8am on the solstice morn arrived at the car park surprised that it was nearly full. Looking up to the ridge silhouettes of the folk wandered the henge's embankment like dark shadows.

Donning our fleece over capes we set of along the pathway to the Great Northern Temple that is Eorbeth LLw, (Arbor Low).

Through the fields the chill factor gained momentum, as our fingers began to freeze. Over the hill we came to the ridge and began our walk of the circle afor entering. The wind blew and gusted whilst we walked the circle then eased as we entered the circle through the Northern entrance.

Waiting the sunrise, the folk from Sheffield arrived. Standing in the circle we opened the rite, Nick and the gathering pointed and welcomed the four points of Earth, Air, Water and fire.

Together we recited the ancient words of our rite and ate and drank of the old ways giving the first portion back the to earth.

Closing the circle we descended to the car park were Kris and nick had prepared Food and drink for breakfast.

Winter Solstice 2005

A time of rebirth, a time when the Sun regains it's strengh.

Winter Solstice, Alban Arthan (Light of Arthur) the great Bear and the Sun God is reborn this day.

On this darkest of nights, the Goddess becomes the great mother and once again gives birth.

This is why Pagans have as much right to claim this Yuletide, perhaps even more than the Christ worshippers.

Christians were rather late in laying claim to it. Only in 320ce did the new Roman Catholic Church decide to make it December, in an effort to co-opt the Mithraic celebrations of the Romans.