Predawn, Glastonbury Tor and Somerset landscape, on Beltane (May 1st)
An early rise, a short walk up Lollover Hill in the frosty dew, then a watching wait for the dawn…
The night before May 1st is traditionally a time of mystical experience, one of the cross-quarter days of the old Celtic calendar, when the veils between worlds are thin. Washing your face (or even bathing) in the dew is meant to guarantee a perfect complexion – I’m not sure if that applies to me, but it was certainly refreshing, especially on bare feet in the long grass!
I love the Somerset landscape, its gentleness, the trees standing out across the fields and waterways. I was especially blessed to be there at this time of the year, as the hawthorn and so many blossom trees came into full flower. The bright lime-green freshness of the new beech and oak leaves, full of light, is wonderful.
“The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you
– Rumi
Don’t go back to sleep!
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep!
People are going back and forth
across the doorsill where the two worlds touch,
The door is round and open
Don’t go back to sleep!”