Hello

Welcome back to the White Spring Diary.

Many of you will already know that the White Spring has undergone a huge transformation over this winter. All of the internal structure has now been removed.

The building has had the walls, floors, water pipes and chemical paint (all installed in the 1980s) removed to reveal the high ceilings, bowed floors, and Cathedral-like structure of the place. The building feels much lighter, and the water flows freely and beautifully inside and out.

We did have some issues with the filter system, which meant that the water was not always flowing outside - this has now been resolved and the water flows strongly again.

We are enjoying the simplicity of the well-house in this bare state, and it is well worth making time for a visit if you haven't already. Phase 2 and the re-construction of the shrines will begin after Imbolc.

We put out a call for craftspeople of all kinds who can offer their time and skills for the love of it. We invite you to became part of the growth and regeneration of this potent place.

Celebration

Thanks to all who came to the re-opening of the White Spring on 2nd November, and to those who joined us on the 15th November 'For the Love of It' We had a wonderful time celebrating the freeing of the water.

We had a lovely Solstice gathering at the White Spring on 21st, many people came and helped us bring in the green, and the light - It was fantastic to catch up with friends old and new. Also, Mass was said on 24th December.

The building of the physical Temple naturally combines with the building of the social and spiritual community which spreads out into the town and across the land so that joy and peace may endure. It is wonderful that so many people from our local and global community have been able to support us and join our celebration of the White Spring's transformation.

Help Us With the Vision for

The White Spring, Glastonbury

It is one of the greatest mysteries of the Isle of Avalon that two different springs, one touched with red iron, the other with white calcite, should rise within a few feet of each other from the caverns beneath the Tor.

The white spring water flows through the Wellhouse, a magnificent Victorian reservoir of stone and brick, built under the side of the Tor. Also flowing through this enigmatic place is the Michael ley line. The Wellhouse's interior consists of three domed vaults 16ft high, with beautiful bowed floors - like the hull of a boat moored at the portal to the Otherworld. Small skylights let in a little natural light but the space can be made a place of utter blackness or lit only by candlelight. With it's constant temperature, and the sound of the perpetually flowing water, it is a unique place.

In the past three years the Companions of the White Spring have transformed the Wellhouse into the Water Temple of Avalon, a sacred sanctuary. The Companions give their time and resources for free to care for the White Spring, united in their love for the place. Many groups, pilgrims, and local people - from a wide diversity of backgrounds and traditions - have come to appreciate the blessings of the White Spring. We believe that the Sacred is to be freely shared, so no one is charged for entry or use. The Wellhouse will soon be owned by The White Spring Trust, and thereby saved for future generations.

Our Plans - A Water Temple for the 21st Century

Work has already begun on the restoration of the building, and to release the spring water to flow freely. Our next task is to create sacred pools, and re-instate the cherished shrines within the sanctuary. Inspired by Spirit, using the principles of sacred geometry, and natural materials with traditional construction methods, we aim to create a magnificent water temple by 2012. This will honour the space as one of the most sacred places in the Western World; in Glastonbury, the 'Holiest Earthe in England'.

Become a Benefactor ...

We are offering the opportunity to become One of just 120 Benefactors. There will be an annual Benefac­tor's Day and other unique opportunities. Also, the names of all 120 Benefactors will be engraved on a brass plaque, designed to last 100 years, and hung in an honoured space within the Temple.

Or Get Involved By ...

Offering skills that can be used either in the reconstruction or the day-to-day running of the Temple.

Donating money. All contributions are appreciated and vitally needed.

Thank you - The Companions of the White Spring

You can make a donation

By paypal www.whitespring.org

By posting a cheque (made payable to the White Spring) to, G.Atkinson, P.O. Box 4281, Shepton Mallet, BA4 9BA.

By direct payment into the White Spring bank account.

The White Spring

Lloyds bank TSB

Sort code 30-10-04

Acc. No. 01226140

If you have stonemasonry, carpentry or other craft skills to offer, please e-mail us. We would also like to hear from you if you wish to join the team of helpers who care for and open the well-house.

Events at the White Spring

Full Moon Gathering

Sunday 11th January

6.30pm

New Moon Meditation

Monday 26th January

6.30pm

Imbolc Celebrations

Sunday 1st February

9am open

9.30am Ceremony

Moving into the Chalice Well gardens at 10am.

Followed by a procession from

Chalice Well to Bride's Mound.

Candlemas

Monday 2nd February

12 Noon

Traditional Church Service

Imbolc Full Moon Celebration

Monday 9th February

6.30pm

All welcome.
No charge.

The White Spring can be opened for private groups depending on availability of keepers. Please contact whitespring@hotmail.co.uk to make a request.

A BIG shout of gratitude goes out to our first few benefactors! One from the other side of the world - how wonderful.

Bright Blessings to you all as we move towards Imbolc and our thoughts begin to turn to spring.

Lisa

Contact info

whitespring@hotmail.co.uk