The spirit of the forest

Last weekend I felt the call of the forest – more specifically, a patch of Norfolk woodland that my Oak King and I had not visited for some time.

It’s a strange place. I can’t quite put my finger on the reason why, but it feels almost unreal. You know that curious sensation when you reflect on an especially vivid dream? That’s the sensation I have when I’m there. It’s not a bad feeling. Just strange.

Beginning at the church, and its huge ash with knarled, twisting trunk and carpet of bluebells below, we walked along the root-ridden path, past the random, ragged hand-sewn objects that hang from the branches – a spider on a web, a dreamcatcher, something that possibly used to be a dragonfly etc – and the groups of brightly painted totem poles that stand juxtaposed against the surrounding brown, grey and mossy trees.

Ferns were unfurling, bluebells gathered in patches of sunlight, and unblinking eyes peered out at us from the beech trunks.

Crossing the lane at the end and entering the younger Millennium Wood, the mood changes. The canopy is much lower, blossom swirls and fluffy seeds float up from fields of wildflowers. Crops in the adjoining field, just visible through the bracken, glow gold in the sunlight. Then the path plunges back into ancient woodland, down a slope riddled with claw-like roots, past a green pond, and into the freshness of the shade.

Felled trees are consumed by moss and returned to the earth; upturned stumps crawl with insect life; rabbit burrows punctuate the ground; and even the occasional fairy door can be found… if you know where to look.

Wending our way back to complete the circuit, we returned to the Millennium Woods. Past the 'swap box', which currently only contains one or two magazines and drapes of web (we really must put something in there next time), and onward along the path back to the lane.

At which point my Oak King took on my usual role of being over-inquisitive to the point of discovering something quite ghastly. On this occasion it was a squirrel’s tail, formed into a circle and hung from a branch. A warning perhaps? Or a magical charm? Or maybe just an unfortunate accident? I’d be interested to know if anyone else has seen such a thing!

 

Travelling with the Green Man

We're developing quite a collection of Green Men around our house - each with his own distinctive personality and mood.

I've long found myself drawn to him as a symbol surrounded by intrigue and magic, and simply as a representation of nature; his leafy face often providing a calming, comforting influence.

Now more than ever his role comes to the fore - according to Pagan tradition he falls in love with and wins the hand of the Maiden Goddess on May Eve. Their union is consumated, and, as the May King and May Queen, they become a symbol of sacred marriage and fertility - celebrated at the Beltane fire festival each year. As a personification of the abundance of Earth he also heralds the approaching harvest, with some fruit and vegetables already coming into season.

As is the case with many ancient Pagan symbols, the Green Man came to be adopted by the Christian church, and there are now many wonderful gargoyles, bench ends and bosses around the UK that feature his face, such as at Fountains Abbey and Norwich Cathedral.

The first Green Man to come into my life caught my eye in a shop close to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall (a most memorable day trip!). I love his pale leaves, friendly face and highlights of gold. He now watches over my desk and gives me inspiration.

The next (right) was spotted by my own Oak King for his cheeky expression. He has eyes that seem to follow you around the room, and move when caught in your peripheral vision!

My most recent verdant acquaintance was this determined-looking fellow (below), who called out to me on a visit to one of my most favourite shops - Inanna's Magical Gifts in Norwich. I had gone there specifically to buy something to cheer myself up during a difficult week, and perhaps to help guide me. Unsurprisingly I was drawn to leaves and the promise of growth and new beginnings (as affirmed by shop owner Naomi), and this chap's expression was just perfect - reassuring, yet full of plans!

The latter two Green Men come from a huge range made by Jane and Steve Whitehouse at Hedgerow Designs, which I especially love. They are available at Inanna's and many other shops across the country (see hdol.co.uk for stockists).

As William Anderson, author of Green Man: The Archetype of our Oneness with the Earth, correctly said: "The Green Man signifies irrepressible life. Once he has come into your awareness, you will find him speaking to you wherever you go."

Featured painting: Lammas by Amanda Clark

Welcome to May!

Despite the cooler temperature this week, there have been some beautiful mornings and evenings to cheer the soul.

I've particularly enjoyed my early morning walks to work, with sunlight streaming through the river-side willows, still in early growth, and increasing amounts of colour in the flowerbeds and hedgerows. On one occasion I even had a nonchalant magpie stomping through the grass alongside me, with the sun catching his iridescent wings.

Now is the time to live, love and look forward to the coming summer. If you're heading out on any May Day excursions or to Beltane celebrations this weekend, enjoy! And look out for another blog post soon - I think a focus on Green Man lore would be timely, and I feel some jewellery-related inspiration coming on!