Imbolc 1999 Newsletter Applegrove Yule Gathering Minto Bush Camp, Friday 25th to Sunday 27th June 1999 By Adrianne Harris

To camp or not to camp, that was the question I kept asking myself on Friday as I was getting ready to attend my first Applegrove Yule Gathering. I was all set to camp, and had been looking forward to it for weeks, yet it was cold, windy and raining, so I ditched the tent and booked a cabin space to sleep. I arrived at Minto on Friday evening and was picked up from the station and driven into the bush camp. The camp is situated on a site that is a sacred aboriginal women’s site. After settling into my cabin (it had been a long time since I’ve slept on a top bunk! I felt like a kid), I found my way to the fire, a wonderfully large bonfire with plenty of space to sit around and relax, chat and enjoy the depths of winter. I was lucky enough to arrive just as the Yule log was going onto the fire. After a wonderful dinner, I retired to bed.

Saturday morning began gloriously, a perfect sunrise, and the wind blowing the clouds away, to reveal a blue sky. I attended a fire dancing workshop, which I had been waiting to attend for weeks. I have been practising patiently every day for the last six months, and was keen to get out and dance with others - something I had not done since I first started with the fire stick. We would later have the opportunity to practice our skills, by dancing around the evenings bonfire. It just goes to prove how much you need to practice! But a wonderfully fun and uplifting experience.

The clouds then started to close and rain looked imminent. The Yule ritual was transferred to the Temple Space. Thanks must go to Gabby for the creation and organisation of such a beautiful and theatrical Yule ritual. It was a wonderful experience sharing the vision of the new sun returning.

After the ritual there was an impromptu drumming session around the fire before the main feast and gift giving. I encourage anyone who goes to gatherings to get involved in the kitchen duties (preparation, or washing up) - some of the best and most insightful conversations happen here! After the clean up there was a ‘brag-fest’ around the fire. A bottle of mead going to the best tales told. And sore ribs from laughing so hard for the rest of us.

Sunday morning allowed time for exploring the bush around the camp, and a guided tour of the cliffs and their ritual history was shared. Unfortunately I developed a hideous cold and had to get driven to the station at lunchtime to go home and curl up in a ball for 3 days. Apart from the cold (in my head and in the land), I had the best weekend and wholeheartedly recommend joining with others to celebrate the turning of the wheel on some occasions.