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Welcome to the Enchanted

Goddess and Sacred Site Tour

The Heart Chakra Tour

April 25th to May 1nd 2013

Glastonbury, England

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Your Host and Guide

Donna Virgilio

Donna Virgilio, B.S. is an International Psychic Advisor with a

worldwide client base at www.12listen.com. Her inspiring radio

show, The Donna Virgilio Hour is on www.12radio.com with

listeners from across the globe. She is the author of Goddess

Scopes Horoscopes, sun sign based monthly horoscopes

interpreted through the eyes of the Goddess. Donna teaches classes

on: Spirituality, Goddesses, Rituals and Traditions and hosts

Goddess and Sacred Site Tours around the world. Donna has been a special guest featured on many radio shows such as CBS Radio and Hayhouse Radio.

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Getting to know your Guide:

Georgina Sirett-Armstrong-Smith

Priestess of Avalon - Manager of the Goddess Temple Ceremonialist –Handfastings etc

Owner of Sunflower Healing Karmic Astrologer

Esoteric Healer CPAB Counselor

Tarot reader Teacher of Astrology and Tarot

Tour Guide of Sacred Sites www.sunflowerhealing.co.uk

TV Sky and radio presenter of the Physic Circle

Getting to know Georgina:

I was a National trainer for a huge corporate training company, but gave it all up nearly 6 years ago to be come a full time Priestess.

I live in magical Glastonbury with my partner and 5 cats.

I am a teacher / trainer and I have travelled all over the world and visited many different cultures.

Singing and snow skiing are just a few of my many passions

I look after the Temple and Melissa’s (volunteers) who keep the Temple open 365 days of the year. This is my joy and privilege.

I handle the entire PR for the Temple including the media of TV and Radio. I give talks on the Temple.

I help coordinate the seasonal ceremonies and I am involved with the Goddess Conference every year.

An experienced Karmic Astrologer, looking at past lives, challenges and patterns within your birth chart.

A gifted Tarot Reader and Esoteric Soul Healer. I also teach Astrology and Tarot workshops. Also a Counselor (CPCAB),

A Ceremonialist for beautiful Handfastings and ceremonies;

As a Priestess of Avalon, I am very active within the wonderful Goddess Conference held at Glastonbury every year and can often be found caring for the

Goddess Temple in the centre of Glastonbury, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

My mobile number is 07780 966929

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Sacred Tour of South West England 2013

Welcome to England and to the Isle of Avalon.

I hope the following information will be of interest and useful for you. Please do take the time to read it as it will cover a lot of your questions.

I am very much looking forward to meeting with you all.

Please take time to read the itinerary as it will help you prepare for your journey. A copy of this together with leaflets and offering will be given to you on arrival.

Your Questions and needs

Please direct any practical questions and needs to Georgina ie. Local information, banks, supermarkets, cafes, etc or needs for your

hotel room, extra pillows, transport arrangements, medical needs. Also any information regarding sacred sites, Goddesses, ceremonies, group sharing, etc,

Some of the experiences you may encounter may bring up personal issues and

emotions. Georgina is a trained counselor and an experienced Healer.

Your Transport

We will be driving you throughout your tour in a mini bus.

I will personally collect you from the from/to Bristol airport only on the Thursday 25th April. Also take you back to the airport on the 1st May.

You will need to advise me of this ASAP with your flight details of arrival and departure. Any other airports or arrival and departure dates will be by

your own arrangements.

Please check your luggage allowance for your airline.

Please pack sensible and sturdy footwear for the walking you will be encountering. (See each day for details)

When leaving the UK - Flight safety restrictions still apply from the UK – please pack any liquids/gels /perfumes over 100mls into your main luggage. Other

smaller items will have to be placed in a clear plastic bag and shown separately when you clear security. No scissors, penknives will be allowed in your hand

luggage. Plastic bags can be obtained on arrival at the airport.

Do not leave your luggage or handbags unattended and you are responsible for your own bags.

Please observe the check in times of your flights as a minimum. No responsibility will be taken for missed flights.

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Your Accommodation

On arrival in Glastonbury, Georgina will take you to your self catering accommodation –check in and unpack and relax

You may wish to shop at the supermarket for your breakfast and snack needs:

Cooperative is in the High Street 5 mins. away A larger supermarket – Morrisions is also just under 10 mins. away

Inn Glastonbury

1 St. Johns Square Glastonbury Somerset BA6 9LJ

Email: info@innglastonbury.co.uk

Phone: 01458 834485

Mobile: 07734 314 523

All meals, personal costs, tips, phone calls, papers and insurance at passengers

own expense.

Donations to the Temple at Beltane Ceremony at own discretion and not included.

First night 25th April: See itinerary as a table has been booked at the George and Pilgrim Inn for a group meal and tour meeting.

Suggested places to eat in Glastonbury:

• Hawthorns – Northload Street Great for Curries

• Who’d have thought it (opposite) Northload Street – Good Pub food

• Galetea – High St Vegetarian – allow time slow in service.. .but worth it

• 100 Monkeys – High St – Excellent for all foods

• George and Pilgrim – Oldest Inn and very Historic – Good lunch time and evening meals

• La Terre – High St - Good lunches and some evenings

• Italian - various Italian food – Market Place - open evenings –recommended to book

• Rainbows End – High St great lunch time Vegetarian

• Blue Note – High St fast food vegetarian

• Blue Cedar – High St excellent vegetarian food

The average cup of coffee – Latte is about 2.20 UK pounds Soup/bread 4.50 UK pounds

Jacket potato and filling varies from 4.00 – 5.50 UK pounds

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The Cooperative Supermarket in the High Street will have what you need for breakfast for your accommodations

Telephones and Internet

Telephone dialling code out of the UK is: OO followed by the country area code of where you are dialling.

The cafes La Terre and Galetea and Glasto Café all have free wifi connection.

The Library has a paid for service for 30 minutes on a computer if you do not

have your lap top.

Gradients for the week’s tour, marked on each venue – see below:

1 Easy 2 slight incline

3 slight difficulty 4 Difficult

5 Steep and difficult

Weather in England in April/May and what to wear:

So far the weather here in Avalon has been wonderful for April and the long range forecast is looking to be dry and sunny – however, best to be prepared.

Good sturdy water proof foot wear required for all walks. Comfortable shoes

recommended for the visit to Bath.

Wellington Boots (rubber boots) can be bought in Glastonbury Sunrise is at 0547am and sunset is at 20.11

Moon rise is at 08.51am and moon sets at 01.08am

The moon will be waxing during your visit.

England has no one season when the weather is predictably wonderful. English gardens are at their best in late March and April. Take a collapsible umbrella and

sweater no matter when you go.

Britain an island country and the surrounding sea gives England a varied climate. We never know what the weather will be like from one day to the other. It can be sunny one day and rainy the next. As we have such a variable climate changing

from day to day, it is difficult to predict the weather.

The overall climate in England is called temperate maritime. This means that it is mild with temperatures not much lower than 0ºC in winter and not much higher than 30ºC in summer. It also means that it is damp and is subject to frequent

changes.

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Shopping in Glastonbury:

Shopping in Glastonbury is like something out of a Harry Potter film. Crystals, wands and spells, gorgeous Goddessy things and lovely Goddess clothes and

great candles. Fairy wings and masks are a must!

Not too practical on the everyday stuff unless you are a practicing witch or Priestess.

A village called Street is about a mile away and has a retail outlet and is great for discounted clothes.

You will have also an opportunity to shop in Bath, the jewel of England’s crown.

.General Medical Information:

Glastonbury has a small hospital with a 24 hour A&E located on the outskirts of the town

There are 2 doctors surgeries in town. Ask Georgina for details if needed

If there is an emergency for Fire or medical needs dial 999

Banks and Money:

The currency in the UK Pounds sterling.

Travelers Cheques can be exchanged at a bank or bureau with your passport.

Money credit/debit cards can be withdrawn from ATM and it is more convenient to go banks all the time. Most restaurants and shops do take cards.

When shopping you need a pin number as shopping here with cards is by chip and pin. You may need to contact your bank before leaving to obtain a pin

number or to load a cash card with money.

There are the following banks in Glastonbury:

Barclays - High St – open every day 10-4 HSBC – High St – open every day 10-4

Nat West – High St Open only Monday, Wednesday and Friday Lloyds – High St – only open 12-2 Monday to Friday

Post Office – has foreign exchange bureau – open 0930 to 5pm

Thomas Cooks Travel Agency – Has foreign exchange bureau open 0930 to 5pm

All other meals, personal costs, tips, phone calls, papers and insurance at passengers own expense.

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Tipping

Tips are not included in the cost of the tour and are your discretion. 10% is the norm.

Donations to the White Springs and the Goddess Temple at Beltane Ceremony

at own discretion and not included.

Electricity:

240 volts and 3 pin plugs

Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in Airports, mini bus, accommodation, Pubs (most have

smoking areas outside), cafes and most public places etc

Chemists/ Pharmacists :

2 in Glastonbury High St and the corner of the Market Place

Safety in the UK

Many people – including those who say they are in excellent shape –sometimes struggle with walking the hillsides and have found themselves just dehydrated getting around this area. So sturdy walking shoes, lots of and plenty of time for

breaks, if you need them. Bring bottled water with you on day trips.

Generally speaking personal safety is good here in England, however, please keep your personal belongings safe and do not leave them unattended.

Walking after dark in Glastonbury is generally considered safe and many people

go up to the Tor at night..

Journey times, Tour and Guide

Please do be prompt for all meeting and departure times at the various locations.

We will provide you with natural herbs/flowers and offerings to use.

Journey times are subject to traffic.

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Day 1: Thursday 25th April 2013

Arrival Bristol Airport Time –

You will be met in arrivals at Bristol Airport by Priestess Georgina Sirett-Armstrong-Smith

Transport from Airport to Glastonbury by mini bus

Time approximately 40 minutes On arrival in Glastonbury, Georgina will take you to your accommodation –check in and unpack and relax. For anyone arriving by their own car or on a different day, please contact Georgina, as arrangements will need to be made for access to your accommodation. See accommodation 6 nights booked

First night – The group is booked to have a meal together for the first evening and its booked at the George and Pilgrim Inn, one of the oldest Inns in England, steeped in history.1,High Street. Glastonbury. at 7.30pm . Meal at own expense. See list for recommended places to eat on other evenings ..booking would be needed. Notes:

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Day 2: Friday 26th April 2013

After breakfast – Walking tour with Donna starting at 0945am: Good sturdy walking boots/shoes required Walk to the Town Hall Car park by the Tor Bus stop at 0945 am

Bus to the Tor at 10am (cost included in Tour price) Walking the Tor is 5 Gradient Tor Walk – allow 2 hours

We will walk to the top of the Tor at the pace of the slowest walker. Take your time to connect with the ancient path. You are entering the place of the underworld, the Isle of Apples and the Isle of the Dead.

The soft green hill of the Tor, crowned with its enigmatic tower, has become a

symbol of Glastonbury. It dominates the town and the surrounding landscape,

and is the first sign to the traveler that Glastonbury is drawing near.

Centuries of legends and folklore have gathered around this Tor. In their various

ways, these tales all demonstrate one thing – that the Tor is a place where the

veil between the worlds is thin. Strange experiences here are usually interpreted

according to the beliefs of the times. An otherworldly being met on the Tor might

be called a fairy in one century, a nature spirit in another and ET in more recent

years.

Like Glastonbury, the Tor has come to host a large variety of mystical beliefs. Nature mythology, paganism, Christian legends, and newer ideas about life the

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universe and everything have all found a comfortable, nurturing niche for

themselves within Tor lore. It’s as if the genius loci of the Tor is an especially

powerful spirit of place: able to attract and foster all kinds of ideas, but bigger

than all of them – like a giant ancient tree with its ever-changing population of

little birds and squirrels.

It’s certainly ancient. Modern archaeology agrees with the folklore about that.

Many thousands of years ago, the Tor may have been one of seven islands that

were left unsubmerged by a great flood. This would make it an important focus of

regeneration and life, both symbolically and practically. It may even have been

designed as such by those who foresaw the flood, and who deliberately infused

the Tor with extra power and intent, thus making it our direct link to an ancient

lost world.

Legends say that the top once sported a stone circle like Stonehenge. In the

1970s a West Country seer, who prefers not to be named, described her vision of

how it might have been: "The Tor is not the same now as it was then. It has had a

portion taken off the top, and there was a temple built on the top, like a Greek

temple, but circular. Within it was the most beautiful mosaic type of floor, and it

was set out like a zodiac. There were twelve columns around it, whitish in color.

Under the flooring there was a hidden vault. The top was domed. There were

seven guardians there in pale blue robes. The white temple was on top of the Tor

with trees and rushes and water all the way round. There was a very fragrant

scent there. Just being on that islet was restorative in itself."

The Tor was an islet for centuries, as the floodwaters took a long time to recede.

'Somerset' is short for 'summer settlement' because the area was too flooded to

inhabit in winter. The Tor was called 'Ynys Witrin' or 'Isle of Glass' (or Isle of

Seeing), connected to the mainland by only a narrow strip of land at low tide. The

people who recognize it enhance the power of any sacred place. This long period

of semi-isolation may have not only preserved the otherworldly nature of the Tor,

but also added to its aura of specialness through the eyes of the people.

In archetypal symbolism, hills and high places are like bridges between earth and sky. They represent a link between material reality and the unseen dimensions. The early Celts thought of high places as gods – a world where all nature was inhabited by conscious powerful beings in entities. Roman influence later modified that idea, saying it’s not the hills that are alive, but the gods who live in them. The combination of these beliefs with the special qualities of the Tor made it almost inevitable that Glastonbury Tor would come to be seen as the home of many strange beings. Next on your walking tour is the White Spring, situated at the foot of the Tour. Some private time to experience this magical temple.

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Then opposite the White Spring is the Chalice Well..next on your walking tour.. Chalice Well 12.30 (2) World Peace Garden http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/ Entrance fee included in the tour price. You may wish to purchase a Chalice Well plastic bottle to fill with the Red and White Spring waters.

Chalice Well is one of Britain’s most ancient wells, nestling in the Vale of Avalon

between the famous Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Hill.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards it is a living sanctuary in which the

visitor can experience the quiet healing of this sacred place. For over two

thousand years this has been a place where people have gathered to drink the

waters and find solace, peace and inspiration.

Walk back to town for late lunch at 2 pm

Lunch – own choice 14.30 Free time in Glastonbury to explore

Evening at the Goddess Temple 7.30pm

The Court Yard Experience – High St Glastonbury Talk and meditation by Georgina, Priestess of Avalon

The Glastonbury Goddess Temple (1- access by steps)

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Celebrating 10 years of being open this year!

In 2001, The Glastonbury Tales chronicled the search by Kathy Jones and a group of Goddess-loving women for a place to establish a permanent Temple to the Goddess in Glastonbury. The film ended with the women celebrating the finding of a suitable site within The Glastonbury Experience off Glastonbury High Street.

The idea of a permanent temple originally developed alongside the Glastonbury Goddess Conference, an annual event since 1996. At the time of the conference, a temporary Goddess Temple would be set up. Then they started to create temporary shrines in borrowed premises in Glastonbury at significant points on the 8-fold calendar generally observed by contemporary Pagans. After a few years of setting up and dismantling such shrines, their aim became to have a place where people could go all year round to honor the Goddess.

The Glastonbury Goddess Temple opened at Imbolc (February 21) 2002, in the premises formerly occupied by the Library of Avalon. Kathy Jones freely admits that actually running a temple fulltime is rather different from and considerably more demanding than erecting the temporary shrines! At present the Goddess Temple relies for funding on the Friends of the Temple, who make an annual donation in support of the temple, Temple Madrons who give monthly standing orders donations, and individuals who might make one-off donations when visiting the temple. There is a rota of Temple Melissa’s, volunteers who are in attendance to look after the space and talk to visitors, etc. from 12 to 4 , 365 days of the year.

On 18th June in the summer of 2003, the Goddess Temple in Glastonbury became the first Goddess Temple to be officially registered as a Place of Worship in Britain. In addition to the financial benefits of no longer having to pay business rates on the premises, it will be also possible to hold weddings there (with a Registrar in attendance). Kathy believes that having an officially registered ‘British indigenous Goddess Temple’ is immensely significant, and she hopes that others will be inspired by the Glastonbury Goddess Temple to start their own temples throughout the UK. Ultimately, the aim is to have a purpose built Goddess Temple in the landscape of Glastonbury.

Notes:

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Day 3: Saturday 27th April 2013 After breakfast an early start for Cornwall Meet group at your accommodation at 07.30am

Journey time to Tintagel 2 hours 45 minutes Journey to Tintagel –Cornwall with Georgina Arrive 1030 am - Tintagel and Merlin’s Cave

2 hour visit Sensible shoes of walking boots recommended We will be trying to arrange a “ motorized landie” transport to make this short journey to the Castle easier. There is a cost for this and will be included in the tour. Tour of Tintagel ( Gradient 5 – and steps)

For a magical day out in Cornwall, take the family to Tintagel Castle. Its wonderful location, set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, offers dramatic views, and its fascinating ruins and stunning beach cafe make it a perfect day trip, ideal for those on holiday in Dorset, Cornwall or Dartmoor. Tintagel Castle is steeped in legend and mystery; said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, you can still visit the nearby Merlin's Cave. The castle also features in the tale of Tristan and Isolde. With a history stretching as far back as the Romans, Tintagel Castle is one of the most iconic visitor attractions in the south west. There will be an opportunity subject to conditions to walk down to Merlin’s cave with Caroline. Please not this will be at own risk (5)

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Travel to Boscastle 1230pm

Travel time 10 minutes Arrive Boscastle 1240pm Lunch in Boscastle –own expense Free time until 1.40pm Meet at Boscastle Witch Craft Museum at 1.40 pm for tour – price included in the tour (Gradient 1-some steps in Museum) Visit Witch Craft Museum (1)

This superb witchcraft museum in Boscastle is a must visit for those interested in Cornwall's pagan history, plus witchcraft in general. It's been here for over 40 years, so has amassed one of the best collections of witchcraft artifacts internationally and is naturally one of Cornwall's most popular museums.

Take a journey through the many witchcraft exhibitions which include 'Images of Witchcraft', tracing the many stereotypes of witches through the ages, including their use in advertising. The Wise Woman exhibit explores the history of those 'wise women and cunning men', in Cornwall occasionally known as Pellars or Pellers, who served as healers, therapists and counselors in villages. Some of the torture shackles, Scold's Bridles and iron waistband shackles on display here are a gruesome reminder of the gruesome treatment of witches in the past. There's a Modern Witchcraft exhibit as well, exploring the religion of modern witchcraft today, where witches worship The Goddess in her many forms and The Horned God. No set rules here, just as a basis ""Do what thou will, but harm none"". Modern witchcraft today is a nature based and nature loving religion, and Wicca followers come for a range of backgrounds. Other exhibits include Charms and Spells and Stone Circles and Sacred Sits.

Check the Boscastle Witchcraft Museum's website to the right for a full tour of the museum. They do emphasize that some exhibits may be controversial and not suitable for sensitive children. This is a thorough historically focused museum however, with a superb archive and true to it's subject it doesn't compromise on exhibit displays - highly commendable and highly recommended for a visit if you're in the area. Most exhibits focus on Cornish and English witchcraft, and the in-house archive is impressive and often used by academics researching witchcraft and pagan history.

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Depart Boscastle 2.40 pm Short drive to the entrance of St Nectans Glen and Waterfall – allow 3 hours for this visit in total (Gradient 5)

St. Nectan's Glen is a highly attractive spot and can be accessed from a car park just off the road from Boscastle to Tintagel.

St. Nectan was a hermit who gave his name to the glen and waterfall; although according to some sources the name is a Christianized form of the Cornish water god - Nechtan. The Keive itself was seen as a potent Pagan symbol of Gaia and has been a place of reverence since before Christ.

A path leads through the glen where a gurgling stream winds its way the woodland. The dramatic waterfall plunges 40 feet. St. Nectan was said to have lived here and reputedly lies buried under the stones of the basin. The waterfall can be reached via the Hermitage Tea Garden, where a path leads down to the foot of the fall. Many messages and small offerings crowd the minute ledges of the steep sides of the glen.

The footpath to Rocky Valley, a continuation of St. Nectan's Glen to the sea leads through a trout farm and down a wooded valley. It passes Trevillet Mill now in ruins, once a Corn Mill, it was later used for making blankets, yarn and worsted cloth for hose. Some 200 yards downstream, labyrinth rock carvings which date from around 1,600 B.C. can be found on the cliff face at the rear of the mill ruin. Stunning views of the sea, cliffs and the island of Lundy can be seen on clear days.

St Nectan's Kieve Waterfall and Hermitage Tea Gardens OPEN Easter to end of October 7 days a week 10.30am to 6.30pm Waterfall OPEN 10.30am-6.30pm (or Dusk) whichever is the earlier on Sundays Last Admission 6pm

Leave St Nectans Glen 5.40pm

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Travel time to Glastonbury 2.45 hours Arrive Glastonbury 8pm

Evening free Day 4 Sunday 28th April 2013

Early start after breakfast Meet group at your accommodation at 0500 am – a real need to be prompt in timing for this day. We cannot wait for late risers.. Recommend you bring waterproof boots or shoes – you can change them and leave in the bus if the ground is not muddy and not needed. But you do need comfortable walking boots or shoes. Travel to Stonehenge by coach Travel approximately 1.15 hours Meeting Priestess of Avalon Caroline Lir Arrive Stonehenge 06.15

Sunrise and private entry at Stonehenge (Gradient 1) 1 ½ hours at Stonehenge Ceremony at Stonehenge – A sunrise ceremony conducted by Priestesses of Avalon, Georgina Sirett-Armstrong -Smith and Caroline Lir

Stonehenge! It is a word that evokes feelings of magic, mystery and a little shiver from the depths of our beings. It describes an ancient stone temple that has presented an enigma to humanity for thousands of years. What is it? What was it built for, used for? Why had so much effort, over so many years, been expended on its creation? Why does it have such a profound, magical effect on people?

Depart Stonehenge 0730am

Journey time 1 hour plus stopping for breakfast enroute

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Arrive Avebury – Swallow Head / West Kennet Long Barrow 0930 am ( Gradient 2/3) Visit Swallow Head and West Kennet Long Barrow Starting our walk at the Swallows Head – subject to the weather conditions Swallow Head is at the foot of the West Kennet Long Burrow. We cross the spring of the River Kennet on stepping stones. We walk then to Long Barrow.

West Kennet Long Barrow is one of the many prehistoric monuments that are part of the Avebury complex of Neolithic sites. It is one of the most impressive and well-preserved burial chambers in Britain, as well as being one of the most visited.

The mound itself - of which the burial chamber is only a small part - stretches for 100 meters in an East - West orientation. The earth used in its construction was taken from two trenches dug alongside the mound (see diagram), although these have long since become filled with weathered material. The chamber, which extends 10 meters into the mound, consists of five separate chambers, two on either side of a narrow passage, which then opens up into a further chamber at the far end. Like many of these passage graves, the entrance was flanked by a semi circular forecourt, which framed the dark opening, although this is now partially obscured by the huge stones used to seal the tomb. These large stones, and the other hefty sarcen boulders used in the barrows construction, were brought from the nearby downs, while the smaller stones seem to have been selected and brought from a location over 30 miles away.

The tomb is thought to have been constructed around 3500BC, and was in use for a thousand years, until 2200BC, when the tomb was sealed with chalk rubble, and the gigantic sarcen boulders that now guard the entrance. This was at the same time as the great stone circle at Avebury was begun, and may signify a change in the focus of belief and religion.

The tomb was excavated in 1859 and again from 1955 - 56, important evidence is likely to have been lost during the 17th century (when a significant amount of the Avebury circle was destroyed) when it was recorded that the grave had been opened and some of its content removed.

During excavation it was revealed that almost 50 people - of varied age groups - were buried within the tomb. These people may have been the ruling elite from the farming community that made the Avebury area its home. Evidence also suggests that the bones (specifically leg bones and skulls) were removed for use elsewhere, although the ceremonies, and the meaning of them will probably never be fully understood. It has been suggested that the bodies were first laid

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out to rot in a separate place, perhaps the sanctuary at nearby Overton, or as part of the complex rituals that took place at Windmill Hill.

Folklore & Legend The mound is traditionally visited by a white spectral figure accompanied by a white red-eared hound at sunrise on Midsummer's day. There is a slim possibility that this tradition is a folk memory of a ritual event or at least a time thought to have been significant in the use of the barrow.

There is no doubt that some traditions can become convoluted into folklore, and be passed down over the centuries, whether this is the case with West Kennet Long Barrow has never been explored.

The strange atmosphere of the darkened chamber and its associations in folklore and legend has led to it being used by modern day pagans and occultists

Leave the Long Barrow at 12 noon

Travel to Silbury Hill by coach 5 minutes Arrive Silbury 1205am Visit Silbury Hill (Gradient 1)

A mound exists between Silbury Hill and West Kennet that has recently become a site of interest to researchers. Commonly referred to as "Silbaby" it awaits investigation to identify its true historical context.

As the diagram shows, the uppermost part was built as a series of drums each getting progressively smaller in diameter with increasing height. Each drum is about 17 feet in height with the outer wall leaning in at an angle for added stability. The inside of each drum consists of a series of radial walls similar to a spider's web which divide the drums into compartments each of which are filled with chalk the walls themselves having been built with chalk blocks. A recent survey of the hill now indicates that the drums are more in the form of polyhedra than circular and may have been built in such a way as to allow the "steps" to form a spiral trackway leading to its summit. The construction of Silbury

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demonstrates a high level of sophistication. This produces a further mystery...... How did the knowledge of building in this way arrive at Avebury?

At 130 feet high and covering an area in excess of 5 acres the enormous contours of the hill still challenge us with the mystery of why it was built and what for, but the solution to the mystery of how it has survived for 4,500 years without eroding away has been known from some early excavations.

Of all the historical landmarks spread throughout the British Isles Silbury Hill is one of the most remarkable. Accepted as the largest man-made mound in pre-industrial Europe it has a symmetry that makes it seem almost modern....on seeing it for the first-time the uninformed visitor can get quite a surprise on learning of its antiquity.

Leave Silbury at 1230am

Travel to Avebruy Stones 1240am

Arrive at the Avebury Stones Lunch at the Red Lion or National Trust Cafe in Avebury 12.45 (own cost) Also there is a little shop and Barn Museum to visit if you wish. Entrance to Museum not included. Meet at the Red Lion Carpark at 14.00 for tour with Caroline

Caroline Lir will guide your walk and ceremony in Avebury. There may be an opportunity to see an early crop circle. This will be advised on the day. Situated in southern England in the county of Wiltshire the village of Avebury is close to two small streams....the Winterbourne and the Sambourne which unite to form the source of the River Kennet. After being re-enforced by a number of springs this beautiful English river rapidly gains in stature as it passes through the North Wessex Downs on its way to Reading where it eventually flows into the River Thames of which it has become the main tributary. The waters of the Kennet therefore pass through London before reaching their ultimate destination in the North Sea.

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Around 4,500 years ago, when the site of England's capital was a thinly inhabited marshland, the area around Avebury almost certainly formed the Neolithic equivalent of a city. By coincidence this waterway has become a link between the two largest cultural centers of their day to have ever existed in the British Isles. As London now contains most of England's largest buildings Avebury is the location of the mightiest megalithic complex to have ever been constructed in Britain. This henge with its enormous ditch, bank, stones and avenues survives in a much depleted state but the nearby Silbury Hill which is the largest man-made mound in pre-industrial Europe still dominates the surrounding landscape. The two largest surviving British long barrows of West Kennet and East Kennet are also prominent a short distance away and in recent years the remains of two massive palisaded enclosures have also been found. The quote that antiquarian John Aubrey made of Avebury......"it does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a Cathedral doeth a parish church" recognizes the true importance of what has now been largely absorbed into the modern landscape of Wiltshire. If we could return to the time when the Romans occupied the British Isles it is a sobering thought that we would have to go back as far again to find an Avebury that was already several centuries old.

The history of the modern village is inevitably linked to the prehistoric monuments that surround it. Abandoned for several thousand years the land around the stones became occupied once more when people of the Saxon period began to settle in the area. Their arrival and subsequent development of the present village was to have a dramatic effect on the history of the stones. The relationship between the local inhabitants and the monuments has now added an unfortunate dimension to the Avebury story that helps make it one of the most fascinating historical sites to be found in the British Isles if not the world.

It remains a magical place as so many who have been there will agree. A visit to Avebury is a very personal event. It still seems to retain, somehow, the spirits of all those who labored in its creation or whatever it was that led them to create it. If you have never been there a visit will not be an empty experience. You will come away with a head full of questions and probably a realization that somewhere over the year’s modern society has lost something important.

Leave Avebury at 1530

Notes;

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Day 5 Monday 29th April 2013

Meet group at accommodation at 0830

Comfortable shoes for walking – please pack a swim suit and bring a towel and robe

Journey to Bath with Priestess Georgina Arrive Bath 0930

Tour of Bath by bus – Victoria park Royal Crescent, Milsom St and Pultney Bridge

Bath is a city in the ceremonial county of Somerset in the south west of England. It is situated 97 miles (156 km) west of London and 13 miles (21 km) south-east of Bristol. The population of the city is 83,992. It was granted city status by Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1590 and was made a county borough in 1889 which gave it administrative independence from its county, Somerset. The city became part of Avon when that county was created in 1974. Since 1996, when Avon was abolished, Bath has been the principal centre of the unitary authority of Bath and North East Somerset .

The city was first established as a spa resort with the Latin name, Aquae Sulis ("the waters of Sulis") by the Romans in AD 43 although verbal tradition suggests that Bath was known before then. They built baths and a temple on the surrounding hills of Bath in the valley of the River Avon around hot springs, which are the only ones naturally occurring in the United Kingdom. Edgar was crowned king of England at Bath Abbey in 973. Much later, it became popular as a spa resort during the Georgian era, which led to a major expansion that left a heritage of exemplary Georgian architecture crafted from Bath Stone.

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The coach will drop you all off close to the Roman Baths. 10am Please do look after your belongings as you are now in a city area. 10.00 am - Tour of the Roman Baths (1- some steps) – cost included in the Tour price

You will be given a hand held recorder that acts as your guide around the Baths. The numbers on the posters around the ruins will tell you what number to press for your audio guide. They are to be handed in at the end of the tour.

The Roman Baths complex is a site of historical interest in the English city of Bath. The house is a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing.

The Roman Baths themselves are below the modern street level. There are four main features: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and the Museum holding finds from Roman Bath. The buildings above street level date from the 19th century.

It was featured on the 2005 TV program Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of the West Country. Visitors can see the Baths and Museum but cannot enter the water. An audio guide is available in several languages.

12.00 hours Time for lunch at the Pump Room

If you wish to eat in the Pump room, it is expensive but very very special. 13.45 pm Walk to Cross Spa 14.00 Enter a dream of your life time!! Just when you thought is could not be better!!! A Thermal pool for 1 ½ hours to soak away the aches and pains of walking. Plus a Sulis ceremony by Priestess Georgina

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Cross Bath

An intimate open-air thermal bath with its own changing facilities, the Cross Bath is a separate building and provides an alternative to the more extensive spa facilities in the New Royal Bath.

Where the Cross Bath now stands, the Celts revered their Goddess Sulis, in whose honor the Romans named their spa town, Aquae Sulis. The Cross Spring is now recognized as an official sacred site.

As you relax in the oval Cross Bath, you can watch the natural thermal waters cascade from a specially commissioned poolside fountain.

The Cross Bath provides an opportunity to experience Bath's natural thermal waters in a very special setting.

As the Cross Bath is a historic, stand alone building separate from the main spa, it does not have the facilities to offer spa treatments.

Leave Bath 1530 (place of coach pick up will be given to you on arrival in Bath) Arrive Glastonbury 1700 7.30pm Your last evening meal together in Glastonbury – location tba Notes:

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Day 6 Tuesday 30th April 2013

Day free in Glastonbury – Recommended to see the Glastonbury Abbey – entrance fee not included See the Oracle News Letter in your pack for entertainment in Glastonbury on a Saturday evening Evening Beltane Ceremony at the Goddess Hall at 7.30pm (1) (by donations) ST Benedict’s St Glastonbury

WEAR RED and dress up for the occasion!! Please be at the Hall by 7pm – this is a very popular ceremony and numbers are limited.

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Day 7 Wednesday 1st May 2013

Last Breakfast Departures Georgina will pick you up from your accommodation for Bristol Airport Journey time 45 minutes as arranged Other destinations and dates of departure by your own arrangement