Winchester
The city of Winchester lies
to the south of England within the historic area of Wessex. It is
surrounded by sites of great archaeological importance and spiritual
significance including Avebury stone circle and the megalithic site of
Stonehenge. Also nearby is a large area of ancient woodland. It is an area of outstanding beauty and home to a large variety
of trees and wildlife.
The wood
The forest is old land,
inhabited and worked for thousands upon thousands of years. Amongst the
trees, ancient roundbarrows can be found dating from the time of our
Celtic ancestors. Banks and ditches also hide amongst the undergrowth,
remnants of earthworks generations old.
It is upon this land that a large variety of trees grow including Oak,
Ash, Hawthorn (traditionally the three trees which attract the
Faery-folk), Yew, Beech and Birch. There are also patches of Wild
Honeysuckle which naturally entwines with the branches as it grows,
leading to the most beautiful twisted wood. Much of our wood is collected
here, capturing the sense of wisdom, age and power emanating from this
magickal place.
Also near to Winchester is an Iron Age hillfort. Two
thousand years ago, our ancestors would have used this hill as a place of
defence, protection and, at times, as their home. Although these days are
long gone, the area still retains its feeling of protection and also now,
of great peace. Some of the wood for our wands and staffs is gathered here
including Oak and Walnut. These are two very powerful trees in their own
right but even more so when combined with the natural energy of the hill.
The clay
All the clay used to create
our pottery items is hand-dug straight from the ground. It is then mixed
with sand and worked until smooth. When the item has been crafted it is
left to dry naturally for a short time before being decorated.
When the clay has dried sufficiently, the item is fired using the same
type of kiln that the Celts would have used - a clamp kiln. The pots are
stacked and baked in a pit under a fire and the changing oxygen level
leads to the most beautiful red and black mottling on the clay surface
making every item unique.
The energy
Using materials from such an ancient part of Southern
England makes all our items very special. The wood has grown upon the
earth worked by Celtic tribes-people and the clay is from an area
favoured by our ancestors. The energies of the land are ingrained in
these items making them rich, magickal and alive with the ... Spirit of
Old.
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