The Brownies see the woods as a safe space in which they love to explore nature and get inspiration for their art projects as well as it being somewhere where they can practice mindfulness. It is always an enjoyable experience, and they leave feeling calm.
(Report of Brown Owl)
Peter Stephens
Reflections by the trustees of The Kosmon Sanctuary on the life of trustee Peter Stephens, who died on March 7th.
We wish to bear in mind how much we value the life and contribution of Peter Stephens who has died. He was a stalwart member of the Kosmon Church attending services there, and in later years became a valued trustee of the Kosmon Sanctuary.
What we value particularly are the ways in which he expressed a steady devotion to both the Kosmon Church and to the trustees and their work, a steady devotion that never wavered. So, we give thanks for his life and wish him well with our blessings as his journey continues.
Hello Coran, welcome to our Spring 2025 newsletter.
Contents
- Celebration of Beltain – May Day
- Celebration of Imbolc – the first Signs of Spring
- Sandhill Wood for Children
- The Pond in Sandhill Wood
- Charitable Donations
1. Celebration of Beltain – May Day
Beltain is one of eight traditional Celtic festivals. It comes precisely between the Spring Equinox, March 21st, and the Summer Solstice, 21st June. So, we are experiencing the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer. This was the time when livestock were taken to upland pasture.
The Date of May Day, Beltain
The calendar was changed from the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, to the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory in 1582. This was to bring dates into alignment with the natural calendar as defined by the actual dates for the Equinoxes and Solstices.
We changed to the Gregorian calendar in 1752. May Day, Beltain, is on May 1st according to the Julian calendar and May 6th on the accurate Gregorian calender. However, May 1st is established in our culture, though Beltain energy is said to be higher on the later date.
The Practice of May Day, Beltain
Beltain is a wonderful time, full of joy, abundance, delight and growth. Beltain means the fire of light, and comes from the word for the Celtic God Bel, meaning “the bright one” combined with teine, Caelic for fire.
In Celtic times, a special fire was kindled after all the other fires in the community had been put out. People jumped the fire to purify, cleanse, and to bring fertility. Couples jumped the fire together to pledge themselves to each other. Cattle and other animals were driven through the smoke as a protection from disease and to bring fertility. At the end of the evening, the villagers would take some of the fire to start their own fires.
Beltain is a celebration of the fertility and rampant potency of the life-force. All of nature is growing and manifesting now in a whirl of creative energy. This is the time to celebrate unions of all kinds, fertility and manifestation on many different levels, love, sexuality and fruitfulness. It is a time to be in touch with the instinctive wild forces within and without, to be aware of the potency of the life force and its power on the physical and mystical levels.
May-day celebrations and the Maypole
The life force was celebrated on May-Day, especially with dancing around the maypole. This symbolised the interweaving and joining of the male and female energies to bring fertility to all unions.
At Beltane, the vibrant spirit of vegetation was represented by the Green Man who danced around the edge of the Maypole dance. A contemporary expression of this is celebrated in the “Jack in the Green” Hasting Festival in early May.
The Green Man represented the Spirit of nature of which Mankind is an inseparable part. Images of the Green Man are to be found in many medieval churches, often on pillar bosses.
Hawthorne
Hawthorne Tree was especially valued at Beltane. It was understood as a positive symbol of the heart through its ability on the subtle levels to open the heart to spiritual growth and Love. ——— It will help release blocked energy, release stress and fears, and open the flow for healing and open-hearted loving communication. —— garlands of May blossom were used to decorate houses, doorways and each other.
(Glennie Kindred, Sacred Celebrations)
2. Celebration of Imbolc
Imbolc is a Celtic celebration at the beginning of February when the focus of celebration is the honouring of the Goddess Brigid. The date for Imbolc is precisely between the Winter Solstice, 20th – 23rd December, and the Spring Equinox, 20th – 23rd March.
At Imbolc we appreciate both the presence of Winter, and the first signs of Spring, in particular the snowdrop. This is symbolised in the display.
There are four vases.
Two vases represent the passing Winter:- the seeds of Clematis vitalba we call Old Man’s Beard, and branches of apple with lichen.
Two vases represent the coming Spring:- the first Camaelia flower, and Hazel catkins.
Closer view of the Vases symbolising Winter
Although Winter lacks the dynamic quality of Spring, it is a time of wisdom and potential, as is evident in the store of seeds in the Old Man’s Beard, and the habitat for lichens and mosses provided by the leafless apple branches. Moreover, the apple branch has buds ready to swell and become fresh leaves in Spring.
Closer view of the Vases Symbolising Spring
Spring is a time of developing creativity. The first Camaelia flower anticipates the coming wealth of pink blossom. The Hazel catkins also anticipate Spring:- The left-hand Hazel image shows yellow Hazel catkins full of pollen; other smaller catkins have not yet opened. The right-hand Hazel image shows the tiny bud-like pink female flower.
The display for Imbolc
In the display for Imbolc we have the symbols for the five elements:- green: earth; blue: water; red: fire; air: white. The central candle represents the ether, the element of Spirit.
The state of the elements at Imbolc gives us a view of the energetic changes taking place. New growth is stirring in the depths of the earth, which is quiet in Winter. The air element is transmitting ideas of what need to be achieved in the coming Spring, while the emerging fire provides the necessary life force. The water element supports heart guidance for nurture and reflection as Spring creativity takes place.
The central candle symbolises Spirit, without which nothing can be created:
Spirit is both within and without and ever present. We give thanks for this vital connection to this essential part of ourselves, which cannot be seen and cannot be named. We reach out and in, connecting to our Source and guidance from within. We touch the sacred, the still point of all existence on this Earth. Past, present and future are linked in timeless connection and sacred truth.
(Glennie Kindred. Sacred Celebrations.)
The Goddess Brigid
To understand the significance of Brigid at Imbolc we need to appreciate how the Celts viewed the energy and function of female energy of the earth as it changes with the rise and fall of the Sun’s energy throughout the year:-
Spring: The Virgin, Maiden Goddess, known as Brigid – expression of creative vitality.
Summer & Harvest: The Mother Goddess – nurturing of growth and harvest.
Winter: The Crone Goddess – custodian of wisdom.
These three aspects are readily observed in flowering plants like fruit trees:-
Spring Maiden aspect: fresh leaves and flowers, pollination and reproduction.
Summer & Harvest: blossom, developing fruit, harvest.
Crone: bare branches, wisdom to withstand Winter, inner preparation.
Brigid is the embodiment of Spring energy, and Imbolc marks the transition of the female earth energy from Crone to Maiden, namely Brigid.
Brigid was honoured for her vibrant sexuality, intuition, inspiration, keeper of sacred fire, life-force, faith and determination. She taught that the light of the world lives in everyone’s heart. The virgin, Brigid, carried the light of the world. The presence of the Goddess Brigid was very real to the Celts, and could be called upon for guidance.
3. Sandhill Wood for Children
Sandhill Wood is carefully maintained ancient woodland with beautiful trees and open glades. It is ideal for preschool children to run around in, especially since there are no traffic hazards.
Unique Beginnings Childcare & Forest School, based at Walton-on-the-Hill, offer seasonal childcare for ages 2 to 5. They report:
“We use the woods to run our weekly Forest School sessions for the children at Unique beginnings Childcare and it’s a magical learning environment. The children fully submerge themselves in nature, engaging with the environment, using all their senses. From campfires to muddy walks the children enjoy different activities each week. The calmness of the woods also reflects in their own emotions.”
The Little Forest School on the Green provide care for children aged 2 to 5.
“We at Little Forest on the Green are privileged to be allowed to use the beautiful Sandhill Woods, which we can access easily from our nursery. Throughout the year, we watch the seasons come and go, watching each season unfold into the spectacle that is nature.
Our children throw themselves into the natural activities the woods allow. We have “a pirate ship”, “a bear cave”, “treasure pits” and large bird’s nest to name but a few imaginative games we play when we are there. We hunt for bugs and buds, signs of Winter and Spring, we wait in anticipation to see the sea of bluebells that appear in Spring. We are able to have a fire and cook a variety of delicious foods, soups, crumpets and even noodles at Chinese New Year.
During Spring, we take part in Birdwatch, observing and noting down the variety of birds that inhabit the woods.
The children are able to run fairly freely and safely within the boundaries that are set. They are able to use both fine and gross motor skills, and the language that develops through their play is incredible as they become confident and secure with their surroundings.
We are very grateful and lucky to have the use of this special place.”
4. The Pond in Sandhill Wood
There is no natural open water in Sandhill wood, which is not surprising given, as the name suggests, that the ground comprises sand with flints. However, by using a pond liner we have been able to create a pond in a naturally low part of ground. The pond fills up naturally with rainwater and never needs topping up, even in Summer. Soon the water attracts life that needs water.
Before the advent of pond liners, “dew ponds” were created by farmers by lining an excavation with clay, at least two feet deep. They were filled by rainwater and provided water for animals.
5. Charitable Donations
Each month we donate to charities, mostly local, whom we wish to support in their valuable community work.
Stripey Stork: Stripey Stork is the Surrey baby bank which collects donations of clothes, toys, and essential items for babies and children, rehoming them with local families experiencing hardships.
Sutton Night Watch Homeless Charity: This charity was set up to support and raise awareness for the homeless within the London Borough of Sutton and surrounding areas. We provide food, showers and clothing, and also offer health services, benefit advice, wellbeing and educational based courses.
Surrey Search & Rescue (Surrey SAR): This is a voluntary specialist search team which assists the emergency services find missing vulnerable adults and children.
Wild Surrey Wildlife Rescue: We are a husband and wife team, based near Reigate, dedicated to helping local wildlife in and around Surrey. They helped us with the care of a deer trapped in wire fencing.
Renewed Hope: Renewed Hope is a local charity base in Redhill providing practical solutions and emotional support to the homeless, vulnerable and isolated of East Surrey. We do this through the work of our Drop-in service and night shelter for people who would otherwise be rough sleeping.
We have also donated to the Trussell Trust and their work with food-banks and The Salvation Army.