The Musings category gathers Jean’s deeper reflections on faith, symbolism, sacred history, kingship, cosmic order, and the hidden patterns that shape both nature and the human soul. These writings are contemplative and often exploratory, weaving together scripture, ancient myth, sacred geometry, alchemy, seasonal cycles, and the Mystery tradition.

Here you will find meditations on the return of light in winter, the role of polarity within creation, the meaning of sacral kingship, the symbolism of sovereignty, and the spiritual implications of cultural narratives both ancient and modern. These are not academic treatises, nor are they political commentary in the ordinary sense. Rather, they are invitations to look beneath appearances — to ask what patterns are operating beneath the surface of history, media, tradition, and even our own inner lives.

Jean often explores how myth and scripture intersect, how Celtic cosmology converses with Christian gnosis, and how archetypal patterns such as death and rebirth, sacrifice and sovereignty, darkness and renewal repeat themselves in cycles. Central to these reflections is the conviction that Christ is not merely a historical figure, but the living Logos — the ordering principle present throughout creation.

The Musings posts encourage readers to slow down, question inherited assumptions, and seek understanding through contemplation rather than reaction. They ask: What does nature reveal about divine order? What does ancient kingship teach about integrity and responsibility? How do the heavens mirror the soul?

In these writings, beauty, truth, and symbolism converge — inviting each reader to awaken more fully within God’s dream.

Winter Glory

By |2026-03-07T04:17:05+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings, News|

Trail to the Pond Site by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLCThe snow storm we had earlier this month left the shrubs and plants so weighed down that some of the trails became almost impassable. But not completely so, as Dan found when he decided to crawl through because our dog was so insistent on going on his usual walk! Photos by Dan Cavanaugh - Walking the DogI wanted to share these pictures of the Sanctuary in all its winter ...

Changing Culture

By |2026-03-07T04:17:04+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings, News|

We have had lots of beautiful snow and ice creating gorgeous scenes over the past weeks. Ice covered maple leaf by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLCIt is such a joy to be able to share this abundance with all of you. And your support is making it possible for us to do that. You are what is known as the "early adopters". By becoming members, you are reducing others' uncertainty about whether this is a worthwhile endeavor. You are ...

Going Slowly

By |2026-03-07T04:17:04+02:00January 31st, 2026|Events & Celebrations, Musings|

We had a great turnout for our Imbolc gathering yesterday! Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy this informal time around the fire. It was a wonderful way to begin easing back into some events after my difficulties with my foot, and after many of our members coming down with illness over the winter. It was lovely to introduce some new folks to those who have been around for awhile, and to have all the board ...

Cedar, Juniper, and Sage Smoke Bundles

By |2026-03-07T04:17:02+02:00January 31st, 2026|Flora, Musings, News|

Cedar Smoke Bundles made from cedar at Crossing HedgerowsMost of you are likely aware that sourcing of products we use in our spiritual practices are not always ethical. So I won't go into detail about that, but instead I would like to offer some resources to share with you as members of the Sanctuary.  For those at the Friends level and above, or those who volunteer at least once a month, you are welcome to harvest Cedar, ...

Winter Quiet

By |2026-03-07T23:05:44+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

Snow has arrived again at the Sanctuary and it has been mostly quiet over the last week. Taking time to pause at this time of year is so helpful. (And on a personal note, I have not had much choice in that matter. It turns out after having an MRI last week that I broke eight different bones in my foot.)   Snowflake on Mitten by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC   But as we approach ...

Always Someone

By |2026-03-07T23:31:23+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

"One of the recurring philosophical questions is: 'Does a falling tree in the forest make a sound when there is no one to hear?' Which says something about the nature of philosophers, because there is always someone in a forest. It may only be a badger, wondering what that cracking noise was."   ~ Terry Pratchett   snow covered trees by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC   Lately Brennah has been noticing something stealthily swimming away ...

In Memoriam

By |2026-03-08T02:05:20+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

Photo by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC - Beech trees are one of the only deciduous trees to hold onto their leaves throughout the winter.   This post is in honor of one of our community members who passed away suddenly this past week. Those of us who knew him will greatly miss him. And the land will remember his gentle spirit. Blessed Be, Jean  

Compost!

By |2026-03-08T03:01:13+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds, Musings|

During our Samhain ritual, we honored the Cailleach, whose work encompasses death and decay. She is the hag of winter and the face of the goddess who is the crone. Many traditions have Holy Ones who embody this. Here at Crossing Hedgerows Farm, we recently built a new chicken coop. One of the reasons I wanted to do this, was so we could have a dirt floor and keep a compost pile going inside the coop for ...

Creating Abundance

By |2026-03-08T03:29:09+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

Part of the mission of Crossing Hedgerows Farm and Sanctuary is to create abundance for our community through earth care - learning together the skills of regenerative agriculture and permaculture. Permaculture is a design system which incorporates people care, earth care, and return of surplus (giving back). We have, little by little, been planting and trying out various growing techniques to gain the skills needed to design the larger space of the Sanctuary as we are able. ...

Out of Death Comes Life

By |2026-03-08T19:44:18+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

This is the time of year in our part of the world where we see what looks like mass death beginning to happen all around us. We likely all are aware of how this kind of death leads to transformation and the eventual springing forth of every manner of life. Likewise when tragedies, disappointments, or fallow times come our way, we never know what transformations it will lead to in our own lives.   turkey tail ...

Portrait Gallery

By |2026-03-08T23:45:30+02:00January 31st, 2026|Fauna, Flora, Musings|

A recurring theme that is emerging in these posts is the portrait gallery. I occasionally select some of Brennah's photos (with her permission) which highlight the inhabitants of the Farm and Sanctuary. Brennah captures the magic of each of her subjects exquisitely and you are often the first to see her most recent work.   A young Kildeer next to the pond   Tiger Swallowtail butterfly on Teasel plant   A true ...

I Spy

By |2026-03-09T00:06:49+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds, Fauna, Musings|

Brennah has been practicing her skills with her new telephoto lens. Here are a few or of her recent portraits of CHFS creatures. What a joy it is to provide a healthy habitat for all the wild spirits who pass through or reside on this land. May the Holy Guardians encompass all places of sanctuary and protection, all places of retreat, healing and restoration of spirit, that those seeking enclaves of quiet peace may find healing of ...

Joyful June

By |2026-03-09T01:40:19+02:00January 31st, 2026|Fauna, Flora, Musings|

A few more photos from the Farm and Sanctuary to greet you today. A lone cicada wing found lying in the fire circle, festive nasturtiums in the gardens, and creatures often looked at with annoyance all have their own joyous spirits and beauty.   cicada wing by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC   nasturtium flower   long-legged fly by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC   nasturtium flower   garter snake ...

Meandering Monday Musings

By |2026-03-09T17:27:16+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

I snapped a few photos this vapory morning to share with you all. It rained steadily all day yesterday (Sunday), giving the plants another good soaking. The wild creatures all seem to be quite happy.     Also a baby dragon has come to live at the Farm. I can't wait for Sarenth and Silverleaf's little Charlotte to see it. She loves the "glass chicken" decoration we have in the lemon balm patch.     It's lovely ...

Sights and Sounds of Midsummer – Video

By |2026-03-09T19:00:42+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

https://youtube.com/shorts/whMiZs6y1yk Summer Solstice 2021   "Even in the height of summer, we remember that winter must come. Yet it is that shift in day length, that change, that triggers blossoms to set fruit. Life is built upon cycles. Beginnings reach culmination, and decline, which opens the way for something new to begin. Much as we might want to cling to every bright possibility, we must open our hands and let go for potential to manifest. That ...

A Butterfly Friend

By |2026-03-10T02:24:04+02:00January 31st, 2026|Insects, Musings|

Jean, Brennah and guests   A fun little episode from our May Member Walk and Bonfire was the appearance of this butterfly. Brennah spotted it and stopped to take some pictures - two of which I've added to this post. The young lad was especially interested, and Brennah explained that the butterfly is called a Mourning Cloak, and is one of the earliest to appear in the spring. Because they come out so early, there ...

Hoophouse Tour

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Events & Celebrations, Musings|

In our May gathering, one of the areas we walked through on our tour was the hoophouse. When we look at growing crops through the lens of healthy ecosystems, it requires that we think of all the elements involved and what they want and need to be healthy. Some of the things I touched on during the tour, is how we allow for little "wild" areas within the hoophouse where snakes can hide, to keep the rodents under ...

A Tiny Video and a Poem

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

This video snippet from our May walk in the woods gives a good sense of the ambience as we head away from the farm and into the forest. Along with that, I offer you this beautiful poem by Philip Larkin.The TreesThe trees are coming into leafLike something almost being said:The recent buds relax and spread,Their greenness is a kind of grief.Is it that they are born againAnd we grow old? No, they die too,Their yearly trick of looking ...

Forest Life

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

Excavating a fallen log, a little native bee works busily away to build a nest for her offspring. Blossoms of wild geranium, violets, and anemones peek out here and there. Insects go about their business breaking down the detritus that would overwhelm us if not for them. The alchemy of creating life out of death goes on constantly under our feet, in a world that mostly goes unnoticed.Oftentimes, that is the way of things... the true stars ...

Shagbark Hickory

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Fauna, Flora, Musings|

I'd like to highlight in my coming posts some of the many forest crops we have at the Sanctuary. Many we have planted around the Cavanaugh homestead. Others have been planted by birds, wind, and the ways of Mother Nature and we have allowed them to flourish. And some were on the land already when we arrived. The Shagbark Hickory is one in the last category. Hickory trees do not produce nuts every year, so one has to ...

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