The Green Man – A personal view by David Street

The green man represents to me the life force in nature, he is the personification of green energy, the spirit of the wild wood.  To me he is not a god but more of an archetype, is neither male or female but has aspects of both.

The most iconic symbol of the green man is the ‘foliate head’ or face of leaves, and examples of these can be found in carvings dating back to 1^st century CE.  It was common for masons to include carvings of the green man in the medieval churches and cathedrals of Europe, where some of the best examples are to be found.

The green man has been linked to many characters in our folklore: the king of the wild wood and his flower bride; Robin Hood; Robin Goodfellow (alias Puck); Jack in the Green and Herne the Hunter to name a few.

I can experience the spirit of the Green Man in my own back garden, and this is one way green man energy helps me.  At the end of a days work I make a point of walking round the garden.  I almost instantly find myself connecting with the spirit of the green and draw from that energy, rejuvenating and refreshing me.  The grounding effect of nature relaxes me and the plants and animals bring joy to me.  I love to see the changing forms and energies throughout the seasons of the year.  Spring is a good time to experience the energy of the green man as he surges forth in the form of new growth, and the cycle of life begins again!

A magical moment for me:-

I’m standing quietly in my back garden, it’s evening and the sun is set, the remaining blue light is fading.  It’s cool and there is hardly any breeze.  A blackbird is singing his bedtime song high in a tree at the bottom of the garden, the sound is clear and beautiful.  I notice a tiny bat flit silently over my head, silhouetted against the darkening sky, his flight round the garden erratic but skilful.  I look back down as I hear a rustling and notice a hedgehog moving in the deep shadows of the borders, I follow his snuffling progress with amusement.  It’s getting quite dark now and I can see the first stars appear, the blackbird has finished his song.  In the silence I can hear the rustling and movement of smaller creatures.  It’s quite   cold now and time for me to leave the garden, I look up once more as I go and gaze at the myriad of sparkling stars.  I feel happy and at peace with nature.