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Journal of <strong>the</strong> Companions of <strong>the</strong><strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>Issue No. 21 • Spring 2008“Life is a unity and all its manifestations in form, both visible and invisible, are interdependent upon each o<strong>the</strong>r”
EditorialRecently, while sitting on <strong>the</strong> bench in Arthur’s Courtyard, a couple of American teenagerscame rushing in. They chattered away to each o<strong>the</strong>r and were full of exuberance and life. As<strong>the</strong>y approached <strong>the</strong> waterfall <strong>the</strong>re was a sudden change. All <strong>the</strong>ir ‘noise’ and ‘speed’ droppedaway and <strong>the</strong>y sat down quietly on <strong>the</strong> stone bench to absorb <strong>the</strong> atmosphere and watch <strong>the</strong>water flow down <strong>the</strong> channel to <strong>the</strong> healing pool. The girl turned to <strong>the</strong> boy and said: “This isamazing, sooo cool. I’ve never felt anything like this before.” He replied, “<strong>Well</strong>, I’ve never beenanywhere else like this, especially back home in <strong>the</strong> States – it’s like, a calm oasis.” And <strong>the</strong>n<strong>the</strong>y sat <strong>the</strong>re, not meditating, but calmly taking in <strong>the</strong> ambience under <strong>the</strong> trees.It set me wondering about how many o<strong>the</strong>r people over <strong>the</strong> years have had a similarexperience here. Maybe when <strong>the</strong> valley was a natural place with no walls and gardens andrills, or when Alice Buckton had <strong>the</strong> old bath-house in <strong>the</strong> courtyard, or in recent times whenvisitors flow through <strong>the</strong> gardens on summer days. Perhaps all who come are touched bysomething we can’t quite grasp, something that moves our hearts and makes our everydayconcerns and worries drop away. At certain specific places in <strong>the</strong> world, and <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> iscertainly one of those places, we can experience an attunement that is especially powerful;surely that was what was happening to those young American visitors in Arthur’s Courtyard.Suddenly, <strong>the</strong> world of You Tube, My Space and <strong>the</strong> iPod dropped away to reveal a deeper reality.In <strong>the</strong> pages of ‘The <strong>Chalice</strong>’ we hope to share with <strong>the</strong> readers and Companions of <strong>the</strong><strong>Well</strong> something of this mystery. During <strong>the</strong> three issues this year we will be looking back over<strong>the</strong> fifty year history of <strong>the</strong> Trust and looking forward into <strong>the</strong> future. In this issue we havecontemporary accounts and pictures of <strong>the</strong> lighting of a flame at <strong>the</strong> winter solstice to take usforward to our anniversary year in 2009.Elsewhere we go back to <strong>the</strong> years after Tudor Pole died and pay tribute to former TrusteeDr. Martin Israel. Then, in <strong>the</strong> first of a series of articles about former Guardians, we get aglimpse of <strong>the</strong> period between 1980-1986 when Taras and Moya Kosikowsky were residen<strong>the</strong>re. We also focus on <strong>the</strong> present context as Nicholas Mann examines what is being askedof us in this time of transformation. There is also our usual selection of news and wonderfulphotographs, and a perspective from Companion Michael Calabrese in America. We hopeyou will enjoy this issue.Paul FletcherFront Cover: The winter sun illuminates <strong>the</strong> garden above <strong>the</strong> well head.Quotation from <strong>Well</strong>esley Tudor Pole, from ‘A Man Seen from Afar’.Back Cover: The Mo<strong>the</strong>r and Child with spring flowers in <strong>the</strong> Sanctuary. Photo by Andy Scott.2The <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Trust is a registered charity, founded in 1959 by <strong>Well</strong>esley Tudor Pole and a group offriends. It is dedicated to preserving <strong>the</strong> ancient spring and surrounding gardens as a living sanctuary foreveryone to visit and experience <strong>the</strong> quiet healing peace of this sacred place.The Trust welcomes donations to maintain <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> and gardens including Little St. Michaels retreathouse, and to fur<strong>the</strong>r its work. Voluntary contributions towards upkeep are <strong>the</strong>refore greatly appreciated.Any person who wishes to support <strong>the</strong> Trust’s purpose by making an annual subscription may be registeredas a Companion of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong>.For fur<strong>the</strong>r information contactThe <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8DD UKTel: 01458 831154 Fax: 01458 835528.Email: info@chalicewell.org.uk Website: www.chalicewell.org.ukRegistered Charity No: 204206Published by The <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Trust, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8DD, UK
News from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong>A Perpetual FlameAs I write this piece on <strong>the</strong> first day of 2008, I reflectthat a year from today will be <strong>the</strong> 50 th anniversary of<strong>the</strong> founding of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Trust by <strong>Well</strong>esleyTudor Pole. He had recognised that this place was ofsignificant spiritual import not only to <strong>the</strong> world in1959 but, as he understood, for times to come. He wasmoved to safeguard it in <strong>the</strong> foundation of a charitableTrust. The 50 th anniversary of <strong>the</strong> Trust in 2009 will be anopportunity to reflect on <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>’s story and also toalign ourselves to its future unfolding. Everything thathas gone before will stand to serve what is to come. If <strong>the</strong>reis such a thing as a ‘divine plan’ <strong>the</strong>n this coming yearprovides us with an opportune time to tune in and listen.Whilst preparing for <strong>the</strong> recent Winter SolsticeThe ironwork over <strong>the</strong> entrance to <strong>the</strong>well headGa<strong>the</strong>ring we were struck by <strong>the</strong> research our Archivist, Paul Fletcher, was doing into <strong>the</strong>history of <strong>the</strong> wrought iron gates given to <strong>the</strong> Trust by Cornwall-Legh. One of <strong>the</strong> gates usedto stand at <strong>the</strong> entrance to <strong>the</strong> Cress Field (and is to be brought back into a new position in<strong>the</strong> gardens in <strong>the</strong> near future), while <strong>the</strong> existing one leads from <strong>the</strong> garden to <strong>the</strong> sanctuaryof <strong>the</strong> wellhead. At <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> gate are <strong>the</strong> words ‘<strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>’ and above it <strong>the</strong> iron workis shaped into a form which suggests it could hold a light, a lamp or a beacon.As I spoke with a number of <strong>the</strong> staff about this, we all felt inspired. The idea crystallizedstill fur<strong>the</strong>r into <strong>the</strong> lighting of a candle that could burn for <strong>the</strong> whole of <strong>the</strong> coming year as wemade our preparations for <strong>the</strong> anniversary. The flame could serve as a beacon of inspirationand symbolize a rededication of <strong>the</strong> Trust’s aims and all that radiates from this extraordinaryplace. It could also represent <strong>the</strong> light that we carry inside each and every one of us.Jenny White, our resident caretaker, volunteered to be <strong>the</strong> keeper of <strong>the</strong> flame and it wasdecided that it should burn in <strong>the</strong> window of Vine Cottage, visible to all who walk through <strong>the</strong>entrance. Tricia Callaghan was holding silence in <strong>the</strong> Meeting Room for a day in <strong>the</strong> run-up to<strong>the</strong> Solstice, as she describes on <strong>the</strong> following page, and it was in this silence that <strong>the</strong> flame waslit. The following day, <strong>the</strong> flame was carried around <strong>the</strong> gardens, down from <strong>the</strong> wellhead andinto <strong>the</strong> Winter Solstice ga<strong>the</strong>ring. All present were invited to acknowledge <strong>the</strong> divine sparkwithin. The light was handed to those who were to light <strong>the</strong> solstice fire with <strong>the</strong> blessing: “youare light and light you shall remain.”Perhaps it is a coincidence, perhaps not, that I re-found this quotation of Tudor Pole’sfrom this year’s calendar. “We are engaged in re-kindling a lamp at <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>,” said WTP atCompanions’ Day in 1966. “Make no mistake about it. We do in fact stand on holy ground.” Theimage it accompanied was of <strong>the</strong> 2005 Winter Solstice Labyrinth with a brazier burning at its heart.The lamp that has been burning on this holy ground has probably been burning since timeimmemorial. Many have been drawn to its flame, many have been touched by it. The flamethat we have lit for <strong>the</strong> coming year is our acknowledgement of that. I would like to leave youwith a final quotation from Tudor Pole’s great friend Sir George Trevelyan, from his address atCompanions’ Day in 1980, which, I feel encapsulates what this perpetual flame is for:“The earthing of Spirit is of profound importance, and this Tudor Pole knew so well. Itcalls for our initiative to invoke <strong>the</strong> Spirit for its entry into matter. Therefore, centres like<strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> are seen to be an essential part of a great network of light.”Natasha Wardle3
Winter Solstice 2007 – Light from <strong>the</strong> Silence4By Tricia CallaghanThis is staff member Tricia Callaghan’s personal account of <strong>the</strong> lighting of <strong>the</strong> flame.In response to a deepurging from within, Imade a suggestion to <strong>the</strong>staff circle about holding aDay of Silence. We agreedto use <strong>the</strong> Meeting Roomon <strong>the</strong> 20 th December for<strong>the</strong> purpose and offer it tothose who felt inclined tojoin in for any length oftime throughout <strong>the</strong> day.The silence wasopened at 10am with threeparticipants. I lit a candleand silently invited in <strong>the</strong>highest good of all, <strong>the</strong>Devas of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong> and of <strong>the</strong>garden, and any beings oflight who wished to assistus. As <strong>the</strong> day unfolded<strong>the</strong> Meeting Room becameTricia gives <strong>the</strong> perpetual flame to resident housekeeper Jenny White.filled with energies that attimes felt very peaceful and loving and at o<strong>the</strong>rtimes very intense. I had committed to hold <strong>the</strong>space, and indeed I felt I was rooted to <strong>the</strong> spotand had access to a far more expanded sense ofself and consciousness. I left with <strong>the</strong> feelingthat we could hold more of <strong>the</strong>se days andmake <strong>the</strong>m available to anyone who wished tomake a deeper connection with <strong>the</strong> silence.As a continuation of this emerging process,<strong>the</strong>re was a fur<strong>the</strong>r development in a meetingduring <strong>the</strong> planning for <strong>the</strong> Winter SolsticeCeremony.At <strong>the</strong> Solstice ceremony on <strong>the</strong> 21 stDecember I was asked to bring <strong>the</strong> light of <strong>the</strong>Day of Silence into <strong>the</strong> ceremony. From <strong>the</strong>moment I stepped out of Vine Cottage <strong>the</strong>rewas a feeling of grace and gratitude flowingthrough me. At each point in <strong>the</strong> garden Iacknowledged <strong>the</strong> spirit of <strong>the</strong> place, and offeredthanks and light before handing <strong>the</strong> light to agroup of four women who held it in Arthur’scourt until it was called forth into <strong>the</strong> ceremony. Derek Brightman, our long-standing gardenvolunteer, prepares <strong>the</strong> Solstice fire.
Blessing <strong>the</strong> Solstice fire. The Yule Log lies in <strong>the</strong> foregroundDuring <strong>the</strong> ceremony I spoke of <strong>the</strong> eternal light representing <strong>the</strong> unfolding consciousnessof humanity and our desire to evolve and experience our divinity here on earth. It seemed <strong>the</strong>ceremony brought toge<strong>the</strong>r all of <strong>the</strong> threads of my knowing, past and present. It allowed meto feel <strong>the</strong> acceptance and allowance of <strong>the</strong> connection to <strong>the</strong> divine source – being a part ofit all and it all being a part of me.The Winter Solstice fire is well and truly lit.All photos by Saul Macauley Haines5
Winter UpdateWe welcome our new Shop Manager, Chaia Forster, to join <strong>the</strong> shop team. Thanks go to JennyWhite, who has been managing <strong>the</strong> shop during <strong>the</strong> interim. We say goodbye to MargaretOrr-Rabuse who has given her energy and dedication to <strong>the</strong> upkeep of <strong>the</strong> retreat houses for<strong>the</strong> last two years and we wish her well in her new role of caring for <strong>the</strong> elderly.Little St Michael’s closed in January for two weeks of redecoration and deep cleaning. Theentrance hall and <strong>the</strong> Elder Room have received a fresh coat of paint and necessary renovation.The two weeks of rest every year is a chance for <strong>the</strong> house to receive refreshment, and for <strong>the</strong>housekeepers to pause and reflect, before <strong>the</strong> start of <strong>the</strong> busy year.During <strong>the</strong> Christmas period <strong>the</strong> office also underwent reconstruction and re-organisation.We wanted to create a more welcoming reception area for visitors, guests and companions inkeeping with our ethos of service and care. The administration has relocated to <strong>the</strong> two roomsupstairs and <strong>the</strong> shop, at last, has a dedicated area for its operations downstairs. We hope thatyou will enjoy <strong>the</strong> new look and feel when you next visit.We very much enjoyed <strong>the</strong> pre-Christmas ga<strong>the</strong>ring with our volunteer team, beautifullyorganised by Jill, our volunteer co-ordinator. Dragonsfly Moon were invited to perform and<strong>the</strong>y sang a number of moving Celtic and traditional songs about those who are “keepers of<strong>the</strong> gate and watchers of <strong>the</strong> threshold”. Our gatehouse and garden volunteers are <strong>the</strong> face of<strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> to those who visit and it is very much a service of love and dedication. If anycompanions are interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities at <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>for this coming year, please contact Jill, who will be happy to talk with you.The free open evening and illuminated gardens at <strong>the</strong> beginning of December proved tobe a success. Many came from <strong>the</strong> local community who, due to our winter opening hoursand <strong>the</strong>ir work commitments would not normally have been able to come to <strong>the</strong> gardens orwho had not been before. The shop was kept open and we provided hot drinks and mincepies to warm <strong>the</strong> body as well as <strong>the</strong> spirit. A number of visitors remarked on <strong>the</strong> peace andtranquillity of <strong>the</strong> gardens during <strong>the</strong> evening time and we are considering how we mightafford more opportunities for late evening openings such as this during <strong>the</strong> coming year.Forthcoming EventsOn Friday 1 st February we celebrated Imbolc with a morningceremony at <strong>the</strong> two springs. We will carry <strong>the</strong> quickening lightfrom <strong>the</strong>re through to <strong>the</strong> Spring Equinox and World WaterDay on Friday 21 st March when <strong>the</strong>re will be a meditation at<strong>the</strong> wellhead at 12 noon. We plan to carry our prayers throughto <strong>the</strong> following day, 22 nd March, <strong>the</strong> actual World Water Day,<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me for which <strong>the</strong> United Nations has highlighted as‘Coping with Water Scarcity.’Sunday 23 rd March is our Easter Ceremony, where we inviteyou to attend a meditation and a foot washing in King Arthur’sCourt at 12 noon. Please bring a towel.Then, of course, on Thursday 1st May is our annual Beltaneevent with a ceremony around <strong>the</strong> fire followed by May Poledancing. The Gardens will be open at 6am for <strong>the</strong> ceremony tobegin at 7:30am. Refreshments will be available and admissionis entirely free for everyone. More details of <strong>the</strong>se events will beposted on <strong>the</strong> website or sent to you by email in due course.6Imbolc maiden.Photo by Ann Cook
Garden News and ViewsThe new year has just dawned, with all <strong>the</strong> expectations, high hopesand resolution which this season engenders. One of my own personalresolutions is to strive even more to help provide <strong>the</strong> means for visitorsto connect with <strong>the</strong> very special qualities of this place, whe<strong>the</strong>r thatbe by providing more seating in hidden corners of <strong>the</strong> garden forquiet contemplation; increasing <strong>the</strong> variety and colour of plants; orby ensuring more attractions for wildlife, especially to encourage <strong>the</strong>soothing sights and sounds of bees and butterflies, which never ceaseto lift <strong>the</strong> spirit. <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> is undoubtedly a haven and oasis formany visitors; <strong>the</strong> recognition of that is held dear by all who workhere, and we are dedicated to enhancing that experience for all whoenter its environs.Since <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>the</strong>re have been a few minor changes andprojects. Several more trees have been planted in <strong>the</strong> Plum Orchard.Martin Faulkner has improved and resurfaced <strong>the</strong> Lion’s Headpaving, taking out <strong>the</strong> tiny plughole, and replacing <strong>the</strong> outlet pipe inorder to help prevent fur<strong>the</strong>r blockages, which had been a recurrentproblem in <strong>the</strong> past. The old square sump hole has been removed,Ark RedwoodOrchardist Anthony Wardplants a DennistonsSuperb ‘Imperial Gage’ in<strong>the</strong> Plum Orchard.and <strong>the</strong>refore what had been a trip hazard has now been eradicated. Bearing in mind <strong>the</strong>safety of our visitors <strong>the</strong>re will be fur<strong>the</strong>r repaving in o<strong>the</strong>r areas of <strong>the</strong> garden when time andopportunity permit.Martin has also provided a wheelchair ramp, and new benches in <strong>the</strong> Shelter. These seatsare retractable, and so can be utilised during events. Despite all that, I really pray we don’t getas wet a summer as we had last year!The old water feature in <strong>the</strong> meadow has had a semicircle of ivy planted behind it. Theidea being that eventually <strong>the</strong> solidity of <strong>the</strong> feature will be softened by <strong>the</strong> planting. Thevariety of ivy is an old favourite called Hedera helix ‘Manda’s Crested’. It is one previouslyplanted in various places around <strong>the</strong> garden as it has <strong>the</strong> quality not only of being a fairlyvigorous grower, but also <strong>the</strong> habit of turning red in <strong>the</strong> autumn and winter, which looks veryattractive when established. So, patience please!I have planted a fair number of bulbs for spring display in various parts of <strong>the</strong> gardenincluding tulips, dwarf irises, a pure white narcissus called ‘Mount Hood’, snowdrops, crocus,spring snowflakes and a lovely allium called ‘Purple Sensation’.I’m not a big fan of bedding schemes, but I do like winter-flowering pansies, and haveplanted up two or three beds with <strong>the</strong>m in order to brighten up <strong>the</strong> grey days. One plant thatwill certainly cheer people up when it has fully grown is <strong>the</strong> Daphne bholua, which I haveplaced in <strong>the</strong> bed next to <strong>the</strong> Sanctuary. This particular species of daphne is probably <strong>the</strong> mos<strong>the</strong>avily-scented. Although on <strong>the</strong> borderline of hardiness it should survive our mild winters(fingers crossed!), and give much pleasure to <strong>the</strong> senses for years to come.The bed to <strong>the</strong> left of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chalice</strong> Seat (near <strong>the</strong> big Yews) has always been a problemowing to its deep dry shade. I’m hoping that <strong>the</strong>re will be more horticultural interest in futureas I have planted several species, including hardy cranesbills, which should be able to copewith <strong>the</strong>se conditions. Deep shade is without doubt <strong>the</strong> most testing of environments, and<strong>the</strong> number of species which can thrive <strong>the</strong>re is limited to say <strong>the</strong> least. So let’s hope <strong>the</strong>conundrum is solved once and for all.7
Whilst our indispensable assistant, Sue, has been busy trimming hedges and mulching<strong>the</strong> beds, I have been tackling two new projects of which I am particularly excited; namely anew front garden for Vine Cottage, and <strong>the</strong> second phase of <strong>the</strong> Physic Garden in <strong>the</strong> old herbarea.The front garden of Vine Cottage had been in need of refreshment for some time. Thetopsoil which had been imported onto <strong>the</strong> site during <strong>the</strong> construction of <strong>the</strong> new pergolaentranceway in 1996 proved very poor indeed, and all <strong>the</strong> plants and shrubs <strong>the</strong>re have struggled.The removal of <strong>the</strong> leggy and overgrown shrubs afforded <strong>the</strong> opportunity to create a display ofplants and flowers that would welcome and draw visitors up <strong>the</strong> entrance path. So everythingwas taken out, including <strong>the</strong> lawn, and <strong>the</strong> soil replaced. The garden has now been redesignedand hopefully it will be a visual treat for <strong>the</strong> eyes. A circular sequence of stepping stonesdelineates <strong>the</strong> structure,and <strong>the</strong> central areawill be planted up withsmall evergreen shrubsto complement <strong>the</strong> greenlawns fur<strong>the</strong>r along <strong>the</strong>border. A line of silverleavedplants will runparallel with <strong>the</strong> pathway,and link again with<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r silver foliagealready in <strong>the</strong> area. Thecolour scheme for <strong>the</strong>flowers will be white,pink, blue and purple,which will blend wellwith <strong>the</strong> blue lias walls of<strong>the</strong> cottages.Autumn colours in <strong>the</strong> garden. Primula ‘nectarine’, (above) and Berberisstenophylla (below).8The work on <strong>the</strong>new Physic Garden is allvery exciting, and onceall of <strong>the</strong> beds have beenthoroughly weeded (youshould see <strong>the</strong> size ofsome of <strong>the</strong> bindweedroots!), we shall belooking forward toplanting up, and orderinglabels. The first phasecompleted last year wasvery successful, and so weare hoping that when it isall finished we will have apart of <strong>the</strong> garden whichpeople will specificallywant to come and visit.I am confident that thiswill be quite a feature formany years to come.
In <strong>the</strong> Spiritof <strong>Well</strong> BeingWe give thanks to <strong>the</strong>se deep healing waters,That flow from <strong>the</strong> depths far and wide,As we seek balance within,A renewed world to begin,The key of loveWill be turning <strong>the</strong> tide!Lorye Keats Hopper9
The Story of <strong>the</strong> Guardians of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>Part 1 ~ Taras and Moya KosikowskyAs we approach <strong>the</strong> 50 th Anniversary of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Trust we intend to run a series of articlesabout <strong>the</strong> contributions of previous Guardians and Wardens who lived on site at Vine Cottage.Starting with this issue we look at <strong>the</strong> time of Taras and Moya Kosikowsky who came to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong>after <strong>the</strong> sudden death of <strong>the</strong> previous warden John Simmons in October 1979.With his wife Ida,John Simmons playedan important rolefrom <strong>the</strong> autumn of1966 in consolidatingvarious aspects of <strong>the</strong>Trust. However <strong>the</strong>rehad been tremendousstrain on <strong>the</strong> Simmonsduring <strong>the</strong> 1970’s which<strong>the</strong> following extractfrom ‘The Messenger’of 1977 suggests. “Thepassing years haveseen many changes (at<strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong>),” wrote JohnSimmons, “and wehave on occasions beensubjected to intensepressure of every kindto remove us from ourguardianship. But wehave always found sufficient support to uphold us whenever needed.”In fact a few months before his death in 1968 <strong>Well</strong>esley Tudor Pole had written to Johnand Ida saying, “Little did you realise when you first arrived at <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> of <strong>the</strong> full scope ofyour valuable activities and of <strong>the</strong> services you would be enabled to render to so many peopleand on so many planes of action. Thanks be.”The Simmons oversaw what Sir George Trevelyan later called “a delaying period,” a timeof protection and slowly building up <strong>the</strong> energies. “The time was not yet right for forgingahead.” But with John’s passing, new energy and an opening occurred which welcomed in ayoung couple.Taras and Moya had felt it was time to leave <strong>the</strong> Findhorn Community for a fresh challenge,and so in <strong>the</strong> autumn of 1979 <strong>the</strong>y moved south to Glastonbury. At that time, John Simmonshad just died and <strong>the</strong> gardens were closed for <strong>the</strong> winter. Moya and Tara joined a band ofvolunteers in <strong>the</strong> garden (as so much work was needed), and as time went on and wi<strong>the</strong>ncouragement from Eileen Caddy, Alice Crichton and Ann Jevons <strong>the</strong>y applied for <strong>the</strong> job ascustodians. On February 15 th 1980, Moya and Taras married and became joint custodians of<strong>the</strong> <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> from March 1 st . There was a welcoming sense of joy and relief at <strong>the</strong> Trust,and at Companion’s Day in <strong>the</strong> summer of 1980, Sir George Trevelyan spoke of “a flower thatis now blossoming, a rose that is really opening.”10Arthur and Pip Bourne with Taras, Moya and <strong>the</strong>ir newborn son at <strong>the</strong>Lion’s Head in 1981
The lower gardens were cleared and reseeded in <strong>the</strong> Spring of 1980. The newly delivered millstone can beseen on <strong>the</strong> right of <strong>the</strong> picture.So it was that Taras and Moya set to work, removing a newly planted ‘forest’ of 88 conifertrees which had been placed across <strong>the</strong> lower lawn after <strong>the</strong> dismantling of <strong>the</strong> Tor School, andbeginning to build up <strong>the</strong> shop which was in its current position and was also <strong>the</strong> entrance to<strong>the</strong> gardens at this time. They did much restorative work on <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> gardens which hadsuffered terribly in 1979 when flood water, redirected into <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> grounds, washedaway many of <strong>the</strong> original paths and plants. Among <strong>the</strong> Trustees was local resident ArthurBourne and he and his wife Pip, who at a later date also became a Trustee, helped to maintain<strong>the</strong> garden. Alongside Taras and Moya <strong>the</strong>y began to work toge<strong>the</strong>r as a close group, bringingin more volunteers from <strong>the</strong> community of Glastonbury.At <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> 1970’s <strong>the</strong> gardens had been temporarily closed and Taras and Moyawere key to re-opening and restoring <strong>the</strong> site, which included much needed maintenancework on Little St. Michaels (LSM) guest-house and Vine Cottage. They agreed to a six-monthtrial period, which went well, and as Custodians (<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n agreed title) <strong>the</strong>y stayed throughto 1986. The office was above <strong>the</strong> garage which was still used for cars (May Cottage), andTaras and Moya also implemented season tickets for local companions that introduced freshenergy.During <strong>the</strong> first year <strong>the</strong>y lived in LSM while Vine Cottage was gutted and restored andmany timbers were replaced. Regular meetings with Trustees were introduced; Pip and Arthurwere <strong>the</strong> link on <strong>the</strong> ground with <strong>the</strong> Trustees who lived fur<strong>the</strong>r afield. Sir George Trevelyanplayed an important role at this time, providing a link between <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>remerging aspects of <strong>the</strong> new age in Britain.Throughout 1981 work continued, allowing more light into a badly overgrown Arthur’sCourtyard, restoring a rusty lid at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong>-head and building steps by <strong>the</strong> shelter near <strong>the</strong>Lion’s Head to give easier access to <strong>the</strong> higher parts of <strong>the</strong> garden. A wonderful old millstonewas brought from Ireland by Michael Crichton, who was a very close friend of Tudor Pole and11
David Russell, and placed near <strong>the</strong> yew trees. It provided a magical place to pause and reflect,looking across to Wearyall Hill before turning to walk between <strong>the</strong> yews. Drawing on hisexperience at Findhorn, Taras also developed <strong>the</strong> herb garden; <strong>the</strong> idea was to plant toge<strong>the</strong>rherbs with similar or complementary medicinal properties for treating various ailments.Their son, Sean Michael, was born on November 30 th 1981 in Vine Cottage only two daysafter <strong>the</strong>y had moved in upon completion of <strong>the</strong> renovation work. By this time Taras and Moyahad become more aware of <strong>the</strong> challenging nature of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>. “As you might imagine,”Taras wrote in mid 1982, “so many seemingly ‘amazing ideas’ show up on our doorstepbrought by many well meaning individuals. Some of <strong>the</strong>se ideas upon closer examination arein <strong>the</strong>mselves fine, but within <strong>the</strong> greater context of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> do not feel right. The innerand outer balance is always at work.”Sir George Trevelyan continued with his support and addressed several Companions Dayevents along with <strong>the</strong> likes of herbalist David Hoffman, Dr. Alec Forbes from <strong>the</strong> Cancer HelpCentre in Bristol, Geoffrey Ashe and Soozi Holbeche. Kitty Tudor Pole, aged 100, was able tobe present at one of <strong>the</strong> summer ga<strong>the</strong>rings. Gradually, LSM was restored so that guests couldstay on retreat again, and Pip and Arthur continued <strong>the</strong>ir day to day support alongside FrancesCoxwell in <strong>the</strong> office and manyo<strong>the</strong>r committed volunteers.This led to <strong>the</strong> introduction oflocal Trustees that created moreof a community feel than hadpreviously been present.There was <strong>the</strong> small matterof a twelve and a half thousandpound debt and it was decidedto sell off a field up <strong>Well</strong>houseLane to <strong>the</strong> National Trust toclear this. Long time supporterFrances Nuttall gave her ‘<strong>Chalice</strong>Prayer Card’ to <strong>the</strong> Trust to sellin <strong>the</strong> shop, and this is stillavailable today. Tudor Pole’sbooks and pamphlets were alsosold in <strong>the</strong> shop and <strong>the</strong>re wasa reprint of four of his originalbooklets.Going into <strong>the</strong>ir fifth yearTaras and Moya were aware of<strong>the</strong> growing media interest inGlastonbury and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong> butunfortunately found much of<strong>the</strong> coverage to be sensationalist.Visitor numbers were on <strong>the</strong>increase and <strong>the</strong> stresses andstrains of being custodians hadto be balanced with <strong>the</strong>ir familylife at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong> while taking careof all <strong>the</strong> ‘nooks and crannies’that comprise <strong>the</strong> workingsMoya with two weeks old Sean above <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong> head12
of <strong>the</strong> Trust. At this time a long-obsolete reservoir was purchased by a local councillor fordevelopment; <strong>the</strong> White Spring Café was about to emerge on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>Well</strong>houseLane.By 1984 <strong>the</strong>re were four bedrooms available in LSM and bookings were growing. Therewas at this time a minimum stay of three days and a maximum of two weeks; <strong>the</strong> cost was £8 aday. Visitors to <strong>the</strong> garden had increased to well over 16,000 a year. “This place is touching anddrawing many more people to itself,” Taras wrote in <strong>the</strong> newsletter. “It is a good affirmationthat all of us everywhere who want to be a part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong>, in many various ways, are helpingto preserve one of those rare places of beauty and tranquillity.”However, by <strong>the</strong> summer of 1986 Taras and Moya and Sean were ready to move on. Theyhad completed well over six years of dedication and service, overseeing growth and expansionon every level. Companionship had grown from 153 to over 600 with visitor numbers risingabove 22,000 by <strong>the</strong> end of 1985. The Gate House Shop was paying its own way and was inprofit. The Trust had received an endowment <strong>the</strong> previous year from a supporter, making itfinancially secure for <strong>the</strong> first time.Their leave-takingtook about six monthsso that a new appointmentcould be madeand <strong>the</strong> details of<strong>the</strong> position handedover in a positive way.During <strong>the</strong>ir years ofdedicated service <strong>the</strong>yhad held <strong>the</strong> originalvision of WTP whilesuccessfully workingwith his close friendSir George Trevelyanto open <strong>the</strong> doorwider. They playeddown any attemptto glamourise WTPor <strong>the</strong> work <strong>the</strong>yhad accomplished at<strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>.Let’s end withsome wise words fromTaras in <strong>the</strong>ir finalnewsletter: “There isno need to attempt todominate this place orSean returns with daughter Shannon (five weeks old) and wife Julie in 2007 toVine Cottage where he was born in 1981. Resident housekeeper Jenny White,centre, welcomes <strong>the</strong>m.to build healing temples here, or even to begin emphasising various religions or spiritual paths,regardless of how big or small. These gardens embody all faiths already. And <strong>the</strong>y simply waitpatiently to enfold all who enter this Universal Living Sanctuary of Prayer and Peace.”This article is based on a recent interview with Taras and Moya and also draws on newslettersand records of <strong>the</strong> time. Taras and Moya can be currently found running Growing Needs Bookshopand <strong>the</strong> Celtic Thread in <strong>the</strong> centre of Glastonbury.Paul Fletcher13
The Quest Deepens14By Nicholas R MannThe earth will solve its problems, and possibly our own, if we let <strong>the</strong> earth function in its ownways. We need only listen to what <strong>the</strong> earth is telling us.(Thomas Berry, The Dream of <strong>the</strong> Earth.)In <strong>the</strong> talk given onCompanions’ Day in 2005 Idescribed how an apple fromNew Zealand was literallycosting us <strong>the</strong> earth. The costto <strong>the</strong> environment of shipping<strong>the</strong> apple outweighed its benefitmany times over. I went on tosuggest as a remedial measurethat “<strong>the</strong> more we consume,<strong>the</strong> higher up <strong>the</strong> energy ladderwe climb, <strong>the</strong> more we shouldpay.” A few weeks ago, emergingworld leader Al Gore, in hisacceptance speech for <strong>the</strong> NobelPeace Prize, said in words farbetter than mine that “we needto put a price on carbon, witha CO ² tax that is rebated backto <strong>the</strong> people, progressively…in ways that shift <strong>the</strong> burdenof taxation from employmentto pollution.” When this idea isPicture courtesyof NASAthought through, it is striking in its simplicity: one is rewarded for carbon neutral activitiesand penalised for ones that are carbon excessive.Such economic measures, if properly implemented, would soon start to transform <strong>the</strong>shape of human society, as its ecological balance with life on earth is slowly restored. In thiskind of economy <strong>the</strong>re can still be growth; not as money accumulating in our bank accounts,but as investments made in <strong>the</strong> health of bioregions and as interest returned from pure water,pure soil and pure air.Yet although solutions like this are not beyond our reach, <strong>the</strong> last few years have beenextremely hard for humanity. In spite of numerous high level reports produced with immensecare by peer-reviewed specialists, in spite of <strong>the</strong> leadership shown by people like Al Gore, inspite of events like <strong>the</strong> Bali Conference, and in spite of <strong>the</strong> ever increasing cost of oil, <strong>the</strong> publichas been slow to accept <strong>the</strong> deeper implications of what we are doing to <strong>the</strong> environment. Onlywhen <strong>the</strong>y are understood does it become clear that we are undergoing a political, economic,social, and above all a spiritual crisis. The great challenge, or opportunity of our times, is oneof integrating earth and spirit and <strong>the</strong> human.But we do not have to face this challenge alone. The Buddhist precepts of right action andright livelihood, <strong>the</strong> Pagan law of ‘harm none,’ <strong>the</strong> native American teachings of considerationfor <strong>the</strong> seventh generation, <strong>the</strong> Christian principles of love and non-violence – to name a few– are spiritual principles that can guide us at this time. They are in keeping with <strong>the</strong> actions
that our troubled scientists are saying will be essential for restoring <strong>the</strong> balance betweenhumanity and life on earth.In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, even Al Gore spoke of <strong>the</strong> challenges that lie aheadin spiritual terms. He called for a “new consciousness,” and especially for a “uniting moralpurpose that is manifestly good and true.” He added that “<strong>the</strong> spiritual energy unleashed cantransform us.” Gore also spoke of how <strong>the</strong> necessary measures could be implemented on <strong>the</strong>local level, not just by <strong>the</strong> laws of each country, but by individual citizens, who would thus beacting in unity with <strong>the</strong> whole world.Here, in Avalon and in Britain, we can envisage each village, school, college, business andfamily finding its own way to meet <strong>the</strong> challenges. Local voices will arise to inspire each placeto move forward into <strong>the</strong> “new consciousness” of balance with all life. Already <strong>the</strong>re are plentyof signs of <strong>the</strong>se changes: serious recycling is taking off, Transition Town movements areunderway, people are thinking hard about <strong>the</strong>ir carbon footprint, earth sciences are developing,and local organic food production is now on <strong>the</strong> agenda of even <strong>the</strong> large supermarkets.The Grail for our AgeOn Companions’ Day 2005 I spoke of <strong>the</strong> Grail, a symbol central to <strong>the</strong> mystery of <strong>Chalice</strong><strong>Well</strong>, as something that would help us “through this terrible crisis of <strong>the</strong> wasteland.” I imagined<strong>the</strong> Grail for our age as <strong>the</strong> symbol of a great communion of humanity with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r forcesof life on <strong>the</strong> planet.I proposed that “<strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> and its Companions can uphold this symbol and so reaffirm<strong>the</strong> message of balance, of reciprocity, of a renewed moral and spiritual relationship with <strong>the</strong>earth… If we all were to choose <strong>the</strong> path of life, <strong>the</strong> path of unity and co-operation with allliving things, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>re is no limit to <strong>the</strong> healing and abundance that can pour forth from<strong>the</strong> Grail to sustain us.”Comfortingly, <strong>the</strong> greatest teacher and guide we could ever have is already here to helpus. The amazing intelligence that has created <strong>the</strong> genes, <strong>the</strong> DNA, <strong>the</strong> oceans, <strong>the</strong> biosphere,<strong>the</strong> geosphere, <strong>the</strong> sun, <strong>the</strong> structure of <strong>the</strong> universe itself, is already here. So let us return to<strong>the</strong> earth and learn to listen carefully to its wisdom. Its animating principle, <strong>the</strong> world soulor anima mundi, never went away; it was we who left <strong>the</strong> shelter of its vast, numinous andnurturing power.Lifestyle changes that may at first feel like a loss of comfort and convenience, even apainful loss of freedom and individual choice, will eventually bring about a true prosperity,true community and a moral justice – not just for humans, but for all living beings. In a newreflexivity of our conscious self-awareness, humanity will at last take its proper place in <strong>the</strong>mutually dependent web of all life: this, as <strong>the</strong> venerable ecologist Thomas Berry has pointedout, is <strong>the</strong> true “Earth Community.”With world leaders like Al Gore inspiring <strong>the</strong> peoples of <strong>the</strong> world to act, each in <strong>the</strong>ir ownway, for what is uniting, “good and true,” <strong>the</strong>n we can have a great hope for future generations.Each of us now has <strong>the</strong> opportunity to take our place in a great movement of all nations andpeoples, as we loosen our dependence upon <strong>the</strong> harmful industrial economy and learn to livetoge<strong>the</strong>r in balance with all life in <strong>the</strong> world.The symbols of Avalon, like <strong>the</strong> Grail, are no less strong today than <strong>the</strong>y were in <strong>the</strong> past.<strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>, for example, is already spreading awareness of <strong>the</strong> vital, spiritual and ecologicalvalue of pure, uncontaminated water. <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>, in union with o<strong>the</strong>r centres around Britainand <strong>the</strong> world, can play its part in developing <strong>the</strong> links between ecology and spirituality,between science and earth wisdom. The importance of this work seems ever clearer as weunderstand <strong>the</strong> depth of <strong>the</strong> healing that now needs to take place between humanity and nature.15
A View from Across <strong>the</strong> PondBy Michael CalabreseA part of our occasional series of articles from overseas Companions where <strong>the</strong>y share <strong>the</strong>irperspective on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>.Today is Yule and a short day is a good time to write a short article, even though I spend longhours thinking about <strong>the</strong> place I’ve been gone from for far too long. While <strong>the</strong>se little articlesare called ‘The View From Across <strong>the</strong> Pond,’ I thought it might be useful for Companions of<strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> to have a look at what people in <strong>the</strong> United States actually see – which is verylittle.The truth is, few people here, Christian or Pagan, know of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>. During on-linediscussions or workshops, I’ve found that many people in <strong>the</strong> States have little or no conceptthat <strong>the</strong> place actually exists in <strong>the</strong> world. The idea that <strong>the</strong>re is something tangible <strong>the</strong>rewhen <strong>the</strong> mists have lifted is very surprising to <strong>the</strong>m. They have no idea that all those storiesof underworld entrances, sleeping kings, Holy Grails and priestesses hidden in <strong>the</strong> mistsare tied to a place with a history. They don’t know that <strong>the</strong>re has been archaeology done at<strong>the</strong> wellhead or that <strong>the</strong> Trust sponsored an investigation to see what was really on <strong>the</strong> Tor.Finding out that <strong>the</strong>se things are true, brings an assortment of responses.Among Christians, Unitarians and o<strong>the</strong>rs I’ve spoken to, many are fascinated by <strong>the</strong> Graillegends. Some know about Glastonbury, <strong>the</strong> Abbey and Dion Fortune’s “Avalon of <strong>the</strong> Heart.”I even met someone who knew who <strong>Well</strong>esley Tudor Pole was without thinking he was aHenry VII or VIII. Many want more information on Christian activities. They are intriguedthat Joseph of Arima<strong>the</strong>a is an important figure in <strong>the</strong> Glastonbury landscape, and <strong>the</strong> veryidea that a representation of <strong>the</strong> Last Supper is <strong>the</strong>re in <strong>the</strong> Upper Room is a source of <strong>the</strong>warmest of smiles. Looking at copies of <strong>the</strong> recent book: This Enchanted Place, <strong>the</strong>y turn <strong>the</strong>pages, read about <strong>the</strong> healing waters, see a place of faith where <strong>the</strong> lines between us can fade,and wonder how photographs of debating Buddhist monks can sit beside those of Christ’s lastmeal and Beltaine fires.In Pagan circles, <strong>the</strong>re is something of an ‘Avalon fetish.’ It seems like everywhere you look<strong>the</strong>re is an ‘Avalon Re-born,’ <strong>the</strong> ‘Real Avalon’ or an ‘Avalon Rising.’ If you ask about gettingto Avalon, you get a variety of suggestions on meditation, candle magic, crystals and onelegged Kundalini machinations. No one thinks <strong>the</strong>y should take <strong>the</strong> A361. Unfortunately,many Pagan types seem to prefer <strong>the</strong> myth of Avalon. When given <strong>the</strong> link to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>web site or shown photographs of <strong>the</strong> real place, eyes glaze over, bottoms shift uncomfortablyin chairs, and someone wants to show me his new Frodo ring.O<strong>the</strong>rs become fascinated. They read, <strong>the</strong>y do some research; some have gone and havebecome Companions. Some are on <strong>the</strong>ir way. There is interest in <strong>the</strong> water pouring forCompanion’s Day, in Bride’s Mound and <strong>the</strong> White Spring – and <strong>the</strong> role Companions canplay. For many, <strong>the</strong>re is a sense of spiritual attachment and joy in <strong>the</strong> realization that <strong>the</strong>y canindeed be part of something real. I guess we, <strong>the</strong> Companions, know what that is all about.The owners of a Pagan nature sanctuary here who are dedicated to Bride now plan to becomeCompanions. They’ve made contact with <strong>the</strong> Bridgettine Sisters here in <strong>the</strong> States and areconnecting with <strong>the</strong> Sisters in Kildare.Personally, I think it would be a good thing if WTP were “A Man Seen From – a little less –Afar.” Much can be done to increase awareness of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Trust, WTP and his work, overhere. The <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Companion’s web site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/<strong>Chalice</strong><strong>Well</strong>/is a great place to start. It provides a wonderful way for those of us across <strong>the</strong> pond to keep intouch and discuss and spread WTP’s extraordinary vision. In <strong>the</strong> end, whe<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> USA,in Britain, or anywhere around <strong>the</strong> world, one thing is certain: we are <strong>the</strong> Companions of<strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> and toge<strong>the</strong>r, we are Avalon Rising.16
‘In <strong>the</strong> Heart of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong>’2008 <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Trust RetreatsCONNECTING WITH THE HEART OF NATURE2 nd – 5 th May 2008Learn how to work with Plant Spirit Medicine to receive teachings directly from <strong>the</strong>divine wisdom of plants for <strong>the</strong> healing of people and <strong>the</strong> planet. The retreat will involvemeditation and silence, journaling and sharing circles, learning to make and work withFlower Essences and a ‘Love and Thanks to Water Ceremony for Peace’.Led by Trustee Sophia Knock with Companions Sabrina Dearborn and Caroline WyndhamSHARED PERSPECTIVES – AN INTERFAITH RETREAT15 th – 18 th September 2008This will be an opportunity to explore Christian, Buddhist and Hindu contemplativepractices. Invited guest speakers will share <strong>the</strong>ir insights. There will be time for reflection,dialogue and meditation. This is <strong>the</strong> first in a series of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Trust Interfaith Retreatsintended to highlight <strong>the</strong> shared perspectives at <strong>the</strong> heart of all spiritual practice. Our aim isto foster respect and understanding for all paths of goodwill.Facilitated by Trustee Mary Priest-Cobern with guestsLIVING SANCTUARY RETREAT7 th – 9 th November 2008Experience <strong>the</strong> profound peace of <strong>the</strong> living sanctuary that is <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> and gainunderstanding of <strong>the</strong> vision that has manifested here over <strong>the</strong> last fifty years. The weekendwill be spent in meditation both indoors and in <strong>the</strong> landscape, interspersed with <strong>the</strong> storyof <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>. We aim to provide an enjoyable mix of reflection and discourse by setting arhythm to <strong>the</strong> short days at this time of year.Facilitated by Trustee Joanna Laxton, Companion Philomena Houlihan Woodand Archivist Paul FletcherFor More Information and Retreat Brochures, please emailinfo@chalicewell.org.uk or ring <strong>the</strong> office on 01458 831154WORKSHOPSWe will also be hosting <strong>the</strong> following teachers at <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> in 2008.22 nd May 2008A one day Flower Essence Workshop with Ian White,Founder and Director of Australian Bush Flower Essences.July 18 th - 20 th 2008A Soul Recognition Workshop with Flo Aveia Magdalena, author of I Remember Union.17
Obituary:Dr Martin Israel, 30 April 1927 – 23 October 2007Pathologist, Mystic, Priest, Spiritual GuideBy Kyrin Singleton. Former Chair of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> TrustMartin Israel was invited to be a Trustee of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> by <strong>Well</strong>esley TudorPole in 1966. He was a true and faithful servant of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Well</strong> during this time,seeing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Trust as a noble cause. After he resigned in 1974 hecontinued to retain connections and blessed memories of Glastonbury. Hewas a much sought after retreat guide, leading 15 - 20 retreats a year around<strong>the</strong> country, many of <strong>the</strong>m in Glastonbury.Jewish by birth, Martin qualified as a medical doctor in his native South Africa. In 1951 hecame to England to undertake post-graduate research followed by a year as a house physician atHammersmith Hospital. He <strong>the</strong>n spent <strong>the</strong> years l953 –55 as a pathology registrar at <strong>the</strong> RoyalWolverhampton Hospital before electing to undertake his National Service in <strong>the</strong> Royal ArmyMedical Corps. On return to civilian life in 1958 he was to become a Senior Lecturer in Pathologyat <strong>the</strong> Royal College of Surgeons.For sixteen years Martin suffered bouts of acute depression. At this time he broke with Judaismand began to study New Age and Eastern Religions, eventually seeking Holy Orders in <strong>the</strong> Anglicanfaith. He was involved with <strong>the</strong> Ministry of Deliverance and Healing. A natural born mystic with<strong>the</strong> gift of psychic empathy, he had <strong>the</strong> ability to speak spontaneously for an hour with no notes.Tudor Pole recorded that he sensed Martin was assisted by an “admirable source.”Martin was shy, humble and sometimes mysterious, but always willing to reveal his own frailtiesas a human being, and tell <strong>the</strong> truth, however unpalatable. With a life-times experience of helpingo<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> constant stream of people who went to him in need were counselled and helped. He was aprolific letter writer and <strong>the</strong> author of more than twenty books. With many friends from all walks oflife, a truly remarkable man, always generous with his time and for me, a good friend, he will be missed.Here are a few extracts from an address Dr Martin Israel made on Companions’ Day in 1969.Speaking about <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> he told of how his friend Tudor Pole had examined <strong>the</strong> waterson a psychometric level and had found an emanation, which he could not understand, but wasassociated in his mind with some kind of blessing or consecration. Dr Israel stressed that <strong>the</strong> watershould only be taken in small doses – seven drops diluted in a wine glass of water or juice taken oneto three times a day – to receive <strong>the</strong> maximum vibrational effect.“There is an atmosphere here,” Dr Israel said, “a healing atmosphere which pervades <strong>the</strong> verysenses. It is this, surely, that has made <strong>the</strong> water potent through <strong>the</strong> ages and made it a vehicle ofhealing. This is <strong>the</strong> true healing gift. It does not require remarkable knowledge: but it requiresremarkable love and this is what we are trying to establish in <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>. The water, plants,atmosphere, are part of this love; <strong>the</strong> Upper Room its realisation in practical life. When we areworking properly <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> will be what our founder wanted it to be: a beacon and symbolwhere people may come and be refreshed. It is a question of being in silent communion withpeople that is important.“The truth is that <strong>the</strong>re is a spiritual existence that transcends and pervades <strong>the</strong> world ofphenomenal beings. The world of spiritual reality is eternal and immortal. In true immortality weestablish our own true identity, which is not <strong>the</strong> identity of simply appearing nice and just smilingto o<strong>the</strong>r people, but ra<strong>the</strong>r being good in ourselves. This is <strong>the</strong> function we trustees and workershave for <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>, a place which will not depend on occultism, or prophecies or even astrologybut will depend on its own being. This to my mind really summarises <strong>the</strong> ideas of <strong>the</strong> healingmission of <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong>.”18
SiberiaA cultural & Spiritual Journeyinto <strong>the</strong> magical & unspoiltAltai RegionSmall group traveling 2 weeksJuly 2008for fur<strong>the</strong>r informationEmail: jenniferj.white@virgin.netTel: 01458 835038 / 07765141159Sacred Waters Tour,Israel - Easter 2008From <strong>the</strong> source of <strong>the</strong> RiverJordan to <strong>the</strong> Sea of Galilee, <strong>the</strong>Dead Sea and <strong>the</strong> Red Sea with <strong>the</strong>dolphinsA week long journey through <strong>the</strong>many waters of one of <strong>the</strong> world’smost mystically renowned valleysPhone Sophie : 01458 830293Email Edgar :sacredwaterisrael@yahoo.co.ukSweet-TrackSpiritual Counselling TrainingsCounselling Skills Level 2April ’08 startSweet-Track is a centre for psycho-spiritual education based in Glastonbury, providing accreditedprofessional counselling trainings. To meet <strong>the</strong> world of clients we combine good counsellingpractice, energy and spiritual awareness, along with psychic understanding. Drawing from manytraditions, our aim is to respect each o<strong>the</strong>r’s difference and empower people’s spiritual expressionand identity.This non-residential training course takes place over eight weekends at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chalice</strong> <strong>Well</strong> Gardens,Glastonbury. It carries a CSKL2 qualification with CPCAB.The total cost is £1,325 which can be paid by instalments. We are registered for <strong>the</strong> CareerDevelopment Loans scheme.For dates and fur<strong>the</strong>r information contact Course Tutor Collette BarnardTel: 01458 835 552 / 07980 402 791www.sweet-track-counselling.co.uk19