Easter-Ostara Ceremony

Join us in honouring Easter - Ostara! Named after another ancient goddess of spring etymologically linked to the dawn. This festival has evolved into the familiar mix of imagery of hares, bunnies, eggs, birth and playful innocence. 

At these ceremonies we gather beside the fire in the woods in community and give space for creative expressions of what the turning of this season means in myth, in our interiors, and nature. 

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. For Ostara we will be outdoors beside an open fire under a canopy. There is also an indoor ‘Nest’ space, a bar space for interval refreshments. We suggest dressing with layers for warmth or coolness.

 What's happening? We begin and end by hallowing our gathering as a ‘sacred’ space emphasising our interconnection with the natural world and elements. The main body of the evening comprises diverse material where you can relax back in the cosy atmosphere and receive: we will have storytelling by Hannah Sneyd, our special guest for this season, songs, poetry and ambient sound-scapes by Madeleine and Adam, spontaneous guest contributions and interactive moments sounding out the significance of this season for you, if you choose to speak.

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. 

This event is suitable for children aged 12+. Please note dogs are not permitted at this venue.. 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

Ostara Guest Bios

Hannah Sneyd

Hannah Sneyd is a shamanic healer, a storyteller, poet, psychic, facilitator and curator of immersive and life-enriching experiences. Having trained in shamanism, neo-tantric bodywork, family constellations and theatre of the oppressed, her work treads a subtle path between the emotionally tender and the transcendent, supporting the full expression of our authentic selves through embodiment and ritual. She draws deeply from the wisdom of mythos both ancient and modern, and from nature. Hannah lives on Dartmoor and spends her free time exploring the Westcountry’s wilds and waves, dancing and digging up the garden.

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. 

We also thank Phil Myles and Chris Yeo for being our fire-keepers, and Scott Hunter and Harry Huns for being our photographers. 

We are currently looking for assistance in promoting these events.

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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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