This Gorsedd was inaugurated in the late 1990s.It was made possible by the strenuous efforts of several individuals and Druid orders who had a passionate idea that serious Druid ritual could once more be possible at Stonehenge. As a result of years of hard work and negotiation, an access committee was set up which has helped to facilitate both managed open access for the Summer Solstice, as well as smaller gatherings at other times. The Gorsedd has been celebrating for several years, and continues to hold ritual within the stones at Midsummer and Midwinter.
The gatherings at Cor Gawr are made up by people from all walks of life both within and outside of our tradition. They come from all across the British Isles as well as from Europe and beyond. Many of these folks come back year after year to celebrate our native tradition, also bringing with them their own words and offerings to enrich the experience for all.
At each gathering there is always the opportunity to step forward for a Bardic Initiation. This is a very simple, but powerful rite in which a person can make a personal dedication to the ways of the Bard in whichever form they feel drawn, be it poetry, art, music, storytelling, or a whole host of other creative talents which can be used to further themselves and the community at large.
The two gatherings are very different, since we meet for the sunrise at Midsummer and celebrate the light and growth and potency that it brings. Whereas, at Midwinter we gather at sundown to slip into the black cold of the winter night and reflect on the year that has passed and to learn from our experience and carry new ideas through the depth of winter in the knowledge that they may bear fruit in the next year.
The rites generally last for about two hours, and begin with honouring the ancestors and spirits of place and the four directions. Time is made for the particular significance of each gathering, and prayers can be made, as well as offerings. The ritual is designed in such a way that you may engage with some, part, or all of it depending on what it is that brought you to it and hence your purpose for being there. The Gorsedd ends with the sharing of bread and mead during which there is an opportunity to share stories, songs or dance.
The Gorsedd is open to all. Though, in agreement with English Heritage, we need to keep the number to around 100 people due to health and safety. In order to achieve this, we issue tickets. The cost of a ticket covers our administration, and any monies left are put in to the Druid Network tree planting fund.
Because the Access Committee has now allowed for the temple to be completely open overnight and for the dawn of the Summer Solstice, the Gorsedd of Cor Gawr, meeting closer to the traditional date of Midsummer (usually 24 June), offers members of the Druid and Pagan community an opportunity for focused ritual, meditation and celebration with a smaller group. From December 2005, the rites will be led by Christine Cleere (Vixen), together with a small group of supporting priests. For more information about the Gorsedd rites you can contact Christine here.
For more information about the Stonehenge Solstice Open Access contact Kestrel (Angela Grant).
Specific dates for these rites, around Midwinter and Midsummer, are posted on the Cor Gawr page provisional dates are:
Midwinter : Sunday 16 December 2007 (dusk)
Midsummer : Tuesday 24 June 2008 (dawn)
Midwinter : Sunday 14 December 2008 (dusk)
Midsummer : Wednesday 24 June 2009 (dawn)
Please note that all events are subject to cancellation or change at the last minute due to damage or disturbance. The Gorsedd works on a Special Access pass and so the Cor Gawr rituals are ticketed events, with a number limit of 100 people.
Please visit http://druidnetwork.org/en/sacredsites/stonehenge/corgawr/index.html for more details and for the latest ticketing information.
For an evocation of Alban Hefin (Midsummer) 2006 see the Sacred Sites area.
For an evocation of Alban Arthan (Midwinter) 2005 see the Sacred Sites area.
For photos of Alban Hefin 2004 see the Sacred Sites area.
For an evocation of Alban Hefin 2003 see the Sacred Sites area.
