Mulchy Python and the Holy Snail

5 Goodgymers helped their local community in Ealing
Georgina Evans
StephDucat
Kash
Sevan
1 / 12
Ealing

Tuesday 21st May 2024

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StephDucat
StephDucat

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Kash
Kash

REPORT WRITER

Sevan
Sevan

SESSION ORGANISER

PHOTOGRAPHER

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Report written by Kash

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There is a lot of mystery shrouding the history of the Lammas Snail Worshippers. Some academics trace their origins to the Rickyard in Walpole Park, while other historical records associate them with the cult of Bodyline Druids known for their weekly rituals performed in a circle close to the sacred grounds of Haven Green.

Their places of worship are often described as quiet, secluded areas, like clearings in woods and forests, and circles of wooden logs. One such site is preserved in modern Britain and appears to be maintained by the local druids: the Lammas Enclosure. Today's druids' reverence for Nature encourages them to plant trees in sacred groves, remove invasive species like brambles and create holy paths with woodchip.

The primary philosophical posture of the Lammas Snail Worshippers is one of love and respect towards all of life – towards fellow human beings, but primarily snails. That love is often expressed in constructing snail temples inside wooden log circles. Probably the most famous log circle in Britain is a megalithic monument in Lammas Park dating back to May 2024. Its alignment with the solar and lunar cycles suggests the importance of harmonising human activities with the natural and cosmic cycles. Most importantly, the circle contains a sacred hollow log, believed to be a temple.

This unique site embodies the druidic fascination with slugs, the homeless deities without a shell who need a sacred dwelling. The hollow log serves as the slug home and gives the druids a sense of serving Nature and connecting the people with the snails.

The mysticism of snail temples often intersects with various other traditions and practices such as the harvesting of burdock in Elthorne Park. This ceremonial act, performed with great reverence, before the summer solstice, can be observed on the 28th of May.


This task supported

In February 2011, local children planted 21 fruit trees to form a Community Orchard in the overgrown tennis courts in the Lammas Enclosure, between Lammas and Walpole Parks. Volunteers from Ealing Transition have taken on the management of the area and preservation of natural habitats. The residents call on our own GoodGym volunteers from time to time when they have specific tasks that need extra pairs of hands.

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Sevan

Wed 22nd May 2024 at 7:18am

All hail the snail 🙌

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