My invitation enthusiastically called upon ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, Heathens, Pagans, Witches, Wiccans and Druids, Family, Friends and all acquaintances past and present’ to attend Jim Saunders’ ‘Raising’ ceremony at Avebury. On Sept 21st 2024 – Autumn Equinox.
How could I refuse?
I travelled to Avebury the evening before and stayed at Dorwyn Lodge, 10 minutes from the stone circle. At dawn, I was jolted awake by the rumble of thunder, followed by the steady beat of rain against my window. Lightning flickered across the sky, illuminating the landscape outside. The storm felt ominous yet oddly fitting for Jim’s ceremony. Jim was to be raised to the position of ‘Druid Bard of Avebury’ and the elements seemed to be calling, as if the weather itself was part of the day’s unfolding rituals.
I knew that while I was experiencing the weather from my warm bed at dawn, out in the storm Jim was undergoing the first of the days rituals by being cleansed at Swallowhead spring and taken to West Kennet Longbarrow via the Guardian Oak to be reborn. He was then to be brought down the Kennet and over Woden Hill to the Hawthorne. After this he was to be escorted to the circle to be welcomed in. I was due to meet everyone who was participating at 10am at the Red Lion Pub (the only pub in the world located inside a stone circle!)
Avebury, with its iconic stone circle, is one of the largest and most significant prehistoric sites in Britain. I have visited Avebury many times to walk and photograph and am interested in the intersection of spirituality and nature. The Avebury landscape is dotted with many neolithic sites – longbarrows, earthworks, stones and burial mounds, and this ceremony, nestled among the ancient standing stones of Avebury, offered a rare opportunity to document a deeply spiritual practice that is as much a part of the landscape as the stones themselves. The participants, dressed in flowing robes and natural fibres, gathered in conversation outside the pub, drinking coffee and greeting friends who had arrived from all over the UK.
The stillness of the landscape contrasted with the low hum of human anticipation, creating an energy that was both peaceful and charged with purpose. The storm at dawn felt like an omen, setting the stage for a day that would be both otherworldly and deeply connected to the earth. A drum announced the gathering of the Gods and Goddess’, each group walking in opposite directions before meeting at the southern entrance to the circle. Abigail sat in the natural alcove of the ‘Devils Chair ‘stone and each participant approached her to ask permission and a blessing to enter the circle. As each person proceeded, an arched walkway was created by staffs held aloft, and subsequent attendees passed through; extending the arch at the end.
Eventually a large human circle was formed. Each participant held hands and speeches were made welcoming everyone. Nature played an essential role in this ceremony. The Druidic practice is deeply rooted in honoring the cycles of the natural world, and Avebury itself, with its ancient stone circles, provides a powerful backdrop for such rituals. At several points in the ceremony, the participants turned to face each of the cardinal directions, offering prayers to the spirits of the earth, sky, and beyond. A woman began to sing “Awen,” a chant invoking the divine feminine.
As an outsider, I had to navigate the fine line between documenting and intruding. The ceremony was a sacred space for those involved, and I was mindful of maintaining a respectful distance so I was pleased to see an encouraging look from Jim which allowed me to break the circle and move in closer to the inner group. I was moved by the ceremony and the friendly open attitude of the participants, and by the living relationship between nature, spirituality, and the people gathered in that sacred place. The early morning storm had not only shaped the atmosphere but had also become part of the story—just as much a participant in the ceremony as the people, stones, gods and godesses themselves.
As I left Avebury, I was grateful to have had an opportunity to witness and document a living tradition that continues to thrive in harmony with the natural world. I had been given a glimpse into a timeless relationship between people, spirituality, and the land they hold sacred. A reminder of the deep connection between humans, nature, and the unseen forces that many believe guide our lives.
