A summer solstice

21st June 2014

    As it is a 13k walk to Coldrum Longbarrow, I left at 12.30am to get there in good time. Polaris was bright and I followed until I entered the woods. The change for the senses is that hearing and smell is dominant. The perfume of Honeysuckle and Mallow filled the air along the pathways and lanes. Tawny Owls called for reply and animals scuttled among the woodland litter. When I stopped to look, sharp eyes reflected lamplight back to me; they watched suspiciously through the trees as I walked by.
A Nightjar churred constantly through Hurst Wood, and the sound diminished as I approached Platt Wood. The night was warm and windows were open to cool the sleeping occupants of the village and I walked on the verges where possible so as not to disturb people from their dreams. The Beech trees which blocked my way on the Spring Equinox walk had been cleared and I made my way easily to the motorways which were busy as usual and I walked under the road at the bridge at the M20/M26 intersection.
    I caught a glimpse of Mani through the trees in Ryarsh Wood and as I neared Coldrum, flashes of light lit the trees. At the longbarrow, perhaps twenty people were there; sitting at fire-sides, dancing, drinking, smoking(!), breathing and juggling with fire, drumming and enjoying the time before the moment to come.
    Mani looked down on Venus, and Capella watched over Sol as she glowed from below the north east horizon. As the orange glow intensified, everyone looked north east and the drummers' rhythm increased. Sol appeared with a majesty and benevolence and our faces reflected the glory and our cameras clicked with a frenzy.
   I toasted Sol with a tot of mead and shared some with a new friend. I had to leave the party, with a long walk ahead of me; pipes were playing softly as I left and the walk back was warm and the new day sparkled. The morning was rounded off with sunny tea in Hurst Wood surrounded by Foxgloves and Chestnut suckers, birdsong and bees.