Travel Diaries - Glastonbury, The Perfect Pause

Glastonbury is a magical little town in Somerset, England. It is also known as the Heart Chakra of our planet and is an energy vortex. The energies here are very special and sacred, seeped in history, legends and mysticism. It’s a place I have gone back to many times. Even though on the surface it seems like this town is frozen in time and nothing really changes but each time I have experienced it differently. I have had many wonderful experiences here with the Angels, fairies etc. This is the place where I first experienced the angelic energy and photographed many orbs. This is the place where I held my first retreat. This is my soul space where I am filled with awe, inspiration, gratitude and rejuvenation. 

Even before you enter this beautiful town, the sight of the Torr welcomes you. At its summit is the tower of St. Michael, the only surviving part of a church that existed in ancient times. It has witnessed all those who have walked these sacred grounds from King Arthur to Sarah to all the people who are called to the mystical Avalon. 

Here are five of my favourite magical spaces in this picturesque town.

The Torr and Archangel Michael

Archangel Michael is perhaps the most popular Archangel in the world! He is also known as the Prince of God. He is the Angel of protection, courage and also communications/throat chakra. The Torr is a small hillock with a labyrinth etched around it and the roofless tower of Archangel Michael sits on the top. There are many legends associated with the Torr and they are best experienced as each individual has a unique journey here. 

On my first visit I was excitedly looking forward to visiting the Torr and I asked Archangel Michael, how will you show up? Will I sense your presence? I want to see you. And he showed up as a magnificent orb in a photo I took at sunrise at the Torr. I first saw and photographed orbs here. Another memorable experience was visiting the Torr at the Equinox, and seeing the sun set and the moon rise in perfect coordination.

The Chalice Well and the Lion head 

There are two springs that run here. One is the White Spring (masculine) that flows from under the Torr. And the other is the Red Spring (feminine). It is called the Red spring for many reasons, but the most obvious one is that due to the presence of iron ore, the water leaves a reddish hue. It is said to have healing properties. The Chalice well is a sacred space dedicated to Love. This place is steeped in symbolism, the vesica piscis, the spirals are etched everywhere in the Chalice well Gardens. The Lion Head is the Source from where the water flows and is collected by the visitors to drink and to take home with them. The temperature of this sacred spring stays the same throughout the year. 

One of my rituals is to light a candle at the Mother and Child statue in the Gardens. This little statue has always fascinated me. I visit the Chalice Well again on my last day to offer my gratitude and say goodbye till we meet again. 

The Goddess Temple and Lady of Avalon

Apart from the angels, this sacred place is also home to a Goddess Temple. This temple honours the Divine Feminine and the Goddess in all her aspects. The Lady of Avalon is revered here as the Goddess of this sacred land. Glastonbury was also known as the Aisle of Avalon. There is a beautiful painting of the Goddess as a centrepiece in the temple that changes with every season. 

I always go here and light a candle in front of this painting and spend some time here. 

St. John’s Church and the Labyrinth 

A beautiful labyrinth is etched on the grounds of the St. John’s church. A labyrinth is a spiritual tool to make a journey to your centre. As you walk the labyrinth, you seem to come back to the same place but with a different perspective – it also indicates the cycles of life. 

It is one of the things I look forward to - walking the Labyrinth here. 

The High Street 

This tiny street is a treasure trove of wonderful, conscious products and crystals. The stores carry a variety of products and there is something for everyone. Most products are handmade with intent and are inspired by this place and its many legends. You will find angels, fairies and other magical beings with interesting, creative products depicting them. 

I feel that what is meant for you comes to you. I once walked into a bookstore on an urge, just felt like going in and it was late, the lady told me that they will be closing in five minutes. I asked the angels why am I here? And then in this huge store, I find a book that I was meant to have. Just like that it was there right in front of me and I knew I was here to buy it. 

Glastonbury is an exploration, an experience and a place to re-align your Self – to step in between times and go back refreshed with a new perspective and understanding. It’s the perfect pause.