Where there is love there is grief
and where there is grief there is love

"...The real madness of our world is that we are not on our knees daily, clawing at the earth and howling to the stars in our grief. Instead we carry on business as usual as though nothing is wrong..."

I warmly welcome you to this traditional way of grieving.
The way of our deep time ancestors for England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Keening goes back many thousands of years and is a way to honour grieve and loss that is embodied, non- judgemental, it welcomes all expressions of grief and allows space for each person to grieve in their own way. The space itself is also a traditional earthen dwelling which in and of itself creates a powerful holding field. Deep inside the round EarthLodge dwelling into the side of the hill with the firelight to see and sheepskins for comfort, we will find our way into the beauty of the darkness and the treasures it holds.

We are in troubled times and there are not many of us who are not being touched by loss in one form or another. Loss of loved ones, the destruction of the natural world, cultural systems that do not support and care for life in a balanced way, war and poverty in so many ways, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

The tradition of Keening

I have been holding grief ceremonies for many years and have trained with Joanna Macy, Sobonfu Some and Frances Weller. Other inspirations and teaches that I seek to learn from in Martín Prechtel and Steven Levine.

These traditional keening ceremonies are held in the EarthLodge on the land here at EarthHeart. This is a natural building sitting low to the ground, made of earth and wood. There are sheepskins on the floor and firelight for vision. The ceremonies are held in virtual darkness and allow space for people to grieve in their own way. Sometimes the ceremonies will be from the keening traditions of these lands and some will be with an alter and space to be held in the arms of the circle. 
There is no prescribed way to grieve, each person will be honoured in their unique way.

This is not a space for political debate or debate of any kind about what is or is not happening in the world. This is a space where we will be invited to feel and allow grief to flow. There may be sounds and words from the heart but it is essentially a non speaking space. 

The actual ceremony last about 2 hours and if you have travelled from afar there is the option to sleep over in the communal temple space or you can stay a campervan if you have one.

Logistics

Date
27 February 2026

Timings
6.30pm-9.30pm
Arrival is from 6pm and at the latest 6.30pm. The doors will close at 6.30pm sharp and there will be strictly no entry after this point for ANY reason and no refunds.

Venue
EarthHeart Forest of Dean, GL14 3JQ.

Staying at EarthHeart
If you are travelling from afar you are welcome to bring your campervan. If you are a hardened camper you are welcome to put up a tent for the night on our eco campsite. There is a water tap and a compost loo for you to use.

You can also indoor camp on the floor of the Forest temple space with your own sleeping bag and roll mat. You need to bring your own simple breakfast with you, there is a tea station and hot water.