Highworth Ritual
by Des Straif Crow
Des Straif Crow, a Battle Chieftain in the Loyal Arthurian Warband, is not only a respected Druid, but he is also a veteran Eco Warrior, having been involved in many campaigns including Highworth in Wiltshire and Hockley Woods in Essex. He also played a very active role in the fight to stop English Heritages' removal of Seahenge.
Everybody is familiar with the concept of warriors up trees, on walkways and in tunnels on protest sites, but not so many are aware that there is often a lot of magic laid down, both at the beginning of and during the campaign. Below Des's account gives us an insight into how one such ritual took place on threatened land.
During our '98 campaign in Highworth many good connections were made and people up that way have been keeping their eye on the land, then I was informed that Pentalands had been granted planning permission on, land which was being put up for sale. This outraged many locals.
Anyway, on the 29/11/00 I brought Druids from a nearby Druid camp to the land, where we met with some local people including many Pagans, a High Priest and High Priestess from a local Coven, and travellers, who were living in a horse drawn van in the next field.
We held a circle early in the day. We put together a loose structure and discussed the situation and intent of the ritual, which was to bless the land, people and all who dwell there and to awaken those who destroy the environment, awaken them to the power and the beauty of the land, trees, spirit to spirit. It was also to form protection for the land. It was a very powerful ritual with the wind and rain coming on strong. Much was said and done, we worked with Huathe (Hawthorn - for open hearts and love for the enemy), Luis (Rowan - for protection, spiritual strength, and refusal to give up) and Straif (Blackthorn - for strong warrior energy through challenging situations and achieving positive outcomes).
We called in the Snakes to form a ring of Snakes around the land to protect it and formed an energetic barrier, so that whoever went though would feel the energy of the land and all it's beauty, power and magic, as well as that of the trees and all the nature spirits. We also set up a barrier of mirrors to send any destructive energy back to the sender, our intent was to work with these in visualisation, to build and strengthen the magic worked there.
There were many powerful good words spoken in the circle and much magic worked individually and together.
I would like to honour all involved, even though I haven't mentioned all in this report.
Blessed Be
Des Straif Crow