Herne the Hunter

A spectral, antlered forest spirit (originating mainly in Windsor folklore but associated with Sherwood in later tales). Said to haunt the forest, especially around the oaks, appearing during storms or misty nights.

Often viewed as a guardian of the wild—part ghost, part ancient nature deity.

With the world filling up on A.I. – (Whilst I still think of the Terminator outcomes and wonder how quickly jobs, manufacturing and dating will be replaced by non humans)

it’s a thing to embrace that is revolutionising some tasks. But taking away one’s own speech, creativity and efforts. I’m intrigued to see where it all leads.

Note – I do not use Artificial Intelligence in the creation and performance of my musical works.

I’ve challenged myself to document, compose and record an album of monuments, folklore and magical places – entirely using acoustic instruments. The title to be imagined.

As of September 27th 2025. When I made this. (Editing the video on iMovie on my phone was time consuming)

I composed, improvised and recorded ‘Herne The Hunter’ with Acoustic Guitars, Native Flute (by Nightstar flutes) and Mandolin. Featuring Bill’s Guitar. His widow said he would have been very happy.

Can’t beat an actual Cactus as a shaker. 

My Earth Tree Healing Music Links and Discography 

https://linktr.ee/earthtreehealing

When life throws challenges – retreat into music. 

Music has a remarkable ability to heal—emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Here’s how it works across different dimensions:

Emotional Healing

Expression and Release: Music gives voice to emotions we struggle to articulate. Whether it’s sadness, joy, anger, or nostalgia, hearing or creating music helps us process and release those feelings.

Mood Regulation: Listening to uplifting or calming music can reduce anxiety and depression, while sad music can offer catharsis and validation during tough times.

Mental and Cognitive Benefits

Stress Reduction: Music lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Slow tempos and soothing melodies can calm the nervous system.

Memory and Focus: Music therapy is used to help patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia recall memories. It also improves concentration and learning in educational settings.

Neuroplasticity: Engaging with music—especially playing instruments—stimulates brain regions involved in coordination, planning, and emotional regulation.

I do love improvising and drumming in our Band Stinking Rita.

Stinking Rita – Barefoot Festival 2025

Physical Healing

Pain Management: Music can reduce the perception of pain by distracting the brain and triggering the release of endorphins.

Heart and Breathing: Rhythmic music can synchronize with heart rate and breathing, promoting relaxation and even aiding recovery after surgery.

Sleep Aid: Gentle music before bed can improve sleep quality by calming the mind and reducing insomnia.

Social and Spiritual Connection

Community and Belonging: Singing in groups or attending concerts fosters connection and shared experience, which is vital for mental health.

Spiritual Uplift: Many cultures use music in rituals and meditation to promote inner peace and transcendence.

Music doesn’t just fill silence—it fills us. Whether through a lullaby, a symphony, or a simple hum, it reaches places words can’t.

Flow state in music is that magical zone where everything just clicks. It’s when a musician becomes so deeply immersed in playing, composing, or even listening that time seems to vanish, self-consciousness fades, and the music feels effortless and alive.

What Defines Flow in Music?

Total Absorption: The musician is fully engaged—mind, body, and soul—with the music. Distractions disappear.

Effortless Execution: Technical skills feel automatic. Fingers move without conscious thought, and ideas flow freely.

Loss of Time Awareness: Hours can pass in what feels like minutes. The musician is “in the moment.”

Merging of Action and Awareness: There’s no separation between the player and the instrument. It’s as if the music is playing through them.

Intrinsic Reward: The joy comes from the act itself, not from external praise or outcomes.

After my 50th Birthday celebrations in Cyprus. We’ve had a busy summer of events and festivals.

In other personal news. We recently saw the brilliant Miriam Margolyes live in Derby. The lady ‘signing’ on stage translating Miriam’s vulgarities was utterly brilliant and hilarious!

Whilst I’m embracing sound therapy, exercise, health good food and meditation more and more. Paramount during menopause. 

Reflexology, Acupuncture, Massage, gong baths. Giving my body, mind and soul nourishing experiences pays dividends. And yes I have to work hard to pay for them. (I get Reiki free as trained ‘properly’ in it.)

I’m in love with sound therapy. It was the progression I was designed to embrace. Gong bath addiction is real!!

Whilst friends and acquaintances come and go. The older I get. The more folk pass over. The more I see this world filling up on hatred. I’m never surprised at how disappointed I am a some peoples actions and behaviours. Good riddance.

And folk falsely kiss arse, all in the name of networking and getting a small piece of the pie or to ladder climb. 

I find being true to oneself and principles even more important. 

The ones that are running and telling the world they are ‘good people’ who aren’t actually free at all. They are full of negativity … in complete denial. Pitiful really. 

Is there an argument for joining an argument about something that you have no control over, no ability to change it. Just using social media to spread a sheeple opinion.  Would time not be better spent helping others, animals, environment where you are? Doing that little bit that actually makes a small difference. 

I observe the egos and self importance. It’s not pretty. I’ve become more humble, less of a dick the more I age. (I still do have my moments) Dare I say I am content at the age of 50. 

We recently played the game Uno. One of the funniest nights of arguments I’ve ever had.

Watch!!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

I don’t enjoy competing. Or playing games. Weird.. but it’s just what I’ve become. I wasn’t always like that. 

That is true in my work and music – I don’t compare ‘me’ to anyone else, as I am unique to me. This is my journey alone – I’m just travelling on the same journeys parts of the way with others.  

I do enjoy YouTube and audiobooks more than TV nowadays. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, Atomic Habits by James Clear. Breath by James Nestor and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Have accompanied me on my exercise bike journeys recently. 

Then there is the burger to my buns-but her buns are bigger 😉 My Wife Ange. ❤️ with domestics, adventures, twatting about, areas being stuck to freshly varnished toilet seats….loving one another. It’s never boring.

If you want to see some of the things we get up to – Watch our Adventures With Clange YouTube channel.

https://youtube.com/@adventureswithclange?si=WpketQ8jIlP7Gm6I

Then there is Dogman Encounters Radio with Vic Cundiff and other Cryptid explorations. It’s definitely made me think twice about the woods and wilderness!! 

The more I seek out the pockets of calm, beauty and happiness. Whilst others delve into the darkness. I revitalise in the light of good things. 

Whilst we are currently working through a family tragedy. It reminds us all to get help if depression and suicidal thoughts enter. There is help. You can feel better.

Life flies by in the blink of an eye. Embrace, Enjoy the Energies. Be Kind.

P.s I now live very near Sherwood Forest. Beware the moon!

One Million Streams!!

Drum roll! My Earth Tree Healing music has just achieved. One Million streams on Apple Music. 1,000,000! Listened to in 160 countries worldwide. Music links https://linktr.ee/earthtreehealing Thank you. Listening and sharing and downloading helps keep it live on digital platforms.

Namaste

I own a beautiful old Sitar from India. I recorded this track ‘Namaste.’  As an Improvisational piece. Its really quite challenging, but also fun to capture and video the multi-track recording process. Camera tripod collapses and cups of Chai tea. I indulge, meditate and drift in to my Earth Tree Healing music. Each track leave me (and I hope my listeners with a sense of wellbeing) – Enjoy

Claudine West improvisation. 29.04.17

Track : Namaste
Artist : Earth Tree Healing
Autoharp, Sitar, Guitar, Kalimba.
https://claudinewestmusic.com/
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6mPpC4hlyq6kpVHhpPehOx
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/user-856862566/eos
iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1202665978?ls=1&app=itunes
Contact https://earthtreemusic.wordpress.com/contact/
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/newageinstrumental/

 

Meeting at The Left Lion

This one goes out to the little people..The door mats, The trodden upon. We’re meeting at the Left Lion….Track 3 in the month of March from Claudine West’s album ‘Becoming Moons’

Good Omens (We Are Termites)

Good Omens

We are termites

Good Omens

We are termites

You’re a fun-loving woman and an Eskimo

Robin Hood weathered merriness

Ages of the Major Oak 

Good Heavens

I’m a Tourist

Good Omens

We are termites

Good Omens

We are termites  

There’s Doppelgängers on Western Boulevard

Randy Hopper’s wearing my blue bra

We’re meeting at The Left Lion…

 

~ Claudine ( I made this)

Bandcamp

 

 

 

THE FEAR THE FEAR THE FEAR

LEAVE ME LANDLOPING

MY COMPLIMENTS ERODING

I WATCH I WORRY

WHITE FEATHER REASSURE ME

MY ARMOURS WEATHERED

I REASSURE GLORY

THE SUITS AND THE ECHOES

THERES PANIC IN THE GHETTO

THE PIONEERS AND BABBLING MERCHANTS OF DRIVEL

THE ROOMS  AND THE RECKONING

THE FEAR THE FEAR THE FEAR THE QUIVER

THIS RIVER HOLDS MANY

THERE IS PANIC

WHERE THE RIVER GOES

WATCH ME TRANSFORMING

I’M MINDFUL TERRAFORMING

I WATCH I DON’T WORRY

FLASH BACKS REMIND ME

THE ESCAPE , THE DEEP THE DEEP THE DEEP

THE DEEP RETREATING MEGALODON

Bandcamp

Soundcloud

THE FEAR THE FEAR THE FEAR is Track 2, in the month of February from the forthcoming 2017 solo album by Claudine West. Track 1 is Mantaray 

https://claudinewestmusic.com/

THE JOURNEY Guided Meditation Album 

I recorded the Journey. One of my first ventures into Guided Meditation Music with Sally Wathen at Rainbow Bridge. Sally is mine and Ange’s Yoda. Even when life is giving lemons, Mercury is in retrograde, lessons are being taught or negative being sent – Sally make us feel alright, motivated and back on the mission.  This album is dedicated to Doug (Sallys late partner) who always lent his dry humour, warm hospitality and great cooking at her Psychic Suppers. 

Earth Tree Healing Music Links

 iTunes Link
Released January 25th 2017 ‘The Journey’ : Earth Tree Healing & Sally Wathen at Rainbow Bridge.