I never cease to be amazed by the number and kinds of different berries within our woodlands. The birds are certainly doing well, what with our bird tables and so much variety in the natural world.

The Guelder Rose berries are a bright, bright red and almost look like shiny sweets hanging on those branches. I didn’t actually know what they were. They are also called European cranberries and can be used in jams and preserves after being cooked, although they are slightly toxic when too much is eaten raw.

Described as a native UK superfruit, she likes damp woodlands and old hedgerows. The clusters of white flowers she produces in May and June to lure pollinators are long gone, and now her berries provide sustenance not only for birds but smaller woodland mammals too.

As we progress through the Autumn season, those leaves will turn a vivid red. She is also considered healing, and her bark has traditionally been used to ease all kinds of muscle cramps. Her presence in a woodland can also denote an ancient site where there has been tree cover for a very long time.

She is a national symbol in Ukraine, representing fertility and protection, and across Slavic traditions she has a strong spiritual significance. Here at home in the UK, her spiritual significance is linked to protection from malevolence.

Beware if you are feeling ambitious with her preparation, though. Before cooking, those crushed berries smell like nothing short of stinky socks! You have been warned!

We had our In-House Evening last night, led by Rob Harvey, who spoke about just how close spirit can get. He also gave a demonstration with the healers to show how close spirit can get during healing, with feedback from both healers and healees. Thank you, Rob. It was very insightful!

We also acknowledged World Animal Day, or the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, and it was the traditional day for our Harvest Festival. Lovely Sarah Dorgan was in the Chair this week and kept us in line. Thank you both!!

Thanks to our family for the beautiful readings and prayers also. We thank our hospitality, Sue, and our music team, Julie and Lisa. We thank our healers and all those who work away to set up the evening and put everything away afterwards.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Please pray for the animals of this world. Their burden is great in so many ways, and some more than others. May we open our hearts to the plight of these others on this planet.

The darkness is creeping into our mornings and evenings, but with a good cup of coffee, we can still seize the day.

Have a beautiful week!