The 14th annual
Summer Solstice Celebration
at America’s Stonehenge
Friday June 20th 2008
Open Sunrise-Sunset

Traditional Solstice Ceremony 2:00 pm

The solstice is a turning point.  It marks the longest day in the year when the sun has reached its furthest point to the north before it starts its journey to the south again.  It is the time when the sun is at its utmost strength and when the earth is opening to her full creativity, vulnerability and expression.  It is in this moment of fullest light that we become aware of the change it foretells.

The intention of this year’s ritual:According to the Dagara people in Africa we are in a nature year.  Nature is all about change, transformation and truth.  We are also not far away from the year 2012 when according to the Mayan calendar the 4^th world of fear and separation will transition into the 5^th world of illumination and peace.  Among us we begin to see more leaders and teachers who carry this 5^th world energy.  We each hold a piece of this larger dream.  To make this vision real we need to focus on the dream, on what is possible and begin to live it as if it is already fully in place. 

In this solstice ritual we call on the power of community to imagine together what a world like that looks like.  We align our energies, give this vision power and celebrate.  Remember that energy follows attention, remember the 100 Monkey theory and know we have the power to change the world. 

Katja Esser and Valerianna Claff guide you through this very participatory ritual where we will connect with the vision of the 5^th world of illumination and peace.  What dreams and visions you hold for our world and how do your actions contribute to that dream.  Each year, we tap into the endless messages that the flowers carry.  Again come with a flower that represents your vision and action for a heaven on earth.

Also this year we will create a colorful procession through the site.  We encourage you to carry banners or flags that symbolize unity and rainbows.  Let your outfit be an expression of your dream already in existence. 

This ritual is highly participatory and it is quite a production.  We need your involvement during and before the ritual! Please come early to help to decorate the shrine with flowers, to set up the archways and the ritual space.  We will be arriving around 11:00 AM to begin setting up the space. Helping brings your energy to the ritual.  By 1.30 PM we will explain the details of the event.

We need drummers and singers to keep the energy up.  Drummers please meet with us at 1.00 PM so we can review the ritual with you.  We also like gatekeepers that escort people into the ritual space.  

Gathering time for the ritual is 1:30 PM; please come early:  Please arrive in the parking lot by 1.15 PM, so you may hike to the site.  At the site at 1.30 PM you will get a layout of the event and your part in it.  It is a collective experience.                                                                                                                                
Location and cost:  America’s Stonehenge is privately owned but is open to the public.  The entry fee is $9.50 for adults(check for detailed rates).  In addition there is a suggested $5 donation per adult at the ritual site to cover expenses.  America’s Stonehenge stays open till sunset on the Solstice.  The celebration is followed by lively music.  For details go to www.stonehengeusa.com . 

This is an open ritual.  We encourage children to come, as long as they are accompanied by adults.  Bring a friend and please pass this information on.

What to bring:  (Very needed:) Your single flower that expresses your vision and additional flowers with showy heads, drums and bells if you have them, natural bug repellent, raingear, and potluck food with your own plate, cup and flatware to prevent further accumulation of garbage.  Bring a snack and water for before the ritual because it lasts a while. Leave your potluck food in the car until after the ritual, just make sure it stays cool.                                                                                                                                             
Who to call: Please contact Katja at (617)365 or Valerianna at (413) 296-0330 4024, if you want to volunteer.  Email: katjacreates@ritualexpressions.com or Valerianna@verizon.net.  Check out Katja's web site www.ritualexpressions.com

Directions:  From I 93, take exit 3 in NH, take Rte 111 East (app. 5 mi., crossing Rte 28) to Island Pond and Haverhill Rds. (there will be a sign here for America’s Stonehenge on your right).  Follow Haverhill Rd. south to entrance.  The earlier you come the more chance there is to park close to the building.

Celtic Music @ 6 pm