www.stonehenge-druids.org
Events : Summer Solstice 2009
Long queues formed and we sought refuge in a lay-by which was around one mile to the west. It was also a private access to several houses. One local resident came out to photograph us and to express her concern but did so whilst cheerfully chatting with the parked stone-hengers who to their credit were all polite and friendly to this wonderful lady.
Slow progress towards and into the carpark led to some frustration's and very inconsiderate driving with very many cars and vans taking more than an hour to reach the destination. Our small group held back for 9:15 to await the sunset but found the group led by Rollo had started earlier. We managed to join in without difficulty.
Jim Frank Dave and Dean provided a full account of lively folk rock until the scheduled acts started to arrive.
Frank and Jim led celebrations within Stonehenge for the sunrise , whilst Rollo led celebrations outside. The sun was hidden by cloud
35000 people attended this years summer solstice. Police seemed cordial and professional and we would like to thank them for their complete professionalism.
Sunrise sound file
People of Britain, people of Stonehenge,
those who are close who can hear, join in with me
They (the others further away) will here us, they will join in:
‘Ancient spirit of the east, ancestors, the element of air, the lords of Albion, hale and welcome.
Ancient spirit of the south, ancestors, the element of fire, the lords of Albion, hale and welcome.
Ancient spirit of the west, ancestors, the element of water, the lords of Albion, hale and welcome.
Ancient spirit of the north, Earth, the great goddess, hale and welcome’.
‘We are here for the turning of the seasons, to experience in our hearts and in our souls
what is going on in the universe about us, we are part of it, a part that belongs.
We are here to witness the height of the sun in its fullness of powers as it rises.
Now we need to raise the energy.
We are in one of the most magical places on earth:
This is Stonehenge, built for us, in our time as in the past and as in the future.’
IAO Chant
‘Ancient ones. With this energy bless these people of Albion, those gathered at Stonehenge, those gathered at Glastonbury, those gathered across our land and the lands of Europe, those gathered across the world and awaken the hearts of man. Bring forth the new age of enlightenment amongst our people.
Let the young generation take from the old their wisdom but not their foolishness. So mote it be’
Three blasts of the horn, three cheers, happy solstice.
Stonehenge Circle, 4:45 am June 21st 2009
We hope to add further photos and materials as people send them in to us. Meanwhile it is interesting to watch / read reports of the celebration in the media:
BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/8110646.stm
Video interview with Frank, quoted comments from Peter Carson, Arthur Pendragon, Supt Nick Ashley, essentially a factual and positive observation of the event.
Daily Mirror (‘Pagans Litter Stonehenge’)
It is true that there is a disgraceful amount of litter left behind after this ancient celebration of nature, but this is not the sole focus of the article which also highlights some of the more positive aspects. They quote our very own Jim : "It is upsetting to see so much litter, and some people can be disrespectful. But it is nice to see a lot of people here. There is no better place to learn about our culture and history."
Daily Star (‘Stoned Henge’)
Claims that ‘Pagans, Druids and Hippies’ in large numbers trashed the site. They obviously can’t tell the difference between us or be aware that the Druids have no chance of stopping 36000 others dropping litter or taking recreational drugs.
Daily Express (‘Solstice-passes-peacefully) and (Druids swamped at Solstice )
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/109011/Summer-Solstice-passes-peacefully
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/109073/Druids-swamped-at-solstice
The Guardian (Everyone is a pagan now)
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/22/paganism-stonehenge-environmentalism-witchcraft)
Cole Morton reports on the ‘new national faith in an article not about Stonehenge but of great interest.
The Independant (‘Record crowds greet the solstice’)
Quoting Jim “"The significance of Stonehenge on the solstice to me is to do my best to educate as many people as possible in our culture. We carried out the Awen ritual in the circle by chanting to raise the energy and ask for peace and healing. There were 16 druids here today but only three of us made it into the circle. It is nice to see a lot of people here because there is no better place to learn about our culture and history. But it is upsetting to see so much litter, and some people can be disrespectful." He added: "Hopefully from the people we have spoken to today we can plant a seed of knowledge that will grow."
“
The Times (Record Crowds)
You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1kihxQDTSw&feature=related
Rare video of sunrise ceremony, as our Stonehenge-Druids squeeze into stonehenge
