Waterperry House, the School’s retreat centre in the South of England, is familiar to many members of the School all over the world. David has been its Bursar for nearly two decades and has overseen many developments in that time. Here he writes about one of them.
Let’s Get Some Druids in!
David Hockley, London/ Waterperry
It was about 2013, and Simon Buchanan had just arrived at Waterperry House and Gardens, newly appointed as Steward. We were in our weekly meeting – me as Bursar, the action man for the house – and he with overall responsibility for the estate. We were talking about the Yew Henge, a garden feature planted about eight years earlier in yew and box. This is a replica two thirds the size of the original Stonehenge, a site of druid practices.
Being early June, mid-summer was just around the corner. I mentioned that I’d seen a circle of druids all in white gowns celebrating the Summer Solstice in the 1970’s. And Simon suggested: ‘Let’s get some druids in!’
I phoned around and found someone with a Summer Solstice text prepared by a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates (people in second stage in the druid training focussing on the nourishing and healing aspect of herbs and trees) and Druids. I printed out a few copies and asked residents on the estate to gather at dawn on the 21st. A motley bunch paraded down to the Henge, not in white but earthy greens and browns, staffs in hand looking for the direction of the rising sun. A sacred circle was cast, Awens chanted (sacred syllable invoking supreme spirit), the four directions acknowledged, respectfully asking the spirits of the season to bless our ceremony.
I was hooked.
This resonated with my Quaker background. Not sitting in silence and waiting to be moved by the Holy Spirit. But instead, the sanctifying of all life with respect for people and creatures on the planet; peace and love for all.
By the power of star and stone!
By the power of the land within and without!
By all that is fair and free, we welcome you to our rite of Alban Hefin.
Encouraged by our success of the Summer Solstice, we celebrated the Winter Solstice, then added two equinoxes (midpoint between the Solstices). I had no direct connection with the source of the ritual texts and struggled to contact the mysterious author. I coaxed copies of previous years texts from a member of a druidic grove (a group of druids), and eventually added the final four festivals – start of spring, May day, corn harvest and Halloween all reflecting their own character and significance at their own time of the year.
This … is sacred space.
This … is sacred time.
Let all disturbing thoughts and energies be set aside.
Druidry seems to be a loose term for the study and practice of unity with everything, particularly the natural world as we know it on earth and all the unseen powers which affect us. Indigenous peoples around the world have similar ideas and although no ancient written texts have survived in druidry there are recent (last thousand years) myths and legends from Ireland and Wales which provide a wealth of material on the subject. This is our own ancient tradition, religion for the religious, and our own slice of existence in the forever.
Ancestors and kindred, all, of Earth, Air and Water.
You, whose breath we now breathe…
After a few years of carrying out the rituals I had a load of questions. The language of Irish and Welsh terms was new to me. What was the authority of these rituals? Why was I finding them so special, significant, interesting? My questions finally found a sympathetic ear, but all I got was – ‘Do the training.’ Not to be entered into lightly. It would mean many years of practising connecting with the elements, tree lore, the value and message from plants, astrology, rituals, meditations, incantations. However, …
Welcome Great Spirit.
May Your free-flowing Spirit move around us, drawing together all the threads of our weave.
It was lockdown and I had a bit of time to settle in to ‘The Training- Bardic Grade.’ I chose to hear the material rather than read it and enjoyed the four-part approach. Part one – aphorisms for reflection; Part two – history, myths, the elements, legends; Part three – practical exercises for the week; and Part four – eisteddfod (poetry or song).
Tradition has it that this bardic section of the training might take twenty years or more. Hundreds of stories and songs had to be learned by heart.
Breathe … Slowly… Deeply.
Feel the earth beneath your feet.
Hear the breeze dance through the trees and caress your skin.
The second grade is the Ovate grade getting close to trees and creatures. Spending time communing, listening, respecting the living bodies as they follow the natural annual cycle of growth, flourishment, withdrawal and rest. I had always been an outdoors sort of guy, but this awakened a much deeper connection and appreciation. To ask a tree if, in humility, you can approach its space, to awaken to its story, to be nourished by what it can reveal. Wondrous stuff indeed.
We know that the elements are hugely significant, gods in the Vedic tradition, but spending time reflecting on one in turn was a delight. One exercise was to write about the aspects of fire, the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of this mighty force. Wonderful.
Today the sun is high, the light is bright, and the earth is warm. As the Lord of the Sun blazes above, the fire of our celebration shall flame below.
I have taken people of stature in the druid tradition to Yew Henge. They have confirmed the power, energy and strength of the site.
As I proceed with the practices, I become humbled by the scale of the task. Slow and steady. I return to past exercises, dwell deeply on present exercises, avoiding any concern for results.
Sacred Solstice Healing Fire,
Lift our Spirits, Take us Higher!
Circle Spirit, Spiral Light,
Bless us with Your Sacred Light!
Now all are welcome and ten to fifteen regularly attend. We see people from Waterperry village who have become interested in the festivals. Someone recently said, ‘I’ve been looking for this for years. So pleased to be a part of this.’ People ask to attend if they are training and searching for a group that celebrates the festivals.
We invited members of the School to a special gathering last Winter Solstice. They enjoyed talks about sacred sites, ley lines, druidry today and the cycle of festivals. Early morning is best for the spring and summer festivals and early evening for the autumn and winter events. This allows the privacy we value as the garden and Yew Henge are quiet at those times. We take it in turns to lead the rituals and several from our community are starting to train in the tradition.
Blood-kin, Soul-kin,
Guardians and guides,
We thank you for your presence, in this, our rite of Alban Hefin.
Initially in training I was keen to discover any similarities with the Vedic tradition. So when I heard there are only four elements, I challenged my druid tutor. I learned that the element ether is firmly included as the centre of the other four. As part of my course, I have written an article on the circle of nine points – the creation from unity to manifestation. I now see my work with druidry as informing, extending and nourishing my work with Indian and Sanskrit teachings.
Attending an early morning or evening festival has its difficulties. Everyone has other commitments but the loyal support in the preparation, management as well as catering for the feasts that follow is testament to their commitment and appreciation of the events.
The henge has become a significant, asset to the members. I have been to druid events where a back garden is the best site available, but we have a magnificent, imposing, sacred place to hold our festivals… boy, are we lucky.
Deep, within the stillness of our being, may we find peace.
Silently, within the sacred gathering, may we share peace.
Gently, within the circle of all kind, may we radiate peace.
Thank you, Simon. Your suggestion has made my life fuller, richer and far more interesting; along with the lives of a growing number of people in the area.
Photo shows Stonehenge. Yew Henge at Waterperry is a working model adjusted for position, and two thirds of the size of Stonehenge in living yew and box hedge.
Enjoyed this article? Read another like this: Sacred Dance See the website for Waterperry House.