The small town of Glastonbury in southwest England is shrouded in mystery, the legendary fairy island of Avalon, and the place where the Broken Golden Sword was forged. King Arthur, The Sword in the Stone, Merlin, Knight Lancelot, Queen Guinevere, I never tire of listening to them, and I also know the lines from the British absurd comedy "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" by heart. Even though it was my first visit, I felt almost like I was back home.
This trip not only includes the spiritual town of Glastonbury, but also the three counties of Wiltshire, Dorset, and Somerset. Traveling deep in time, you can personally experience the ancient stone formations, the legend of the Knights of the Seven Kingdoms, the medieval monastery, and search for the poet Blake Depiction of the Holy Land. Of course, don’t forget to appreciate the green steep canyons and the sea at sunset.
During these three days, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere and see the world from a different perspective.
About an hour’s drive from London, we arrived at the town of Marlborough, Wiltshire County, southwest England. Saturday morning was a typical British weather, half rainy and half cloudy, and the residents of the town were still sitting in an outdoor coffee shop chatting. The name Marlborough is a simplification of Merlin's Barrow, and the town's Latin motto "Ubi nunc sapientis ossa Merlini" (Where are Merlin's bones now) also echoes it.
Malbork Hill was actually built 4,400 years ago during the Neolithic Age, and was used as a castle base by Norman and Plantagenet rulers. Why did our ancestors in 2400 BC build so many mounds? Some people think it is the tomb of a great leader, just like the mound where Suton Hoo's boat burial is located; others think it is to mark a clan's territory; others think it is an open-air temple.
Today it is a pudding-shaped green hill located in the center of Marlborough College, one of the top aristocratic high schools in the UK. We thought that if we wanted to enter and visit, we would encounter a serious-looking guard and go through a lot of tedious registration. However, because it was summer vacation and the students were not in school, we walked in openly.
After walking around the mountain, I found a cave at the foot of the mountain with an altar decorated with shells and conches. It reminds me of the story of Merlin and the Lady of the Lake. After running up the mountain twice, I was out of breath and still far from the top of the mountain. I simply climbed up the "no entry" vertical stone steps and reached the top of the mountain in only 5 minutes. The place is not big, and there is a huge depression in the middle, which was the base of the original castle. This small secret place was a place of worship 4,000 years ago and a king's fortress a thousand years ago. Over the past few hundred years, it has become a place for young students to gaze out at the surrounding fields, chat and have picnics.
When we arrived at Avebury, the weather had completely cleared up and was even a little warm. From the car, you can clearly see many sun-drenched boulders on both sides of the road. Flashing by, there is Silbury Hill, the sister hill of the Marlborough Hills, the largest in Europe, standing in an open field. The more familiar Stonehenge is further south and generally inaccessible.
We visited Avenbury Stone Circles and West Kennet Avenue. West Kennet Avenue is the walkway leading to the stone circle, connecting the main stone circle with the Sanctuary in the southeast. It stretches for two kilometers, with huge stones standing on both sides. The main stone circle, Avenbury Stone Circles, is surrounded by a huge stone circle. There were originally 98 boulders, but now only 27 are left. The rest are replaced by obelisks, and the original shape can be seen. The Swindon Stone, a huge stone in the northwest, weighs 65 tons. They were all brought here by our ancestors and built here. The southern part of the interior is the Sun Circle with 29 boulders, and the northern part is the Moon Circle with 27 boulders. There was originally an obelisk in the center of the sun ring, and there were originally three stones in the center of the moon ring called coves, which may be related to the rising positions of the sun and moon on the summer solstice.
The stone was warmed by the sun. I leaned on a huge stone to feel the ancient energy, and I only felt the warmth of the sun coming from my back.
After a while, when I was about to walk away, I saw three people using thin magnetic field detectors to detect the spiritual magnetic field on the back of the same stone. I quickly walked away quietly, maybe I just leaned against the stone and completely disrupted the magnetic field they were trying to find.
Sheep graze peacefully next to Stonehenge, but will run away when anyone approaches. From a distance, everyone looks like they are covered in fluffy wool, but I don’t know if they feel like sweaters. After walking for about two hours, I lay on my back on a hill to rest. The sun was bright, so I covered my face with a scarf and closed my eyes to relax. It is not known whether it cleanses the soul, but it must be fully connected with nature.
There is a spiritual shop at the Stonehenge, which contains various crystal stones, dream catchers, candles, tarot cards, and world religious supplies, such as those popular during the Enlightenment period in the 18th century. I have been loving purple recently, so I picked out a few pieces of amethyst gravel and prepared to put them under my pillow to sleep.
The music festival just ended last week, and hippies in music festival costumes, New Age believers from the Aquarius Age, wizards, witches, and shamans can still be seen everywhere. More than half of the local residents are spiritual seekers, and more than 70 faiths coexist peacefully. Most people are dressed in monastic attire. If you cosplay Harry Potter here, others will really think you are a wizard. There is a couple dressed as shamans selling homemade magic wands on the street. I can't help but feel that it is a wonderful choice to make the world my home, be relaxed, and wander with the one I love. This is the place to go if you are looking for healing and enlightenment.
In fact, when I arrived at Glastonbury, I discovered that the legend with the greatest influence was the biblical figure Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was responsible for the funeral of Jesus. He and Mary Magdalene finally settled in Glastonbury, taking the Holy Grail (the cup containing Jesus' blood) and hiding it in the Chalice Well (Chalice Well) with red well water. King Arthur came here in search of the Holy Grail and was buried here at Glastonbury Tor. The remains of King Arthur and Queen were discovered at Glastonbury Abbey in the 12th century. The official national anthem of the United Kingdom is "God Save the Queen." But everyone knows that the unofficial national anthem, "Jerusalem" by romantic English poet William Blake, was inspired by it. He believed that young Jesus had set foot in England with Joseph.
JERUSALEM
Jerusalem
And did those feet in ancient time
Are there any footprints from ancient times
Walk upon England's green mountains?
Walk upon England's green mountains?
And was the holy Lamb of God
Can you see the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
Over the sunny pastures of England
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
The light shone over the misty mountains
And was Jerusalem built here
Among those dark satanic mills ?
In the dark mill of Satan
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Give me a bow of burning gold
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me my spear! oh clouds unfold!
Bring me my spear! , I let the dark clouds dissipate
Bring me my chariots of fire!
Give me the chariots of fire
I will not cease from mental fight;
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My spiritual struggle will never end
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Nor shall the sword in my hand stop fighting
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land
In England's green and pleasant land.
I live in a villa called "Lingshui", which is both a spiritual healing center and a B&B. The landlord is Sister Rosemary. She has short silver hair, purple eye shadow, and a white cotton skirt. Highly recommend going to Wyrral Hill near home. The thorn staff of Saint Joseph is planted on the mountain. The original tree has been continuously transplanted and continues to this day. It was cut down a few years ago, but Rosemary is sure that the energy of the tree is still there. There are many thorn trees grown from original tree cuttings throughout the town, called Glastonbury Thorn. Unlike native British trees that bloom once a year, these thorn trees can bloom twice a year, in May and December, and are clearly Middle Eastern tree species.
It takes ten minutes to walk to the green and deserted Wyrral Hill. The cool breeze blows, fresh and suitable. I couldn't help but want to have a close contact with nature. I thought I could do it, so I took off my shoes and walked barefoot on the grass. The grass was very soft and there were no small stones to rest on. All the way up, we walked to the cut thorn tree, which was covered with prayer ribbons and stood tall with everyone's wishes, facing the Glastonbury Tor in the distance.
It is already 8 o'clock in the evening, and it is time to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, the sky is overcast with clouds and rain. Accustomed to this kind of weather, I shivered in my rain jacket. But we still set off to Gaogang Tor on the other side of the town.
Tor is recognized as one of the most spiritual places in the UK, a holy place for pagans, and celebrations are still held today. The original building collapsed due to an earthquake and was rebuilt in 1275. In the past, during the flood season, this place would turn into a small island and become a door to another world. This scene can no longer be seen.
The climb up the mountain is divided into three sections, which is higher than I thought. You can't see the tower in the middle section, but you can see a lot of hares coming out at dusk. No wonder rabbits appear in local spiritual books and paintings. The higher you climb, the stronger the wind becomes, which can make people fly. I couldn't reach out to take a photo at all. Even in the height of summer in July, be sure to bring a windbreaker. As soon as I climbed to the top, I immediately walked into the tower and breathed a sigh of relief.
Rosemary said that there are four energy centers inside the tower and four outside the tower. There is only one musician in the tower. When he saw me coming in, he started tapping the hand dish. The tower immediately became a concert with only me in the audience. The sound of this musical instrument, which was only invented in 2000, is very ethereal and mysterious. It echoes faintly around the walls of the tower, and it seems to be able to transport people into another world.
It was almost 9 o'clock when we returned to town. As I expected, restaurants and shops were closed, only the pub was still open. One of them has been hosting pilgrims since the 12th century. The atmosphere is very lively and the ratings on Tao Dao are very high. Somerset is famous for its cider (cider). I ordered a glass of mango-flavored cider and a glass of Hecks Cider at the bar. In particular, Hecks is rich in layers and is definitely the best I have ever tasted. You must try it if you come here.
People say that Glastonbury has different energies everywhere. It takes you to a certain place to meditate, indicating that you need the energy of this place. I woke up very unusually early the next morning at around 6 o'clock. By this time it was full daylight and very clear. Suddenly I want to go to Glastonbury Tor again. I washed up gently and met Rosemary's two kittens at the door, one gray and one white, named Gandalf the Gray and Gandalf the White. I couldn't help but pet the cats. Head out and head to Glastonbury Tor again.
I like to go to the same place at different times, weather, and seasons. It’s like getting to know a person. Only when you see all the joys, sorrows, and joys can you become slightly familiar with them. Climbing to the top of the mountain calmly, there was strong sunshine and the strong wind became less biting. I sat quietly on the grass outside the tower for 40 minutes, and a feeling of being wrapped in transparent wind and golden sunshine came to my heart. Looking around from the top of the mountain, you can see all the scenery of the ancient country of Wessex. I don’t know why, but the concept of dragon veins popped into my mind. The hills here are undulating very obviously, like the undulating body of a dragon-shaped beast or a big snake. In many beliefs, the snake is a symbol of fertility, transformation, Muladhara Chakra, etc.
It was exactly 9 o'clock when we returned to Rosemary's house, which was the breakfast time we had agreed on. Rosemary puts all the food on heart-shaped white plates, which is a veritable breakfast of love. After eating, we went to a crystal shop in the town. Almost all the shops in the town are related to spiritual practice and spirituality. The owner is a grandmother from New Jersey who was attracted by the energy and settled in the town. Because it was early, there was no one else in the store. Although I have been in the UK for a while, I am still not familiar with the English names of various crystals, so I asked the shop owner about the uses of various crystals and learned a lot.
It was already 11:20 when we arrived at Glastonbury Abbey. I bought the tickets and inquired about the free tour time, which happened to be 10 minutes later. The guide is a handsome uncle wearing traditional Anglo-Saxon clothing. He took us through the ruins in detail - Lady's Chapel, the main hall where the altar is located, King Arthur's tomb, and the well-preserved kitchen.
This was once one of the richest churches in the UK. The main hall is as grand as St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The floors and ceilings were decorated with intricate patterns and were deliberately designed in a more classical Romanesque style rather than the Gothic style that was popular at the time. Since the 12th century, King Arthur's tomb, which they claimed to have found, has become a very popular place of pilgrimage. Even King Edward I of England came here in person.
However, after Henry VIII founded the Church of England, he required churches across the country to abandon Catholic traditions. The then dean refused to obey and was hanged at Glastonbury Tor. Became the last president of the hospital. Since then the monastery has been demolished, the remains of King Arthur and Queen are missing, and the tombs are completely missing. From the legend, back to the legend. Only the rectangular bricks remain, reminding us of the original site of the tomb.
Chalice Well Park is also located between Tor and Chalice Hill. The Tor symbolizes the masculine power, while the Chalice Well symbolizes the feminine power, the source of life given to us by Mother Earth. Since 2000, it has been a place for people to drink water and rest. The water flow is continuous and the water temperature is constant. Gives people a quiet and nourishing feeling.
The first floor is a double-ring shaped pool, which cannot be drank directly. But you can sit on the stone benches by the water. The second level is a rectangular pool shaded by trees. You can immerse your feet and calves in it and feel the therapeutic effects of the spring water. However, the spring water was clear and cold. Even in summer, I only lasted 2 minutes. You can bring a small towel to wipe the water.
The third floor is the spring water that can be drank directly. Out of the lion's head.
The fourth level is the true Holy Grail Well. The manhole cover is a double ring and a sword. Perhaps it symbolizes King Arthur’s broken golden sword. There are many small spaces for meditation arranged in the garden, creating a peaceful atmosphere from the inside out. Poetry concerts are held by candlelight on summer nights.
After leaving Glastonbury, you can drive to Wells in 15 minutes. The reason why it is called a city, not a town, is because it has a bishop's church, so its level is elevated. Despite this, it is the second smallest city in the UK.
The architectural age and style of the cathedral here is very similar to that of Glastonbury Abbey, which I just visited, but it is slightly smaller and simpler. The bishops here immediately agreed at the time of the Reformation that the church be saved from demolition. You can see a unique curved cross and two small circles at the end, which is a unique shape of Somerset County churches.
The Bishop's Palace next to the church is more like a castle, surrounded by a moat, which is quite unique. It was closed when we arrived, so we didn't visit. There is a small road behind the church, Vicars' Close, which used to be the priest's residence. The architectural style is very unique, neat and orderly.
On the way back to London, I drove through Cheddar Gorge. If you drive non-stop, you can drive through it in 20 minutes. There are many wild goats, jumping on the steep rocks with incredible agility. On many peaks, you can still see people climbing with bare hands, and their agility is no different from that of goats.
Pass through the canyon and arrive at the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare. The dusk sun hangs near the sea, facing a row of macaron-colored wooden dressing rooms. There is a stationary white Ferris wheel on the shore. From the highest point, can you see France on the other side?