Birmingham Floating Market

Well, it's Sunday afternoon and finally I have a moment to sit down and snatch a minute to write. The Floating Market has been a resounding success, fifteen or more boats gathered trading herbs, readings, jewellery, canal painting, crafts and fenders and much more besides. The sun has been shining and the Brummie public out in droves. We have all done well, and the banter between the boaters has been constant and joyful. We will be back next year for sure ! 

Tunnels and Post

Our journey today began with the Harecastle tunnel. Well over a mile long it takes one way traffic only and involves tunnel keepers communicating with each other end. The roof is low and one must make sure nothing on the boat roof can catch. There is almost always a wait for this tunnel in summer, but this morning we were greeted with a cheery 'alright Here Be Dragons, go on through.' With no time to tie up we hastily shoved the dog box below and set off, me feeling my way from light switch to light switch to the front of the boat to align the tunnel light correctly.

The Goddess seems to be smiling on this journey, we are making good time. In half an hour or so we will pop out into the  southern half of the canal system, well on our way to Brum. Still some shopping in Stoke to do, two postal readings to post and fifteen locks if we have enough light! 

Roving Canal Traders and the Floating Market.

I am privileged to be a member of a unique group of shopkeepers. We are known by the slightly clumsy name of Roving Canal Traders. As well as myself trading readings, joss sticks, cards and essential oils, there are folk out there selling traditional canal art, paintings, crafts, cheese, ice cream and cream teas, not to mention the Coal Boats who keep us all supplied with fuel. We are a close community on the canals and this month heralds an exciting new event. We  are gathering at Gas St Basin, Birmingham for a unique Floating Market.   An ideal place to do some early Christmas shopping in the picturesque setting of Gas St. 

I am busy making some new bunting so Here Be Dragons looks her best. I have ordered some exciting new signage too.

We are preparing to set off at the beginning of next week for the ten day journey to Brum,

Map reading

I was thinking about reading, what it means in the context of palmistry. The dictionary definition of read, 'to understand as by interpretation of signs'. 

Palmistry is a lot like map reading, there are lines and symbols, high areas and low. Reading a hand is very akin to reading a map. But there is a little more than that. You know how you begin a book and you are just reading the words off a page, then you settle into it and begin to see the pictures? That's exactly how it feels to read a palm, I look at the lines and symbols and the whole becomes clear and fluent. 

It is indeed reading in the true sense of the word.

Rope and the Boatmans Oracle

A little more about the Boatmans Oracle. The tiles fall into six groups of four, from the top of the picture down, there are tools, weather,canal features,mooring,weather and finally the cabin. Using these themes, we can read elements, blocks, movement, timing, renewal and atrophy plus an infinity of other concepts yielded by tile combinations. 

The Boatmans Oracle has been inspired by living on the canal, and reflecting on how elements of the life can be metaphors for the greater questions of life. 

Consider rope for instance. Without a rope a boat cannot be moored, so one must remain unsustainably on the move. A rope can be used to restrain the boat and so allow us rest and respite. It is an absolutely essential tool. When narrowboating it can also be used to help turn the boat, and to safely stop it, (boats have no brakes, nor do people!). 

More to come :)

The Boatmans Oracle

The Boatmans Oracle is a divining tool I designed myself to complement our lives on the canal. It works similarly to the Runes, where you draw tiles from a bag to create a reading. The symbols on the tiles all pertain to narrow boating and canals. Symbols such as locks, rope, windlass and weather conditions provide the elements that make up a reading. This type of reading is great when you are looking for an answer to a direct question and of course, the question need not need to relate in any way to boating! A recent client described the Boatmans Oracle as 'enchanting'. 

Readings can be done in person or over the telephone, call 07907 135618. A three tile reading lasting approximately 15  mins is £5. 

New morning, new mooring.

O We have moved on. Recently we have been incredibly busy taking advantage of the good weather painting the boat. Now it's time to catch up on other work. Open for business and writing up a couple of readings. If you want a reading I am moored at Marple today.