For something to be seen as sacred it must move us, create a bit of awe inside of us helping us to step us out of our day to day lives. The sacred connects us on a soul level…it moves us, shakes up a bit…simultaneously making us feel both larger then life and small as a drop of water in the ocean. When coming in contact with the sacred we are momentarily more. We all search for this feeling of more, of being connected to the Sacred. Some of us know we are searching, others do it without even realizing what we are doing.
I have been fortunate enough in my life to visit some pretty amazing sacred places…Stonehenge, the West Kennet Long Barrow, Oweynagat, Bridget’s Well in Kildare, the Anasazi Ruins of New Mexico and more. I am ever thankful for these moments and places and look forward to further travels in which I get to come in contact with ancient sacred wonders. But more importantly, I am thankful for the ability to recognize the sacred in my own backyard and the places close by and personal to me. I am thankful for the ability to connect deeply with the Divine (God/Goddess/Creator) through these places where the world slows down and we are reminded how fortunate we are to exist…here, now and in this moment. I have created sacred space in my own yard, a place of sanctuary where I can go any day, any time and connect. But I have also made it a point to explore the area close by and within a short travel so that I may come in contact with the beauty and sacredness of my own region.
Last night I visited the Earth Clock @ Oakledge park in Burlington, VT. I know some of my Druid friends may be surprised to find out it was my first visit to the Earth Clock, but Burlington is a couple hours away from me and the ceremonies the Druids put on there always seem to coincide with other Solstice festivities I am already committed to. The Earth Clock was the manifestation of Patrick MacManeway & Ivan McBeth (my friend & Druid teacher from the Green Mountain Druid Order) & was created and maintained by many wonderful, earth loving people. The intent in creating the Earth Clock was to generate peace. I do not mean to give you all the detailed bits here, if your looking for that make sure to check out Circlesforpeace.org, the website has all sorts of good bits to fill your mind with knowledge. What I do want to share with you is the awe and connectedness I felt while sitting within it. As I said earlier, this was my first time visiting the Earth Clock. I have been in many other stone circles including some others in Vermont. The glory of this Stone Circle is that it is on public land and is open to everyone….
My husband and I were in Burlington last night to see a concert and decided to pack a picnic dinner and visit the Earth Clock first. Located on the waterfront in Oakledge park it was pretty easy to find, with a bike trail leading down to it. When we got to the circle I was not surprised to see other people already within it, what did surprise me was that the others were there to drum. Tuesday evenings at sunset there is a drum circle within the Earth Clock, an open invitation group of drummers connecting through the beat with the earth itself and sending their good juju out into the world from within a place of power. Stone circles are kind containers for the energy built within them, they are designed to be access points connecting us to Earth energy so that we can be fed and feed the Earth as well. The presence of peace was obvious the moment I stepped into the circle. I walked slowly around as the drummers kept their beat, connecting to each stone in turn. I allowed myself to absorb the energy they had to offer and gave back joy, thankfulness and heartfelt love. Love for the Earth itself, love for the people who created this glorious place and love for the those who sat within the circle with me. The view was breathtaking. With the sun just setting there was a luminescence to the water that was down right glorious. This beautiful, sacred space is so worth visiting. Plan on spending some time…sit and connect with the stones. Enjoy the synchronicities that line up, reconnecting you to your home…I cannot give enough thanks for the spirits that be and the drummers that drum, adding to my experience. How perfect that the first time I visit there is a circle of drummers within the stone circle, waiting to add to the ambiance of my experience. I know they do it every Tuesday…but I did not know it before last night. And I like to believe the Earth/Gaia loves me as much as I love her. She offers me little blessings and joys I cannot discredit as coincidence.
I encourage you to go explore your backyard and the places near and far that hold spirit so deeply. Every yard, every town, every state, every country has a space within it that is sacred. Your job if you so take up the challenge is to explore the areas available to you and experience the sacred within them. Open your heart, remember the Earth/Gaia is alive. If you give her the opportunity to show you her glory, you will be stunned and amazed!
spreading love-salicrow
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