I spent the weekend in Macclesfield, where a friend, who I met at university lives. When I arrived after work on the Friday evening, she had cooked a delicious meal of chicken and vegetables in red wine. Desert was fresh mango, with rum and raisin ice-cream. We chatted over coffee, before freshening up, and taking an evening walk.
January almost over, the sky was a mix of stars, wispy clouds and an almost full moon which glowed brightly. When we left the house not one, but two lunar halos circled the luminescent globe. A lunar halo is caused by cirrus and cirrocumulus clouds. Cirus clouds are mostly comprised of ice crystals: thin and wispy. Cirrocumulus clouds contain icy water droplets, and appear like a sheet of white muslin. The ice crystals from these clouds reflect and refract moonlight. We walked up hill, to a place where we could see Macclesfield, lighting up the night sky. In the distance a splash of red, light revealed Manchester airport. We stood for a while, and watched, an airplane come into land. Then we continued to the top of the hill, followed it round, and down back home.
The following morning we had breakfast, before taking a walk into town, then a drive to Rudyard Lake. We parked the car, pulled on walking boots, and wrapped up from the cold in scarves, coats, hats and gloves. It was a beautiful winters day to walk, and the lake was buzzing with activity.
Along a flowing tributary, lined with an arch of trees, a flash of blue flitted before us above the water: a kingfisher.
The kingfisher symbolizes transformation, prosperity, determination and courage.
Kingfishers are tenacious, little fellows surveying the water for prey from an overhanging branch, for as long as it takes. They are a reminder of the beauty of nature, in all its simplicity. An encounter with a kingfisher, symbolizes the need to slow down and appreciate the present: you may have to wait to succeed your ambition. Many believe, if you see a Kingfisher, good fortune is headed your way.
The Wizard of Alderley Edge
Once upon a time, a farmer from Mobberley, travelled to Macclesfield Market to sell a white mare. The beast was strong and beautiful, and the farmer was confident, he could get a decent price at market.
As he walked along the steep, sandstone cliffs at Alderley Edge, he reached a place called Thieves Hole. There, he was approached by an old man with a white beard, clad in long robes and a crooked hat, carrying a staff. He asked the farmer, if he would sell him his horse, and was willing to pay a fair price. The farmer refused, confident he could make more money at market.
Macclesfield Market was bustling, and money readily changed hands, between buyer and seller. The farmer believed he could make a good profit on his white horse, but although the animal was admired, not a single offer was made. The farmer suspected the old man had bewitched the horse, as other lesser beasts sold easily.
As the crowds dispersed, despondent, the farmer headed home back to Mobberley. When he passed Thieves Hole, once again the old man appeared, and once again asked if he could purchase the farmer's white horse. This time, the farmer had nothing to lose, and so agreed. The pair shook hands, and the deal was done.
The old man, tapped the sandstone cliffs with his staff, and the rock parted with a rumble. He reassured the farmer, there was nothing to be afraid of, and the pair wandered into the cave. The farmer's eyes grew wide with surprise. Inside the cavern was King Arthur, and his knights of the round table, all clad for battle but sleeping soundly. Beside each one stood a sleeping white steed, all except one. The old man was in fact the wizard Merlin; he explained, Arthur and his army were ready and waiting for battle, and if called upon, would awaken and fight for their country.
"Your fine white horse, is needed for the only soldier without one," said Merlin.
He then led the farmer to a corner of the cave, where stood a shining pile of gold and jewels.
"Please take your fill as payment."
The farmer stuffed his pockets, bid farewell to the wizard, and left the cave, which rumbled shut behind him.
Many times, the farmer tried to show his family and friends where his riches came from, but never again, did he find the cave entrance.
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