Community Mental Health News

Spiritual corner with Marie Ponting

We are delighted to welcome Marie Ponting to the Love Andover Family. Marie is an amazing person who founder the amazing Andover Rocks which has helped many people in the area with mental health through musical interventions.

After 7 years and having raised over £10,000 for music intervention in adult mental health and ran 6 festivals delivered 46 workshops seen 97 performances with over 1,500 performers. The not for profit announced that it will now cease.

Marie is a spiritual lady and runs many workshops. Marie will be writing a monthly article about spirituality.

Here is the first one:

As we start to awaken to Spring with the turning of the wheel to Imbolc last week, the snowdrops are out in abundance, the daffodils are not far behind, the promise of longer evenings and warmer weather, are so close you can almost feel it, Spring equinox is not many sleeps away.

What is Imbolc? Imbolc 1-2 February, is halfway between winter and spring equinox, it is also known as St Brigids day, Brigid is the goddess of fire, hearth and home. She has links with a few faiths, and is of Celtic background. Historically, straw dolls would be made and placed outside the home on the 1st February to receive blessings from Brigid. I didn’t make a straw dolly this year, but I did make a wreath for my Altar. Are you feeling this is the year for your spiritual development?

Are you already on your journey and would like to try something new? I have collated a list of what is going on locally for you to work on your own spiritual path.

Online drum circle with Sandie Alderman – last Monday of the month 7.30pm-9pm Spiritually connecting to your plant workshop Sunday 5th March 1-3pm Contact: Sandra 07834 208550 sandiealderman@googlemail.com www.innerguide.co.uk

6 week meditation courses (Spirit Animals, Chakras, Crystals, Past lives, Goddesses and runes), 1-1 meditation, crystal healing, soul healing and channelling. www.selfdiscoverywithastara.com Contact: Marie 07825 654230 or raido41111@googlemail.com

Andover Alternatives meet once a month at Augusta Community hall 6pm-8pm, last Sunday of the month, varying topics, details on the Fb page.

Fire ceremonies – releasing what no longer serves you, Tarot Courses, Retreats, readings. www.carolinedragonlady.com

Gong baths – Sonic Spa Gong Bath Meditations provide regular sound therapy meditation sessions using the gong and other instruments, for groups and individuals www.sonic-spa.co.uk

Sisters sharing space, moon gatherings, chakra and colour therapy Email: woodenroundhouse@icloud.com

Yoga retreats www.yogachara.co.uk Contact: Amanda 07795 495940 yogachara@outlook.co