A trance journey to the frithgarth
A river glimmers in the distance, winding slowly through the land as though deep in thought. Sunlight rests on its surface like a Sowulo road. The scent of damp earth rises — rich and grounding — mingling with the sweet perfume of wildflowers in full bloom. A narrow trail leads to the river’s edge. Reeds sway gently along the banks, whispering in rhythm with the wind. Birdsong drifts lazily through the air, carried on the breeze. All around, colours pulse: the red of poppies, the yellow of goldenrod and tansy, the purple of loosestrife, the white of daisies and yarrow, the blue of cornflowers, the pink of ragged robin — a riverside meadow, alive with wildflowers. The scent of water lingers — cool and ancient — curling at the edges of your breath.
A slender path follows the river’s course to where it bends in a broad arc. Here, the river forms one half of a natural circle around a wide clearing, its banks lined with reeds and smooth stones, and a single weeping willow leaning low, its branches trailing the surface like fingers in thought. The other half rises gently from the water’s edge — tall grasses giving way to thickets of shrubs, then to trees. Oak and beech stand shoulder to shoulder with birch, rowan, elder, and yew. Ash, lime, and wild apple sway nearby, their leaves seems whispering secrets of old. Together, river and woodland shape the frithgarth — a natural border, a sacred ring, hidden in plain sight. The outer edge of the Frithgarth woodland holds the boundary like guardians: rooted, aware, and listening. From there, the forest stretches gently inward, unfolding in quiet paths and scattered clearings and a fen here an there. Beneath the branches are places of rest on the soft moss. In some of the oldest trees are hollows wide enough to curl into.
At the heart of the clearing burns the Flame of Frith — eternal and bright. Its warmth brushes your skin like a gentle hand, its light wraps around you like an embrace remembered from long ago. Around the flames low, steady drums echo through the ground — the heartbeat of the land. Voices rise in harmony, weaving through the air like threads of love and laughter. Figures move: frithweavers and peacekeepers, their bodies turning with the rhythm, shaping silence and song into form. They dance for frith — for peace. For balance. You are welcome to add your voice to the song, your steps to the dance, your breath to the offering.
Scattered around the edges of the big clearing are smaller fires — places where warmth and stillness meet. Here, you might speak quietly with frithweavers, sharing stories or questions. Or simply sit in silence, letting the hush settle around you like a cloak, content to listen to the crackle of flame and the breath of the land.
LGBTQIA+ Part of the Frithgarth
In the woodland, with a view of the wide clearing, there lies a glade among the ancient trees, ringed by a low fence threaded with ribbons and banners in the colours of every flag of the LGBTQIA+ community. This part of the frithgarth belongs to queer folk and quiltbag ancestral spirits. Others may approach, but only with consent, and never uninvited. Nearby, a smaller clearing offers a space of peace and meeting, where queer folk, allies, and ancestral spirits may gather without fear or question. And in both places, a frith fire burns — watchful, and warm.
Shieldwall of Solidarity
The Flame of Frith Shieldwall of Solidarity stands as part of the great clearing, strong and enduring within the frithgarth. Tall posts form a circle, from which shields are hung — each one unique, each one a testament to frith and solidarity. At the centre, the Flame of Frith banner rises high above them all, a beacon of courage, and connection. There is always room for more shields. With every one added, the wall grows stronger — a living symbol of our shared strength and care.
The frithgarth is not fixed in size or shape — it expands as needed. When more space is called for, go there. Speak with the spirits who dwell within, and they will help you find the place that is waiting for you — shaped by need, purpose, and care.
The frithgarth listens. It grows with us.