PAGANS MEDITATE ON RIVER'S ENERGY

MORE than 50 witches, druids and other pagan supporters descended on High Wycombe for a bizarre ritual to bless the River Wye.

The blessing began with a litter collection at the Holywell Mead Swimming Pool, off Bassetsbury Lane, in High Wycombe at noon, on Sunday. It was part of Earth Day, an annual worldwide celebration for pagans.

Worshippers later formed a circle next to the River Wye and meditated on channelling energy into the river.

Druid Chris Parks, 25, of Butterfly Road, Stokenchurch, said: "We started off talking about the river and how water is life and that life is an energy and that energy is love. All the energy was directed at the river.

"We raised lots of nice energy and had some nice chanting and singing and had an amazing meditational time. We also collected 14 bags of litter. Everyone was getting really emotional because water is the element to do with emotions. We shed a few tears here and there."

Environmental campaigner Sam Barnes, 29, who travelled to High Wycombe from Guildford for the ceremony, said: "For me this is part of helping the planet and bringing the urgency to people's awareness. I am here today to help put something back into what we are all taking out of - and to give back to the mother. We are one from the oneness."

Eight, a pagan who changed his real name for a number which describes his energy levels, said: "I heard this was happening and I wanted to join in with something that seemed positive. I am a Pagan and to be working in a positive way with nature is a good thing."

Letters: Page 20

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