View from the Big Hills

Painswick’s beautiful Rococo Garden never fails to lift my spirits in the dark winter months….. Mona’s Song of Pan Bowl of oak and earthen jar, Honey of the honey-bee; Milk of kine and Grecian wine, Golden corn from neighbouring lea – These our offerings, Pan, to thee, Goat-foot god of Arcady. Horned head and cloven hoof – Fawns who seek and nymphs that flee – Piping clear and draweth near Through the vales of Arcady – These the gifts we have of thee, God of joyous ecstasy. Come, great Pan, and bless us all: Bless the corn and honey-bee. Bless the kine and bless the vine, Bless the vales of Arcady. Bless the nymphs that laugh and flee, God of all fertility. From Dion Fortune’s “The Goat Foot God”, published by the Society of the Inner Light .

I took a day trip to the Rococo Gardens in Painswick in the Stroud Valleys. Surrounded by a carpet of budding snowdrops I walked past the beautiful statue of Pan. I've been on good terms with him for a number of years.   With the Spring energies and the returning daylight on their way, I was very much struck by Rumi's short piece on daylight. Rumi: Daylight If ten lamps are present in one place, each differs in form from another; yet you can't distinguish whose radiance is whose when you focus on the light. In the field of spirit there is no division; no individuals exist. Sweet is the oneness of the Friend with His friends. Catch hold of spirit. Help this headstrong self disintegrate; that beneath it you may discover unity, like a buried treasure. * In many ways, the promise of Spring is the promise of the Light returning....and that Light hath healing in its wings.......healing that brings Unity of Spirit. Best wishes Ce...