Re: Glastonbury holy thorn destroyed | Forum

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StoneGloves Dec 11, 2010 09:31:47

Replying to Rhiannon

Wasn't there a bit more to the story? Joseph jammed his staff in the ground and it took root and so that's where the abbey was built. Holy relic still lives. It's a bit like the Shroud of Turin, only less connected. And it's a tiny piece of our national identity, no less. It's pity there's no better photographs.

T

The Sea Cat Dec 11, 2010 09:33:56

Replying to Rhiannon

Rhiannon wrote:

It's not holy because it performs miracles, it's supposed to be holy because Joseph of Arimathea brought the original bit over as a staff and it grew when he stuck it in the ground. As Stonelifter implies, that kind of behaviour from trees isn't so unacceptable.

Yeah yeah it might never have happened. And that tree might not be a descendent of one of the 'real' one (it was planted in the 50s? presumably from a bit from one of the trees at the abbey? i don't know). But surely you can appreciate a bit of the cultural significance the thing has for the local people, it's part of the identity of the place, a tangible link with all the glastonbury legends (yes, mumbo jumbo) that contribute to what the town is.

YEah it's just a tree but have you no romance? I think you're being a bit mean :) But I think you're right, they should get planting another one.

Yes. It's symbolic significance is very special. As for 'mumbo jumbo', yes there's a lot of that as well, which in my view adds to the charm of the place, and beneath that layer there's a wealth of fascinating history/culture/lore. Also, as someone who practices meditation/visualisation/dowsing and studies/uses alternative and complimentary healing, I do think the area has a unique and powerful energy network, as in prana/chi/ ley/earth energy, and I also believe that our ancestors knew of this and were able to access it. I know this doesn't go down very well with some, but I really don't mind, it is a very broad zodiac, after all!
;

L

Littlestone Dec 11, 2010 09:46:29

Replying to Rhiannon

It's not holy because it performs miracles, it's supposed to be holy because Joseph of Arimathea brought the original bit over as a staff and it grew when he stuck it in the ground. As Stonelifter implies, that kind of behaviour from trees isn't so unacceptable.[

Not unusual at all. I once had a colander made of willow twigs – it used to hang on a peg in the kitchen. Used it for a couple of years at least. Imagine my surprise when one morning (half way through the rainy season) I went into the kitchen and was astonished to see that the colander had grown shoots!!!

The same thing could easily happen if baskets etc (perhaps brought here from abroad) were thrown out once they were no longer needed.

M

megadread Dec 12, 2010 00:23:17

Replying to Rhiannon

Rhiannon wrote:

It's not holy because it performs miracles, it's supposed to be holy because Joseph of Arimathea brought the original bit over as a staff and it grew when he stuck it in the ground. As Stonelifter implies, that kind of behaviour from trees isn't so unacceptable.

Yeah yeah it might never have happened. And that tree might not be a descendent of one of the 'real' one (it was planted in the 50s? presumably from a bit from one of the trees at the abbey? i don't know). But surely you can appreciate a bit of the cultural significance the thing has for the local people, it's part of the identity of the place, a tangible link with all the glastonbury legends (yes, mumbo jumbo) that contribute to what the town is.

YEah it's just a tree but have you no romance? I think you're being a bit mean :) But I think you're right, they should get planting another one.

Sorry for being a miserable ba**ard but it fails to move me, this is just another made up myth, the tree is a focus yes, but it's not holy, well that's my opinion.
How long before the oak at the bottom of the path to WKLB becomes "holy" or the willow at Swallowhead, they are both adorned with increasing amounts of tat and are well on their way, aren't they. ?

I don't mind trees becoming "famous", nowt against Major Oak etc, but i do find it tiring to hear trees labelled "holy", they aren't.

It's a shame any tree is ever destroyed imo, even the ones i wipe my a*se on daily but it happens.
Sorry for being so blunt minded, i just can't weep for this tree any more than any other tree cut down that day.