For the purposes of this post I am Mike. He has been prevented from writing it by events and asked me if I would so here goes.
The seedgroup’s Summer Solstice ceremony took place in Horsenden Wood in Harrow. Getting there was an achievement for most of us. Hilde said she had never had so many texts about location and gamely ferried people back and forth from Sudbury Hill Station. Trui, however, sauntered up to us quite calmly and Greg observed that the only address he needed was “somewhere on the planet”.
But finally we were all gathered and sat near the car park (to help latecomers spot us) in a brief burst of sunshine to discuss our feelings at this time of year. For most of us it felt as though the last month or so had been frantic with marking, reports,(Kirsten and Becky) courses (Cilla and Hilde), creativity (Nick’s music) and unexpected family responsibilities (Mike). For the most part, though, we rejoiced in the long light days which gave more energy and time to do things in the evening. We were surrounded by verdent vegetation including some tall mugwort plants (a herb sacred to the druids whose Latin name – Artemisia vulgaris – refers to the goddess Artemis, the virgin goddess of the moon and childbirth. It has protective effects and is good for mestrual and menopausal problems.) We longed for the sun though some of us felt that climate change had added an edge of fear to our feelings about it.
Having got things off our chests and entered into the mood of the time we walked up the hill, and down again into the woods. Under an oak tree that sheltered us from rain and did not get struck by lightning – though we heard thunder – we made our circle. Greg made a small fire in an iron bowl so we could burn some incense. There were many contributions. Kirsten had brought a large crystal of citrine to represent the sun and I had some well water from Glastonbury’s red spring. We marked out the directions with halved apples and brought gifts of strawberries, raspberries and some sage with its powerful, heady smell into the centre of the circle to symbolise the integration and fullness of this time of year. Hilde was, as ever, a confident guide through the inevitable moments of chaos and challenged us all at one point, if we wished, to step into the centre and make a commitment to whatever we wanted to develop or maintain in our lives. One by one we all accepted that challenge. Then, another departure from what is usual, she suggested we eat our food (and drink the welcome mead supplied by Greg and someone else – can’t remember who – sorry) in the centre of the circle. It was a happy feast and though I won’t dwell on them, both hobbits and elves would have been well pleased with it.
Towards the end Becky expressed her sense of pleasure in feeling part of such a community and I had been thinking something similar. This was enhanced by the Mayan wisdom imparted and generously shared by Greg.
The harmony of the afternoon lived on in my memory that day and insinuated itself into a sweet dream that night. I hope it was so for others.
One last thing: it was Kirsten’s last ceremony with us (as far as we know) since she is moving to Wales. Good luck to her. We will miss her graceful presence and spirit.
So, Hilde, Nick, Kirsten, Mike, Jo, Greg, Trui, Steffi, Becky, Cilla and myself. Blesings on us all as the days begin once more to grow shorter – and let’s hope, a little hotter.
