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Tag: father of the forest

Song of the Plains Wind

Posted on August 13, 2015August 7, 2015 By Chris No Comments on Song of the Plains Wind
Song of the Plains Wind
Forests and Woods, Hedge Druidry, Quests, Trees

I was at Alderley Edge in the Wizard’s Wood. Kal was with me – it had been his idea (I think). The heat of the evening air was regulated by a smooth cooling breeze that was sufficient to lift your hair and cool the brow. The trees were playing a melody of different rustling noises in tempo with the wind’s movement. It was a perfect evening for me to try to discover The Song of the Plains Wind.

This would be the first of my three wind songs that I was being asked to learn. When I looked back through my quests for the year i realised that this has been one of the first instructions I had received this year, but of course, as this was now the height of summer I had forgotten about such distant memories. Yet the advice had returned to me, and I recognised that the air spirit that was my guide this year would be the perfect companion to learn such songs with.

Between Light and Shade

I often sit at the balance point between light and shade, I notice. This has only come to my foregrounded attention in recent weeks, but I noticed it this evening as I was directed to go an sit in one of  the many caves which can be found in this amazing forest. This would be my preparation point – far enough into the cave to be at the point between light and dark. Such is my nature and my predilection. I recognise it and I flow with it.

Alderley Edge - July 15 (1)
A cave offering a balance between light and darkness

As my mind settles into a state of balance too, and thoughts flatten and siphon away I feel the movement of the celestial objects around me. The Sun, The Moon and The Earth are all orbiting around my centre. They feel very strong and large. I feel their attraction, the pull of their movement, and yet my centre is sufficiently rooted and centred to be able to hold its integrity. I feel ready for whatever is to come, and so I say my thanks to the spirits of the dark depths of earth, and I take my leave to re-join Kal, who is loitering with a dancing readiness to depart, to be drawn deeper into the woodland along energetic pathways.

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Finding the Horns of the Stag

Posted on September 22, 2013 By Gwas 1 Comment on Finding the Horns of the Stag
Hedge Druidry, Quests, Spirits

I know – a stag’s horns are usually called antlers. I am choosing to use the term ‘stag’s horns’ because those are the words that came to me when I asked for this next quest. “Horn” seems to have more resonance with concepts such as drinking vessels and therefore “grails” too. It makes my work feel more Like a Grail Quest than a Stag Party. This evening’s work began when I was considering where I might go to try to run like a stag. How does a stag run? Unhindered. Freely. Instinctively.

The obvious choice for such a run was my nearest large forest – Delamere in Cheshire. It was a cooler evening. The nights have been drawing in, getting darker sooner, and the temperature dropping accordingly. Nevertheless, on my way back from a fitness session in Manchester I made myself drive back through Delamere Forest. The light was already low as I parked in a convenient lay-by – one that I had parked in many times before. I knew where I was heading and why. I was going to visit The Father of the Forest – the spirit of Delamere – to seek his blessing in my next endeavour which was to Seek the Stag.

Seeking the stag was the instruction I had been given as my quest this turn of the year’s wheel. It had recently been revealed in a vision to be related to discovering the feeling of running freely through the forest, uninhibited, undaunted by obstacles. In the low light of early twilight which was descending quickly this seemed like a true test in these conditions.

Delamere Forest lake at sunset
Delamere Forest lake at sunset

In my sports gear I blended well with the last of the forest trail runners. They were better prepared than I was having torches, and heading out of the forest instead of in. I knew that the Father wasn’t far away, however. Working from memory (when was the last time I had sought him out – a couple of years ago?) I went off the main trail and into the undergrowth. I couldn’t find the usual trail and instead ended up hopping over young sharp bramble tendrils as they tried to snare and slice my exposed limbs. At the point where I was brought to a standstill by one offending strand I made a verbal exclamation: “Hey – don’t you know I’m here to see the Father of the Forest? Let me pass!”

As if in response to my demands I spied a clearer trail and moved across to walk on that. This was much easier and I didn’t get stuck or sliced up from that point on. I was still smarting from the original “defenders” work, however, to be too grateful for an easy passage at this point in proceedings. I made my way slowly down into the bowl of swampy ground where the newer growth had formed in a clearing. This was my starting point for this evening’s work.

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Darkness at the Wizards Wood

Posted on January 18, 2011September 10, 2026 By kal No Comments on Darkness at the Wizards Wood
Darkness at the Wizards Wood
Dowsing, Edge Wizardry, Modern Druidry

Well, Here we are 2011 and we’re off! From my records I noted that my first visit out in 2010 was to Alderley Edge and so without much ado I was email Gwas and suggesting a January the 2nd trip to that magical (well it is called the Wizards forest) wood. With other commitments to … Read More “Darkness at the Wizards Wood” »

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Delamere Forest – Meeting the Spirit of Place

Posted on October 26, 2010September 10, 2026 By Gwas 2 Comments on Delamere Forest – Meeting the Spirit of Place
Delamere Forest – Meeting the Spirit of Place
Dowsing, Modern Druidry, Other reports

For what felt like a very long time (although, if I look back it is probably only a year or two) I have tried to locate the position of the Spirit of Place within Delamere Forest. The forest is one of the largest in Cheshire, and it used all year round by mountain bikers, dog … Read More “Delamere Forest – Meeting the Spirit of Place” »

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Hedge on The Edge 2010

Posted on September 18, 2010September 10, 2026 By Gwas No Comments on Hedge on The Edge 2010
Hedge on The Edge 2010
Dowsing, Energy work, Modern Druidry

Alderley Edge, Cheshire – Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 Another tale to tell of a fun visit to the magical forest at Alderley Edge. You may see that we have both been visiting this forest recently. Firstly, Kal spent a night there (my word – how scary is that?) and then went back to find his … Read More “Hedge on The Edge 2010” »

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