The June solstice 2023 pagan is a significant event in pagan spirituality and beliefs. Paganism, a diverse and ancient belief system, celebrates and honors the cycles of nature, including the solstices. The June solstice, occurring around June 20th-22nd in the northern hemisphere, marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. Pagan societies across the world have observed and celebrated the June solstice for centuries. They view this event as a powerful time of balance and energy, where the forces of light and darkness are in equilibrium. Many pagans consider it a time to connect with nature, perform rituals, and celebrate the abundance of life.
Stonehenge was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
In addition to the 8,000 people present, English Heritage said that approximately 154,000 people tuned in from around the world to watch the sunset and sunrise on the charity s livestream. Around 8,000 revellers gathered around a prehistoric stone circle on a plain in southern England to express their devotion to the sun, or to have some communal fun.
Many pagans consider it a time to connect with nature, perform rituals, and celebrate the abundance of life. During the June solstice, pagans often engage in various customs and ceremonies. Some may gather in sacred sites such as stone circles or forests, conducting rituals that acknowledge and honor the sun's strength and vitality.
Antlers and fancy dress: Stonehenge welcomes 8,000 visitors for summer solstice
Druids, pagans, hippies, local residents and tourists celebrated for the night and greeted sunrise on Wednesday, which is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
-
By
- Associated Press
- Pan Pylas amd Kin Cheung June 21, 2023
Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
All hail the rising sun.
Around 8,000 revellers gathered around a prehistoric stone circle on a plain in southern England to express their devotion to the sun, or to have some communal fun.
Druids, pagans, hippies, local residents and tourists, many clad in an array of colorful costumes and even antlers, stayed and celebrated at Stonehenge for the night and greeted sunrise on Wednesday, which is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
At dawn, the sun rose behind what is known as the Heel Stone in the northeast part of the horizon and the first rays shone into the heart of Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and a World Heritage Site.
Related Content
Haddonfield, N.J., is a borough in South Jersey with a small Black population, but one that dates back to the 1700s, historians say.
A sun-filled dawn followed a slightly misty sunrise, which was greeted with drumming, chanting and cheering.
“Stonehenge continues to captivate and to bring people together to celebrate the seasons, just as it has done for thousands of years,” said Nichola Tasker, director of Stonehenge at English Heritage, a charity that manages hundreds of historic sites.
“There was a wonderful atmosphere from sunset to sunrise, and everybody enjoyed a very atmospheric morning,” she added. Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Local police said two people were arrested on suspicion of a public order offense after they were refused entry due to intoxication.
“Everyone has been joyous, enjoying the event and having a glorious time and it has been peaceful and safe,” said Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper, who attended the solstice for the first time.
Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
In addition to the 8,000 people present, English Heritage said that approximately 154,000 people tuned in from around the world to watch the sunset and sunrise on the charity’s livestream.
All over the U.K., optimism will reign supreme as summer officially starts. It’s no coincidence that the nearby Glastonbury Festival, one of the world’s biggest music events, opens its doors on Wednesday, too. Both Stonehenge and Glastonbury supposedly lie on ley lines — mystical energy connections across the U.K.
For the thousands making the pilgrimage to Stonehenge, approximately 80 miles (128 kilometers) southwest of London, it is more than looking forward to Elton John at Glastonbury or a few ciders in the sun. Many of those present at Stonehenge will be making the short 50-mile (80-kilometer) journey further west to Glastonbury over the coming days.
For druids, modern-day spiritualists linked to the ancient Celtic religious order, Stonehenge has a centuries-long importance, and they performed their rituals around the solstice in their traditional white robes. It’s effectively all about the cycle of life, of death and rebirth. A reveler waits for sunrise as people gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Related Content
Wilmington's Little Italy is celebrating almost 50 years of honoring Italian heritage and culture.
This year, the summer solstice at Stonehenge started at 7 p.m. Tuesday and ran through 8 a.m. Wednesday. For this one night, worshippers are allowed to spend time inside the stone circle. Some chanted or played their acoustic guitars or banged their drums. Alcohol was prohibited, as were sound systems. Blankets were allowed, but no sleeping bags, please. And definitely, no climbing on the stones.
Revelers meditate next to stones at sunrise as thousands gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
The rules have been tightened over the decades, certainly during the coronavirus pandemic. Back in the less-restrained past, tens of thousands would travel by foot, car, bus or motorcycle to worship at the solar temple, or just have a bit of fun.
Stonehenge is a symbol of British culture and history and remains one of the country’s biggest tourist draws, despite the seemingly permanent traffic jams on the nearby A303 highway, a popular route for motorists traveling to and from the southwest of England.
Stonehenge was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
The site’s meaning has been the subject of vigorous debate, with some theories seemingly more outlandish, if not alien, than others.
Revelers meditate next to stones at sunrise as thousands gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
English Heritage notes several explanations — from Stonehenge being a coronation place for Danish kings, a druid temple, a cult center for healing, or an astronomical computer for predicting eclipses and solar events.
The charity said the most generally accepted interpretation “is that of a prehistoric temple aligned with the movements of the sun.”
After all, the stones match perfectly with the sun at both the summer and winter solstices.
Stonehenge has a comprehensive Visitor Centre. It includes a tour, gallery, artefacts and objects found, and a gift shop with large cafe. They offer Wifi, bus shuttles every 5 minutes, and a timed entry ticket slot, with last entry 2 hours before closing time.
Others may organize bonfires, dances, or feasts to celebrate the vibrant energy present during this time of the year. Additionally, pagans may take this opportunity to connect with specific deities or forces associated with the solstice. For instance, pagans who follow the Celtic tradition might honor the goddess Áine, associated with midsummer and fertility. Meanwhile, those who follow Norse paganism may connect with the sun deity, Sól. Furthermore, the solstice is often seen as a time for personal reflection and spiritual growth. Pagans may use this occasion to set intentions, meditate, or perform divination rituals to gain insights and guidance for the coming months. In summary, the June solstice 2023 pagan is a special event for pagans worldwide. It represents a time of balance, connection with nature, and celebration of life's abundance. Pagans observe this solstice through rituals, gatherings, and personal reflection, honoring the sun's energy and the cycles of nature..
Reviews for "The connection between the June Solstice and fertility in Pagan traditions"
1. John Doe - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to attending the June solstice pagan event, but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The organization was poor, with long waiting times and not enough information about the activities and schedule. The overall atmosphere felt chaotic and unorganized. Additionally, the rituals and ceremonies lacked depth and meaning, leaving me feeling dissatisfied and disconnected. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and I wouldn't attend again.
2. Jane Smith - 1/5 - This was my first time attending a pagan event, and it unfortunately left a bad impression. The event itself was overcrowded, leaving little room to truly connect with nature and participate in the rituals. The energy was scattered and there was a lack of focus throughout the day. The organizers seemed overwhelmed and unprepared, which resulted in delays and confusion. I also found the pricing to be much higher than the value provided. Overall, it was a frustrating and underwhelming experience.
3. David Johnson - 2/5 - While the idea behind the June solstice pagan event was intriguing, the execution fell short. The event felt commercialized and more focused on profit-making rather than promoting spiritual connection and celebration. It lacked authenticity and depth, making it difficult to fully engage and embrace the pagan traditions. The workshops and talks were disorganized, with speakers struggling to maintain the audience's attention. Overall, I left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with the experience.