The Holy Thorn
I was so sorry to hear about the cutting down of the Glastonbury Holy Thorn today.....http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/vandals-destroy-sacred-thorn-tree-2155627.html
Let's all pray for it to grow back...a symbol of spiritual growth and optimism:
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
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The Holy Thorn
How easily life can be destroyed by ignorance!
However, the spirit lives on.
Holy Thorn: finding the positive
Yes indeed, I was there yesterday shortly after it had been vandalised. The Holy Thorn is said to be related back to the events and times when Joseph of Aramathea arrived in Avalon after the crucifixion. It's a spiritual pilgrimage site for millions of people around the world.
So it is with great sadness that we witness its senseless destruction. At the same time, as I stood watching it yesterday, I couldn't help thinking its remains stood as a vital reminder to another 'holy thorn', but this time, a thorn in the side of humanity. In other words, the ignorant destruction of trees that continues unabated around the world as a result of the globalised consumeristic society that we continue to subscribe to and allow to persist.
Maybe we might remember that, bring it into our consciousness and let it flow outwards. It might inspire a sense of purpose for change in more people. In that way, positive upliftment might emanate from this unfortunate event.
Chris
Holy Thorn inside
Funny, but I am baptized, being 1/4 jew, 1/4 greek and 1/2 russian/ukrainian. What a mess!
I was took to an orthodox church by my russian grandmother, and was baptized in the age of 7-8. I was wearing a cross, when I was little (my mom didn't mind), and even now when I'm scared, or desperately praying, I criss-cross
I also feel much more resonating with orthodox christianity, than with judaism, maybe because I was grown in christian environment, while my mom didn't keep any of the jewish customs.
Anyway, when I read this, I thought.. Poor tree :'(
But then I thought - people put so much of their inspiration in external things, like some stone in pagan customs, or a wailing wall here, or the tree... While all is needed is to look.. anywhere. God is everywhere, inspiration is everywhere, our spirit is everywhere.
So this unfortunate cruel deed was like a reminder for me - "just look anywhere, seek and you will find". Even in most 'not nicely looking' or even horrible things in the world.
Light emerges
This morning I was drawn to Wearyall hill to this holy site. As I walked up the hill I could see a crowd of about 40 people holding hands around the tree. For me as I approached it was a wonderful symbol of unity and hope, arising out of the ashes of what had occurred. A beautiful lady smiled and holding out her hand invited me to join the circle for the closing ceremony. There was a beautiful sense of peace and calm.
Afterwards, as people chatted and shared, there was a wonderful sense of community and togetherness. People were positively talking about what could happen next, many felt that the tree would heal and continue to grow, others were exploring the possibility of sourcing another tree. It felt really inspiring... certainly the spirit is still there
Where there is darkness, there is also much light!
With love, light and peace to One and All, Fiona