Every Summer Solstice, we stand and greet the sun as it enters the Great Stone Circle at sunrise. You are invited to join us as we recognize the passing of the seasons from Spring to Summer in this auspicious and sacred stone place. Witness the arrival of Summer and send Spring on its way with blessings. This year we have two special musicians joining us!!
This event will be held as scheduled as long as it is not raining or storming. We will be outdoors as we stand and watch the sunrise. If there is rain or it is storming, we will cancel – watch for cancellation updates (if any) on the day of the event.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Shawn Vougeot: singer, songwriter, classical violinist, television producer, videographer and cofounder of New World Women, will serenade the rising sun with her violin.
Al “Good Heart” Baker: Big Drum Chief and Keeper of Sacred Song of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, will drum and sing to honor the sun on this Summer Solstice.
This promises to be one of those deeply soulful experiences you get when your heart strings are plucked and you resonate in time with the whole universe. Don’t miss this! (I know, it’s early… but don’t go back to sleep!)
We will gather in the Great Stone Circle in time to witness the rising of the sun – actual sunrise is at 5:23am but it is usually at least 5:30 before it is fully visible in the stone circle. Feel free to arrive as early as 5:00am if you wish.
Given fair weather and a clear horizon, we will watch the sun as it crests the ridge and is ushered through the Summer Solstice Corridor into the circle. It will set its golden glow upon anyone standing in the center of the circle. Further, it will cast the shadow of those persons standing in the center onto the stone directly in the path of the sun – the “Shadow Stone”. Fun fact: This stone also marks the exact point of Winter Solstice Sunset, i.e. summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset occur along the exact same line. Who knew? Truly magical!
This will be a quiet, meditative event with a short opening rite and reading. We will also light a Solstice Fire.
COST: this event is FREE and open to the public, No Registration Required (Donations are greatly appreciated! Also, if you plan to enjoy the Kinstone grounds for all or part of the day before or after this event, please pay admission. Thank you! Admission can be paid in advance online or you can place cash into a Blue Payment Box on the Information Sign Board near the parking area when you arrive.)
Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 Time: 5:15am – 6:15am
This event is outdoors. Please note that we will not see the alignment if it is cloudy or if the horizon is obstructed by morning mist, fog, or clouds. Dress for the weather, be prepared to walk on dewy, wet grass paths; bring a blanket or camp chair if you wish for your comfort; wear appropriate footwear, scarves, hats, and even gloves if needed! Bring your own insect repellent if you wish.
Cancellation will occur in case of rain or storms. Cancellations will be posted only on this event page and on the corresponding Facebook event page at least 1 hour before the scheduled start time for this event.
Interesting fact: The exact time of the astronomical Summer Solstice is Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 4:13 am CDT.
Photo credit: Kristine Beck
