Autumn Equinox

On Sunday 23rd September 2018 at 6pm there will be a celebration of the Autumn Equinox at the Standing Stones of Stenness. Our ritual is based on those provided by the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, but the wording is inclusive and designed to be accessible for people of all religions / beliefs and none.

The Autumn Equinox ceremony marks the point in the year when the time of the light and the time of the dark in each day is equal – but it is an introspective time because soon the nights will become much longer than the days. Winter is usually starting to nudge Orkney; this is a time of second harvest, the crops are gathered in, but there are now bramble-fruits to gather from the hedges. Autumn is a more subdued time for nature and we acknowledge the passing of summer.

In the Celtic calendar, this time is known as Alban Elfed, the focus is on symmetry, equipoise and balance; we acknowledge this status in the natural world around us and as it is symbolised in our lives.

We welcome everyone who wishes to attend. Please read our attendance guidelines which are downloadable from www.spiritualorkney.co.uk/CelebrancyServices#OpenRituals

There is no charge and we ask only that you bring your open mind and warm heart. We meet at the central hearth of the Standing Stones of Stenness and we are quite obvious! As a Bardic ritual, we invite participants to join in, perhaps by taking a speaking part, or bringing a reading or piece of music to share. Join in as much as you are comfortable with – if you only wish to observe, please be equally welcomed. We usually conclude by sharing ale and honey-cake ... and then we regroup at a local hotel for a social.

Please feel free to contact Helen or Mark Woodsford-Dean for further information, email us at info@spiritualorkney.co.uk

Our websites are updated regularly:

www.spiritualorkney.co.uk/CelebrancyServices#OpenRituals

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ATTENDANCE AT OUR OPEN RITUALS AND PARTICIPATION IN ANY ACTIVITIES OFFERED IS ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN CHOICE AND RISK. WE DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT WE CONSIDER TO BE DANGEROUS BUT WE ACCEPT NO LIABILITY IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER. WE OFFER THESE RITUALS PURELY ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS AS A SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO BRING A LARGE GROUP TO ONE OF OUR RITUALS PLEASE CONTACT US IN ADVANCE SO THAT WE BRING ENOUGH ALE AND HONEY CAKE (DONATIONS APPRECIATED).