Last month I spoke of the Passing of the Arch Druid of Avebury, a fellow 'Biker' from the same Home town. Well we gave him a good send off with some Hundred plus Motorcycles escorting him on his final 'ride out' to the Crematorium.
Some of us went on to the first Gatherings since restrictions were lifted at The Free and Open Gorsedd of Caer Abiri (Avebury) the next day and later onto The Managed Open Access at Stonehenge for The Autumn (Mabon) Equinox.
Both passed without incident or the need for the Authorities to bring in extra parking restrictions.
In the case of Stonehenge, the Droves (By-ways open to all traffic) remained open and many 'Pulled in' the night before and The tribe gathered, sharing stories, music and song, as is often the way at such gatherings.
That may not be the case at Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice, where EH have already stated their intention to apply to Wiltshire Council on the Advise of Wiltshire Police for the closures of ALL By-ways open to all traffic (BOATS) within the World Heritage site of Stonehenge . This will give EH the monopoly on parking for which surprise, surprise, they are expected to charge.
All sounds like, a done deal to me, already knowing what the Police will advise and the council grant. We shall oppose these unnecessary measures, but if passed experience, is anything to go by, they (all three bodies, acting likened to a cartel) will rely on their tried and tested method of Steam-rolling them through despite objections.
We do not know yet whether our foreign friends and Pilgrims may be present at the Winter Solstice Gathering, for which we are in the process of finalising the date with EH as the actual time of the cosmic event is betwixt and between two possible dawns. My input to these discussions is, as it always has been, better to celebrate the dawn of the new season rather that the last of the old.
So, as the weather closes in and we look to Samhain (Halloween) and the Winter Solstice beyond, let us look back, as is our custom of reflection at Autumn at what has not been a great summer, but let us not make the mistake in our reflection of not looking for the positives and if we can not find them in the Political world of Mortal man, then look to The Goddess and Mother Nature, where also we dwell and be content that all may yet be well in the Universe.
Blessings
Arthur /|\
© King Arthur