k’s big birthday gratitude project 2

Some of you will have already come across a version of this post or an extract of its content … but there are at least two immediate reasons to repeat myself! The first reason for being especially grateful is that the Godspace blog has been central to my growing confidence as a writer and thusContinue reading “k’s big birthday gratitude project 2”

a monk in the world of 2021

I am honoured to have written another guest post for the Abbey of the Arts, which was published yesterday: As a contemplative photographer I thought I knew quite a bit about light and brightness, shadow  and darkness.  It appears I was wrong.  During 2020 and 2021 a series of COVID-19 ‘Lockdowns’ have been offering meContinue reading “a monk in the world of 2021”

Beltaine 2021: skywatching in colour 

The eye of the great God, The eye of the God of glory, The eye of the King of hosts, The eye of the King of the living, Pouring upon us At each time and season, Pouring upon us Gently and generously, Glory to thee, Thou glorious Sun. Glory to thee, thou Sun, Face ofContinue reading “Beltaine 2021: skywatching in colour “

Under a Sap Moon (Vernal Equinox 2021)

What needs to go? What like the seasons is preparing to shed,  or to grow.  is silent yet in the earth? To reflect,  make three columns  with your paper and ink: Then walk through the garden of your life,  with full attentiveness.  Take part in your practice,  with your arms raised like the trees,  thatContinue reading “Under a Sap Moon (Vernal Equinox 2021)”

wisdom of the gut: (Imbolc 2021)

If Candlemas Day be fair and brightWinter will have another fight.If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,Winter won’t come again. (Traditional) It has been a very grey January outside my window, and I although I resist turning on a light as soon as I wake up in the morning then leaving it on all dayContinue reading “wisdom of the gut: (Imbolc 2021)”

a certain slant of light

(all images by Kate Kennington Steer)  There’s a certain Slant of light,Winter Afternoons –That oppresses, like the HeftOf Cathedral Tunes – Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –We can find no scar,But internal difference –Where the Meanings, are – None may teach it – Any –’Tis the seal Despair –An imperial afflictionSent us of the AirContinue reading “a certain slant of light”

hallowing sight

(all images by Kate Kennington Steer) I ignore all the ridiculousness around Halloween, the dressing up, the tricks and treats, but I do quietly celebrate the three days of All Hallows, All Souls and All Saints. These days form the bridge from October to November, signalling the beginning of the end of Autumn light andContinue reading “hallowing sight”

Autumn Equinox: gathering gold

(all images by Kate Kennington Steer)  As a photographer and visual artist I sub-consciously take note of the level, type, angle, and colour of light throughout the day, month, season, year.  Yet in the past few months I have been trying to be more attuned to my feelings about the changing light rhythms that makeContinue reading “Autumn Equinox: gathering gold”

I am green

(all images by Kate Kennington Steer) As I mentioned in a previous post for Godspace written in 2016, I have long been fascinated by and inspired by Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), not least because despite her struggles with persistent ill health she was a writer, a composer, a scientist, a preacher, a prophetic visionary, andContinue reading “I am green”

Lughnasadh season

Since writing at Beltaine, and then again at the Summer Solstice, the colours of fire have continued to dominate the photos I have received and the watercolour doodles I have painted.  Hot pinks, oranges, violets rise up, and vermillion and scarlet find their place in this inner glory-blaze.  This year, somehow for the first time,Continue reading “Lughnasadh season”