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A space to honour the Goddess and the God, welcoming women and men of all paths and none, from Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and further afield.
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Bristol Goddess Temple: birth and growth
The Bristol Goddess Temple opened its doors to the public for the first time on 5th August 2017. That day saw the birth into the world of a vision that had been cherished in the creative cauldron for several years – a birth that finally became possible when a room came up for rent at the Warmley Clocktower, a community space on the eastern edge of Bristol that was already the home of a women's free-flow drumming circle and a monthly Moonlodge Red Tent.
The next few months were... busy! The room had previously been used as an office and needed some work before it could be transformed into a sacred space. Holes were filled in, walls and woodwork were painted, old cables had to be taken out and new lighting was fitted. We met in the half-finished room, which already vibrated with potential, to talk about fund-raising, cushions and spreading the word via our new Facebook page. A mouth-watering array of stallholders, therapists and workshops was booked for the open day. Women from the Moonlodge and drumming groups, as well as their partners and children, offered their time and skills to run the kitchen, bake cakes and supervise the children's craft tables.
The temple was eventually ready to be beautifully dressed and consecrated as a sacred space. We knew from the outset that it would have an altar dedicated to the sacred masculine, as well as the main altar to Goddess. While we all passionately support the need for the divine feminine to be restored to the world, we also wish to honour and call in the positive qualities of the divine masculine, whether that be to offer an alternative to toxic masculinity, or to bring some healing to the wider world.
Those who brought the temple into being and everyone who has played a part in it since illustrate its inclusivity. Some have completed training as priestesses in the Avalonian tradition (Brighid, Cerridwen, Rhiannon and Priestess Healer); some belong to the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids; some have a relationship with specific deities such as Aine, Sabrina or Sulis, while others honour and work with the cycles of the moon, or the energies of trees or local sacred waters.
We have held talks on a wide variety of subjects, from Doreen Valiente to local archaeology and death doulas to the Lancashire witches. Groups from many different traditions have met in our beautiful space, which is available to hire. For a while we had a men’s drumming group, and would love to welcome more men’s groups. As well as drums, our walls have resounded to the notes of gongs, harps and voices as the turning of the seasons is marked with sacred song, music, meditation and dance. At each turn of the wheel we enjoy a children’s takeover for our child-friendly storytelling.
Information on all our events can be found on our calendar or you can sign up to our monthly newsletter which list upcoming events. You can also contact us with any queries. Best of all, come and visit us – whether you know your path well or are just exploring the way ahead, you will be welcome.