Imbolc Bardic Ceremony

Join us in honouring Imbolc! Named from the first milk from Ewes, this is one of the eight Celtic festivals which mark the turning of the seasons and which celebrate what is alive and changing at this time of year. Imbolc has ancient associations with the Goddess ‘Bridget’ or ‘Bride,' who is a bringer of poetry, fire, inspiration, and the healing spring of the land. 

 What's happening? This  his season we will be indoors in the ‘womb’ of the ‘Nest', exploring Bride's themes in an etherial ambiance.  The event will be opened and closed with intention and held throughout in an atmosphere of cosy and present community. Madeleine, Adam, Abs and Finn will be curating the atmosphere and bringing material, old and new, to invoke this spring energy with storytelling, poetry and song and sound immersion.

Where? We will be gathering in the beautiful setting of The Glade, a fairytale venue set with fairy lights amid the trees of the Dartington woods. There are options for all weathers with an indoor warm ‘Nest’ space and an outdoor covered fire-pit,  alongside a bar space for interval refreshments. For Imbolc we will be indoors in the ‘Nest’ with its log burner. We suggest dressing with layers for warmth or coolness - outside may be cold and the log burner in the Nest can create a very warm space.

Logistics:  Please bring a small portion of snacks like fruit, chocolate and crips to proactively share with other guests during the interval. You may also like to bring your own thermos of tea for self or sharing. At the end of the ceremony we will hold the space as a social gathering and will offer light refreshments such as tea, spring-water and local baked goods. You're welcome to stay and chat or head home.

We have a Car Share document. Please  add your name if you are driving and have the space and inclination to take others. It makes a big difference, especially to those taking the train from neighbouring Exeter and Plymouth arriving into Totnes Station. Likewise, do not be put off coming if travel isn't simple for you, add yourself onto this document and reach out to us on our email address if you are still requiring transport closer to the ceremony. 

Please note dogs are not permitted at this venue and this event is not usually suitable for children. It is a sober event with natural ‘good vibes’. Pre-booking is required.

Parking is at the top of the trail by 'Earth-Wrights' or at the bottom of the trail by the Old Postern Car Park. This link has the parking locations and some further narrative on the walk from the parking into the woods to the venue. 

We are sensitive to accommodating disabilities where it is within our means to do so. Email us for any requirements.

Planning to be with us? We invite you to arrive in the space from 6pm ready for the ceremony to promptly start at 6.30pm; we ask you to be comfortable in your seat by 6:30pm so we can start on time. There will be no admittance from 6:45pm as the ceremonial space will have been opened and in progress, so please allow enough time to walk the short woodland path from the car park.

Tickets are offered on a sliding scale of £16 and £22 per person depending on your means. We also have a few £11 concessionary tickets available if these prices are out of reach for you at this time.

We hope to see you there and we look forward to welcoming you.

Adam and Madeleine,

The Totnes Wheel of the Year Collective

Totnes Wheel of the Year Collective bios

Madeleine Honor 

Madeleine is a mother, singer, performer, sound & energy facilitator, kundalini yoga teacher, and creative practitioner. Madeleine has spent years as a performer and running drama and singing workshops with groups of women, children and refugees.
 

In her performances she often includes song, movement and mantra. Her deep connection to the natural world and shamanic practices are woven into a mesmerising landscape to create a sacred ceremonial experience.

Adam Powell

Adam is a multi instrumentalist storyteller with a passion for bringing the indigenous British Isles to life. He has read a degree in Medieval History, is a member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids, is a menswork facilitator in the Mankind Project and is the current 'Grand Bard' of Totnes, inaugurated last year by Jackie Juno.

Recently he has been ‘receiving’ songs in connection with the local deities of the British Isles, and is putting them to guitar as they come through. 

Imbolc Guest bios

Abs and Finn!

This lovely couple will be bringing more of their magic; their harp, story and song!

Abs and Finn have been holding ceremonies together for some time, with a keen interest in the folkloric and Celtic ways. They are light hearted with a shared pleasure in the deep listening and emerging. Finn plays the Celtic harp, while Abs recites her spoken word poetry, treasured stories honed into memory, or together they weave their song creations home.

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Totnes Wheel of the Year Collective host events focused on the 8 festivals of the Celtic calendar. 

To date we have brought together over 400 people in ceremony and supported over 30 artists.

If you would like to help us in organising these events then please get in touch. We started two years ago as a group of volunteers and appreciate any support you may like to offer. 

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