The pigs are out!

The pigs were out to Pannage at Mill Lawn this morning. Pannage is the ancient tradition of allowing the commoners pigs to range the forest searching for nuts, which in excess can be poisonous to the forests' horses and cattle. The season began earlier in September and will run until the end of November. This drift were very friendly, approaching determined to give us a thorough once over, upon realizing we had/were nothing of interest they made off. Take care though, some pigs can be a touch feisty, chasey even, they've had me running on more than one occasion.

Archdruid Rollo

Stalwart of Druidism, Archdruid of Stonehenge Rollo Maughfling presides over this mornings Equinox ceremony; he presided over the first druid ceremony I attended way back in 1988. Nice chap. 

Autumn Equinox Stonehemge

It's only when you escape the light pollution of suburbia that you're reminded just how beautiful a clear night sky can be. Over Salisbury Plain the night sky was black as tar, the universe spread out across it, countless stars shining radiantly. On the cusp of change a bright shooting star streaks across Fargo Wood, and as I approached the stones so did dawn. While the sun had begun its' transit in the east, clouds neared from the west, the combination creating a spectacular backdrop of colour and texture for those assembled at Stonehenge for the Equinox. Amongst the stones druids performed their rites, while others perform rhythmic drumming or chanting, others simply sit or stand in contemplation, waiting; eventually the sun does appear, greeted by collective whoops and cheers. It had been too long since I'd seen in a Solstice or Equinox at Stonehenge, and amongst the stones it really felt like coming home. Altogether a perfect Equinox morning. Equinox Blessings /|\