Glastonbury -- Avalon of the Heart

It is to this Avalon of the heart the pilgrims still go. Some in bands, knowing what they seek. Some alone, with the staff of vision in their hands, awaiting what may come to meet them on this holy ground. None go away as they came.

--Dion Fortune

In ancient times Glastonbury was called the "holyest erthe in England." It is a location equally sacred to Pagans and Christians and is also central to the Arthurian legends. It is reputedly the mystical Isle of Avalon where King Arthur, the Once and Future King, awaits his return to the world. Two powerful ley lines -- the Mary and Michael lines -- intersect at Glastonbury, the experts say, confirming its special spiritual status.

Glastonbury is where our tour had its "base camp." From here, we ventured out on day trips to see other sights and visit other places, returning again each evening. But of course, we also thoroughly explored Glastonbury itself -- the Tor with its tower, the Chalice Well spring sacred to the Divine Feminine, the ruined Abbey destroyed by Henry VIII and St. Joseph of Arimathea's miraculous thorn tree on Wearyall Hill. (Stay tuned for individual posts about all these places).

[The marvelous silk art is "Avalon -- Isle of Apples" by Joan Medina of Phoenix Springwater Creations]