OR IF YOU ARE PREGNANT. IF USED IN

LARGE DOSES IT CAN CAUSE NAUSEA, STUPOR, AND CAN CAUSE TACHYCARDIA AS

STIMULATES THE HEART AND CIRCULATION.

Sandra Wiseman Therapies 4 You

07804 138585 6

www.therapies4you.com

DOLMEN GROVE MOOTS

All Dolmen Grove Moots hold regular meetings where people can find out more about

Dolmen Grove membership, ethos and upcoming events including camps, workshops and

talks.

Hampshire, Fareham, – The Heathfield Arms 116 Blackbrook Road, Fareham

po15 5bz - First Monday of every month, 7:30pm onwards.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.dolmengrovehampshiremoot/?fref=ts

Essex - Scout Hut, Cromwell Road, Grays, RM17 5HT Weekends

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot/?fref=ts

Dorset, Weymouth – Old Town Hall High West Street DT4 8JH Weymouth,

Dorset - Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards

https://www.facebook.com/groups/435089566582005/?fref=ts

Dorset, Portland - The George Inn 133 Reforne, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2AP -

Last Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards

https://www.facebook.com/groups/148075512033935/?fref=ts

Cornwall, St Austell - Polgooth Inn Ricketts Lane, Polgooth, St.Austell, PL26

7DA - First Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm onwards

https://www.facebook.com/groups/460165050682366/?fref=ts

Berkshire, Bracknell - The Acoustic couch 11 Market St, Bracknell, RG12 1JG

-Third Tuesday of every month, 8:00pm onwards

https://www.facebook.com/groups/150234135114242/?fref=ts

Dorset, East Dorset Travelling Moot – Various locations in East Dorset - first

Thursday of every month 7:30pm onwards

https://www.facebook.com/groups/285539554914086/?fref=ts

Berkshire, Newbury - Last Thursday of every month, 7.30pm onwards

See Facebook group for venue details

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654789994736431/?fref=ts

All Dolmen Grove moots are advertised regularly on

www.dolmengrove.co.uk

with up-to-date information on individual moot Facebook pages

DOLMEN GROVE EAST DORSET TRAVELLING MOOT

What's a travelling moot?

Well as we couldn't decide on a location for East Dorset Moot, as Dolmen members in East

Dorset seemed quite spread out between North East, South East and everything in-between,

we decided to try a travelling moot. The plan is to meet in different locations to

accommodate members throughout the area and to welcome other pagans in the area that

may not know about us. We are open to seeing how this will pan out in the longer term and it

may be that we will settle in one location, if that location proves more convenient and

successful than others; but equally we may keep on trucking if that is what works for us. It’s

really up to what Dolmen Grove members in the East Dorset area want. We have had

exciting and interesting suggestions including meeting at a ferry port so that members from

Isle of Wight could travel as foot passengers to join us. Fantastic idea!

We will be fostering an active ritual group with rituals taking place outside of moot meeting

times to coincide with whatever is important to moot members. These times could possibly

be related to Solar or Lunar events or both. There are so many possibilities to explore and

East Dorset is a landscape rich in ancient and sacred sites. We want to take our rituals

outside to communicate with the spirits of this wonderful land. With such an abundance of

free food around us we also plan to take foraging trips to feed body and soul.

Our first meeting was at The Lambs Green Inn, Corfe Mullen and was well attended. We had

a busy agenda regarding possible meeting places /times /themes etc. A lively discussion was

held regarding the forthcoming ritual for the Dolmen Grove Solstice gathering at

Stonehenge. We are keen to encourage those new to ritual to participate and everyone

involved was energised by the experience and keen to explore further. We were grateful to

have our first moot ritual in the great mystical space of Stonehenge surrounded by the

support of our Clan.

The second meeting will be at The Green Man pub at Wimborne on Thursday 7th Jan 7pm -

7.30pm. Focusing on ritual practice the topic for this meeting will be The Quarters; the

history, the similarities and differences in our individual and group practices. Diane

Narraway will start us off with a talk which will be followed by a discussion and sharing of

experiences.

February's topic will be Sigil Magic and a talk by myself (Linda Moonbow) will lead into a

discussion. It will take place on the first Thursday of the month with the venue to be

confirmed.

Future moots will have an exciting range of topics and talks delivered by Dolmen Grove

members and guest speakers. If you have a talk you'd like to share with us or a venue you'd

like us to visit please get in touch on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/556080981209172/?fref=ts

We look forward to you joining us on your travels.

East Dorset Travelling Moot is hosted by Linda Moonbow and Gitta Cooper.

A Blessed SolsticeWINTER SOLSTICE.

Each year we gather at the Stones,

The cold doth chill us, to our bones

But we bring with us solstice cheer

To celebrate this time of year

Within the henge the circle grows,

And through us all the energy flows,

The sun has risen upon the plain,

and so the wheel has turned again.

Dancing, Drumming, Singing, Chanting,

Winters magic swirling, starting,

Blessed are we to be in this place,

Within this yuletide's dark embrace.

So celebrate eternal light,

the sun's rebirth, the longest night,

Now we leave ‘til next solstice eve,

When we'll gather again at the stones.

Karen Cooper

RETURN OF THE LIGHT

As the sun stands still

And the earth is calm

Mother nature is sleeping

Restoring her charm

Goddess becomes great Mother

The new Sun is born,

Our souls dark night

Waiting for morn.

For 12 Yule nights

The candle will burn

A blessing to all

The Sun King will return

Claire Whiles

SOLSTICE

Silent, secret, sylvan shadows,

Slip between the winter trees.

A breath of sound like distant

drumming,

Carries on a rustling breeze.

A figure walks the dreaming trackways,

Through this ancient forest night.

A woman, pale as silver birch bark,

Dressed in gown of purest white.

She steps from out the trees dark

shadow,

Into a glade of frost touched turf.

Her footfall leaves no print upon it,

She is the moon, come down to earth.

Within this landscape wreathed in

magic,

Walks another maiden fair.

Clothed in robes of green and amber,

Oak leaves woven in her hair.

Given form by earth’s great spirit,

Come to meet her moon born kin.

Her eyes are bright as rain washed

berries,

Like summers wild rose is her skin.

They meet within the trees soft circle,

Greeting with a sisters kiss.

Then stand and watch towards the pole

star,

There is a third that yet they miss.

And time is held between two moments,

Like the pause within a breath.

Or like, that infinite quietus,

That seems to wait upon a death.

The other comes on steps of silence,

Dressed in robes of Raven black.

A coldness, worse than any winter,

Follows fast upon her track.

A cowl enshrouds the ancient features,

Of this dark unseelie she.

A face of cruel and harsh uncaring,

That mortal eye would dread to see.

She is the Hag, midwinter’s spirit,

Collector of the seasons due.

Those lives, demanded by the north

wind,

To let the spring be born anew.

She steps into the star lit clearing,

Moves her hand above the ground.

A mist arises from the frost fret,

Begins to drift the circle round.

Within this icy breath of winter,

These spirits tread a sunwise path.

Creating with their slow progression,

A timeless, placeless, hallowed garth.

A space for them to work their

wisecraft,

Where the drumming louder grows.

And where, like ice, so slowly melting,

The time once more begins to flow.

Quicker now their footsteps falling

As they weave the world afresh,

Their forms, so ghostly in the mist light,

Seem to shimmer, shift and mesh.

Round in sunward sacred circle

Three in one the figures flow

The heartbeat drumming of the season

Deep within the ground below

Then, all is gone from in the clearing,

Except, the mist drifts deosil,

It spirals, wanders, weaves and falters,

Stops, and all is utter still.

Faint the sound of drumbeat fading,

Lingers on the cold night air,

The mist, performs one last

enchantment;

Unveils the figure standing there.

This shortest night draws to its ending

As golden glimmers edge the Earth,

And from this charm of solstice making,

The form of spring is given birth.

A maiden, fair as season’s blessing,

As golden haired as harvest dream.

Her gown is like a may day meadow,

A sunrise sown in every seam.

She looks towards the days new

dawning,

Her skin is washed in pearly light

Her eyes reflect the east’s pale colour,

She trembles like the lark in flight.

She is the gift of ancient spirits,

She is the wise craft that they send,

She is the new life of the season,

She is the gold at rainbows end.

She walks towards the forests welcome,

She steps in wonder, like a fawn.

Beneath her feet, the world is breathing,

As all that’s green is now re-born.

She reaches to the trees bare branches,

At her touch, the leaves unfurl.

She smiles to see this gentle magic,

And walks into the waking world.

Silent, secret, sylvan shadows,

Slip between the springtime trees.

There comes a sound, like, pan pipes

playing,

Carried on a rustling breeze.

Martin Pallot

LOVE STREET www.lovestreet.me

February 2016 sees the 22nd year of commemorating The Crabchurch Conspiracy in Weymouth during the

English Civil Wars. It is the name given to a Royalist plot during the autumn and winter of 1644, in which a

rich merchant called Fabian Hodder, schemed with various other influential supporters in Dorset of the

King, Charles 1, to bring about the downfall of the Parliamentarian garrison in the twin towns of Weymouth

and Melcombe.

The Governor, a local man called Colonel William Sydenham had no idea of the plot and in fact his

regimental preacher, a puritan called Peter Ince wrote in his diary at the time…“In the beginning of

February, we were in as sweet a quiet and security as any garrison in the Kingdom: no enemy near us, but

one at Portland, and that not very considerable, being but about three or four hundred men”.

But, at midnight on the 9th February 1645 a force of 120 Portlanders attacked the town of Weymouth, taking

two major forts there and killing Sydenham's dashing younger brother, Francis in the fighting. Sydenham's

forces retreated to Melcombe and an internecine bombardment lasting several days, began. Eventually, after

a further 4,500 royalist soldiers under the command of the infamous George, Lord Goring, joined the two

thousand already facing Sydenham's meagre force of 1300 men, all seemed lost.

But, when on the 27th February 1645, the combined royalist force of 6000 men attacked, Sydenham

somehow won a miraculous victory, killing about 500 royalists with the loss of only about ten of his men.

To find out how and all about the events leading up to it, go to http://crabchurch.co.uk/

The Crabchurch Commemoration next February will be a little different from the usual format in that the

now famous Dolmen Crabchurch concert in which they perform live, their seminal concept album, 'The

Crabchurch Conspiracy', will be separate from the talks and in a different venue to them.

The talks, which this year will once again include the ever popular Professor Ronald Hutton and another

superb civil war expert, John Rees, will also include a bit of theatre in the guise of 'Bishop Bray', a royalist

ranter, more used to touring with folk rock stars, the Levellers & Maddy Prior etc. in the 'Freeborn John'

stage show. He will deliver his sermon-like observations on the civil war and its parodies with modern life

in a slightly comical show which the audience will find irresistible. But if the Bishop thinks he's getting it all

his own way, he wasn't taking into account the counter-argument which will be delivered by our own Jon

Dixon in the guise of Preacher Peter Ince and the two of them will argue it out live on stage, Royalist against

Puritan ... and may the best man win !

The talks etc. begin at 5pm in the ballroom of the Crown hotel and finish at 8-15pm. Which will give you

plenty of time to stroll the few hundred yards over to the Belvedere Hub music venue where The Dolmen

will perform their concert live, with special guests Diane Narraway and Cap'n Steve Howl, beginning at 9-

30pm.

Throughout the week leading up to the Crabchurch weekend, there will be a free English Civil War

exhibition at the Weymouth Old Town Hall and on the Saturday of the talks and concert, re-enactors will be

in full 17th century costume performing scenarios in the town of events which took place during the

Crabchurch time. The following day on the Sunday morning at 11am, you will be able to watch the trial and

executions by hanging of the conspirators, an enactment of what really took place after Sydenham's victory

was complete.

So if you want to be a part of this great weekend which will feature some excellent historians and an

awesome night of wonderful music from The Dolmen go to the link below and secure your tickets for one or

both of the events taking place. Tickets are limited to 100 for each event, so get in quick!

CRABCHURCH ...WHERE MUSIC MEETS HISTORY ... AND MAGICK IS BORN.

Mark Vine

http://cc16.co.uk/

Further information on Dolmen Grove can be found

www.dolmengrove.co.uk

Dolmen Grove Facebook links

Portland Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/14807551203393

Poole Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/28553955491408

Weymouth Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/43508956658200

Berkshire/Bracknell Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/15023413511424

Cornwall Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/46016505068236

Essex Moot https://www.facebook.com/groups/dolmengroveessexmoot

Hampshire Moot

https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.dolmengrovehampshiremoot/

Berkshire/Newbury Moot

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654789994736431/?fref=ts

Dolmen Grove Chronicles

https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGroveMagazine

Dolmen Grove

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dolmen-Grove/110124449082

Email Diane Narraway (chairman Dolmen Grove/Editor Dolmen Grove Chronicles)

dolmengrove@dolmengrove.co.uk