A woman walking down a tree-lined country lane
A wooden gate set in a green hedge at the edge of a park
An adult and a child kneading dough together on a floured table
Family and neighbours of all ages gathered around a backyard bonfire at night

A free introduction for adults

Crossing the Hedge

Seven lessons for walking the path together.

Where the field meets the wild

Every path begins at a gate

A hedgerow is the living edge, where the most life gathers.

Story, song and the work of the hands

Learning the oldest way

The Mysteries have always been taught through image, symbol and craft.

Come as you are

Meet us by the fire

Begin with Lesson 1, then join us at the next gathering.

Crossing the Hedge is a free, seven-lesson introduction for adults who want to walk with us at Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary. It gives us shared words and shared practices, so that when we meet at the fire circle we can begin together rather than from scratch.

You may have seen that our gatherings include story, song, craft and nature walks, and wondered whether they were meant for children. They are meant for everyone. The Mysteries have always been taught through image, symbol and the work of the hands, because these reach a part of us that lectures cannot. Children take to this naturally. Adults often need a little permission, and a little preparation. This course is both.

How it works

  • Seven short lessons, each about a ten-minute read.
  • Each lesson has a practice to do outdoors or at home, a question for your journal, and something to bring to the next gathering.
  • Take one lesson a week, so each practice has time to settle. There is no test and nothing to sign up for.
  • You do not need any background in scripture, mythology or gardening. You only need curiosity and an open heart.

The lessons

  1. Lesson 1: Welcome to the Sanctuary
  2. Lesson 2: The Book of Nature
  3. Lesson 3: The Language of Story and Symbol
  4. Lesson 4: As Above, So Below
  5. Lesson 5: Six Around One
  6. Lesson 6: The Great Work Within
  7. Lesson 7: Joining the Circle

When you are ready, come and sit with us by the fire. You are welcome whether you have finished one lesson or all seven. See the Calendar for upcoming gatherings, or write to Jean.

Begin with Lesson 1: Welcome to the Sanctuary →