Magical Walks and New Blogs

Today is the day that I take a leap into the world of blogging.  I have written the odd blog for Kitchen Witch School of Natural Witchery where I am a clan guardian but thought I would branch out and create a blog of my very own.

Earlier today I went on a magical walk with my husband.  Being a pagan witch I love nature and being out in it soaking up the energy.  We visited Runnymede today, the place where King John signed the Magna Carta and also home to the Ankerwycke Yew.  For those of that know me will know that I love trees and there were plenty there on the circular walk around the meadows, it was a bit muddy though ;-)

I made friends with this lovely tree.  It has such a soothing and calming energy it was just calling out for a big hug.

On the walk there so many signs that spring is well and truly on the way.  Snowdrops carpeted the ground all around the ancient yew and catkins and buds on the trees.

                                                                                                                                     


As we walked around we were followed by the
squeaking of a parakeet.  I managed to snap a picture of one but they didn't like to get too close.  Just wanted to make a lot of noise.







The Yew tree when we reached it was beautiful and ancient.  It was completely hollow instead and gnarly.

When we walked around the tree we saw that people had left offerings of all sorts of things.  There were wreaths obviously left over from Yule, their berries now dried and shriveled.  Bunches of flowers and bundles of herbs.  There were also synthetic ribbons and other items that I wasn't too keen on as they don't degrade.

  

We sat on a fallen log and shared a flask of tea, giving a small libation to the tree too.  As I poured the liquid onto the roots and sat back down I was greeted by a woody scent.  Maybe the tree was thanking me for my offering?  I like to think so.   

Being so gnarly you could make out patterns in the tree.  If you look closely at this picture opposite you might be able to see a woman with long, flowing hair.

Wondering just how old the Yew tree is I’ve done a little research and find that this is a very fascinating tree indeed.  It is thought to be around 1,500 to 2,000 years old and has witnessed much in its long life.  It is thought to have been the actual spot where King John signed the Magna Carta and it is also believed to have been under this tree where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn used to meet in a secret tryst. 

It is by no accident that Runnymede has become known as special meeting place as it was used as such long before the signing of the Magna Carta.  In Saxon times it was known as Rune-Mede, (meadow of the Runes) a place of council where runes would have been consulted and runes, at the time, had deep association with yew trees.

So pleased we stumbled across the magnificent tree today.