Hazel Acland Tree's Blog, page 2

Weaving the Witch

The idea of the witch is a ongoing thread weaving it’s way through in our modern world, one that has continued to haunt children’s fairy tales and is prominent not just at Halloween but also in political bickering on one hand, and then people self-identifying as a witch on the other hand. (1) Witch modern … More Weaving the Witch

The Art of Holding Space

I can’t clearly remember the first time I heard to phrase ‘holding space’ that referred to an energetical and conscious intention rather than saving a seat or some other physical waiting. But for me from the beginning it felt obvious what it meant, even if I couldn’t quite find the right words to describe what … More The Art of Holding Space

Celebrating World Doula Week

To celebrate World Doula Week this year my booklet ‘A Birth Path’ has been reduced to the lowest price the publisher will allow. I hope this wholesale price will be useful for the wonderful doulas & childbirth educators out there, who have told me how they like to gift their clients a copy. What’s it … More Celebrating World Doula Week

How to increase pain in childbirth

Labour is hard work, there is no two ways about it. Even the name of it ‘labour’ tells us that, it is hard physical work. When the work to be done requires so much mental concentration that brainwaves slow down from active Beta to distracted Alpha to turn the focus inwards then labour has truly … More How to increase pain in childbirth

What is a women’s circle?

A women’s circle is a safe space for women to share their stories, be heard and  be seen. This is an act of resistance! We take the power over ourselves, our thoughts & our feelings back into our own hands. Women have been sitting in circles longer than written history. We gathered around fires in … More What is a women’s circle?

The year in 40 photos (or less)

This is a story of 2018. It was the year in which the Full Circle Sacred Yurt Space was born here in the woods. The planning started back in 2017, but it wasn’t until February 2018 that ground was broken and the yurt arrived. Since then the circle has continued to grow and hold space for … More The year in 40 photos (or less)

Dreaming the witches’ way

Gently unfolding, yet profoundly shifting. I’m dreaming of creating a space, a closed container for some deep & slow work that evolves through the seasons over a full year. Each month we’ll spend a full day together; sitting in circle, sharing our stories, honouring the season and life cycles. Spend time in nature both together … More Dreaming the witches’ way

Curling into winter’s embrace

The year passes in linear fashion yet in reality it spirals, as we pass each seasonal milestone, we are not the same as we were last time. Like a river, our waters continually change, our cells constantly regenerating. Autumn transition This period of autumn leaning into winter has a soporific effect on me. I feel … More Curling into winter’s embrace

Why witches don’t ride broomsticks

– and what they might do with them instead.   Ask any child to draw or describe a witch and you’ll probably get this:  Warty nose, pointy hat, black cat, riding a broomstick. And come 31st October if you walk the suburban streets around dusk you’re quite likely to find some small-scale versions wandering around … More Why witches don’t ride broomsticks

Salt Bowl Ceremony

To work magic is to weave the unseen forces into form; to soar beyond sight; to explore the uncharted dream realm of the hidden reality. ~ Starhawk   The trees were whispering secrets, and a lone crow flew through the air, calling out loudly in his thick, throaty voice. The air hung still, the gentle … More Salt Bowl Ceremony