When I think about places I’m connected to, where I understand and know the Genius Loci, there are only a few. There are three houses, including my present home and the City of London (my birth place).
The last time I was in London I was 8 months pregnant with Tabitha and wandering around on an evening ghost walk. I miss the city sometimes but I think of my most favourite spot along the Thames and I can feel the life force of the town.
It was the one place in London where I had to take Paul on his visit to the UK before he moved here with me. It’s also the place where my mother used to push me along in a pram as a baby. Strangely enough my connection place in London isn’t very English at all. It’s Cleopatra’s Needle on the Victoria Embankment.
And yet to me is the most magical part of London and the place where the spirit is most present. I could stand next to the Needle for hours; watching the boats go up and down the Thames, listening to the roar of the traffic and seeing tourists hustle along the streets in an attempt to cram their day impossibly full with sightseeing. And while all this goes on I feel connected to the past and present of the city – like having an old friend by my side watching with me.
This is how I want to feel about the rest of England.
I love the history and the countryside but I haven’t found the Genius Loci. So far she’s escaped me, only allowing me to see her fleetingly then hiding again. I’m English. I want to get to know the Spirit of England. So rather than complaining, I’m seeking her out.
Where do you know the Genius Loci? Do you feel it just in your home or are there cities or countries which you ‘know’? Do you feel the spirit of the country in which you were born or are you seeking like me? I’d love to know your thoughts.
Cleopatra's needle is such an usual feature in London. For such a treasure, it seems odd that is has been left in situ and not moved to the British Museum!
For me though, the place that feels grounded is (and I realise how cliche it is) is Glastonbury. As soon as I arrive and walk down the main street all worries leave me and a sense of calm takes over.
I get these sense at Glastonbury too. I haven't been there enough to really 'know' the town but each time I go it's like being rejuvenated and refreshed. It definitely has a very distinct energy.
Nope- I am not really proud of where I am from, and I've moved so much I can't tell you what I'd consider home. I'm familiar with the area I am in, because I have returned to the city of my school years- but It's not magical to me.
I think if I moved somewhere with more nature and fresh air, I might feel a bit more at home. Or I might just be a party pooper any where I live.
I loved visiting England, all those years ago! I totally agree with you that is has such…character. Here in America it is rare to find really ancient places, unless they are Native American, and even then, they are few and far between…however…very sacred.
I remember I did have that tingly feeling in Ireland, thought, especially ~ my family came from there, so when I finally set my feet on Irish land I felt so much like I was….home. I loved it there! I could have sat by the banks of the Shannon or wandered through the countryside on a bike forever! I also remember an even deeper tingly feeling upon visiting Brigid's sacred well (which is tended now by Catholic nuns) and yes, the Blarney Castle.
Italy felt a lot of the same way, as the other side of my family came from that country. I loved the small streets, and the crazy drivers, and the laid-back atmosphere.
But here in America, I guess my happy place is sitting on a sand bar in the river and watching the water roll by. Oh, I love the ocean and the mountains too, but we don't get too much of that here in Missouri
I suppose the most magickal place of all that I can think of is Ozark Avalon, in Boonesville MO ~ and then there is Camp Gaea in Kansas. Such beautiful places, and so full of magick you will never want to leave.
Brightest of Blessings to my witchy friend across the pond! Here's hoping we can meet some day
For me, it's the place where I grew up plus the city where I went to university. I don't live in either place now. I am putting down roots in my new city (well, it HAS been 13 years since I arrived) but it's still not Genius Loci in that way.
Tough one.
I think I'd opt for Avebury. If not, it's definitely out Somerset way… South West before you get to Cornwall (which has its own GL).