The Sangha House

01/05/2026

Blessings to our intrepid team of Circle of Friends members, led by for their trip to Glastonbury today!

Beltane, celebrated on the first of May, is one of the four major Celtic festivals, marking the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. This vibrant festival highlights the themes of fertility, love, and the blossoming of life, making it a significant occasion in Celtic mythology.

The origins of Beltane can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices when communities gathered to celebrate the return of life and warmth after the long winter. The festival is named after the Celtic god Belenus, associated with fire and light.

Fire plays a central role in Beltane celebrations, symbolizing purification and fertility.
Beltane translates to ‘goodly fire’ or ‘fire of Bel’ (a god of the Sun).

It is a fire festival, and so fire was (and still is) very important to this celebration. A large fire would have been lit in the centre of villages, from which all the homes in the village would light their own fire. A wonderful representation of community and connectedness.

The fire represented fertility, cleansing and purification.

Beltane is ruled by the planet Venus; the planet of love and pleasure.
This is what Beltane is all about – feeling as much joy as you can, celebrating life to the full, enjoying all of the things your soul can only enjoy through human experience. This could be tasting delicious foods, walking barefoot through the sand or the grass, listening to your favourite music. Life is in full bloom, so now is a time to reconnect with what it is that makes your heart happy.

Beltane is about bringing to life dreams, ideas, plans; the fertility of your goals; the alchemy of different things coming together to form something beautiful.

20/03/2026

Ostara, or the Spring Equinox.
Friday March 20th marks the Spring, or Vernal, Equinox in the Northern hemisphere. It is one of 2 equinoxes of the year, when day and night are equal – the moment in time when the sun stands directly above the equator, and officially marks Winter’s end and the beginning of Spring. The word equinox is derived from Latin and means “equal night”.

Ostara, or Eostre, a liminal time, when we feel the Earth pause, day and night are of equal length and in perfect equilibrium, we can feel the balance of all things – light and dark, masculine and feminine, inner and outer self, Yin and Yang.

Ostara is so named after the Germanic Goddess Ostara / Eostre, who was traditionally honoured in the month of April with festivals celebrating new life, rebirth, fertility and growth. The land is coming back to life after the long dark days of Winter.

It was from Eostre that the Christian celebration of Easter evolved. Also, the naming of the female hormone Eostrogen, essential to women’s fertility, has its roots within the Goddess.

Ostara is a time of balance, a pause of breath, but we know the energy is growing, waxing, the sap is rising, the light and warmth from the sun is stronger. This is a fertile time, and fertility features heavily. Our ancient Ancestors would be emerging from the Winter filled with hope. It is a busy time, and this is reflected in Nature and Mother Earth all around us, the birds, animals and insects are courting, nest building, preparing. If we want to see the rewards later in the year we need to put the work in now. Nature can still be harsh, the winds and weather bleak and destructive. We cannot expect a rich harvest, no matter what that is, whether it is in our gardens, our crops, or more figuratively, in the world we inhabit, our relationships, our goals, careers, lifestyles etc. unless we put the work in, taking responsibility for our lives.

Self-care, self-belief and self-worth are all vital at this time. The time of sitting in the dark and healing has come to an end for this cycle – although we are in a constant cycle of self-discovery and healing, life, death, rebirth, this is now a time for action, the time for rebirth!!! So plant those seeds, literally and figuratively, make lists, plan and prepare. And factor in things that you want to do for you!! What will make your heart sing?

01/03/2026

Taunton runners - you absolutely smashed it today! What an incredible turnout for the Taunton Half today, and I hope you're eating Whatever. You. Want for tea tonight. If your feet are protesting this week, why don't you book for my bespoke Sports Pedicure, value £65? I'll help to relieve any ingrowns or damage from your shoes, blackened nail, soreness and muscle pain. Just call us on 01823 428156 to book, and if you bring your finishers' medal, I'll gift you a bottle of my bespoke Runners' Relief Mist to cool and soothe your feet and legs, usual value £8.99. We're in central Taunton, at the County Hall end of Corporation Street. In the meantime, though, please dissolve into a long hot bath, do your post-recovery routine, and get someone to keep the pizza or chips coming - you've totally earned it! (Pic of my busted ATFL from earlier in the year for relatability) Taunton Half Marathon Bethan Turner

28/02/2026

UK‑Wide Buddhist Mentoring — Online, Personal, Transformative

I’m Andy Spragg, a Buddhist meditation and Tai Chi teacher with 35 years of dedicated practice. My work spans community teaching, interfaith leadership, and guiding individuals through the Dharma with authenticity and compassion. I am author of the book - The Magic of Noticing.

My one‑to‑one mentoring sessions (via Zoom) are designed for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of:
- Core Buddhist teachings
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Buddhist approaches to stress, uncertainty, and emotional patterns
- Integrating wisdom into everyday life

Whether you’re new to Buddhism or looking to deepen a long‑term practice, this is a supportive space to explore your path with clarity and confidence.
Enquire today to book your first session.

Message the Sangha House here or call - 01823 428156

28/02/2026

21/02/2026

Just a little reminder - our Winter Warmth pedicure is only available until the end of February, then it leaves forever! If the wet weather has left you feeling cold, damp and in need of cheering up, then let us help. A foot soak, warm sea salt scrub and massage, warm wax and some time in heated boots to help your skin feel truly warmed, moisturised and cared for could be just the thing. DM us to book - but hurry!