Imagine you are walking on a sunny day along a path. This rises gently up a hillside. The sides of the path are hedged with white flowering hawthorns. You relish the sight of these, looking at the beauty of each of the tender blossoms. 

Ahead, on the hill’s crest, you can see a grove of beech trees, crow’s nests in the top branches, dark yew and evergreens amongst the columns of tree trunks. Strolling, you enjoy the unfolding view to the trees and across the surrounding countryside.

 

Now, approaching the top of the path you see a metal gate. With a gently push you swing it open and step onto the gravel path leading to the beech grove. The only sounds are from the stones scrunching under your feet and the breeze running through the leafy branches.

 

Amongst the trees you glimpse a bright white quartz structure. Parts appear as clear as glass. You feel drawn to walk the zig zag gully into the centre of this house of crystal. 

 

Here you find an ancient mound. And on top there stands an elder beech tree. It is bright in the reflected light from the quartz, the leaves vibrant, the trunk strong, and the branches supple.

 

A glow from the entrance to the mound looks inviting.   You step forward, pass between the entrance stones and into the passageway of the mound. There is a gently sloping spiral staircase, turning to the right. A red and white rope attached to the wall of the stairwell by hooks provides an anchor, and you slowly descend the steps. You realise that the way is lit by a gleaming suffuse light, earthlight. 

 

You notice the twisting roots of the beech tree in the earthen walls. You continue the descent.

 

Now you come to an archway. Hanging from the centre is an oil lamp, the flame burning brightly welcoming you. You step through the archway.

 

You are within a cave made of solid rock which shines with hundreds of stars. So bright, yet so diffuse, it looks like the Milky Way on a clear summer’s night. You are aware this is an ancient place, where harmony, compassion, peace and wisdom reside. A sweetness flows from these densest layers of earth and rock.

 

You can just discern in a darker recess of the cave the form of a cloaked figure who appears to be spinning. You realise that the thread from the spindle takes the form of roots that disappear up through the roof of the cave.

 

In the centre of the cave is what appears to be a well. It has a cover of green stone with a handle. Intrigued you take hold of the handle and pull. The green stone lifts easily and you look into the well of wisdom.

 

…

 

 

When you are ready you return through the archway, up the stairway, holding onto the red and white rope, along the passageway and out through the entrance stones. 

 

Back in the grove of beech trees you are aware of the solid ground under your feet and you walk back down the gravel path, through the metal gate and off the hillside.