Stonehenge Pacific Northwest is a unique and immersive experience that promises something for everyone. From the young to the old, from those who want a day at the park to those looking for ways to connect with their spiritual side, from educators who want a fun and interesting way of teaching about Stonehenge to historians in search of facts alone, this is an event you will not soon forget.
The History of Stonehenge
There are a lot of theories about what Stonehenge is. Even today, with all of the archaeological data we have from excavating the site, there are still no definitive answers. We can say that it was built around 3000 BC, but aside from that, it’s anyone’s guess as to why such an immense structure was built in the middle of a field and why it is so meticulously placed throughout the landscape.
As with most sites, Stonehenge was used for various reasons. The ancient peoples who built it may have thought that it would produce some mystical effect for people to see and experience. They may not have known what exactly was happening or why the stone structures existed in such numbers at that time. It could have been used as a place to reflect on life, as an important place to worship, or simply as a place to defend against invaders and other non-native peoples.
Today, Stonehenge still has spiritual significance; pilgrims often visit the site during the summer solstice. From this perspective, they seem to be saying, “I am here at this moment, and I am experiencing something beautiful. I know that it is not just me who experiences this.” It is an expression of humanity as a whole. This can also be seen in people who choose to meditate or pray at the site. People feel some sense of attachment to the earth and want to be reverent in their actions when they visit.
At the same time, Stonehenge speaks to a human need for balance and unity with nature. It serves as a reminder of nature’s inevitability and how short-lived our existence can be if we are not careful. Most people either find peace in these understandings or come away with new ideas about what the meaning of life could be for them.
The Site
The Stonehenge site is situated in the rolling hills of England. The actual stones are actually on private land and are very hard to get to, but they are not isolated from the rest of the world. You can get there by car, train, or plane (although it’s a bit of a hike to the stones if you don’t have a vehicle).
Four main components of Stonehenge:
- The main structure.
- Sarsen circle ditch.
- Trilithons (three standing stones).
- Two bluestone lintels are located on top of what was once a large barrier.
Stonehenge is not the only outdoor site, however. Countless other smaller stone circles are scattered across the area. Stonehenge itself is made out of many different types of stones with different kinds of characteristics. Some stones have been broken apart from wear and tear over time, but most are still standing strong. Many people have wondered how these stones were transported to the location; however, we can only guess what type of transportation was used and how many workers were needed to transport each stone to this location.
Stonehenge and the world around it have become popular tourist attractions and national monuments. The site is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year, with some coming from as far as Japan, Great Britain, and the United States. Much like a place to visit in London or New York City, Stonehenge is a major location that you can take a Stonehenge Tour and see without having to worry about many of the landmarks being closed off on holidays or during certain seasons.
Stonehenge has been an important part of British culture for over 2,000 years. It was an ancient symbol of power in several different ways. It represented the power of the ancient people who were able to build and move such large stones, and it represented the power of the universe which allowed the massive stones to exist in nature.
Modern people need to continue to study Stonehenge so that we can learn about our past, understand more about the people who built it, and learn how best to interact with our environment.
The Promised Experience
Visiting Stonehenge Pacific Northwest is an experience unlike any other. Combining an immersive historical site that includes educational seminars, theatrical performances, and camping facilities with the magical history of Stonehenge, the event promises something for everyone.
Stonehenge Pacific Northwest begins on Friday afternoon with a welcome reception. This is a chance for you to meet other people attending and get your festival wristband early. While you wait for the opening ceremony, there will also be guilds (smaller discussion groups about certain topics) held around the campfire for people to discuss their thoughts about Stonehenge and different aspects of Paganism in general.
On Saturday at 8:15 AM, there will be a welcoming ceremony led by an officer of the festival who has been trained in traditional ceremonies. The ceremony will include a blessing of the sun and the moon, as well as an invocation to Mother Earth.
The opening ceremony will begin at exactly 9:00 AM and take place in front of the river stones that run beside the main festival grounds. Everyone is welcome to attend (not just those who have bought tickets or are attending a pre-registration workshop).
After this, you can enjoy a breakfast feast cooked by members of your camp and participate in several workshops on various topics related to Stonehenge and surrounding ceremonial practices.
In the afternoon, there will be classes in traditional Druidic folk magic and ritualism. You can also attend a lecture on national monuments and their significance. There will be a reenactment of the burning of the druids, which has taken place in the past, including exorcisms and the destructive effects of gunpowder weapons.
At 3:00 PM, there will be two dramatisations about how Stonehenge came to be – one concerning how it was built and another about why it was built during specific periods in history. Then at 4:30 PM, you can participate in an evening presentation where a Druid will discuss the topic of our many deities. There will also be an altar blessing with Mother Earth before sleep is called at 9:00 PM.
Sunday is largely under the same schedule as Saturday, except for a Craft Fair at noon. There will be more classes in traditional Druidic magic, as well as how to build a bonfire and play traditional Irish music.
A handful of rituals will also be held throughout the day for those who wish to attend. The 8:30 AM morning ritual celebrates the sun and asks for blessings on everyone in attendance. Newcomers are encouraged to observe but should not participate until after the performance has ended. There will also be two evening rituals that take place at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, which will include a procession with Torches and reciting from the Athame (the dagger used in circles).
General camping is available at Stonehenge for those not attending workshops and classes, with the prices for a tent or camper being $35 for Friday through Sunday and $45 on Monday. In addition, there are many basic amenities such as a hot shower, kitchens, and storage areas.
The campsites are located in three separate areas, which include:
- A field up against the river where everyone can set up tents (tents will be limited, though).
- A large clearing where fires will be allowed near the river stones.
- A small clearing with pallets allows people to sleep on the grass.This area includes a kitchen where food will be prepared and served by festival staff. The festival has a lot of momentum and interest in it, so people need to get their tickets quickly before they sell out. It is possible to pre-register for the event, but you must do so to be guaranteed a place in the camp.
Everyone who attends Stonehenge Pacific Northwest will receive a special scarf to symbolise their participation in the event. Anyone can wear this, and many people will also receive special bags made specifically for the festival.
The sky’s the limit with Stonehenge Pacific Northwest! There are so many things to see, do and learn about this English Pagan Festival that it would be impossible for me to list them all here. But I can suggest to you one more best experience, which is the Netherlands’ Van Gogh Museum. It is dedicated to the works and life of Vincent van Gogh. So if you’re a Van Gogh fan and want to visit the museum in Amsterdam, but can’t get tickets, don’t worry: You can book Van Gogh Museum Tickets online.
