Visitors headed to famous 5,000-year-old site in Wiltshire to see the sun rise this morning
Autumn equinox is one of four public annual events when people can get so close to stones
Hundreds of attendees sang and wore variety of extravagant outfits as onlookers watched on
Hundreds of druids and pagans descended on Stonehenge today to celebrate the equinox as autumn began.
Visitors headed to the famous 5,000-year-old site in Wiltshire in the dark to ensure they got to see the sun rise. And they made the most of one of only four public annual events that allows people to get so close to the stones. Photographs showed attendees singing and wearing a variety of extravagant outfits as onlookers watched on
Equinox Links: See the stunning Autumn Equinox sunrise at Stonehenge – Salisbury Journal Stonehenge autumn equinox gathering first since start of pandemic – BBC Stonehenge Spring and Autumn Equinox Tours – Stonehenge Guided Tours What is the Autumn equinox? Here’s what you need to know. National Geographic Stonehenge and the Druids – Who are the Druids? Stonehenge News Blog Walk amongst the stones of Stonehenge. (Equinox Tour exeperience) Blue Sky Traveller The Stonehenge Pilgrims – Stonehenge News Blog Stonehenge Summer and Winter Solstice Tours – Solstice Events U.K
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The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) is rapidly approaching as the last days of summer slowly come to an end. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.15am until 08:30am) on the 23rd September. This is subject of course to any changes in the coronavirus guidance.
Stonehenge is an ancient prehistoric site which has been a place of worship and celebration for thousands of years.
The Autumn Equinox is one of the rare occasions that English Heritage opens up the stones for public access. Equinox open access attracts fewer people than the Solstices – in the several hundreds rather than tens of thousands – and there are modern Druid ceremonies which are held in the circle around dawn, so if you prefer a quieter experience then attending the Autumn Equinox is a good choice.
English Heritage has facilitated Managed Open Access (MOA) to Stonehenge for the celebration of the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring and autumn equinox (spring and autumn equinox fall outside of this contract). English Heritage provides access to the stone circle and the monument field, free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend, but asks all those attending to comply with conditions of entry to ensure the safety of all visitors and to protect the monument. To safely provide MOA across the year, English Heritage works in partnership with Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council and engages experienced event managers and health and safety experts.
Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.
What is the Equinox? The equinox is when day and night are actually the same length. It happens several days before the spring equinox, and a few days after the autumn one.
The reason day and night are only almost equal on the equinox is because the sun looks like a disk in the sky, so the top half rises above the horizon before the centre
The Earth’s atmosphere also refracts the sunlight, so it seems to rise before its centre reaches the horizon. This causes the sun to provide more daylight than many people might expect, offering 12 hours and 10 minutes on the equinox.
The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).
Respecting the Stones Stonehenge is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act and you must adhere to the regulations outlined in the act or face criminal prosecution. No person may touch, lean against, stand on or climb the stones, or disturb the ground in any way. The Ancient Monuments Protection Act 1882 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (as it then was). It was introduced by John Lubbock, 1st Baron Avebury, recognising the need for a governmental administration on the protection of ancient monuments – more information. View the conditions of entry and respect the Stones
If you or anyone else in your household feels unwell, or has been asked to self-isolate, we ask that you do not attend Stonehenge. Also if you plan to travel on one of our shuttle buses, or visit our toilets or café, we encourage you to bring and wear a face covering.
If you are considering visiting Stonehenge for the Autumn Equinox and do not have transport or simply want a hassle free experience you can join a specialist organised tour. Use a reputable tour operator who respect the conditions of entry – Stonehenge Guided Tours are the longest established company offering discreet tours from London or Bath, view their exclusive Autumn Equinox tour and save 25% by using discount code and Solstice EQUINOX21. You could also try Solstice Events U.K who offer small group Equinox tours.
THE Autumn Equinox is rapidly approaching as the last days of summer slowly come to an end. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.30am) until 08:30am on the 23rd September this year.
The Autumn Equinox (Mabon)
The 2019 Autumn Equinox is at 08.50 GMT on the September 23rd
Sunrise will be 6.55am
Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.
What is the Equinox?
The equinox is when day and night are actually the same length. It happens several days before the spring equinox, and a few days after the autumn one.
The reason day and night are only almost equal on the equinox is because the sun looks like a disk in the sky, so the top half rises above the horizon before the centre, according to the Met Office.
The Earth’s atmosphere also refracts the sunlight, so it seems to rise before its centre reaches the horizon. This causes the sun to provide more daylight than many people might expect, offering 12 hours and 10 minutes on the equinox.
The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).
If you are considering visiting Stonehenge for the Autumn Equinox and do not have transport you can join a specialist organised small group tour. Use a reputable tour operator who respect the conditions of entry. Stonehenge Guided Tours are the longest established company offering award winning discreet tours from London and Bath – click here for their exclusive Autumn Equinox tour. Solstice Events offer small group sunrise tours using only local expert guides.
Despite the poor weather conditions visitors headed to the famous 5,000-year-old stone circle in Wiltshire in the dark to ensure they got to see the sun rise. And they made the most of one of only four public annual events that allows people to get so close to the stones.
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WHY CAN PAGANS AND DRUIDS GET SO CLOSE TO THE STONES FOR THE EQUINOX?
The famous Stonehenge circle is normally roped off to the public, but special access is granted four times a year.
This is only on the mornings of the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring equinox and autumn equinox.
English Heritage has ‘managed open access’, meaning the public can stand among the stones on these days.
Anyone can turn up on the day to get close to the stones, but people are asked not to touch or climb on them.
Organisers also have a ban on bringing glass bottles or pets onto the site and on playing amplified music.
Today Stonehenge was opened at 6.15am when it was deemed light enough to safely allow people into the field.
Visitors began to leave at 8.30am and then the area was opened to the paying public as normal at 9.30am
STONEHENGE AUTUMN EQUINOX LIVE VIDEO FOOTAGE: CLICK HERE
English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.30am) until 08:30am on the 23rd September this year.
The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) The 2018 Autumn Equinox is September 23rd at 02.54am GMT Sunrise will be 6.55am
Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.
What is the Equinox?
The equinox is when day and night are actually the same length. It happens several days before the spring equinox, and a few days after the autumn one.
The reason day and night are only almost equal on the equinox is because the sun looks like a disk in the sky, so the top half rises above the horizon before the centre, according to the Met Office.
The Earth’s atmosphere also refracts the sunlight, so it seems to rise before its centre reaches the horizon. This causes the sun to provide more daylight than many people might expect, offering 12 hours and 10 minutes on the equinox.
The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).
English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.30am) until 08:30am on the 23rd September this year
The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) The 2017 Autumn Equonox is September 22nd at 21:02 GMT Sunrise will be 6.58am
It is the time of the autumn equinox, and the harvest is winding down. The fields are nearly empty, because the crops have been plucked and stored for the coming winter. Mabon is the mid-harvest festival, and it is when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. On or around September 21st, for many Pagan and Wiccan traditions it is a time of giving thanks for the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings. It’s a time of plenty, of gratitude, and of sharing our abundance with those less fortunate.
Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.
The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).
The 2016 Autumn Equonox is September 22nd at 14:21 GMT
English Heritage are expected to offer short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.30am) until 08:30am. More details as we get them.(source)
The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) It is the time of the autumn equinox, and the harvest is winding down. The fields are nearly empty, because the crops have been plucked and stored for the coming winter. Mabon is the mid-harvest festival, and it is when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. On or around September 21st, for many Pagan and Wiccan traditions it is a time of giving thanks for the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings. It’s a time of plenty, of gratitude, and of sharing our abundance with those less fortunate.
Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.
The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).
Autumn Equinox Stonehenge Open Access Arrangements: 23rd September 2014
This Tuesday Druids and pagans converge on the windswept English plains of Wiltshire to observe the annual rites of autumn. The occasion is the equinox, when the tilt of Earth’s axis is suspended between 12 hours of night and 12 hours of daylight.
Dawn: Stonehenge Autumn Equinox 2013
Mabon marks the middle of harvest, it is a time of equal day and equal night, and for the moment nature is in balance. It is a time to reap what you have sown, of giving thanks for the harvest and the bounty the Earth provides. For finishing up old projects and plans and planting the seeds for new enterprises or a change in lifestyle. Mabon is a time of celebration and balance.
Actual Date and Time of Autumnal Equinox: 02.29 23rd September 2014
Access to the Stonehenge Monument Field from 06:15 (or first light) until 08:30 on 23rd September 2014
Parking is on both sides of Byway 12 – no parking on A344
Access to the Byway from 19:00 on 22nd September 2014 via the A344
Exit via A344 closes at 09:00 on 23rd September 2014
Disabled Parking: 8 spaces available in the VTS turning circle. These are permit-only and must be booked in advance by contacting Lucy Barker at lucy.barker@english-heritage.org.uk **Conditions of entry
The new Stonehenge visitor centre is well worth a vist and opens at 9.30am. Visit the English Heritage website Save time and buy entrance tickets in advance here: Directions to Stonehenge: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stonehenge/directions?lang=en&gclid=CMCjxJnd8cACFYXJtAod1xMAhw
Download the free English Heritage Stonehenge Audio Guide here: http://wp.me/pQAXF-yH
If do not have your own transport and are travelling from London then Solstice UK Events are offering their usual transport option with an expert guide. It can be booked here
**Stonehenge is a world renowned historic Monument and seen by many as a sacred site – please respect it and please respect each other!
Do not climb or stand on any of the stones – this includes the stones that have fallen. This is in the interest of personal safety, the protection of this special site and respect for those attending. As well as putting the stones themselves at risk,
climbing on them can damage the delicate lichens.
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The Autumn Equinox (Mabon)
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