Our Celtic links and
the Iona Cross

Society for Psychology & Healing

The St. Michael tradition in
Britain:

The St. Michael movement in this country  links traditionally to sites of spiritual and historic significance such as Avebury, Silbury Hill, St. Michael's Mount, Glastonbury, Stonehenge and Iona. 

Members of the Gatekeeper Trust, founded by Sir George Trevelyan, for example, have made many regular pilgrimages to these and similar ancient sites over the years.

For the Trustees of The Marian Association,
the Chapel in the Castle on St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall holds a special significance.  We keep a time of prayer and meditation there at least once a year, linking to other Light centres and sacred sites in Britain. 

There is also another site in Cornwall which is special to us, on an island headland looking out over the Atlantic.  It was here that we kept a vigil during the 1999 Eclipse and to which we return whenever we can.
This site in particular seems to resonate with early Celtic influences and tradition.

The St. Michael and
St. Mary 'energy lines':

Some writers and meditators believe that there are interrelated lines of geological and spiritual energies within the earth in Britain, linked to colours and qualities.  The energies of the St. Mary lines, as they are called,  are said to be of a deep blue light; the energies of St. Michael lines, white and gold.

On an archetypal level, this links with the blue cloak depicted with Mary, representing the anima/receptive qualities of healing and compassion.  The white-gold colour and Light relates to the fiery aspect of St. Michael and the animus/creative qualities of the Sword and spiritual strength.

Whatever the actual truth of these beliefs,they could be said to represent an important impulse in terms of  qualities we need for physical and spiritual balance, both for ourselves as women and men, and for the Earth. These beliefs may also echo the Celtic and Druid celebration of Earth as a living being.

Our links with
the Island of Iona:

We were fortunate at St. James's to have the active support of many dedicated people, prominent in many areas of health and healing.

A special relationship developed with one of them:  Dr. Ian Pearce, who founded ANAC (Assoc. for New Approaches to Cancer).  Ian was a medical doctor with his practice in Norfolk.  He was also a committed healer and held regular groups for healing for his patients and others who wished to come.

In his travels, Ian acquired a most beautiful Celtic altar cross from the Island of Iona which he kept in his healing sanctuary.  Before his passing, he made arrangements for us to receive this Cross.
At Michaelmas 1993 it was re-dedicated  and a plaque of inscription added.  We are deeply thankful to Ian and his wife Ruth for their most generous gift, which the Trustees have dedicated to the continued  work of  healing.