Upcoming Events
The Gorsedd of Bards of Caer Rilla
of the British Druid Order
present
The Gorsedd of the Ripened Saguaro
When: 5pm to 7pm, June 17th. 2007
Where: Children's Memorial Park, Tucson, Arizona
At the Summer Solstice here in southern Arizona, we celebrate the return of the natural harvests after the May and June droughts. The Saguaro and the Prickly Pear fruits are full of sweetness and juice. We look forward to the life giving rains to come in the following months. The Sun shines in his full power. We celebrate his strength!
Gorsedds are held in the evening near the time of the Solstices, Equinoxes and Cross Quarters. The naming of each celebration is based upon local tradition and planting/harvest seasons, rather than the northern agricultural schedule. For instance, here in the desert, That which we commonly call Beltane, or Calan Mai, is the beginning of a time of famine. The months of May and June are hot and dry. It is the time of the Foresummer drought, when the harvested stores are running thin. While many things are in flower, there is little edible food ready to harvest.
But now, around the Summer Solstice, the Saguaro cactus fruit have ripened to a brilliant red. This is a time of great celebration and harvest. Soon the summer rains will come and the desert will be full of life again.
A Gorsedd is a ceremonial gathering of Bards, who interpret their world through words, song, art and whatever inspiration comes to hand, to Honor the Lord and Lady of this Sacred Land.
Bring poetry, music, art, whatever inspires you to share with us all in the Eisteddfodd. Handheld instruments or musical things will help us cast the circle. You may also bring an offering for the God and Goddess of the Rillito if you wish.
Rites of Passage include:
Handfastings for all persuasions
Child Blessings
Memorial of the Dead
Legal Weddings by prior arrangement
All are welcome!
For more information, contact grannynighthawk [at] gmail [dot] com
Or visit the Caer Rilla website.
