The Artemis Foundation and Doorways2Power are based in Bournemouth, Dorset (we are however a National and International organisation), just across the river Stour, from the Medieval town of Christchurch. This town is renowned for the famous and beautiful Priory, with it's architecture- great Norman Arches and wonderful stained glass windows of the Lady Chapel.

The area is famous for it's beauty, ranging from the stunning golden sand beaches (National Blue Flag awarded) to the New Forest area close by. There are many varied and interesting walks in and around Bournemouth, for those who enjoy the outdoors. Poole Harbour boasts the fact, that it is the worlds' second largest natural harbour (after Sydney Australia).

With a shoreline of almost 50 miles, it was valued by the fishing and trading industries from the earliest settlers. The view of the harbour is a wonderful sight, with the hundreds of boats and colourful yachts, berthed there. Visitors can visit the Studland Bay Nature Reserve, as well as walk to Foreland Point to see the chalk stacks in the distance from "Old Harry Rocks". There is also Corfe Castle, a delightful village and the ancient Saxon castle, where dreadful deeds did in fact take place there.

Further along the Dorset coastline there is the town of Lyme Regis, one of Britain's prettiest old ports famous for fossils and the setting for the film "French Lieutenants Woman". The ravages of the elements created the rugged rocks of one of the most breathtaking sights in Britain, that of the almost circular coves of Lulworth Cove / Durdle Door. Here the sea has carved it's way through the cliffs to create a spectacular natural "doorway".

It is therefore not surprising that Christina Artemis's choice of location to operate from, is in this part of the country. Perhaps not just for the attraction of the beautiful scenery but also the fact that Dorset and the adjoining county of Somerset are steeped in ancient history, folk and spiritual lore.

A short History of Dorset

It is likely that man first trod on Dorset soil about 150,000 years ago and then long after the last Ice age, Neolithic settlers from the Mediterranean arrived. These farmers left in their wake, as did the Bronze Age settlers who came later, many long barrows and dykes, and fine examples of these can be seen at Hengistbury Head near Christchurch. The tribe of iron - using Celts, who settled in Dorset gave their name to the county - Dwr y Triges or Durotriges as the Romans called them , meaning " people who lived near tidal water ". The battle for Britain was effectively won when the Romans fought the Celts at Maiden Castle.

The Saxons left their mark with some lovely churches and Wareham, was a famous scene of conflict between Vikings and Saxons. Dorset is still known as Wessex - the Kingdom of the Saxons. The Normans also built their churches and Abbeys in the area. In 1685, the Duke of Monmouth tried to overthrow James 11 and landed at Lyme Regis; he failed, but there were violent and cruel consequences with Judge Jeffreys' Bloody Assizes.

Of course, on a lighter note, we can never forget Thomas Hardy's wonderful Wessex Novels, which really evoke the atmosphere of this glorious county. Dorset has a unique natural history across its' heathlands, especially some rare reptiles, birds and butterflies.

"There is no part of England more prone to belief in the supernatural than that of the Western counties, but none more so than Dorsetshire" John Udel (Folklorist)

The Artemis Foundation embraces the ancient, earth mysteries and spiritual concepts. It appears that Dorset was one of the last strongholds of the old "pagan" ways and traditions. Much of the work in "Doorways2Power" workshops is to draw upon the ancient knowledge and connect with the new world's consciousness and to synthesise the best of both - not just the philosophy but also the practical.

Our sub-conscious holds racial memories of the earth mysteries and tales of dragons, fairies, "the green Man", Goddess and such, help us to find the magical key to unlock the door to our inner mind and the ancient wisdom. The labyrinth is a symbol and metaphore representing our own personal journey, deep within ourselves and encountering the many difficulties like the Minotaur of Greek mythology - before reaching spiritual enlightment. Therefore, it is interesting to see the labyrinth like structures, which surround the huge earthen ramparts of Maiden Castle, south west of Dorchester. This castle is believed - like so many "hill forts"- to have very sacred origins. One could imagine ritual processions moving through the many entrances, during the Neolithic age.

There are tales of hollow caves below Maiden Castle, just like Glastonbury Tor. One must explore the Iron Age ramparts of Badbury Rings, the extraordinary Cerne Abbas Giant, carved out in chalk on the Giant Hill, has Celtic origins. May Pole Day, is a very ancient and pagan fertility ritual, was associated with the Giant. The Iron Age settlement of Hengistbury Head, Christchurch Harbour and especially Mudeford, once were a popular landing spot for smugglers.

Since Dorset has such beautiful countryside, we cannot leave without talking a little about folklore and myth associated with nature. In Ancient times, the Earth Goddess was held to be the primary Deity, influencing cultural and spiritual views of the people, including help with crops, hunting, weather, and they erected sacred megaliths, and stone circles and sacred Temples.

The Celts and Romans worshipped Earth Goddess too, and images of Goddesses' Diana and Minerva have been found at Maiden Castle. The ancients revered the forests, and the longevity of trees was significant representing their profound wisdom and vitality. Hawthorn, Elder and Rowan are traditionally associated with the Goddess. The Druids were closely associated with woods and sacred groves; Gog and Magog are two ancient Oaks on the slopes of Glastonbury Tor and are believed to be the remains of an avenue of oaks planted by the Druids.

It is interesting to note, there is a stunning tree in the gardens overlooking the cliffs at Westover Hall, Millford - on - Sea. The main gnarled trunk rises like a phallus to the sky and all the branches travelling to one side look like the wavy hair of some great "Goddess" -Truly, nature has created a link between masculine and feminine in such an image.

The Green Man is one of the most powerful and enduring symbols of pagan mythology, and represents creative fertility, the woods, woodland creatures and connects with the Spring Festival of Beltaine and the Celtic God Cernunnos. The impressive 18th century building of Westover Hall, which is now a luxury hotel has some wonderful examples of the Green Man in the stone freizes and stunning pictures of the God Pan, depicted in the stained glass throughout the building. It appears that this hotel could be standing on a sacred site.

The valley spirit never dies;
It is the woman , primal mother.
Her gateway is the root of
heaven and earth.
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching , c . 525 BC.