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Showing posts from February, 2020

Glastonbury Tor - a sacred hill

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The Tor dominates the surrounding countryside. Surprisingly, it's often not so visible in the town, for instance it is almost invisible from the Abbey, where it is hidden by the rounded bulk of Chalice Hill. It rises majestically from the Somerset Levels, and there is a symbiotic relationship between the Tor and the Chalice Well. The Tor is surmounted by the ruined tower of St Michael's Chapel. How do you like your ascent, steep or less steep? Many visitors to Glastonbury want to climb the Tor, and there are good views to be had over the Somerset Levels from the top. There are two routes - a steep route from Stone Down Lane approaching from the north-east, and and less steep route that starts from Wellhouse Lane very near the Chalice Well approaching from the west. The steep route ascends roughly the left-hand side in the header image here, the route from the Chalice Well ascends the right-hand side. You start from roughly 20m at the Abbey car park and the top is 158m. In summ

Glastonbury High Street - not for your typical supplies

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 The High Street is a fascinating, otherworldly place, with interesting nooks and crannies. It's more Harry Potter than normal British high street. It reflects the rich heritage of the town as a spiritual centre in the past, and a different kind of spirituality now. Unusually, most of the shops are independently run, and this diversity gives the High Street an old-world charm. Let's face it, there's not much need for a chain of crystal shops,  most of what's sold isn't to be found in most High Streets.  The High Street at night. More night photos here You don't come to Glastonbury High street to pick up your daily supplies. You come here for crystals, esoteric books, sound bowls, Goddess paraphernalia and spiritual supplies.  Glastonbury draws in visitors from all over the world, though particularly from Europe. More recently it is the site of the first modern Goddess temple in recent years, but all sorts of spiritual traditions are catered for.