Cherry deadfall bonfire wood stacked and drying — photo courtesy BW
The Southern Vermont Summer Solstice plans finally all came together this weekend, with about 20 people from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont groves and seed groups gathering to celebrate the Solstice and camp on the land of our host BW.
Potluck, Friday evening 21 June 2019. Photo courtesy FH.
“Friday evening ease”, 21 June 2019, BW’s house.
After dinner Friday, we drove to Putney Mountain to see the sunset of the longest day and watch the stars come out. A marvelous breeze kept the bugs off.
Solstice sunset Friday 21 June 2019 on Putney Mountain. Photo courtesy FH.
The next day we drove and hiked to the Putney Stone Chambers, which I also wrote about here last September.
Saturday afternoon 22 June 2019 hike to the Putney Stone Chambers
The walk to the most impressive of the chambers follows a Class 4 road.
mossy stone on hike
Recent rains have kept the mosses and ferns green.
Investigating a smaller stone chamber. Photo courtesy FH
“Rebirth from the earth”
We nicknamed the largest chamber the kiva, after a similar design in the American southwest.
Gathered at the “kiva” entrance
Entrance to the “kiva” — BW is standing showing depth of chamber. Photo courtesy FH
“Into the kiva — 1”
SF in kiva — photo courtesy BB.
Spiderweb over kiva vent hole — view from inside — photo courtesy GN
“Druid at ease” — MH in a tree near the kiva. Saturday 22 June 2019
Mugging for the selfie — BB (left) and me (right)
“Ignition” — bonfire Saturday evening 22 June 2019 after ritual. AB is blowing the sparks to flame.
Shortly after ritual, as we watch the bonfire light. We’re still wearing red headbands from the rite. Photo courtesy CG.
Young fire. Saturday 22 June 2019
Young fire, Saturday 22 June 2019. Figure within flames?
Bonfire in full burn Saturday 22 June 2019. Photo courtesy CG
Moon at sunrise this morning, Sunday 23 June 2019. Photo courtesy BW.
We closed the weekend this Sunday morning with offerings of cedar boughs and whiskey around a small fire, as we gave thanks for the weekend and the community we share.
Basket of cedar and whiskey bottle. Sunday morning 23 June 2019. Photo courtesy BB.
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A Druid Way 