Solstice,

The summer Solstice occurred the other day (not that you could tell in Britain due to the torrential rain) and i had been on about getting a blog for about three years now. so today seemed like as good a day as any to finally go out and get one (a process which baffled me, despite being part of the digital generation)

But anyway enough of that now for some talk (or blog really) about the solstice. I had the great pleasure of going to Stonehenge for the solstice, which for me and many others is one of those things people say "oh i would love to go to Stonehenge for the solstice" but never actually do. well I did and it was very interesting.
To be perfectly honest I don't know where to begin, we eventually set off and walked from nearby Amesbury (which took ages) and went via the scenic route. after getting directions from a man on a tractor, setting off every bodies hay-fever we could see the stones, however we were on the wrong side from the only entrance and had to spend another period of time going around.

Once we arrived at the entrance and disposed of excess alcohol (limit of four cans of beer per person) and got inspected by sniffer-dogs we arrived in the field that Stonehenge is situated in. frankly the place was a buzz with activity and much more organised than i had been lead to believe. the media and basically everyone I know as for years described Solstice at Stonehenge as a kinda pagan event that messes the traffic up. While there were many pagans the event itself could only be described as a very festival-like. Aside from the security, police, alcohol limit and sniffer dogs there were also fast food vans, 'porta-loos' spotlights (for when it gets dark) and recycling bins. But it did not lose any of its charm, by closer inspection one could see that the fast food had a wide variety of vegan options, no actual bins only recycling and there was an 'illegal substance amnesty bin' which is rather self explanatory. therefore i conclude that it lost none of the 'hippie' vibe that for years it was made out to be.

One part of the solstice experience that i most enjoyed was being able to physically touch these stones. a fantastic monument that is older than Jesus and is an image worldwide that is recognizable. the solstice is also apparently one of the only times you can get as close to the stones (which are awesome closer up) as we all know usually there is a barrier that means you actually miss out on a lot. for instance i never realized there were a series of little hills and ditches prior to the stone circle, or that within the circle there is almost another incomplete circle as well.

I feel so far in this blog i have failed to mention the Pagans, Druids, Wodenites, Wicca, hippies etc that were also present. i believe i saw at least three pagan weddings (and i wasn't really looking for them) dozens of people in cloaks, carrying staffs some even with headdresses. while for me it was an amazing experience for a lot of people this was practicing their religion and we really should be grateful to them for sharing their place of worship with people like me and other tourists as we essentially are on a day of celebration within their religious calendar.
From my limited knowledge of the solstice it is the second most important event for pagans after Samhain. the summer solstice i believe represents a time where nature is at its strongest which is very important in Paganism. At the solstice it is not forgotten a lot of people were playing drums and chanting (which i joined in on) but one of the most remarkable things was how friendly and welcoming people were. one man was happy to let me have a go on the drum he had brought along and regularly people would start chatting to you, help you up if you fell over (as it was so busy). despite how crowded it was in the circle itself no one tried to force their way towards the busier parts
Even though the rain mean't I didn't stick it out till dawn it was still an experience I throughly enjoyed (even if my clothes are still drying) i would recommend everyone to go, but remember and respect the reason why the event takes places, go open minded and friendly as everyone is and it would be a shame if anyone were to ruin that.

A final word upon the event, despite the police presence not really being in-keeping with the religious or historic origin of the event, I was saddened to hear of arrests that had to be made, therefore we can see that the mix of modern awareness and traditional religion has blended well here as those who wish to observe the solstice were free to do so whilst those who possibly would have ruined it were watched by the vigilant eye of the police who did their jobs splendidly.
just a final thought there.
until next time guys
(also new to blogging so tell me what you think, i didnt really research or draft this. just kind of went with it thanks)