Alison Sutton
I have been on my spiritual journey for many years now and I remember going into my early twenties still eager for the answers. To that end I studied astrology, learnt to read the tarot, became a Reiki healer, and found myself creating a form of spirituality that fitted into my, then, very materialistic life.
Some years later whilst going through a period of personal adjustment I came across some books on witchcraft and a course that claimed to train you from “lay person to witch in nine weeks”. I read my first book, signed up for the course, and in that time honoured cliché, found home and my life changed forever.
The teacher on that course was a very solid, experienced witch and she opened up a path before me that was to become my complete obsession and my 'reason for being'. I soaked up everything she gave me; throwing myself headlong into my studies to find myself 'dedicated' after six months. It was then that I went in search of a coven to deepen my learning experience.
Time and study helped me to achieve my first and second degree, whilst also taking the OBOD bardic grade at the same time. I worked hard, to the exclusion of my social life and pretty much everything else, and in summer 2008 at a private ceremony, at the Chalice Well, I dedicated myself as a Priestess of Cerridwen. Little did I realize what an impact that would have on my life!
My relationship with the Goddess has opened my eyes, my ears and my heart, not to mention so many doors. She has presented me with challenges and opportunities that I could not have dreamed of, taken me to the bottom of her very dark cauldron and re-birthed me anew. She rewarded me in so many ways; and has given me so many rich and treasured experiences that continue to amaze and surprise me, one of which has been to call me to live on the Isle of Avalon…. Glastonbury.
Since starting out on my journey I have been blessed to experience many different forms of spirituality, that have all served to enrich my process and helped me to create my personal spiritual path, but one that will always remain rooted in Wicca, in my opinion, the religion of the witch.
Since moving to Glastonbury I have been appointed as the Deputy co-ordinator for the Pilgrim Reception Centre where I am honoured to serve both the local and the visiting community that find themselves called here on a sacred journey. Glastonbury has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years with its fascinating mix of mythology, history and legend. At the PRC we honour all paths and faiths and are pleased to offer advice and guidance on experiencing the unique energies of this town and all its sacred places.
I also spend some time as a Temple Melissa for Glastonbury’s Goddess Temple. This beautiful space was the first permanent contemporary Goddess Temple openly dedicated to the Goddess. The Goddess Temple is a sacred space open to all, which is specially set aside for the exploration and celebration of the Divine Feminine. In the Glastonbury Goddess Temple we celebrate those Goddesses who are particularly associated with Glastonbury and the Isle of Avalon.
