​Now the year is turning to Midwinter, Winter Solstice and Yule, here at the Temple of Andraste we turn to the North where we meet the Star Goddess, Arianrhod.

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The North of East Anglia can be said to sit along the North Norfolk Coast from Hunstanton to Cromer and a bit beyond. One place that certainly resonates with more than one Priestess of Andraste is Beeston Bump at Sheringham (or rather Bumps) as there were two at one time. Through meditation, visiting and journeying, it has been felt that there was once a Temple at or near The Bump.

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​Beeston Bump, Sheringham

Photo by Caryl Lynzy

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​​The Bump is certainly old enough, having been formed in the Ice Age and made of sand, boulders and gravel. From the top you have a 360-degree view of the area surrounding it – the sea and the countryside, from Blakeney Point in the West to Cromer Church and lighthouse in the East, with Incleborough Hill behind you to the South and the sea itself to the North.

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One of the greatest myths of Norfolk (and particularly North Norfolk) is that of Black Shuck and that its lair is said to be in Beeston Bump. And like The Fens, the Norfolk Broads too has Lantern men - ethereal lights that lure people to their deaths, particularly in the marshy areas.  And North Norfolk certainly has its marshes.

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​The North Norfolk wintery coast​

Photo by Caryl Lynzy

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The open Norfolk skies are a wonderful place for perfect sky watching Arianrhod’s stars. Arianrhod, our Starry Goddess, Daughter of Don and Beli Mawr. Ice Queen, Snow Queen, Winter Goddess, Ice Cold North Wind Woman, Goddess of the Northern Sky, Frost Woman, Spinning Woman, Weaver, Goddess of the Silver Thread and Silver Wheel, Breather of the Element of Air, Wolf Woman, Lady of the Northern Lights, Mother of Yule. Midwinter Goddess, Lady of the Full Moon, Spider Woman. Goddess of reincarnation. Known by many, many names………..

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Arianrhod is our Astrology Goddess in charge of the planets. She is Gemini, Sagittarius and Aquarius. (Thank you, Claire Morgan, Astrologer and Priestess of Andraste for this interpretation). She is a primal figure of feminine power. A virgin Goddess in the sense of a woman who is complete unto herself; a woman who needs no protection from a man.  And She would enjoy herself sexually, with a distinct preference for mermen!

Arianrhod’s nature is to live as She wishes, and not as other people expect Her to live. She is a truly free-spirited Goddess. Arianrhod is a fully empowered woman of the Divine Feminine.

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Her colours are that of grey, silver-lilac and silver-blue. Her flowers are Eucalyptus to help us breathe and purify the Air for us, Sea Holly that forms a star which reminds us of Her, Dusty Miller survives in the winter and lets us know that summer will come again, and the sweet scent of Jasmine. While Her crystals are that of the White Opal, Moonstone, Cat’s Eye, Grey Lace Agate, remembering the winter sky with knowledge and wisdom. (Thank you to Chantal Soenen, Priestess of Andraste and Avalon, for your wisdom on these).

 

Sitting in the North, we can see the Aurora Borealis through Arianrhod – now more likely to show up in the UK these days.

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The Ice House at Felbrigg Hall

Photo by Caryl Lynzy

 

So, what do you do for yourself at this time of year? It is a good time to seek stillness. To go within. Maybe hibernate a bit.  From Samhain on, we descend into the Dark. The light fades and fades until we reach Winter Solstice, when it is at its lowest before turning towards the light again. This is Midwinter. The middle point between Samhain and Imbolc. The point where the Wheel turns, and the light stands still before it begins its return on 25 December (hence ‘the sun/son is reborn’). We have reached our destiny for the year. Our darkest moments. We can take the few days between Solstice and Yule to really sink into our depths and reflect on the past year and begin to create in our minds eye, new seeds for Imbolc.

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Yes, you are likely to be feasting and making merry. But do take some time out for yourself amongst these busy days. Connect with Arianrhod, the stars, the moon and your ancestors at this deep time. And begin your new plans. Happy festive season!

 

With grateful thanks to my sister Priestesses of Andraste, Claire Morgan and Chantal Soenen • Temple of the Goddess, for inspiring us with their knowledge in their talks on our Goddesses.