To feel weird in Glastonbury

[Wellsbells]

I moved about a half hour’s drive from Glastonbury a few years ago but have only visited the town itself once. I hated it. It just felt uncomfortable and a bit sinister, and I couldn’t wait to leave. I’ve not felt that way anywhere else, I mean there are places I like more than others of course but this was just a really strong sense of “I want to get out of here”. Would be interested to know if anyone else has felt this way? Or about anywhere else?

@DustyMaiden

Jesus visited Glastonbury.

Threadstopper

Jesus visited Glastonbury

Was he in the cabbage van?

@DustyMaiden

Jesus visited Glastonbury.

I thought it was Joseph of Aramathea?

I was born in glastonbury and lived there until I was 10. The two houses I lived in were without a doubt 100% haunted. This will totally out me to sis if she’s on here!

@DustyMaiden

Jesus visited Glastonbury.

I don’t think he did.

hahaha @ShetlandWife

@DustyMaiden

Jesus visited Glastonbury.

Did he though?

@Elphame it's the connotation between witches (of any denomination) that triggers the response (not necessarily Wiccan).

This is what google thinks a witch is...

"1. "one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially: a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar : sorceress – compare warlock" 2. "an ugly old woman: hag""

Wicca is a lovely religion....nature is all we have...why not celebrate it?

[quote SleepOhHowIMissYou]@Elphame it's the connotation between witches (of any denomination) that triggers the response (not necessarily Wiccan).

This is what google thinks a witch is...

"1. "one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially: a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar : sorceress – compare warlock" 2. "an ugly old woman: hag""[/quote]
And?

Google will throw up many different definitions of a witch. What were the rest?

Legend has it that Jesus did visit... with his uncle whom was a spice merchant?

This is where this comes from...

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon Englands mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!

Uncle was said to be Joseph of Arimethea... he planted the first holy thorn tree

@Elphame

"And?"

This is what I meant when I theorised about people feeling uneasy in places with predominantly polytheistic religions juxtaposed against a Christian norm.

"Google will throw up many different definitions of a witch. What were the rest?"

I didn't look beyond the top results but I'm pretty sure I can dig up a picture of Hermione Granger if I delve deep enough. Just google "witch" and you can see for yourself. This thread isn't about witchcraft though, it's about places that make people feel uneasy, Glastonbury to be exact.

Brighton always gives me a weird feeling, but it's nothing to do with woo. I think it's like this forced joyousness from the well heeled "bohos", while underneath you get a sense of some kind of fragility, and this set alongside impoverished "natives"

I feel the same way about its close, and now unaccountably popular, neighbour, Bruton. Can't bear the place.

@alltoomuchrightnow, the tale of Joseph's visit is an old one. The famous Glastonbury thorn is said to have grown from his staff (a walking aid, not people). William Blake's poem, Jerusalem, references this possible visit.

This thread pops up every few years and it’s always air pressure or radon levels.

@RadGlags glad to offer another perspective then...or have you not read the whole thread?

I remember another thread on this last year? Although I think it was Bath. Lots of other people mentioned Glastonbury, though. I live near Battle and cannot wait to leave every time I’ve been. My mood dips dramatically and every fibre of me feels like it rejects me being there. Everyone else I know thinks it’s lovely.

I once saw Glastonbury Tor off in the distance as the sun rose on a beautiful summer day. I t looked magical. The town was a massive disappointment. I can live with a bit of woo but there are places I find utterly depressing. Stranraer has a "straw dogs" feel to it. The surrounding area is beautiful, it's just the town itself, it has this godforsaken, gloomy, miserable vibe.

Forest of Dean for me, god awful place and I am obsessed with trees and forests but couldn't wait to get out of there.

I love a bit of Faery but Glastonbury is just too, I dunno, obvious I suppose? The Chalice Garden is lovely though. I much prefer Cadbury Castle to the Tor for feeling a bit mystical - there's not much there but it's got a wonderful feeling and hardly anyone there.

I strongly felt like this in Thetford, in fact, Norfolk creeps me out in general. I quite like Glastonbury but wouldn’t want to live there.

There's the ruins of a Norman church in the New Forest thats surrounded by neolithic earthworks that feel creepy as fuck. It is a similar very intense feeling. I actually like Buxton, it has an odd sort of peaceful feeling but it can get too intense if that makes sense. I found the feeling in the old Norman church similar but much much more intense, almost unearably intense and I think that is what made it feel so doomy.

@apalledandshocked

There's the ruins of a Norman church in the New Forest thats surrounded by neolithic earthworks that feel creepy as fuck. It is a similar very intense feeling. I actually like Buxton, it has an odd sort of peaceful feeling but it can get too intense if that makes sense. I found the feeling in the old Norman church similar but much much more intense, almost unearably intense and I think that is what made it feel so doomy.

Edit: I just googled and the old Norman church is I think Knowlton. Apparently it has a reputation for being haunted/paranormal activity. Although I dont believe in ghosts or that sort of wooo I am glad others also found it creepy (although given the surroundings - ancient church inside a neolithic henge, I suppose it isnt that suprising).

Oh and, randomly, Positano in Italy which is the least woo place you can imagine (very sunny, lots of rich people but no hippies). But I have a feeling that might be the mountains, beautiful as they are, looming over the town feels very oppresive after a while.