This is the magical, celebratory and devotional heart of Woodspirit. A group of likeminded folk who gather around the hearth to celebrate the changing cycles of the earth seasons, the strength or tribe and the magic, and wisdom of the wildland and all who dwell there. A group that is guided to offer healing, empowerment and transformation to the earth, each other and those of their communities.
" My soul is laid bare in the presence of the wild nature of deity"
Based in Cumbria, within the Lake District National Park, the hearth meets for the eight seasonal cycles of the year as an animist circle facilitated by Rob Wilson. It is a community of individuals who come together to share their animist, pagan spirituality; a religious gathering of folk who find the strength of the community and source of inspiration to express the tides of change in their journeys and the natural world around them.
This is a new group, which has yet to have a physical meeting due to the current pandemic restrictions.Wildcraft Hearth is an animistic, pagan circle that holds a magic, a space that is sure and established, to allow its members express themselves, taking the time to honour, witness and release into the tides of change of the seasons and our life journeys. The support of the hearth is felt, being certain and strongly held by the guardian spirit that holds its energy within the heart of the woods, the bark and root of tree, the fire that burns within our magical temple. Each member expresses their own individuality, their own expression of their paganism, journey and lives, yet holds the hearth as a deep well of inspiration and a foundation to their spiritual practice, from which they can deeply drink and find their true connection to the guardian of the hearth.
Membership to the hearth is not automatic! You need to ask and
state your intention for joining. This may require us to meet with you
first, if you are not known to the group. If it feels right, you will be invited
to a hearth gathering, after which you will be contacted to see how you felt
about the group and also how we felt about you within the circle. Joining
the hearth requires commitment. As all we do within the Hearth is based on sacred relationship,
honour and respect, so joining makes us put that into practice.
We are not an open group and members are expected not to simply be spectators. Everyone has a role to play within the gatherings and adds something into the cauldron above the hearth that inspires us all. We are open to Druids, Shamans, Witches and Animists, those who seek a spiritual expression through the earth based tradition, rooted in this wildland, folklore, magic and spirits that dwell there.
Being a member requires dedication to do the work and commitment to attend the gatherings. Therefore we ask that people who join take responsibility for themselves and their well-being. For this group is not therapy and while support and healing is offered when asked for, this isn't the primary focus of this group. Therefore people may be asked to 'take time-out' until any such issues are resolved before joining or retuning to work with the group.
You will be expected to attend all the seasonal gatherings. While we also acknowledge that life 'gets in the way' at times, this is an expression of your dedication and commitment you put into the hearth.
If you are interested in joining after all you have read, then please do contact Rob via email first. Please note that this a a new group and will continue to evolve as other folk join us. Due to the current pandemic we have yet to meet in person too.
Website content © Rob Wilson ~ Woodspirit 2020 All photography by © Iain Speak 2020