Crataegeus
As you walk down from the car park to a warm welcome at the hearth fire at Sacred Earth you pass under an arch of Hawthorn, also known as the May Tree which, at this time of year, is laden and alight with red berries (Haws). Often dismissed by humans as inedible, they are loved by birds and insects and make delicious fruit leathers, particularly if cooked in apple juice, or with apples. Haw brandy makes a great tonic for colds and flu. Her flowers are used medicinally to support the heart and reduce blood pressure. Her young flowers and leaves are edible too and known as “bread and cheese” by children in England, back in the day ….
Between the fire and the yurt, is another beautiful Hawthorn. Holding this sacred place in her embrace she too is laden with Haws and, as the leaves begin to fall, you will see her branches are coated in thick, rich lichen which glistens in the early morning dew.
Hawthorn is a significant tree in our ancient history, and along with Oak and Ash is part of the sacred trio. In Celtic mythology she represents love and protection and stands at the threshold to other worlds. It is said the fairies live underneath to care for her.
When you walk down the path to the fire, you will also see sloe berries (the fruit of Blackthorn) used to make delicious, winter warming gin and the bright ovals of rosehips which are fabulously high in Vitamin C (even after cooking) and make a lovely cordial, or topping for ice cream . Strain them well though because they’re full of little hairs – in the past they were used to make itching powder!
We will soon be stepping through the veil of Samhain into the winter months – what better way to prepare ourselves for the letting go of high-energy summer as we enter the quiet, composting days of winter, than by collecting these jewels of the hedgerow and taking them with us on the journey.
October 2023
If you want to learn how to create an outdoor fire using friction you’ll be interested in a new one day workshop The Art of Fire with Poppy here at Sacred Earth on Saturday 4th November 2023. She will lead you through the essential teachings of fire, how fire plays a vital role in our lives today and the technical, earth-based skills of Fire-by-Friction. You will also be shown, and given the opportunity to work with other techniques of fire making, such as flint and steel, basic matches and steel and ferro (aka steel and striker) which are more accessible techniques for beginners.
This is an opportunity for you to spend the day immersed in nature, learn a new skill (or refine an existing one) and explore what the natural world provides to enable fire making much like our ancestors would have.
For more information and to book on this exciting day, go to: https://eequ.org/experience/5008
Hot on the heals of the Deep Nature Immersion Camp this weekend at Sacred Earth (there’s still a couple of places, last chance to book!) you’ll get another chance to immerse yourself in the healing world of nature – while also learning new skills with Phil Greenwood.
Our upcoming camp Stepping into Sovereignty on Saturday/Sunday 11th/12th November will enable you to focus on developing your skills in Leadership, Purpose and Vision, shamanic journeying techniques, active listening and group dynamics.
As always there are limited spaces available so if this calls to you don’t delay, for more information and to book, visit: https://eequ.org/experience/3629
If you yearn to become your best self we recommend our Phoenix Journey 2023/25 programme for adults which begins in May 2024, follow this link: The Phoenix Journey: a Sacred Earth adventure
