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This is Day 1 of what went on during
the wonderful nine days in Aberdeenshire at Samhain 2004, and the variety
of sites and experiences that were had there. This was a special extended
outing for the Group - normally our gatherings are 2-3 days over a weekend,
but because of the large numbers of stone rings in the area to explore,
we opted to extend our stay to nine days on this occasion.
There's
lots to read and lots to click on. Try clicking on the pictures and
some will open up to show you a larger image. The main narrative
was written by Ros, but others have added their own comments on particular
locations, and you can access these at various points throughout by
clicking on their names.
Members present were, Maryrose Price, Ros Briagha, Maria Hayden, Jon
Appleton, Grahame Gardner, Barry
Hoon & Oliver Perceval.
We started
on the Friday evening, gathering in the Alford
Bistro, after various long and tiring journeys. It was good
to connect again, and to go to Haughton House, our home
for the next 9 days.
This is a little castle with a Victorian fascade, and our flats
were on the 2nd and 3rd floors, giving healthful exercise as
an added bonus for the week! The grounds are gorgeous, with
some beautiful old trees and stands of birch in all their autumn
colours. There are also lots of static caravans, mostly empty
at this time of year, and, through a little wicket gate, the
river Don, a surging, rushing mass of water, about 30 - 40 foot
wide, and full of strong currents.
Others comments
on Haughton House by
Barry, Grahame,
Maria, Maryrose, Jon, Oliver , Ros.
On Saturday
we had the AGM in the morning, starting off inside, on time
with everyone present, then moving out into the sunshine after
the tea break. It was agreed that we need to do a personal profile
each, for the benefit of each other, and a potted version for
the web site for those who wish to be available as practitioners.
Maria said she was able to continue as chair, and she, Grahame
and Susie were re-elected in their respective positions. Oliver
said he would organize the Lammas gathering, and ask Dan Winter
to teach. Ros said she would look for a location for Samhain
next year, in the Peak District.
The theme of the year will be Goddess and God, in their many
forms.
Others
comments on AGM
Barry, Grahame, Maria, Maryrose,
Jon, Oliver, Ros.
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Click
here for more info about
Haughton House
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| In
the afternoon we went to the Druidsfield stones
{NJ
579177 }, just across the river, an interesting group of four
stones, two up on the top of the rise, and two pulled into service
as gateposts.
The
two still in situ seemed to have been part of a circle, and when
I dowsed the site I found concentric circles of energy and two
buried stones.
Click
here for more pictures of this site.
Others comments on Druidsfield Barry,
Grahame, Maria, Maryrose, Jon, Oliver, Ros.
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We
also went to the little circle that has been built in the grounds
of Haughton House, probably within the last 20 years.
This is a
lovely place and featured in our walks nearly every day. It is
simple and symmetrical, with a rather sexy prostrate stone in
the centre, not a recumbent like the ancient circles have.
Click
here for more pictures of this site. |
Geo and
Téa
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Geo,
Dave and Téa, our guest tutors, arrived later on
Saturday evening, and we heard a lot from Dave on local
archeology during the time he was with us.
We
also met Jason Schroeder a local tour guide and shaman
who drove us around the sites on Monday.
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Dave
and Téa
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| Sunday
started with Geo explaining her background as an Irish Celt, and
her academic experience. She then took us on an astral journey
to connect with the Element of Water, which I enjoyed very much,
as I met up with two of my guides, two dolphins, who took me to
meet Great Whale, whose eye shone on me, filling me with love.
After
lunch we did another journey to meet Manannan, the Celtic god
of the sea.
This was also very interesting, and each of us was encouraged
to ask what we should let go of, and what to focus on more. It
was an interesting session, and particularly useful for those
who have not done many journeys like this.
In
the evening Dave did a fascinating slide show about RSC and also
the Clava Cairns, and we discussed the various sun and moon rising
and setting points that seem to be indicated by some of the stones.
Barry,
Grahame, Maria, Maryrose,
Jon, Oliver, Ros. |
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