Many times in the past I wondered about what is going on with all these places that attract so many people who are religious or even at the other end, atheists.
What is the concept that attracts them? Why do they visit places like Glastonbury, Stonehenge, The 3 pyramids of Egypt, The Sphinx of Egypt? Is it hope? Do they know something that others ignore? Do they “see” something that other cannot see?
One thing I understood is that I, too, asked many questions. So I thought perhaps all these people go to these places (besides of plain tourism interest) because they feel that questions may get an answer or they feel that different thing by just being in these places.
Indeed all these places are connected with various movements (religious or philosophical) counting thousands of years back. Many modern and new age or Gnostic movements are strongly connected with these places.
So, once again, I made this research. Look what I’ve found. These articles will be very informative, so I decided to publish them in series per Holy place. I will start with Glastonbury.
Glastonbury
The town is particularly notable for the myths and legends surrounding a nearby hill, Glastonbury Tor, which rises up from the otherwise flat landscape of the Somerset Levels. These myths concern Joseph of Arimathea and the Holy Grail, and also King Arthur. Glastonbury is also said to be the centre of several ley lines.
The Joseph of Arimathea legend relates to the idea that Glastonbury was the birthplace of Christianity in the British Isles, and that the first British church was built there at Joseph's behest to house the Holy Grail, 30 or so years after the death of Jesus. The legend also says that earlier Joseph had visited Glastonbury along with Jesus as a Child. The legend probably has its origins in the mediaeval period when religious relics and pilgrimages were profitable business for abbeys. However William Blake believed in this legend and wrote the poem that became the words to the most patriotic of English songs, 'Jerusalem.
Joseph is said to have arrived in Glastonbury by boat over the flooded Somerset Levels. On disembarking he stuck his staff into the ground, which flowered miraculously into the Glastonbury Thorn (or Holy Thorn). This is the explanation behind the existence of a hybrid hawthorn tree that only grows within a few miles of Glastonbury. This hawthorn flowers twice annually, once in spring and again around Christmas time (depending on the weather). Each year a sprig of thorn is cut by the local Church of England priest and the eldest child from St Johns school then sent to the Queen to feature on her Christmas table top.
Today, diverse strains of mysticism and paganism co-exist with the followers of its Christian heritage.
Check this link also: http://www.glastonburyabbey.com/
The Library of Avalon (http://libraryofavalon.co.uk/)
For all people that like to search more there is a very exquisite library, the library of Avalon. It is a private library situated in the town of Glastonbury (Somerset, UK), specializing in works of esoteric interest; and is perhaps the only one of its kind in the world. The library acquisitions are maintained entirely by donation; and number over 13 500 titles to date (article posted date). All books are not for sale and you can only read the books in-house. Nothing comes out!
King Arthur and Glastonbury (http://www.britainexpress.com)
Legends of King Arthur swirl about Glastonbury like a tantalizing fog from the nearby Somerset marshes. The nearby hill fort at South Cadbury has long been suggested as the location for Camelot. Indeed, excavations of South Cadbury suggest that it was in use during the early 6th century, which is the likeliest era for the real Arthur to have lived.
Glastonbury Tor, the enigmatic conical hill that rises above Glastonbury, has been linked with the Isle of Avalon, where King Arthur was buried after his death. This isn't so farfetched as it may sound, for a millennium ago the water level was much higher, and the tor would indeed have been an island. Avalon was also called "the isle of glass" which does suggest similarities to the name "Glastonbury".
The Holy Grail, the object of Arthur's questing, is said to be buried beneath Glastonbury Tor, and has also been linked to Chalice Well at the base of the Tor.
One final myth of Arthur at Glastonbury: the landscape around Glastonbury is said to have been moulded and shaped so that the features (such as roads, churches, and burial mounds) create a zodiac calendar replete with Arthurian symbology. Like so many of the Arthurian myths, so much is open to interpretation and your own predisposition to believe or disbelieve.
Where to stay, what to visit
Well there are many things (as you see) to visit there, not to mention the experience and energy of such places. For more information visit http://www.glastonbury.gov.uk
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