Using druidic ritual, stories, sacred singing and the ancient Celtic Ogham (Tree alphabet) a method of divination tapping into the wisdom of the trees, Adrian Rooke and Jo Dunbar, will bring us deeper into contact with the magic of the wild wood, and the spiritual power of our native trees and herbs.

In this series of workshops which will take us on a journey through some of the tress and herbs associated with the hedgerows and the sacred Celtic Wheel of the Year, we will begin with the Spring equinox and the Birch- the tree of new beginnings.

The graceful and beautiful birch is known as a pioneer tree, quickly planting itself where ground has been cleared. But she dies soon and her wood rots quickly, preparing the soil for longer lived trees like Oak and Beech to re-forest. Thus in the Celtic tradition, Birch is used as a talisman to sweep away the old energies, making space for new energies. As such, it was and still is used as a besom, to clear away the old leaves in our gardens.

We will explore the energies which Birch brings to the forest and to our lives- sweeping out the old and pioneering new beginnings. Birch is also a tree associated with detoxification and a bringer of light and love, so we will make a brew of detoxifying hedgerow herbs and enjoy a guided meditation for strengthening our light bodies and spreading universal love.

Venturing into the magical forest can open you up to a deeper understanding of your own life and can help you to navigate through the entanglements of your personal journey.

Jo Dunbar has been practising as a medical herbalist since 1999 and is the founder of Botanica Medica herbal apothecary. it was through growing and collecting herbs for her apothecaries that she developed a relationship with hedgerow plants and with trees. This love of nature led her to also follow the Druidic path, honouring all lifeforms on Earth as well as the cycles of the year. Jo grew up in South Africa where she first studied horticulture and worked with Xhosa men, a Bantu ethnic group who taught her about indigenous plants and how they are used magically and medically.

Adrian Rooke is a Pagan Celebrant and Druid. He has been a member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids for 18 years. Adrian has facilitated and run camps and workshops across a variety of topics based around the Wheel of the Year, working with the masculine and feminine principles to bring the connection and joy we all seek. He is also very blessed to have acted as celebrant at several handfastings, weddings and baby-namings, as well as ritually marking the passing-over of souls.

This workshop is taking place in-person at our college in London

You can find the address and travel directions on our contact page - we'll also include all the information in your enrolment email.

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