Knowlton

Knowlton Church through it's arches.

Summer Solstice sunrise at Knowlton

I'd pondered where to spend the Summer Solstice sunrise and was glad that I'd decided on Knowlton Henge, a Neolithic Henge, part of a wider ritual complex embodying 5000 years of ritual activity, including the a ruinous post Medieval church. Even at 0430 as the sky began to colour, heralding the rising Sun, a crescent moon hanging magically above the nearby Great Barrow, it was warm enough to comfortably wear a t-shirt, amazing. Quite a few people had gathered to watch the sunrise, several of whom I knew, old freinds like Mick, who I've known for over 30 years and his girl friend Ang, Nick who I've known since the early 90's and member of the Dorset Grove who I'd not seen in a while; it's always nice to catch up with good people, it's something I need to do more and there's no excuse not too, only the barriers my mind creates. The Sun rose majestically, beautifully through the morning clouds. I say to myself every time I watch the sun rise 'I must do this more often', though still only manage it on the 8 days ascribed as important by my path. I left the henge with my spirits lifted and a smile on my face, though still with a corner of melancholia in my heart at how much I've changed. I hope the seeds of dreams and plans you planted in spring are blooming nicely. Solstice blessings y'all. 

Knowlton Yew

One of the Yews at Knowlton Henge.

Dorset Grove Alban Eilir ritual

Life can overtake you sometimes and so I'd not made it to a Dorset Grove ritual for some time, although on arrival it felt like I'd never been away.  Even with winters cold fingers still clinging to the land (and cling they certainly did), the warmth of the circle was tangible as was the love of those forming it. If you've ever been interested in how Pagans or Druids celebrate the turning of the seasons and observe their special days, then you could do a lot worse than to come and experience (and enjoy) one of the Dorset Groves open rituals, which happen 8 times a year around the winter and summer Solstices, the spring and autumn Equinoxes, Imbolc, Beltaine, Lughnasa and Samhain. The wheel of the year, marked by the 4 quarter days and 4 fire festivals. Their rituals are some of the best I've attended (and I've been attending these type of things since 1989), the rituals include druidic practice, shamanism, meditation, healing, drama, that's to name but a few aspects. All delivered inclusively, in a rich mix of reverence, respect, love and humour, which perfectly illustrates the nature of modern paganism. And if you're yet sold, there's also cake!

Thank you Dorset Grove, and a happy Alban Eilir to y'all.

Bare Barrow

Although Spring is almost upon us, the trees are still bare on Knowltons' 6m high Great Barrow. Constructed in the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age it's the largest barrow in Dorset. The Knowlton complex must have been something to see in prehistory and a very significant regional ritual/spiritual site. Even today with many of those prehistoric features ploughed out, levelled and invisible, what remains are still striking, the ruined church at the henges' centre, in-particular, can be spotted from a distance and on a misty day appears ghostly. Knowlton's are real gem, and whether it's the archaeology, the history, the landscape or the vibe, Knowlton well worth a visit. Walk the bank of the Neolithic henge, wander the ruined medieval church , take in a sunrise/sunset, picnic, or just site a take it all in. You'll love it.

Knowlton sunset

The sunset from Knowlton Henge was stunning.