Summer Solstice : Stone Circles, Solar Myths and Pagan Rituals
Summer Solstice: Stone Circles, Solar Myths, and Pagan Rituals
Join The Story Crow as we explore the fascinating world of the Summer Solstice. Discover the history, rituals, and folklore behind this ancient celebration. We’ll delve into the mysteries of stone circles like Stonehenge and Avebury, uncover the secrets of solar myths, and reveal the pagan rituals that mark this special time of year. Learn about the folk customs, Celtic and Arthurian mythology, and the practices of contemporary pagans and druids. Understand the significance of the Summer Solstice in different cultures and its connection to the Great Mother and the sacred feminine. Don’t miss this journey through time and myth!
#SummerSolstice #Stonehenge #Avebury #StoneCircles #SolarMyths #PaganRituals #Folklore #History #CelticMythology #ArthurianMythology #Druids #ContemporaryPagans #TheStoryCrow #SacredFeminine #GreatMother #FolkCustoms
Пікірлер: 162
My grandparents told me that in ancient times people came as far away from Switzerland and the rest of Europe to ancient Britain to celebrate sumer solstice 😊I got a stone mask of the green man in my garden 😊so I was brought up with CELTIC history 😀 all the best 👍 Andrew south wales uk 👌 👍 👏 😀
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Yeah, well the archer found near Stonehenge came from the alps, so clearly a wide draw to the landscape
@gailfairweather1515
Ай бұрын
I often see the sunrise. I have a plaque of the green man on my wall. I bought flowers and plants today
@petersmedley459
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrowI immediately thought of the Amesbury Archer too!
@23.5
Ай бұрын
😮❤
Enjoy your "stroll", and have a wonderful time. Blessings to all for the coming Solstice.
My wifes birthday! She had to choose the longest day for me to make her happy.
Thank You. Happy Summer Solstice everyone.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Same to you!
Thanks-for-being-early.-It-helps-prepare.
Just watched the solstice sunset at little fistrel beach massive turn out lots of people in the sea and paying homage .fires lit and people celebrating our ancient celtic culture ❤❤❤
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Sounds amazing. Solstice by the sea! Where is it?
@petersmedley459
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrowFistral beach, I think, is by Newquay in Cornwall. If I’m way off, perhaps a resident of Kernow can put me straight!
Solstice Blessings everyone from South Devon UK 🌅
Life time Pagan, first time on your show. Love it. 60 yo, not a newbie. Love what you’re doing here. Keep it up.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Thanks and welcome, nice to have you here 🙏
So beautiful and knowledgeable!
I only just found your channel and I love it! My parents were storytellers so I really appreciate how good you are. Thanks so much for putting out such top quality content ☺️
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
You’d better carry on the tradition then 😉 thanks for watching 🙏☺️
Thank you so much for making this! My friends and I are celebrating a day late to accommodate to our schedules, and this gave me some great ideas of what to add into our ceremony. I appreciate all your videos so much, I hope you keep them coming! 😊 hope you had a wonderful solstice! 🌞
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Same to you 🙏☺️🌞
And here in Australia, in the southern hemisphere, June 21st is the shortest day of the year. Love the videos.
@Ganpignanus
Ай бұрын
and new zealand...
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Put woolly socks on! Cheers mate! Waving to you from the other side 👋 🌏
our earthly seasons are so sacred and carry in with them, such beautiful, ancient energies and rich traditions… recognizing and learning about them adds such extra dimensions of connection and celebrations to our lives.. appreciate your video!!
@lesleyM84
Ай бұрын
“the ragged edges of humanity”😂😂.. love this visual and can certainly relate to it as well😅🥹.. feeling especially ragged myseff, but also kind of joyful too🤷♀️🤷♀️🙌🥰
@lesleyM84
Ай бұрын
9:37 some of these ancient mythologies are a bit cringy though i suppose.. the green knight bit 😣😏.. humans just naturally seem to lean into cringe.. 😬 .. just the planetary movements and the changes in nature are very effervescent.. man’s involvement with feasting and burning of poor beasts, massive fires, all = cringe to me.. but i am a brat like that.. not a big fan of “man”..
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Yes aspects of the chivalric Gawain are a bit twee to modern ears aren’t they. But there’s a much older story buried in there … thanks for watching from the ragged edge 🙏
@lesleyM84
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow 😃😃👍🏼👍🏼🥳
Thanks, for sharing the magic with us. Hugs from Florida ❤ Have a beautiful day ❤❤❤
You really do have the perfect bardic voice 🎉🎉🎉 thank you
Hope you are both enjoying being out on the Ridgeway … enjoy route to a merry midsummer at Avebury 🥰
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Thanks. Having a blast. Having a break right now under a tree and turned my data on to see all these lovely messages. ❤️😊
Greetings from California and Happy Summer Solstice! I just found your channel. It looks very interesting. I was looking on YT to try and see if the event at Stonehenge had been cancelled due to the orange paint incident by the anti-oil activists, and your channel popped up in my feed! I am going to check out some of the other videos on your channel. Really enjoyed this one!! Thanks.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Hello from Wiltshire! Ah yes I heard about that, silly sausages. Welcome to the channel I hope you enjoy ☺️ 🙏
Powerful stuff the changing of the daylight hours and everything at its peak growth. It makes me wonder how the myth and folklore of places close to the equator differs. I for one plan to have a riotous celebration right along with the rest of plants and creatures who have endured a relentless winter. Happy solstice to all!
@ToreMix7400
Ай бұрын
pi
Blessed Solstice, Everyone..
Thank you for this wonderful video!! So happy to realise that I’m not late but right on time!! 💚🌸🌼🌝🌚
Thank you, LOOOOOOOVe You, and love this, and so appreciate you from across the pond, connected energetically and spiritually Bless, revel, enjoy, play, vision, manifest and be :)
thank you so much. I feel more connected.
Omg I'm literally crying.. I know should be celebrating today.. But u r deep and cut into my soul... Probably in a good way thank you for releasing something... U r a soul healer.. beautiful. Thankyou🙏
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Sending you solstice healing vibes, wherever you are 🙏✨
wishing you a wonderful time, thank you for the video
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Pleasure. You too 🙏
Summer, finally!….
Thankyou nice one
I've been in England on summer solstice, stayed light til 11pm. I celebrate it here in usa. Hope YT doesn't remove my comment again, lol. Avebury was awesome. Wiltshire is the land of my ancestors., traced it back to King Alfred. His statue in Pewsey. I was hoping you looked it up or stopped off at Swanborough Tump. (Swanborough hundred) continuing along is Alton white horse then Avebury. Been in England many times, went everywhere, old Sarum Stonehenge, Glastonbury tor etc. even ate at the Black Swan. Always felt I was born in the wrong country, lol. GGGrandfather a coal miner came to USA in 1865.My heart is always in England. Love your videos!!! thankyou!!! You speak always what is dear to my soul. oh the stories I could tell you.
@random2829
Ай бұрын
Your comment may be removed and I may be banned (again!) but know that at least one person appreciates your story. 😀❤
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Ahhh, great comment I’m glad I got to read it! Just got back from Avebury for the solstice after walking the ridgeway. My feet are blistered but my heart is full. ♥️ my grandfather was a coal minor too 😉 Wiltshire is a truly magical part of the world, it’s not on enough peoples radar, but I’m not complaining. Think Alfred’s statue is in Wantage, but maybe one in Pewsey too! He was kinda… great. Thanks for supporting the channel and leaving comments 🙏☺️
Blessings for all from Callanish
There's never nothing on the hill I rode the Ridgeway as a teenager with friends, camping on the way. Though the Cotswolds (I think) then back along the canal to Bristol It was awesome Happy Solstice Crow
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Ooof. I’m hiking with a pack right now, I could do with a steed, my back is aching 😂😂😂
@sweetchariotengland
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow 80 miles? If I remember right. Trooper
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
We cheated and started half way in goring. A mere 40 mikes. I’ll do the other half another time 😂
@sweetchariotengland
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow Outstanding, it's one I need to do again. I am just finishing another Yew bow today. Ash, maple and oak in the handle. Think in guna call him 'Thatcher'.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Awesome. Always wanted to makes myself a bow. If you ever make a KZread tutorial, send it my way 😂
"Acupuncture points of the Year..." Brilliant analogy 🌞🧹
Thank you and celebrate safely and often! Great channel!!
It's been beautiful so far, couldn't wish for anything better, watching the sunrise tomorrow ❤
Another great video. A lot of historical information. Thank you. Love & light. So Moteth Be
can't get past 2 mins without complimenting your rustic Bar setup :) now looking forward to the Myths......
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Haha. Cheers 🍻
Good Solstice to ye Blessings Be
Thanks for your wonderful thoughts and words about this upcoming summer solstice. 🌞
I really enjoyed this video, watching from Australia it's the Winter solstice for us down here, I have English, Irish and Scottish ancestry and all of this really hits me in the heart, I hope to visit the sacred sites of my ancestors someday, Merry Solstice.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Same to you, good Yule 🦌✨😉
Thank you again for your great work. I love listening to your videos God bless have a great holiday x
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Thank you ♥️
Travellers on the Ridgeway, at the Sanctuary wasn't stopped because of covid, a party rig from Oxford turned up there and had a 3 day party which upset some of the locals so they got together and had it banned. Concrete blocks and steel gates are there for about a week either side of solstice. Perfect example of collective punishment for the deeds of the neighbours, it had nothing to do with the vast amount of normal travelling folk that have now lost that part of our culture. It was a meeting place and a time for celebration when we would all get to meet up again after not seeing eachother for possibly a whole year. Luckily I can walk to Avebury as I have a park up in the area and this year there were people from all over the world, there were French, Dutch, Americans and I even met some Mexicans, the drumming and dancing went on all night and the sunrise was beautiful on a clear horizon. By the time I got back to my lorry which was a bit of a stomp I was shattered but happy that I had made the journey and celebrated the solstice, well worth it. Happy solstice
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
I didn’t know that, I just thought it was anti traveller bias on the part of the villagers, the council and the police. I miss that the last section of the ridgeway is no longer a carnival of vans and live in vehicles and tents. It was part of the culture. Still a few folk parked up at Hackpen hill, but not the same. I hope they may return in future, but somehow I doubt it. Still was a great solstice. Having to walk there made it more like a pilgrimage. I met those Mexicans, there was a bus load of them, they went on to Stonehenge for sunrise. I slept in a hedge 😂
@norkieuppercrusty1
Ай бұрын
Ha! Probably walked right past eachother that night and didn't know it. To be fair I was banging out beats most of the night on borrowed djembes and congas with a head full of shrooms so was zoned in on that and didn't spend too much time being social. Hands are still hurting today, probably shouldn't have done it as I also have a broken finger but got carried away, am sure you know what I mean
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
I do know what you mean very well 😂 Although this solstice it was my feet aching not my hands. Not as bad as tam though she’s hobbling about like an old lady today 😅
@norkieuppercrusty1
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow so long as you both had a good night that's the main thing. I watched another one of your videos where you were explaining that your girlfriend was a bodger and makes furniture like chairs. Is that Tamsin or someone else? I remember making fireside furniture for the parties we used to have along the cut, sofas and chairs and put them on the roof of the boats when we moved on....we used to have a lot of parties back in the day and Tamsin was at a lot of them. Always enjoyed bodging stuff together. I built a forest school over near Marlborough, round houses and tree houses and such like and used to try and encourage the young un's to have a go with draw knives, axes and bits n braces. Sadly it's all gone now, the local parish council had us shut down after 3 years because it was never a.....legal? site but for those three years it was fun. Starting to get back into it again as I'm looking after a campsite near Avebury and want to do some rustic furniture. There's not that much there, I did build a giant story telling chair out of oak but it was milled oak not rough. I put a carved owl on the back of it. I also built a bar very similar to the one in your videos. Anyhow got to go, my dog, dougal is giving me grief, he's after me walking him. Take care and have a good one
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Yeah that’s Tam. She’s recently started making chairs, but still mainly spoons. You’re storytelling chair sounds awesome, must get tam to make me one one day 😂
Love your channel thanks for sharing
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏
Thankyou ☀️🌻
Welcome to summer.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
🌞🌞🌞
I had to pause when you were taking about Tristan and Isolde (I need to go and watch your video on that after I finish this one) because in the Norse pantheon, Mani , the moon, is male and Sunna, the Sun, is female which makes sense in the context of King Mark representing the idea of the sun being pulled by the chariot on Scandinavia. Obviously, you know this, lol, but I don’t really know the legend of Tristan and Isolde other than it’s a tragic love story. I have to say, I love how inclusive you are in including the different ways neo pagans look at the summer solstice as important and you don’t try to pretend that these are ancient practices as some modern pagans claim. I’m of the belief that a ritual, idea, or practice doesn’t need to be ancient to be valid and powerful and true. We’re modern people trying to connect to our ancestors and the Old Ways. We can only try to understand the past through the lens of modern experience. That doesn’t negate the powerful connections, strength, and power we can draw from and manipulate as magical practitioners and Pagans. Wonderful video so far! Thanks for all you do in bringing such quality content to the interwebs.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Yes, mani and sunna. Of course. I wonder if it’s a relic of a more ancient mythology 🤔 Thanks for the comment, and glad you found something to chew on 🙏
Enjoyed hearing about the more recent waves of solstice celebrations (as well as ones from ancient times). I'd like to imagine we're not so different from our ancient counterparts in that they too had their more "stiff" years of revelry after previous celebrations (or plagues!) had gotten out of hand. It would be fun to hear the crowd compare notes about which year's (B.C.E.) party was better. Perhaps there really is nothing new under the solstice sun! History sighs, repeats itself! Happy solstice! Love the channel!
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Thank you, and hope you had a nice solstice. I feel fragile.
Hope you, Tamsin and Nero are enjoying your wandering along the oldest road in England, and a merry-meet at Avebury for the sunrise of the longest day. Blessings to all ✨🫶🏻✨
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
We are camped out on the ridgeway right now, and I’ve just read both of them your comment. Tam was touched. Nero was nonplussed. Thank you my friend, hope you have a good one 🙏
@blazingmytrail1962
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow 🌞
Wonderful! Little past 3 this afternoon , father have mercy , ( heat,).
Being a latvian pagan listening to this I feel really ancient now.. 😂 We do the fire thing all around the baltic I think. Also, instead of "looking for faries" we go out looking for the magical fern flower (yes it means going into the woods to have sex, because fertility, remember.. 🤣) Also, here we have suncult, and the sun is feminine and mother energy. Have a happy midsummer! ❤
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Ahh, love your guys customs ✨☺️♥️
happy solstice!
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Same to you!
Just in time for Litha. Thank you!
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
You are so welcome
Enjoy the Ridgeway and the Solstice. New here but sticking around.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Thanks and welcome my friend 🙏♥️
Happy Solstice everyone! ☀️🌕🔥🧹
WOW, I would've loved to see all the people there along the Ridgeway ...
Surprised the oldest megalithic centre in Orkney and the fire festivals in Stonehaven and Burghead didn’t get a mention.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
I meant to mention the Orkney sites, went there last year. Incredible place. A future video perhaps. Thanks for watching 🙏
I like the way you describe the Stonehenge gathering. My most recent ex-wife is a "Druid" and it always seemed a bit pantsy. Though to her credit she was born on Anglesey, is an accomplished musician so at least has some history. Enjoy your trip and try not to fall into a hole when you do.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
I’ve fallen in several already 😂
Thanks!
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
THANK YOU 🙏
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Can get a pint at the pub now. Two even 😂
@Ghost_wheel
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow Have one on me and one on Tux.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Ahh, give the boy a pat on the head from me 😂🙏
❤
Dude that bar is the raddest you should do all your vids from it
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
I love that bar. Built by my own hands, that’s why it’s so wonky 😂
@dukedijon-ks4qt
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow its not wonky at all. its organic. its the way its supposed to look. not this glitter-covered injecttion-molded-plastic nonsense
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
😂😂😂
14:30 in Roman Calendar they celebrate 24th June the sommer solstice/St John's day
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
They celebrate midsummer then yes. The astronomical solstice is before, usually 21st
Great video 👍 beautiful shirt as well 😊 where could I buy it?
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
That would be in Galway. Ireland. I’m sure you can find them online. They’re called ‘granddad shirts’
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
Easter has a floating date. Don't know why. Should be celebrated as the Christ conception date in Christian symbolism, nine months before birth date on 22 Dec. The three wise men arrived on the 25th, once mother and child were ready for visitors.
Hey SC, you should check out a video by Cob Wilde titled The Stone Circle That Maps The Horizon. Really interesting
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Will do, cheers! 🙏👍
@TreforTreforgan
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow please share your thoughts once you watch it. Don’t have a fag or a cup of tea or anything. Share them straight away. Don’t even go for a waz and definitely don’t pop out to buy more cider or take the dog for a walk. Ok? Good.
What's the significance of bongo drums ?
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
The ancient Neolithic bongo drum. And the Neolithic day glo poi. Classic Neolithic stuff there.
🦉
Enjoy the Ridgeway and Avebury. will be perched on Glastonbury tor with fire and ale
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Sounds glorious. Enjoy. I’ll wave from avebury. Using the wifi in the red lion now 😂
Don't forget the Moon bro 😎✌️
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Good shout 🙏 🌙 🙏 ☺️
So who stayed home from the solstice festival to look after the farm?
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
It’s not just me 😉
When they invite you back to their little village. Run Away!
Love your videos, but I think it's a trilithon at Stonehenge not a triathlon lol. That'd be too much effort and not enough celebration. Have a great solstice.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
😂😂😂😂 I was waiting for someone to point that out 🙏😅
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Yeah, and there would be way too much Lycra 😂
🍺👍🏻
The oak and holly king never made much sense to me. Why would a king be defeated when he’s at full power and his enemy is at the least power? I know It has basis in myth in the conflicting brothers archetype - but that dosent have this power scaling thing. Here’s my idea to vary the concept: the Oak Queen and Holly Queen. In this version, the Oak Queen grows to maturity as spring progresess. Then, at her peak, she gives birth to a daughter: Holly. After the birth, the Oak Queen’s maturity and beauty are in full bloom (summer) and then begin to wane (autumn) until it’s at its lowest and her daughter Holly coming into maturity. On the winter solstice, the old Oak queen dies, and Holly, now at full maturity, gives birth to a daughter: the new Oak queen. As spring comes, the Holly Queen's maturity and beauty begin to wane as her daughter, Oak, grows. I think this makes more sense narratively: births happening at the peak of a woman’s manifestation - which is also a milestone of changing life stage- and makes more sense than a man being defeated at the peak of its power. The mythological roots for this would be Beira and Bride, a mother-daughter pair who represent the seasons-Beira is the Queen of Winter and keeps Bride Captive until she is rescued, and then Bride becomes the Queen of Summer. There's a touch of Demeter and Persephone, another seasonal Mother Daughter pair. There's a touch of Rapunzel and Gothel - wherein Rapunzel, with her golden hair is trapped in a tower (like how the sun is still in the sky in the summer solstice), and her mother-figure is Gothel, who is a crone. But Rapunzel becomes pregnant, and this offends Gothel who throws her out of the tower. Rapunzel gives birth, and Gothel disappears from the story, essentially dead. Rapunzel's exit from the tower represents the sun moving again as the solstice ends.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Yes makes total sense, and has mythic precedence. Nice notion, thanks for sharing ✨🙏
Battle of the Beanfield was in 1985, not the 1970s.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Quite right 😅
I've lost my path and will never regain it , I'll not be practicing anymore ... Everything must return to nothing I have no faith in man or anything for that matter. Good day to all.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Sounds like part of the path. It’s called the wilderness. Go well 🙏
@crow4936
Ай бұрын
@@TheStoryCrow maybe your right brother thank you for the kind words of wisdom.
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Trust me, it will be worth it when you’re out the other side. All things pass ❤️🙏
@katherinemarystewart8170
Ай бұрын
Oh noooo, you poor thing, I’ve been there… for so many years!!! Are you burnt out? If so, rest!! Also… just know that others are with you in the darkness! Let’s keep it low & small and accept the great dark Mother. One day or night we might see a glimmer again. 🖤🖤🖤
As is happening today
Meivin ross
How can the first day of summer, the solstice, be considered midsummer? It makes no sense.
@umwha
Ай бұрын
This confused me too. Basically there’s two versions of the seasons timings. The astrological goes by the sun- and has the solstice as the first day of the season. The agricultural pushes the seasons back one sabbat making the beginning of summer Beltane. I think it’s to do with northern latitude . I think this is also why in northern peoples samhain was considered the new year: because it’s one sabbat before the winter solstice and therefor is the first day of winter. They believed a day began at nightfall and therefore the year began at Winterfall
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
☝️
So...hippies and a marching band? I think we can do better.
@dayofthejackyl
Ай бұрын
What’s wrong with hippies and marching bands? I think you can lighten up a bit.
Wonderful video! I particularly appreciate when you include ways to celebrate. I'm looking forward to celebrating, and I love feeling that connection to our ancestors!
@TheStoryCrow
Ай бұрын
Well I hope you have a good one!