While we do take new buildings seriously in this country I often feel the process could be more loved.  A new house is a significant thing. It is not only a new object in the landscape, it is a home and space where the everyday events, tasks and dramas of its inhabitants lives will be lived.  We hope this will be a happy house and hopefully provide a safe, beautiful and peaceful place for everyone there both now and beyond the life of those who built it.  House blessings, charms and rituals were in the past a standard part of the construction process and still are in many countries.  After a difficult start on site with planning and services delays the client wanted to celebrate the building and so held a small blessing with friends on the recently cast slab over the weekend.  With thanks to Jane and her friends for the wonderful images and beautiful poem.  Needless to say we had our planning conditions discharged this afternoon.

May this house be founded on the goodness of the earth
May the walls of this house be blessed by the four winds of heaven
May the roof of this house be guarded by the heights and the stars above
So that all who live in this house
all who seek shelter in this house
all who strive protected by this house
Find hope and strength to live
Find love and joy to give
Find faith and meaning in their destiny