The Eclipse over the Moors

As we set off for the moors at the Equinox sunrise, signs of new beginnings seemed to be everywhere. Lapwing did its courtship dance, the first time Jason had seen this at the end of our road in 30 years. Heron flew over carrying a twig to build its nest, joining its mate in the trees. A mallard couple rested on the shore of the lake.

Carefully picking our way through the grass, heather and peat, we trekked across the moors to the Sidhe mound, Round Loaf. A mystery to many, a sacred haven for us ,where we can connect with all the worlds with ease. We have celebrated many sabbats here, and it called us once again, this time to witness one of the most spectacular theatrical displays.

We gazed across the land absorbing the changes. Skylark pierced the silence with its bold song. The warmth of the sun was welcome against the cool breeze and kissed our skin, the first warmth of spring. Then gradually, the temperature dropped, getting colder and colder, the light dimmer and dimmer.

Suddenly it went icy cold. The light was dull and a quietness drifted across the moors. It was time. We looked up at the sky and saw only a sliver of  sunlight.

The moon cast herself in  front of the sun, a union between the masculine and feminine which threw  a shadow across the land. All was still, just for a moment. The Sidhe beneath the mound paused in their world, as we paused in ours.

I mused.

We were at One. Complete unity with all of life, just for a moment. A joining of hearts, and joining of minds. A joining of breath, and joining of vision. A joining of intent, and a joining of experiences of magic and wonder of our vibrant earth. Holding hands. Holding hearts. Holding the gaze up to the skies in wonder and awe of the whole of creation. Embracing life, holding on through the tough times.

Letting go and flowing with the lazy meander, the rushing torrents. Knowing that if we do not resist, we will be carried safely through the passage of time. The occasional knock maybe, but ultimately we will always reach our destination, taking care not to slow down too much and become stagnant.

As suddenly as the warmth and light went, it came back again. The brightness, the glow. As the moon continued her path of tracking the sky, the sky larks rose and began their song once more. Meadow pippits joined the dance with grouse and then crow, calling as the took flight into the sky. The world awoke again, and we prepared to go back and rejoin it. Well and truly eclipsed, I wonder what life has in store for us on the next leg of our journey.

We will be running our Beltane sabbat celebration up at Round Loaf on Saturday 2nd May, from 1pm  – 5pm. Click here for more information and to book your place if you are drawn to join us.