by Lynda Ryder
Unfortunately last year’s Groves Day had to be cancelled because not enough people were able to attend to make it a viable event. The fact that we’d missed a year had me really looking forward to this year’s and I wasn’t disappointed.
We weren’t a large group, as can be seen from the photograph, but that seemed to add to the day, rather than detract, and the atmosphere was one of harmony and friendship. The day was held in a new venue, a lovely little garden centre in Redditch, and from where I was sat I could watch a group of squirrels doing Ratatosk impressions in a nearby oak tree.
Previous to the meeting Morgan had asked that we each bring a symbol of our spiritual journey, our grove or the place where we live. We began the day by sharing the unique stories behind each of these items and attuning to our surroundings. Then followed an update on our individual groves; their histories, their ups and downs and the plans and hopes for their futures. Not only was it a rekindling of old friendships and meeting new friends, it was also a valuable experience sharing thoughts and ideas. I think that at the end of the day we all left feeling inspired and uplifted!
Our closing ritual was held outside in the late afternoon sunshine at the edge of the car park, on a grassy verge dotted with daisies and cowslips, separated from the busy road by a bank of brave trees. Here our Druidry acknowledged and embraced the man-made environment around us and we gave thanks for our surroundings and the beautiful day we had just experienced.
I would like to thank Morgan, Bobcat and Bryn for enabling our small group to gather together and feel part of the wider community that is The Druid Network.
