Hauntings

Recently I went to visit Mapperton Gardens in Dorset. The history of this area is somewhat unusual in that the entire village of Mapperton was devastated by plague in 1660. Leaving no survivors and the tenements were pulled down. The numbers in Mapperton village have remained almost unchanged since the 17th century.

As I entered the village which is tiny, I can honestly say that I have never been in a place so haunted as Mapperton. It is an intense experience as you are aware that not just one building is affected but the whole village including Mapperton Manor House itself. Certainly the expression "we are not alone" comes to mind I think this must be one of the most haunted places in England.

Later when walking around the Manor house gardens, I felt a presence by an ornamental pond. When I turned, there was a lady with two small children dressed in period costume. I could feel their presence as I continued my tour through the gardens. It felt as if they were watching me as much as I was watching them. This is a very special place which is a must to visit.

Now in April

Auguries of Innocense

To see a world in a grain of sand

And heaven in a wild flower

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand

And eternity in an hour.

by William Blake

Easter

Easter is upon us again and more than ever it symbolizes a time of rebirth when we move forward and leave the past behind us in a sense we will be reborn, empowered and free to live our lives and be true to who we really are and who we want to be.

The Purity Of Gold

Gold comes in many forms but the rarest form occurs in quartz crystal which is rare and beautiful. The colour ranges from deep golden yellow, silvery white and an orange-red.

Gold symbolizes the purity of spirit, allowing us to obtain a communion with the source of being. The energy from gold allows our inner beauty to open and unfold through life’s journey. Gold has been used in development, balance and purification, and works well with the heart chakra and third eye.

Works well with the astrological sign of Leo.

Medical applications: Rejuvenation of endocrine system, absorption of vitamins and minerals, skeletal structure. It can help to balance the right brain/left brain with conditions such as autism, epilepsy, dyslexia and physical coordination.

Ghosts, Phantom Hounds of Wistmans Wood, Devon

In Wistman Woods it is said that the Yeth Hounds still haunt these ancient woods. Others have encountered monks in white robes in a funeral procession. Twisted oaks hundreds of years old have survived in this woodland, which may have been used by druids as a place of worship. It's name itself derives from the local word "whisht" which means "eerie". If you come to Devon and wish to visit this area it can only be reached by footpath as there is no direct access.

Thought for the day

Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a gift
Thats why its called the present

Cures That Were Used In The 17th Century

The Chinese people of the 17th century have used plants for medicinal purposes for 4500 years, many of these were brought to Europe at that time. Domestic plants such as foxglove and marshmellow were used to cure illnesses. As well as the use of plants at this time doctors believed in the power of powders which were made from strange ingredients such as horn from a unicorn and the bezoar stone. Which I believe was made famous in J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter books, which was claimed to be the tears of a stag turned to stone. They used many strange ingredients such as live worms, fox lungs for asthma, spider’s webs, swallow nests and skulls of executed criminals. All these extraordinary ingredients were highly sought after in the mid 17th century.

Light at the other end

Scenic views