Sai Baba Devotional Singing Group

( See under 'spiritual teachers' section)

'Incubation' meditation

Tuesday evening 7.30-9pm 'Incubation' meditation practice based on the work of Parmenides & Empedocles, re-connecting to the roots of the western tradition.The practice brings you into the awareness of all five senses simultaneously and re-opens a doorway to the 'common sense' which we lost centuries ago.

The group explores this ancient method of healing and transfomation, drawing on the work of Peter Kingsley.

Led by by Ian Rees and Jackie Crovetto at Glastonbury Natural Health Centre. Space limited so if you are interested in coming please phone.

The Kabbalah - The Tree of life

Subud

Subud is not a religion but a spiritual practice which enables people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs to worship together. There is no teaching in Subud, and nothing that you have to believe. The Subud practice, called the latihan, consists essentially of learning to surrender to the power of God (or 'a higher force' if you prefer) and follow whatever happens.

In that way you could say it's a bit like the Quakers, but much more active and noisy. We usually sit quietly for about ten minutes beforehand, but once the latihan starts people may do all sorts of things, such as walk about, sing, shout, dance, wave their arms and so on. The aim is to be able to follow the movements without thought or hesitation.

The group latihan is usually held twice a week and lasts about half an hour. Men and women always do it separately. In Glastonbury the men meet on Monday and Friday evenings, and the women on Monday evening and Thursday during the day. You can also do the latihan on your own sometimes, once it is established. Anyone over 17 can become a Subud member, but there is usually a waiting period of up to three months to give the applicant time to find out more about Subud and to be sure that they really want to follow this spiritual path.

We always welcome enquiries, but there is no pressure to join. We don't proselytize.

Subud, like any genuine religious practice, is for the long haul, and the real benefits take time to manifest. There are no membership fees, but most members give small voluntary contributions to cover the hire of the
hall and other overheads.

St Margaret's Chapel & Almshouses

This small ancient chapel and the adjacent Magdalene Hospital/Almshouses was once part of the Abbey. It's open 10-4pm most days in the winter and 10-6pm in the summer.

Tuesday evenings 7-8pm Shared silence- silent meditation- open to all.

Sundays 6.00pm: Open Zikr (Sufi chanting- meditation)

3rd Friday of every month Dances of Universal Peace

See other events at the chapel under 'Christianity' section

How to find the chapel:

Walk along Magdalene Street from the Market Cross at the bottom of
Glastonbury High Street

The Chapel is on the righthand side of the road , just past the Catholic church and across from the Abbey grounds, before you reach the roundabout.

email link

The White Spring

The White Spring (In Well House Lane) is open regularly for all to visit.
They hold new moon and full moon mediations, rituals and healing circles and celebrate the sabbats ( the festivals of the wheel of the year). please consult the website for details.

You can subscribe to their newsletter if you would like to be kept in touch with events (see web-site)
Mass is celebrated most weeks and on feast days. the priest is ordained in an independent catholic church (Apostolic). Please email if you wish to know the times of these church services.

Contact Max or Lisa

email link

01458 834454

Buddhist Meditation & Dharma Discussion
Venue: The Shekinashram
7:00pm - 9.15pm.
Every Monday
£3.00
The first half of the evening is an open Buddhist meditation, discussion and tea break, the second half is in the Chan/Zen tradition. Ned Reiter is affiliated to the Western Chan Fellowship, but as a group, we are not aligned as such - but definitely have a Chan/Zen flavour.

A small and friendly group presenting basic Buddhism in a simple and accessible manner.  The group runs courses starting every four weeks, each evening consists of a led meditation (with introduction if necessary), tea, a talk or other presentation, and lots of time for discussion. 

 Call Lokabandhu to check when the next course starts.

All welcome, payment by donation

Venue:Glastonbury United Reformed Church Hall (on Glastonbury High Street.) 

Time: Wednesdays 6.45-9pm

Kum Nye (movement practice)

Kum Nye means ‘massage of the subtle body’ and refers to exercise systems which derive from the Tibetan medical tantras and exist within most schools of Tibetan Buddhism. These methods were practised by yogis engaging in extended periods of sitting meditation, often in confined spaces. The system Caroline teaches was developed for westerners by Tarthang Tulku who established the Nyingma Institute in California in the late 1960s.

It incorporates self massage and over 100 movement exercises and is based on profound, ancient knowledge of the inter-relationship of body, mind and emotions. The exercises are performed very slowly (even slower than T’ai Ch'i) and they work to balance, integrate, stimulate and transform physical and mental energies. The practice is eminently suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, with some reservations if you have a neck or back injury, are pregnant or have had recent surgery.

Caroline Sherwood

01458 830138

email link

Abbey Retreat House
Abbey House, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, BA6 8DH.

Abbey Retreat House welcomes both groups and individuals for residential and non-residential visits.

The Vision of Abbey House embodies a Christian welcome to people of all ages, seeking spiritual growth. From its roots in the Anglican tradition the house welcomes those of other Christian traditions and all those on a Spiritual Journey.

There is a Eucharist celebrated in their 'cellar chapel' every Wednesday.

Warden: David Hill
01458 831112

email link

St Benedicts Church (Anglican)

Sunday Service:10.30 am

St Benedict's is located near the top of Benedict Street, which continues down from the bottom of Glastonbury High Street.

The church is not currently left open, but a key is available for visitors in a nearby shop - see the notice on the north gate (the one that opens onto the road) for details.

Celtic Orthodox Church

30 Bove Town, Glastonbury, BA6 8JE.

This is a chapel within Father John Ives' home.

Regular Services:

Vespers: Saturday evenings 6pm

Lauds: Sunday morning 10.30 am

Liturgy: Sunday morning 11am

There are additional services at specific times of year. Call Father John Ives for further details.

Even after almost 2000 years, pilgrims still come to Glastonbury Abbey to take part in services, which continue the Abbey's tradition as a living church.

Every week throughout the year, services are held in St Patrick's Chapel – every Tuesday at 10.30am. This chapel was founded by Abbot Richard Beere in 1500 and so has been witness to 500 years of Christian worship. In the summer months this service may transfer outside, to the crypt of the Lady Chapel, if the weather is fine.

Summer is the high point of the modern-day Glastonbury Pilgrimage. Begun by a few local Somerset churches in 1924, the pilgrimage has become a public expression of personal faith. Groups of worshippers come from all over Britain and Europe.  On a Saturday in June, at noon, pilgrims gather inside the Abbey ruins. They then process from the Abbey and down the High Street with banners flying, as a procession of witness. Then  returning to the ruined nave of the Abbey church, the assembled multitude of Christians receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist from the presiding bishop and the priests and deacons who are there to assist him.
On the same day, an Orthodox service is held in the ruins of the Lady Chapel to venerate the icon of Our Lady of Glastonbury. Musicians, choirs and actors entertain the pilgrims as the day progresses. Later in the day, the pilgrims again assemble in the ruins of the abbey to hear Pilgrims prayers and Evensong.

Later in the year the Roman Catholic Pilgrimage, on a  Sunday, begins on the slopes of Glastonbury Tor, where the Bishop of Clifton and a visiting dignitary lead the singing pilgrims down to the ancient Abbey ruins where Mass is then celebrated.

Church groups are welcome to make their own pilgrimage to the abbey at other times during the year. Prior arrangement is essential - please contact the custodian. 

Glastonbury Methodist Church

Located nearly opposite the top of the High Street on Lambrook St.

Sunday Service: 10.45 am

First Sunday of the month 6.30pm: A contemporary worship service called 'Out of the Box' - with drama, music and mixed media.

Third Sunday of the month 6.30pm: A quiet healing service. This includes Holy Communion, prayer and laying on of hands.

Tuesdays 10.30-11am: Prayer meeting.

Wednesdays 2.30pm: Fellowship for all - with a varied programme of interest.

Alternate Thursdays 7.30-8pm: Prayer meeting.

Fridays 10.30am-12 noon: Open coffee morning.

There are also House Groups meeting in several peoples homes & a monthly magazine comes out on the first Sunday of the month.

Glastonbury United reform church

Sunday Service: 11am.This church welcomes children to join in with the life of the church and runs a 'junior church' as part of its Sunday worship.

Womens Fellowship: Most Wednesdays at 2.30pm- This is an informal devotional meeting with a speaker. (This group joins in with the Methodist Wednesday meeting at times, so call to check where it is. )

On 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month there are prayers for Glastonbury at 2pm.

The Revd. Evelyn Ridout:

01458 832 819

St John The Baptist Church (Anglican)

High St. Glastonbury.

The church is  open daily Monday to Friday from 10.30 am to 12.30 p.m
and most afternoons until 4.00 pm
 for quiet,  prayers  and refreshments.

Prayer for Healing, both physical, spiritual and emotional, has been available on an individual basis for many years, with people bringing requests for themselves, their family and friends, and for issues in a wider context in the world. Every Tuesday, Market Day, the prayer team is available in one of the side Chapels of the Church from 10.30am - 12.30pm, and also on Sunday during the morning Eucharist service at 9.30am.

The Shrine of Our Lady St. Mary of Glastonbury (Roman Catholic)

The Church is situated opposite Glastonbury Abbey on Magadalene Street.

This is place of special veneration. It is the home of the Shrine of our Lady St. Mary of Glastonbury (restored by the Holy See in 1955), which was originally in the first wattle church built in Glastonbury in pre-saxon times.

Contact: Catherine M Woolmer,  Shrine Manager
Tel: 01458 835931

email link

St Margaret's Chapel & Almshouses

This small ancient chapel and the adjacent Magdalene Hospital/Almshouses was once part of the Abbey. It's open 10-4pm most days in the winter & 10-6pm in the summer.

The chapel is now administered by St Benedicts PCC but is supported and cared for daily by 'The Friends of St Margarets'.

12 o'clock Prayers often take place Monday-Saturday when someone is available. Eucharist/breaking of bread on first Monday of every month ( this is administered by a local clergy from all Christian denominations)

Tuesday evenings 7-8pm Shared silence- silent meditation- open to all.

Other events taking place at the chapel: see under 'Sufism' or 'All paths'.

How to find the chapel:

Walk along Magdalene Street from the Market Cross at the bottom of Glastonbury High Street.

The Chapel is on the right-hand side of the road, just past the Catholic church and across from the Abbey grounds, before you reach the roundabout.

email link

Mid Somerset Community Church

Mid Somerset Community Church began 20 years ago when a group of people met to pray in a home in Glastonbury. Since then the church has established itself in the area and draws people from surrounding towns and villages

Regular Groups

Tuesdays: Our music group meets for practice in our Centre in Silver Street at 8pm.

Fridays: IMPACT - the MSCC youth group meet at various venues.

Sundays: Worship and preaching / teaching including ' Kids for Christ' and creche.
10.30am at Glastonbury Leisure Centre, St Dunstan's School, Wells Road.

Other events: We run Alpha Courses which are for those wanting to discover more of what the Christian faith is about.

We also meet in smaller informal groups in homes in Glastonbury, Street, Wells and the surrounding area.

Quaker Meeting House (Street)

Friends Meeting House
High Street
Street
Somerset
BA16 0EB

Quakerism is a way of life rather than a set of beliefs. Quakers seek to experience God directly, within themselves and in their relationships with others and the world around them. These direct encounters with the Divine are where Quakers find meaning and purpose.  The bedrock of the Quaker way is the silent meeting for worship. They seek a communal gathered stillness, where they can be open to inspiration from the Spirit of God.

Meeting for worship: Sunday 10.30am
Children’s Class: Sunday 10.30am

Maurice Benington

email link

Subud

See under 'All Paths''

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)

Monthly gathering at St Edmunds Hall.

Yearly festival 'Jaganath Rathayatra' -The Festival of Chariots

Yearly Krishna Summer camp near Glastonbury

Sri Babaji

There are regular groups (aproximately once a month) meeting in the Glastonbury area. These are open to anyone who is interested. To check the venue and time of the next group see email link.

The group generally includes refreshments, Satsang and Bhajans, followed by the singing of Aarati and then more Bhajans.

Aarati is a daily worship service performed to the Supreme Deity in the form of the Deity personified or to a statue, a picture, or other symbol of God. In this prayer ceremony, offerings are made of fire, incense, ghee (clarified butter), camphor, flowers, rice, sandal paste (chandan), vermillion paste (kumkum), water, etc.
In the temple worship, offerings to the statue, assumed to be a living presence of the Deity, are also made of a seat, ceremonial bath, clothing and food.

By donation

The Shekinashram

Every morning there is a free open programme:

7am: Puja

7.30am: Kirtain- devotional singing

8- 8.45 am: Silent meditation

Every other Tuesday evening at 7.15: Bhakti Yoga evening, focusing on a particular deity each time with storytelling and Bhajans. Suggested donation £3

Every Friday at 7.30pm: Bhajans- devotional singing. Sugested donation £3

The Ashram also runs a Karma Yoga exchange programme where you can stay for a week at low cost and take part in the work of the community.

They are also planning a Bhakti Yoga study group see website for details.

Elahn or Vandita

01458 832300

01458 832563

email link

Nearest mosque.... (About 25 minutes drive)

8A Westminster St. Yeovil, BA20 1AE

Naqshbandiyya Order of Sufism

Sheikh Nazim Al-Haqqani (Cyprus)
Successor of Sheikh Abdullah Faiz Daghistani

Open Zikr (Sufi chanting- meditation) Sundays 6.00pm St Margaret's Chapel, Magdalene Street.
Ladies' Zikr Wednesdays 11.30 am private location. Meet at Sufi charity shop 'Healing Hearts' in Magdalene Street at 11am.

All welcome, no charge. 

New Group!- What does it mean to be Jewish in the 21st century?

I am forming a group to explore this and Jewish spirituality in general, including:

-Ecology and Judaism
-The feminine aspect of God
-Kaballah and mysticism
-Jewish meditation
-Investigating the Torah
-The relevance of the commandments in the modern era
-Connecting with the Divine through prayer,movement,music and art.

The group's agenda will unfold according to the interests and needs of its members. It is open to everyone, regardless of background and faith, and since it is held at my house, there is no charge.

I also offer:

-Friday night Shabbat suppers
-Saturday Shabbat prayers in a natural outdoor setting
-Jewish festival celebrations and discussions.

The Kabbalah - The Tree of life

Dances of Universal Peace

   The Dances of Universal Peace were brought together in the late 1960's by Samuel L. Lewis (1896-1971), a Sufi Murshid (teacher) and Rinzai Zen Master, who also studied deeply in the mystical traditions of Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity. In this creation, Lewis was deeply influenced by his contact and spiritual apprenticeship with two people: Hazrat Inayat Khan, who first brought the message of universal Sufism to the West in 1910, and Ruth St. Denis, a feminist pioneer in the modern dance movement in America and Europe.

In Glastonbury there is an open evening 3rd Friday of every month at St Margaret's Chapel, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury

All welcome, no charge.

To enquire further and to check dates please contact Ayesha Foot by email link

The Silent Sufis
Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Order of Sufism

Teacher: Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee (USA)
Successor of  Irena Tweedie - (Author: Daughter of Fire) 

Open meditation meetings and dream work held Fridays 8.00 pm

All welcome, no charge.

Naqshbandiyya Order of Sufism

Sheikh Nazim Al-Haqqani (Cyprus)
Successor of Sheikh Abdullah Faiz Daghistani

 Open Zikr (Sufi chanting- meditation) Sundays 6.00pm St Margaret's Chapel, Magdalene Street.
Ladies' Zikr Wednesdays 11.30 am private location. Meet at Sufi charity shop 'Healing Hearts' in Magdalene Street at 11am.

All welcome, no charge.