So Grateful

IMG_6042Mother Earth is thriving.

IMG_6039Her abundance is nothing less than magnificent.

IMG_6037Everywhere on this land She thrives.

IMG_6048I have found a great many Cherry Trees She has seeded and grown over the past two years, but have remained hidden in the general mayhem of Spring and Summer, only to be discovered this year as Spring seemed to struggle and lag behind, so allowing me to see.IMG_6043

It is simply delightful to behold. The mother tree was planted by me a mere 13 yrs ago and already she has brought forth abundance.

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This Field Maple is bearing fruit this year and the Bees are soaring around its topmost branches.

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I know that I have posted this quote before, but it speaks loudly and will not be quietened…IMG_6084

“Wherever forests have not been mowed down, wherever the animal is recessed in their quiet protection, wherever the earth is not bereft of four-footed life – that to the white man is an ‘unbroken wilderness.’ IMG_6080

But for us there was no wilderness, nature was not dangerous but hospitable, not forbidding but friendly. Our faith sought the harmony of man with his surroundings; the other sought the dominance of surroundings.IMG_6079

For us, the world was full of beauty; for the other, it was a place to be endured until he went to another world.IMG_6077

But we were wise. We knew that man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard.”
― Chief Luther Standing Bear

IMG_6076“Kinship with all creatures of the earth, sky, and water was a real and active principle.

IMG_6073In the animal and bird world there existed a brotherly feeling that kept us safe among them…

IMG_6075The animals had rights – the right of man’s protection, the right to live, the right to multiply, the right to freedom, and the right to man’s indebtedness.

IMG_6074This concept of life and its relations filled us with the joy and mystery of living; it gave us reverence for all life; it made a place for all things in the scheme of existence with equal importance to all.”
― Chief Luther Standing Bear

IMG_6072And so wherever we allow Her, enable Her and protect Her, abundance flows…

IMG_6071It’s humbling to witness…

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My Goddess helps me to keep in mind the great Life Force of the Great Mother, for I, as a human need symbols to ground me and remember that She is not just a life-force, but an intelligent sentient being.

IMG_6069Symbols have always resonated with us.

IMG_6067IMG_6066IMG_6064IMG_6063We possess an innate ability to read and understand symbols, for they transcend language and culture.

Yet even as I walk back along the veranda towards the door of the cottage, I see the abundance.

IMG_6086This time in a recently re-potted tree…lots of tiny Parsley seedlings. I have no idea where they have come from, except to add that I used home made compost and these are from the seed-heads of last Summer.

Support the Bealtaine Project

A Cottage and Three Acres

Please email Colette if you would like a particular inscription in your book. From a desolate cottage set in 3 acres of monoculture sadness, to a vibrant, thriving food forest of life…the journey back to Eden over 13 years… Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.

€29.00

In Search of The Goddess Rising

This is the second book in the Goddess Permaculture series from Colette O’Neill at Bealtaine Cottage, Ireland. In this book I explore the ancient landscape, mythology, literature and life around Bealtaine Cottage… in search of the Great Goddess. The price of the book includes all postage and packing to wherever you live in the world! Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.

€27.00

Bealtaine Cottage Guide to the Deep Midwinter

A little Yuletide book filled with colour photographs, recipes, reflections, lore, poetry and mirth to guide you through the wonderful days ahead. Fifty pages of sheer delight from Bealtaine Cottage to you. The book is fully bound and can be posted direct as a gift. Price includes P&P worldwide. Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.

€18.00

Special Offer: Goddess Book and Midwinter Book

In Search of the Goddess Rising and The Bealtaine Cottage Guide to the Deep Midwinter…can be purchased together for for €36.00 which includes P&P Worldwide. Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.

€36.00

Magical Mythical Map of Bealtaine Cottage and Gardens

Beautiful map created by the artist David Gascoigne, especially for Bealtaine Cottage. The picture shows one side of the map…it is printed on both sides, see the photos on this page. The price includes all Postage and Packing to wherever you live in the world! Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.

€15.00

8 comments

  1. Dear Colette, ive been trying to read about your 100 day fast. I havent been able to get into the blog. Are there instructions on how to navigate your website. I have been trying for about 5 days. Help please.   

    Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

  2. Wonderful words and images. All so true. I love the cherry trees and parsley seedlings! I’ve had the same experience with parsley. When its seeds find themselves in the right place they burst into life and flourish. When I tried to force them to grow in a prepared and ordered bed, they were unhappy and failed miserably!

  3. i love the “surprise” when the compost yields unexpected treasures in new places. Just wonderful, xx

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