Four  

Amongst these dark caves another old remnant is found, one of the tangle of four rivers and brooks which gather themselves together here. The one called Hawthorn Brook. The hawthorn tree was spiritually significant in relation to water, and water was important to ancient beliefs. Flowing water acted as a barrier to evil spirits, so in this tangle of rivers, pockets of safety might be found. Water was also revered for healing, as was the hawthorn tree. 

Raggedy trees were healing trees, and often hawthorn trees too. Rags were tied to their branches which held the hopes of healing belonging to those who have fastened them there. As the fabric of the rag disintegrates, the healing transpires. Such trees were often found near a natural water spring.

The man-made leaves of the raggedy tree are wish-like, a muddle of the tangible and the otherworldly. An Interchange between the physical and spiritual worlds. 

There is no evidence that there was any kind of natural spring here. Yet, the modern Hawthorn Brook is taken underground beneath Spaghetti Junction and emerges briefly along the edge of the canal, it's dark waters glistening only fleetingly as the roads above curve and divide.

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This way.

~ Interchange ~