Inkanta
Group: Admins
Posts: 1453
Joined: Feb. 2000 |
 |
Posted: Feb. 26 2005, 11:19 |
 |
Hergest Ridge is in indeed a very spiritual place.
Among the reasons for visiting the Ridge this past December was Mike’s work and to see if I could run some of it (weren’t the lyrics, “if you’re feeling glum, to Hergest Ridge, you should run?” No? Hehehehe). Spirituality really didn’t factor in, though Mike had mentioned one time that pagans hold ceremonies on the Ridge, so I was a bit curious.
It was mid-afternoon, and the day held a bit of freezing mist and haziness. I took off running, and though I’m used to hills, I’m used to hill, then a spot of level, hill, then level. There wasn’t much level. The hill wasn’t horribly steep (this is subjective), but running got to me and the freezing fog and light wind felt good on my face.
There were people walking down the Ridge, but not up it at that point in the day. There were sheep and horses grazing and I really would have preferred to be on horseback. Much easier! There was an older man walking his dogs, and it was fun to chat with him for awhile. I can’t imagine living in a place like that and being able to walk my dogs on Hergest Ridge every day! That’s close to my definition of the Summerlands/Heaven! (Could lose the freezing fog! )
Re: the whetstone: Wish I could share a picture of what I think is the whetstone just to make sure we’re on the same page (or rock, as it were), but I can’t figure out how to upload. I doubt very much that the process of glaciation placed the rock there. Has it ever been investigated astronomically for alignment to the surrounding landscape, heliacal risings, or other known sacred sites (could also predict where some sites might be located)? I know nothing of the archaeology of the area and realize I have a lot of research and reading to accomplish. At any rate, about that point in the “hike” I was completely overwhelmed by the spirituality of the place. I am sure many ceremonies have been held in that very spot long into the distance past. I didn’t know about the making a wish part.
In several ways, the visit to Hergest Ridge correlates very well with the one to Machu Picchu. The big way is that I visited MP for purposes of archaeoastronomy and ended up overwhelmed by the spirituality of the place, as well. I could do an entire essay on sacred places, how they’re made, how you know, but will refrain. 
Regarding Kington, the town was lovely and the people were, too. Among my favorite places were the public library, the bookstore (TB was in the window, and some claim Mike as their own--"local boy makes good" is what the proprietor said! ), a pet food store, and a career center. The library is so similar to the libraries I visit in my job. A holiday bizarre was held that weekend, which included people selling local wines and chocolate (again in my definition of the Summerlands) as well as other foods and crafts.
My kids and I are going to stay at the Beacon in June for a couple of days. None of them is particularly into Mike Oldfield’s music, but I think they’ll love the area, just because….
--------------
"No such thing as destiny; only choices exist." From: Moongarden's "Solaris."
|
Oh yes!!! We gave a copy to the B&B owners, and it was playing for us as we had our breakfast! Can't exactly say what I wished for on the Whet Stone, but if we meet a certain musician I'll let you know.... 
) .I can't believe those prices, very reasonable. My one concern about going B&B, as opposed to self catering is , I'm following an eating plan with Slimming World, if I cook the food myself,I know precisely how it's been cooked. I need to get someone to go with , I have a friend, I think she'd be persuaded, especially if there are vacancies at the Beacon, especially if I tell her the house was once owned by Mike Oldfield. I'd better get this dentistry out of the way, then I'll try and arrange something, before the Beacon Is booked up by other fans of Mike.
We walked up the Ridge and it was lovey weather not to sunny but windy. I have some nice pictures if anyone wants to see. Both of us listened to the music as we wandered up the hill. First time we went up 2001 it poured with rain and no fancy ipods so I had my portable CD in one pocket and the little speakers in another and up we plodded. No view that time as the clouds were too low.