๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐
In the early 15th century, Joan would dance with her friends, by trees, usually beech and oak, standing near an open space, probably by water, a pond or spring.
These sacred places, if maintained, were Christianised, Saint Anne not an uncommon replacement figure. This certainly happened in Waterloo whose very name resonates with a clearing by the water.
There was a tree called the Ladiesโ Tree, venerated, under which the villagers would dance, seek counsel and pause sometimes, connecting.
Joan would be quizzed on these childhood practices during her trial, amongst other charges which led to her martyrdom, burned by the very fuel of the Forest.
The Forest was reluctant, and much wood had to be added before she was completely consumed.
Trees endure, survive, resist and shelter anew.
Like faith.
Yesterday, May 30th was her saintโs day, and should we ever seek a patron saint for our Forest, Iโd take Joan happily.