13/02/2026
Inviting people to walk with me on these lands, feels like wearing my heart on my sleeve.
Vulnerable, to say the least.
As only a few places have left such a strong mark on me, that they follow me into my dreams.
I've known for my whole life, that my ancestors (on my father's side) came from a small village in the Pyrenees ~ for which we give thanks to our surname.
I knew they had to flee, that they became known as the first refugees when they entered the British Isles for safety and sanctuary.
But little did I know until more recently, that they were the descendants ~ of another group more well known ~ the Cathars, the followers of The Way of Love.
Also targeted heavily and violently during the multiple Inquisitions of the 12th and 13th centuries, the Cathars were among many things (many of which I'm sure have been misinterpreted and manipulated over time too) ~ believers in the equality of male & female, and embraced the teachings of Mary Magdalene ~ many saying they themselves were also her descendants.
This, plus their refusal to forfeit their beliefs for the Catholic Church ~ led to them being massacred ~ across the Occitanie (Southern France)
though the few who survive, some became Huguenots ~ who also later were targeted and fled between the 16th and 18th centuries across the globe.
This story is larger than what I can fit into one post.
And I'm sure will continue into another.
But what I want to acknowledge here, is in that recognition ~ of both the love and the grief I feel upon these lands ~ and the deep sense of returning home
I feel a mission, that is bigger than me.
That many people feel similar ~ when they arrive.
Like something stronger than their mind can comprehend called them.
Not a superficial sort of wanting
but a deep bone longing
to come home
to this place within them
that never left.
And sometimes, it can feel scary to follow that call
but I once read, that the more obstacles there may be on the path to getting somewhere
the deeper the pilgrimage is.
Because in returning,
& remembering
we reclaim that thread
not only for us
but our ancestors too 🌹
For as when you feel called here,
the land is calling for you.
