Wiccan new moon spiritual practices revolve around the celebration and harnessing of the new moon's energy. The new moon phase holds great significance in Wicca, representing a fresh beginning, a time for setting intentions, and connecting with the divine. During this phase, Wiccans often engage in various rituals and practices to honor and utilize the new moon's potent energy. **These practices can include meditation**, where practitioners quiet their minds and focus their thoughts on their intentions and desires for the upcoming lunar cycle. **Candle magic** is also commonly used during Wiccan new moon rituals. Practitioners light candles that correspond to their intentions, using different colors and scents to amplify and support their desires.
Stonehenge was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
In addition to the 8,000 people present, English Heritage said that approximately 154,000 people tuned in from around the world to watch the sunset and sunrise on the charity s livestream. Around 8,000 revellers gathered around a prehistoric stone circle on a plain in southern England to express their devotion to the sun, or to have some communal fun.
Practitioners light candles that correspond to their intentions, using different colors and scents to amplify and support their desires. The act of lighting a candle and setting intentions while focusing on the flame can help to manifest desires and bring positive change. **Creating a new moon altar** is another important practice.
Antlers and fancy dress: Stonehenge welcomes 8,000 visitors for summer solstice
Druids, pagans, hippies, local residents and tourists celebrated for the night and greeted sunrise on Wednesday, which is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
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- Associated Press
- Pan Pylas amd Kin Cheung June 21, 2023
Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
All hail the rising sun.
Around 8,000 revellers gathered around a prehistoric stone circle on a plain in southern England to express their devotion to the sun, or to have some communal fun.
Druids, pagans, hippies, local residents and tourists, many clad in an array of colorful costumes and even antlers, stayed and celebrated at Stonehenge for the night and greeted sunrise on Wednesday, which is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
At dawn, the sun rose behind what is known as the Heel Stone in the northeast part of the horizon and the first rays shone into the heart of Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and a World Heritage Site.
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A sun-filled dawn followed a slightly misty sunrise, which was greeted with drumming, chanting and cheering.
“Stonehenge continues to captivate and to bring people together to celebrate the seasons, just as it has done for thousands of years,” said Nichola Tasker, director of Stonehenge at English Heritage, a charity that manages hundreds of historic sites.
“There was a wonderful atmosphere from sunset to sunrise, and everybody enjoyed a very atmospheric morning,” she added. Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Local police said two people were arrested on suspicion of a public order offense after they were refused entry due to intoxication.
“Everyone has been joyous, enjoying the event and having a glorious time and it has been peaceful and safe,” said Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper, who attended the solstice for the first time.
Revelers gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
In addition to the 8,000 people present, English Heritage said that approximately 154,000 people tuned in from around the world to watch the sunset and sunrise on the charity’s livestream.
All over the U.K., optimism will reign supreme as summer officially starts. It’s no coincidence that the nearby Glastonbury Festival, one of the world’s biggest music events, opens its doors on Wednesday, too. Both Stonehenge and Glastonbury supposedly lie on ley lines — mystical energy connections across the U.K.
For the thousands making the pilgrimage to Stonehenge, approximately 80 miles (128 kilometers) southwest of London, it is more than looking forward to Elton John at Glastonbury or a few ciders in the sun. Many of those present at Stonehenge will be making the short 50-mile (80-kilometer) journey further west to Glastonbury over the coming days.
For druids, modern-day spiritualists linked to the ancient Celtic religious order, Stonehenge has a centuries-long importance, and they performed their rituals around the solstice in their traditional white robes. It’s effectively all about the cycle of life, of death and rebirth. A reveler waits for sunrise as people gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
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This year, the summer solstice at Stonehenge started at 7 p.m. Tuesday and ran through 8 a.m. Wednesday. For this one night, worshippers are allowed to spend time inside the stone circle. Some chanted or played their acoustic guitars or banged their drums. Alcohol was prohibited, as were sound systems. Blankets were allowed, but no sleeping bags, please. And definitely, no climbing on the stones.
Revelers meditate next to stones at sunrise as thousands gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
The rules have been tightened over the decades, certainly during the coronavirus pandemic. Back in the less-restrained past, tens of thousands would travel by foot, car, bus or motorcycle to worship at the solar temple, or just have a bit of fun.
Stonehenge is a symbol of British culture and history and remains one of the country’s biggest tourist draws, despite the seemingly permanent traffic jams on the nearby A303 highway, a popular route for motorists traveling to and from the southwest of England.
Stonehenge was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
The site’s meaning has been the subject of vigorous debate, with some theories seemingly more outlandish, if not alien, than others.
Revelers meditate next to stones at sunrise as thousands gather at the ancient stone circle Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, near Salisbury, England, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
English Heritage notes several explanations — from Stonehenge being a coronation place for Danish kings, a druid temple, a cult center for healing, or an astronomical computer for predicting eclipses and solar events.
The charity said the most generally accepted interpretation “is that of a prehistoric temple aligned with the movements of the sun.”
After all, the stones match perfectly with the sun at both the summer and winter solstices.
Stonehenge has a comprehensive Visitor Centre. It includes a tour, gallery, artefacts and objects found, and a gift shop with large cafe. They offer Wifi, bus shuttles every 5 minutes, and a timed entry ticket slot, with last entry 2 hours before closing time.
Wiccans often set up a sacred space with objects and symbols that resonate with the energy of new beginnings. This may include crystals, herbs, flowers, tarot cards, or items representing the four elements. **Divination** is often incorporated into new moon rituals as a way to gain insight and guidance for the upcoming lunar cycle. Wiccans may turn to tarot cards, runes, or other divinatory tools to interpret messages from the divine and receive guidance on their intentions. **Journaling** is a common practice during the new moon phase. Wiccans may write down their intentions, desires, and dreams, along with any insights and revelations received during meditation or divination. This serves as a way to solidify their intentions and keep track of their spiritual journey. Finally, **connecting with nature** is an essential part of Wiccan new moon practices. Wiccans may choose to spend time outdoors, taking walks in the moonlight, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation under the night sky. This allows them to tune in to the rhythms of nature and feel a deeper connection to the divine. In conclusion, Wiccan new moon spiritual practices encompass a range of rituals and techniques that focus on harnessing the energy of the new moon. From meditation and candle magic to divination and journaling, these practices allow Wiccans to set intentions, connect with the divine, and manifest positive change in their lives..
Reviews for "Embracing Feminine Energy on the Wiccan New Moon"
- John - 2 stars - I was really excited to try out some Wiccan new moon spiritual practices and was hoping it would bring about some positive changes in my life. However, I found the whole experience to be rather underwhelming. The rituals and practices felt repetitive and didn't resonate with me at all. I was hoping for a deeper connection to the universe and some spiritual insights, but unfortunately, I was left feeling disappointed. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
- Emily - 1 star - I found the Wiccan new moon spiritual practices to be just a bunch of hocus pocus. It felt like I was going through the motions without really understanding the purpose or significance behind the rituals. I was skeptical from the beginning, and this experience only reinforced my doubts. I didn't feel any spiritual connection or gain any insights as promised. It just felt like a waste of time and energy. I guess this kind of practice just isn't for me.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I gave the Wiccan new moon spiritual practices a try because I was curious about exploring different spiritual paths. However, I found the whole experience to be confusing and lacking in structure. The instructions provided were vague and left me feeling uncertain about what I was supposed to be doing. I didn't feel like I had a clear understanding of the purpose behind the rituals, and it left me feeling disconnected. Overall, it was a frustrating and unsatisfying experience.