The Mari Lwyd, Remembrance, Ritual & the Welsh Horse of Winter with Panda Merry- Fri Oct 30th 6:30pm

The Mari Lwyd, Remembrance, Ritual & the Welsh Horse of Winter ‘Betrayed are the living, betrayed are the dead - all are confused by a horse’s head.’ Come and explore the mysterious Welsh tradition of the Mari Lwyd! Together, we will explore the history, folklore, symbolism, and ritual surrounding this enigmatic figure and consider the Mari Lwyd as a liminal being. A sacred thing carried through the night, standing at the threshold between worlds. As part of our gathering, we will also make space to remember those who are no longer with us. Attendees are welcome to bring a small object, photograph, or written remembrance to place upon a shared altar. Together, we will hold space for the living and the dead, for grief and laughter, for the familiar and the strange, as we peer through the thin, wavering veil of Nôs Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh night of winter's threshold. Come sing with the horse. Come welcome the dead. Come meet the Mari Lwyd! About the instructor: Panda Merry is joining us from North Wales where she is a priestess, ceremonialist and Awenydd (officially trained member) of the Anglesey Druid Order. The order invokes and celebrates the importance of Anglesey as the chief seat of ancient British Druidry. It does this through education, the promotion of heritage and the celebration of culture, literature, the arts and indigenous Celtic spirituality. Panda has spent years facilitating and hosting retreats and workshops throughout the UK and Europe, developing relationships with practitioners from South America to Scandinavia. She is passionate about her native Cymru and is eager to share her love of Welsh Folk-craft whilst inspiring others to create and cultivate their very own tradition with the spookiest of horses!