The League of Extraordinary Awen Folk
Special Feature of the Month for March - Valerie Cunnington
AKA…Mistress of Greenery & Creative Director of Awen
Ahhh where do I start with the phenomenally fabulous, extraordinarily creative & beautifully elegant Ms Valerie Cunnington…Anyone who has ever been to Camp over the last 13yrs will have been blown away with the magically stunning environment that is created and that surrounds the camp. But it is the Cafe in particular that is Val’s domain…It is without doubt her unbelievable vision, talent and ridiculous amounts of hard work, that transforms the cafe into a magical woodland setting. With unbelievable Altars , hanging chandeliers and not forgetting her honed artistic eye that know how to hang Jamie’s artwork. Then there is, of course, the very important sitting areas that create the Nemeton of tribe and community…IT is without doubt the Hub of the camp and where most of the action over the 10 days is to be found.
Many of you possibly wont know, but Val is a founding member of the Order of Gwyddon and a Priestess of Ninja Fey…who’s motto is stealth, silent & deadly in a field of wheat…Just Saying .. But truly I cannot express my love for this woman, nor the importance of her friendship over the years, even if she is ALWAYS in my wardrobe stealing my clothes.. ..Honest! …The fact that she has always been there to support and act as a sounding board for whatever epic, rather magnificent if my might be so bold as to say, cunning plans that I might have in my head, cannot be underestimated. Not to mention the fact that she then actually agrees with me on some of those cunning plans, adding to & helping to decipher & create the monumental concepts and creations that I dream. From the often elaborate ritual masks & offerings to the ritual itself, all needs to be translated & manifested into being….eventually…thus becoming the Fabulous Rituals of Awen that we all know & love!
I know I’ve probably said this about others, but it is still a truth and I cannot state strongly enough, how important, loved and special this woman is to all who know her & it is my most excellent good fortune to call her Sister & Friend! So for the reasons stated above and for many that are not, Valerie Cunnington truly is worthy of being acknowledged as somebody who is indeed one of the Extraordinary Folk of Awen. Xx
Welcome to the League of Extraordinary (Questions for) Awen Folk!
What’s your personal camp superpower? (e.g. finding lost tent pegs, calming chaos, etc.)
“Creating enchanting and magical ambience from twigs and leaves.”
2. What has been your favourite Awen Ritual so far?
“Gosh, that’s a tough one. The year of the boat was incredible and personally empowering for me and the year of the cauldron because of the strength and depth of the magic that was conjured.”
3. What spiritual path or practice resonates most with you?
“Animistic tree botherer.”
4. If you could add one new feature or activity to the camp, what would it be?
“Having The Hollywood Vampires perform.”
5. What’s your favourite thing about the Awen community/tribe?
“I love how everyone buzzes with excitement that lasts through the whole camp.”
6. Which element — Earth, Air, Fire, or Water — best represents you?
“Definitely earth.”
7. How did you first become involved with Camp?
“I was ensnared by visions of wonder.”
8. What do you think draws people to gatherings like Spirit of Awen?
“Looking for their tribe/family of like minded people honouring the earth in a dogma free, spiritual way.”
9.What’s one behind-the-scenes moment that people wouldn’t believe happens?
“When the site crew arrive on the field, raise their wands and shout “ canvas erectus” and all the structures magically appear.😂”
10. If you could hold a ceremony anywhere in the world, where would it be?
“Lothlorien.”
11. Do you have a favourite Awen Cake & what is it?
“Blueberry and lemon. ”
12. What does the Spirit of Awen mean to you personally?
“Connection, sisterhood.”
13. What ritual or personal practice do you never skip?
“Re-aligning my energies.”
14. What legacy or feeling do you hope Spirit of Awen leaves with people?
“Having experienced genuine Spiritual authenticity.”
15. What mythical being would make the best camp crew member?
“Moomins. You can’t be unhappy around Moomins.”
16. What’s your favourite memory from past Spirit of Awen events?
“Oh, there are lots.”
17. If Awen could whisper one message to everyone attending, what would it say?
“We are stronger together.”
18. What’s one piece of wisdom you’d share with someone new to the path?
“Do the research.”
19. If the camp had a soundtrack, what song would you choose for your own theme?
“Govinda by Kula Shaker.”
20. What does Awen Tribe mean to you?
“Family.”
21. Who or what inspires your work at Camp?
“Nature, especially the woodland.”
22. What season of the Wheel of the Year do you feel most aligned with, and why?
“Autumn. I feel completely myself and at home in the woods in Autumn.”
23. If you could time travel to any historical pagan celebration, which would it be?
“Summer or winter solstice at a ceremonial neolithic stone circle just to see what exactly happened in the ceremonies.”
24. How do you find moments of stillness or magic in everyday life?
“Looking at the natural world.”
25. If you could swap roles with anyone on the crew for a day, who would it be?
“I wouldn’t. I think my role is the best.”
26. What’s a book, poem, or piece of art that’s changed your outlook on life?
“Modern Arboriculture by Alex Shigo. A must have book when I studied Arboriculture and Tree surgery at college. It made me realise what an amazing and complex living organism a tree is.”
27. Which part of the camp do you most look forward to each year?
“Set up. I love helping to create the magic that is The Spirit of Awen Camp.”
28. What three items would you always pack for camp (besides the obvious)?
“Secateurs, pruning saw, loppers.”
29. If you could share one blessing with the Awen Tribe what would it be?
“May you always find magic in the mundane.”