Community
Layout
In order to bring forth the
strongest resonance possible, the layout is designed in the image of the
Diamond Heart, a Celtic cross shape with spirit in the center and the
four directions surrounding it. These four directions will reflect the four
basic aspects of God/Goddess, Father (NW), Mother (NE), Girl (SE), and Boy
(SW). The very center will be a large ceremonial space, containing a small hexagonal pool surrounded by six
standing stones in the center. This will be surrounded by the
fifteen trees of the druid year at the perimeter and twelve white oaks or a
nemeton surrounding these. There will be a perennial flower border around the nemeton with six portals of climbing roses, chosen for their resonance with the One Beloved, Child Heart, Mother, Father, Boy, and Girl aspects of God/Goddess. Six of the community buildings will surround the
nemeton; the sanctuary, the dining hall, the art center, the healing and
birthing center, the office and guest residence, and the workshop and
publishing center.
Gardening and living areas will be divided into four
directions with paths that mark out an X, like the saltire flag of Alba, planted with edible forest gardens. The NE or Mother path will contain eight or so niches of native plants that honor the various ecosystems of Alba, with a small pool meditation space. Edibles that have a mother energetic will be planted here as well, including: blueberry, elderberry, oats, barley, and mulberry, as well as trees named for the families of Alba, such as Fraser of Doulas firs, and a variety of herbs. The Father path will have a single standing stone meditation area and be planted with trees and plants that have a father energetic, such as: conifers, rowans, oaks, nut trees, fungi, wheat, grapes, and mustard. The Boy path will have a grey water reed bed and meditation area, with plants that have a boy resosnce, such as: alder, cedar, dogwood, birch, basswood, annual vegetables, alfalfa, buckwheat, quinoa, potatoes, brocolli, and kale. The Girl path will be a fruit and berry orchard with an apple tree pentacle meditation area. It will include trees and plants with a girl energetic, such as: beech, hawthorne, black birch, hazel, and wildflowers. The school will be located
in the southeastern quadrant in order to be sheltered from the most public
areas. In order to honor the Mother and resonate with the ancient Celtic
culture, all buildings will preferably be circular. See architectural drawings
for the community buildings below.
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