St. Nectan's Glen
In October 2018, I took a trip that forever changed me. This trip was no ordinary vacation but a spiritual pilgrimage that two friends and I journeyed through in the UK. Guided by Spirit the whole time, our intuition consistently led us to the people, places, and experiences that have altered each of our lives in our unique ways.
One pivotal moment for me was dunking in St. Nectan's Glen waterfall. An ancient woodland said to be one of the UK's most spiritual sites. This waterfall wasn't even on our radar until days prior on our private walking tour across Glastonbury with Shaman Jeremy White when he pointed out that where we would be staying next in Boscastle was right near the waterfall. Coincidence? We didn't think so.
After doing a rune reading with him, he instructed me to pull two runes to take with me to the waterfall—one to keep and commit to and one to leave as a gift for someone else. The two runes I pulled were the Healer/Shaman and Success rune.
My friends and I chose the morning we would go, packed towels, a change of clothes, and began our hike to the waterfall. As we walked in silence with profound reverence for the land around us, I could feel the nature spirits and elementals all around, cheering us along the path. They knew the sacredness and transformation that lied ahead. The woodland's energy was intense and palpable as I took in birds' sounds, the gentle stream, the quiet of nature—the fullness of life among the trees, the land, and the greenery that was all-enveloping. My senses heightened to the vortex of energy surrounding me as the walls of distractions of schedules, social media, worries, and concerns melted away. It was as if each step took me further into another dimension or portal, unlike anything I had ever experienced. I became more open to the layers of energy and spirits that surrounded us.
As we made our way down to the waterfall, it was a surreal experience. The chilly day had me bundled up until it was time to strip down to my bathing suit and begin to wade in the icy cold water. The timing was perfect, as a few people were starting to leave as we showed up. I made my way over to a ledge in the rocks taking in the gushing sound of the waterfall, breathing in the crisp fresh air, feeling the stones beneath my feet as my legs turned purple from the cold water.
As I watched the waterfall, I set my intentions. A recommitment to myself and Spirit as only eight months earlier, I had called off my wedding and an eight-year relationship. I needed a release and cleansing of my previous life, expectations, view of success, and grief. I needed a rebirth of myself, who I wanted to be, and what my new definition of success was. I gazed upon the waterfall that held so much Goddess energy for support as I embarked on more healing of a broken heart, broken dreams, and a direction for what I was to do next.
I left the success rune for someone else to find. It was time I redefined what my expectation of success was. At that moment, I committed to the Healer/Shaman rune. How could any level of success for me be without Spirit and a deep connection to my true nature as a healer? I recommitted myself to follow my intuition no matter how hard it may be at times, as I trust it to consistently be for the highest good of all. A tall order I know I would continuously fail and succeed at.
After setting my intentions, recommitting, and letting go, I dunked three times into the waterfall. Once for my ancestors, once for the Goddess, and once for myself. The ice-cold water was a complete shock to my system—a revival of my soul. An infusion of strength to move forward with grace and compassion. I stayed in the water a while longer, chanting and taking it all in, wanting to bottle up the feeling that was rising within me. I didn't want to leave; I wanted to savor every last moment of the experience.
As if on cue, once we each felt our time was complete, and we began to dry off, a tour group began to make their way towards us. It was as if Spirit divinely protected us with a bubble of protection to have our sacred ritual. We gave much thanks and awe for the private time we had with the waterfall.
I don't usually share the spiritual experiences I have unless we are in a conversation, and it feels safe to do so. It's deeply personal and sacred to me, and I can't risk it being tainted or judged by people who aren't willing to be open, understand, or respect my experience. I don't have children, but my protection over this side of myself feels like a mother bear ready to fight if needed to save this sweet cub of energy that lies within me. And yet, I think that the moments I had at this waterfall were planting seeds of me sharing more of this side of myself when it felt right to do so.
As I find myself observing the intensity of our current times, I hold onto these particular memories. A reminder that Spirit is always with us, waiting for us to turn inward and listen to its guidance through our intuition. Extending grace, compassion, and forgiveness to ourselves as we navigate chaotic energy around and outside of us.
Our goal is remembering the moments that keep us connected to our values and commitments, remembering our strength, and trusting we will show up when we are called to show up with our gifts. Our life phases may look different than our friends and family. You may be in a time of deep rest and reset to continue fighting for your values when it's time, while others may be far more active. Resist the urge to compare your journeys - we all are needed at different times for different reasons.
In case you needed the reminder, Spirit lives within you too. Whatever Spirit means to you - define it for yourself and plugin even stronger to it. Ask for the highest good of all to reveal itself and trust each next step you feel called to take in your life. The journey is not always easy or fun, but be open to the sacred moments, places, and people here to keep you supported in this wild ride of life.
Much love to you all.
Laura