First published on 03/06/24 on Ruth's website, Starshine Roots, here.   Shared with kind permission of the author.  ​

​"It feels primal in a world that is dominated by technology, you feel a collective consciousness in a society that is set up to drive individualism."
 
These powerful words, shared by Sharon, a participant in the women's drumming circle at the Bristol Goddess Temple, encapsulate the essence of what makes this gathering so special.
 
In a modern world that often feels disconnected from the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of our ancestors, the drumming circle offers a sacred space to reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the ancient feminine power that resides within us all.
 
Through the primal beats of our drums, we tap into a collective consciousness that transcends the boundaries of time and culture, allowing us to access the transformative energy of the divine feminine.

​The circle provides a safe, supportive space for women to explore their creativity, release emotions, and tap into their inner wisdom.
 
Have you ever been curious about the transformative power of drumming? We gathered feedback from some of our participants to give you a glimpse into the magic that happens when women come together to drum.

Jane's Story: Releasing the Joy of the Inner Child

Jane came to her first drumming circle because it was something she thought would be fun. "I had thought that it might be structured or include lots of instructions so I was surprised at how free flowing it was, just allowing you to release whatever rhythm you feel," she shares. "I also liked the intention setting at the beginning of the session."
 
As she immersed herself in the drumming, Jane experienced a deep sense of connection: "The feelings I felt when drumming with a group of women was a non-verbal connection. Trying to weave my beats with others while at the same time staying true to what I needed to release felt really good."

​The impact of the experience stayed with Jane long after the circle ended. "I actually cried with laughter on the drive home from my first session," she reveals. "
 
It definitely released the joy of my inner child, which can be so hard to access sometimes in our serious adult lives."
 
Jane's message to other women?
 
“I would encourage everyone to come along. It's very informal. You get to meet lovely women and play with different instruments, and there is even a break for tea and biscuits."

​Sharon's Journey: From Skeptic to Devotee

When Sharon's reiki master first suggested the drumming circle, Sharon was skeptical.
 
"I'd expected it to be a bit of 'forced fun', and as an introvert that I might feel pressured to act sociable and be joyous," she admits. But from the first session, Sharon found herself pleasantly surprised by the organic, supportive atmosphere.
 
"The energy created together holds you, it feels very safe," she describes.
 
"When I drum alone I'm more conscious of the beat, how it sounds, but when I drum with others it's about feeling the vibrations all across my body, and I find it much easier to enter a theta state - and then there's the connection with other women, we hold the space for each other, and no-one is judging, just supporting."
 
For Sharon, the drumming circle has become a sanctuary in a chaotic world. "It feels primal in a world that is dominated by technology, you feel a collective consciousness in a society that is set up to drive individualism," she reflects.
 
"I leave feeling hopeful, renewed, reinvigorated…just wish you had two sessions a month!"
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​To those who may be hesitant, Sharon says,
 
"You'll be guaranteed a warm welcome, I think most of us feel it's a big deal just showing up.
 
And if you don't want to dance, you can sit, if you don't want to drum, you can listen or shake a rattle.
 
And if you don't want to chant, you can enjoy the vibrations of those who do.
 
No-one is pressured to do what isn't comfortable."

Ailie's Insights: Tuning into Intuition

Ailie was drawn to the drumming circle as a way to connect with other women. "The circle ended up being that but much more, as I found it to be a space to let go, calm my nervous system and gain perspective and insight," she shares.
 
The physical sensations of drumming have been particularly powerful for Ailie. "I love the feeling of the drum vibrations, it is releasing and energising, and makes me want to move my body," she describes.
 
"I love connecting with others and often feel mesmerised by the rhythms that organically arise from the group. I always feel transported by Ruth's guided meditations and the vocal toning has felt very powerful, drawing my awareness around the body and helped me to notice imbalances and explore my voice, which has felt insightful and empowering."

​​Ailie's message to newcomers?
 
"You don't need to know anything about drumming to come along and enjoy being part of a drum circle.
 
It is not about learning to drum, but rather tuning in to intuition."
 
She adds, "I love the drumming circle, thank you Ruth for leading it, you do a marvellous job."

Katie's Encouragement: No Experience Necessary

Katie, who has been developing her spirituality for a few years, wanted to explore drumming as part of her journey. She describes her experience as "freeing, with everyone drumming in unison, creating a different form of meditation."
 
For those considering trying the drumming circle, Katie offers these words of wisdom: "You won't know unless you try. Come with no experience and no expectations, and just see where it takes you." She also emphasises the welcoming atmosphere, noting that she was "made to feel welcome by a lovely bunch of ladies, with no pressure to perform."

​Gratitude and Invitation

We are deeply grateful to Jane, Sharon, Ailie, Katie, and all the women who have shared their drumming journey with us. Your stories are a testament to the power of drumming and its ability to awaken the divine feminine within all of us.
 
If you feel called to embark on this journey of self-discovery and connection, we invite you to join our circle at the Bristol Goddess Temple. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore your own rhythm, connect with like-minded women, and tap into the wisdom of our ancestors.
 
Whether you're an experienced drummer or a curious beginner, there is a place for you in this circle. Come as you are, with an open heart and a willingness to embrace the power of drumming together.

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Hello! My name is Zoe and I am the current Melissa Mother, looking after our team of volunteers including training and managing the rota.  I also help to manage the social media accounts, website and emails, so you might see my name pop up elsewhere. 

​I started attending the Women's Drumming circle and Moonlodge nearly a decade ago, when Bristol Goddess Temple was a dream in the imaginations of its future founders. 

​ It has been wonderful to see the space grow and evolve over the years and believe passionately that everyone should have the opportunity to visit and experience the beautiful energy and atmosphere of the Goddess Temple.

A brief overview of the role:

We hold the space in the Goddess Temple whenever it is open - I like to think of it as being a caretaker spiritually as well as practically.  Without them we could not open.  

The main times help is needed are during the drop in times on Wednesdays (11-1pm) and Saturdays (12-2pm and 2-4pm).  Some of the busier events are also on the rota to help the organiser with setting up and running the session e.g chanting and children's storytelling.

You would unlock and open up, call in and welcome the energies of the Goddess and God, light the candles etc, then welcome visitors, offer refreshments, deal with shop purchases, maybe carry out smudging/smoke cleansing if requested, then close down and lock up at the end.

You don't need any previous experience or any specific spiritual path to be a Melissa, just a desire and commitment to care for the space and the people who use it.  Ideally you would be able to cover at least one of the drop-in slots a month (Weds 11-1pm and Sat 12-2pm and 2-4pm), although you are welcome to do more!  There is a Facebook group and a WhatsApp group specifically for the Melissa team where I post the rota each month and people bagsy the slots they want to cover.  

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​If you decide being specifically a melissa isn't for you but have skills or time to help out in a different way we are always open to offers and suggestions and have a Facebook group - Bristol Goddess Temple Community Group plus occasional community meetings.

If this is something that interests you please have a chat with the melissa on duty or email [email protected]  New volunteer enquiries are always welcome.

​Happy Spring Equinox! To celebrate and honour this point on the Wheel of the Year, many in the Goddess tradition will be welcoming in the Goddess Eostre with her symbols of eggs, hares and the moon.

Druids celebrate Alban Eilir – “The Light of the Earth.” The vernal equinox this year occurs on Wednesday 20 March 2024 at 03:06 GMT, which means that Spring is indeed officially here – the hours of light will steadily increase, while the nights will become ever shorter, from now until the Summer Solstice.



It’s often said that at the equinox, night and day are of equal length. For an explanation of why this is not strictly true, have a look at the following link:
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/equinox-not-equal.html

But you don’t need to have a sound grasp of astronomy to know that the earth beneath our feet is warming up and new growth and life is all around us, fulfilling the promises that were whispered at Imbolc.

All of our senses are telling us the story of Spring and, if we can slow down for a while and listen, we can feel the rising energy within ourselves – not separate, just one part of the greater whole of Nature within which we have our being.

You might want to find a time to visit a natural place that is sacred or special to you, centring yourself in your senses: noticing all the spring flowers, fresh green shoots and buds, hearing the increasing birdsong and the sounds of the wind or water, smelling the scents of the awakening earth and feeling the strengthening sun and the fresh breeze on your skin, and your feet in contact with the earth.

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To taste the Spring, you only have to pick a few dandelion leaves, some shoots of cleavers (aka goose-grass or Sticky Willy) or perhaps even, further south in the UK, some wild garlic and you have a powerful spring tonic, filled with all the goodness and energy of the season.

Give yourself some time to tune into what this time of transition feels like for you; for some, the rising energy may feel turbulent and challenging, so make sure you know what you need to thrive now as the Spring Equinox coaxes you into growth – and find a way to gift it to yourself. 💜

Ostara is considered by some as the first day of spring, a time for new beginnings, for hope and personal growth. In some traditions it is at this time that the horned god is reborn, which has been represented by the god Pan. Pan is a god of the wild and is connected with shepherds, fertility, spontaneity and music.

To represent the equinox in this time of balance, the altar decoration includes a disc representing the sun and the moon, each occupying half the circle.

Ostara is the spring equinox when the day and the night are the same length. To honour this time of balance, a circle is made up of two equal halves has been placed on the altar. At the centre of the circle a sunstone and a moonstone shine brightly in harmony alongside each other.

As mother nature pulls on her spring cloak of bright new growth, birds are busy nesting and laying eggs. The nest on the altar represents this time of activity. It has been woven from ivy and the eggshells were found whilst out walking, honouring the birds without taking anything from them.

The Journey through the wheel this year has seen us host 7 wonderful ceremonies in the temple. We would like to thank all those who have supported these ceremonies and made them successful. We are back again to round off the year with our Winter Solstice ceremony which will continue our exploration of the elements, this time focusing on Air.

Air is a wonderful element to connect with. It’s dual nature to be able to cleanse us, and also to bring in inspiration and rejuvenate us. So if you are unable to attend the temple or our ceremony during this, possibly the busiest of seasons, we invite you to find some time for Air. I have to say my favourite thing is a walk on a windy day. Feeling the air on my face whilst the rest of me is wrapped up warm, the wind blowing my hair back, I can envisage it blowing through my soul, releasing the old and what no longer serves and leaving room for new, fresh air. Fresh ideas and inspirations are carried in on the breeze.

My favourite place to do this is on Brean Down, but if that’s not possible any hill will do! I’ve even been known just to stick my head out of a window at home, or wind down all the windows of my car for the drive home, whatever is going to work for you!

Whilst we enjoy being comfy and cosy in temple with cushions and blankets, at the end of the day, Paganism is all about connecting with the seasons of the land!

We are excited to announce that 'Ceremony Weavers of the Wheel' will now also be facilitating rituals at Stanton Drew stone circle for the Cross Quarter festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane and Lammas!

Our first was at Samhain and we would be delighted to have you join us for our next at Imbolc! The atmosphere at the Stones is wonderful and their power palpable. Dress for the elements and join us for a beautiful ritual!

For 5 fabulous years Gemma and Alex have brought stories to life for our youngest visitors. With gorgeous hand crafted puppets to help tell the story of Luna Moon Hare and original tales penned by themselves, they give meaning to the wheel of the year to the next generation.

So now the younger children will be in the big room for stories, dancing and crafting. The older children will be in temple itself and there will be an age appropriate guided meditation, discussion on what the current season means to them and crafting of spiritual items in keeping with the season. 

In October we held the first “Tarot Talk” group.  This is a group to discuss and share and learn from each other, rather than a “taught” lesson.  

We brought along and shared our favourite decks, and there were a great variety of them!  There was a range of experience in the room from experienced readers to beginners, people who only read for themselves, and people who are thinking of taking tentative steps to reading for others.  

​There was no such thing as a stupid question, which led to some helpful hints on how to shuffle those larger cards!  The time flew by and people said how lovely it was to have the opportunity to discuss their hobby, passion, and pick up some hints and tips.  

​The group will be back in February, so watch the Temple page for further details.

​The traditional feasting of yule is represented in the light box scene surrounded by mistletoe and holly. This greenery represents life in these dark days indicating good things to come and some traditions believe mistletoe represents / enhances male fertility.

​Mistletoe is believed by some to have healing and protective qualities, and for this reason it adorns the head of the goddess statue. This plant has long been revered by Druids and other traditions as magical and sacred, borne between the earth and the heavens. During the cold winter months its vibrant green leaves and dazzling white berries grow in the bows of leafless trees. Many people hang mistletoe in their home all year round to ward off evils spirits, burning the old sprig and replacing it with a new one each Yule.

​The winter solstice is not only the shortest day but also the longest night. In celebration of the night the spiral doll honours the moon goddess. Above her head she holds a moonstone and on her back the dark swirls represent the shadows on the other side of the moon. 

​The smudge fan represents the element of air, which Is honoured at this time of year by the Wheel of Avalon goddess tradition.

​We are happy to announce a new monthly ritual is coming to the Bristol Goddess Temple.  Starting in January the Priestesses and Sisters of Cerridwen will be holding a Dark Moon Ritual.  This will take place each month at a date close to the actual dark moon, and before the new moon when the priestess healers open the temple for the New Moon Healing event.  The dark moon is a significant time of increased intuition and self-awareness, and during this moon phase we will gather in ritual to reflect, release, and raise energy to offer gratitude and send healing where most needed.

​As these events will be a ritual and not a ceremony of seasonal celebration, we will be working magically in a safely held sacred space, invoking the Celtic Goddess Cerridwen into our circle.  Cerridwen, Goddess of the Cauldron of Testing, Transformation and Rebirth.  Who better to bring the change we need to see in the world right now.  Each month we will introduce an aspect of Cerridwen and how she informs our devotional work.  We will be adapting the directional Wheel of Ana as we create a sacred space, and including a guided meditation, chanting, magical working/activity, and time for reflection.  This is deep work, and the theme of each month will be different and relevant. 

​So come along and join the Priestesses and Sisters of Cerridwen for a Dark Moon Ritual, a monthly magical ritual of release, gratitude and healing.  A time to gather our power as Goddess loving people and invoke the Goddess; when together we will activate our magic through song, reflection, dance and action; raising energy for healing to be sent into the world.

May the energy flow.
So mote it be.
​Blessed be.

Check the dates for Dark Moon Ritual and how to book: