Summer Solstice Festival
Foundation Centre - Ireland
June 20, 2026
By: Rev. Noeleen Watson
It was hard to believe the fine weather we were greeted with today. The sun was shining, a warm breeze to keep us cool and mostly blue skies. We were gathering to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, as the wheel of the year turns again.
There were new faces, plenty of regulars and our new trainee Priesthood. They were dressed in their handmade robes. There was a great excitement in the air for our ceremony today. We gathered in a circle in the courtyard and as Cait, our Presiding Priestess, gave a warm welcome to us all and spoke about the changing landscape.
We were invited to make our way towards the Rose Garden as Tom, Priest in the fellowship, drummed as we walked. The roses were in full bloom, and the pathway was covered in petals. If you can imagine the smell of the roses as we stood holding hands, connecting with our own hearts and the Rosa Mundi. Katheriona, our Priestess invited us to connect with our breath and to think about something that weighs heavy on our heart that we might like to release.
Moving now through the amazing colours and the lush green land, we walked in procession the Sacred Grove dedicated to the Druid Clan of Dana. Eimear, our Priestess invoked the Goddess Danu and explained about the grove, and we joined together in chanting Imbas. I read one of my poems entitled Carrying the Golden Light. We were all treated to a beautiful and very moving song about the Summer Solstice, by a talented member of the Fellowship. He brought tears to our eyes, not sad tears, but tears of love. During this time, a King and Queen of the Solstice were chosen.
We walked towards the Abbey, Lady Olivia's favourite place. The Abbey is dedicated to the Noble Order of Tara. Regina, our Priestess invoked a powerful invocation to the Goddess Eriu. Another member of the Fellowship treated us to a beautiful song.
The sun continued to shine strongly down on us as we made our way towards the temple. Goddess Persephone was invoked by Maureen, one of our Priestesses. We made our way into the heart of the temple towards the Brigid's Well and filled every place around the well and down towards the main temple area. Cait reminded us of the principals of the Fellowship and the importance of love, joy and beauty and acceptance of each other. Today's oracle picked from Lady Olivia's book Goddess Sarasvati of India, reminding us to open our eyes and see the beauty in the daytime and, at night, to close our eyes and again see the beauty we had seen earlier.
Deity was invoked by all the Priesthood and blessings were given to all who wanted a blessing. We made our way to the High Altar where a Priestess was waiting to share an oracle with us. It was immensely powerful and profound. The oracle told us the importance of sovereignty and our own personal sovereignty in all we do. Eimear treated us to a beautiful, serene piece of music played on her harp.
Cait read a piece called To Eleusinian Demeter. Katheriona brought us on a journey back to the Rose Garden to release whatever needs to be lifted from our hearts at this time. Jacquie, one of our Priestesses read a strong story of the Goddess Aine. Healing was sent out to all who needed healing. The King and Queen of the Solstice were invited to give us all a blessing for the upcoming season, and they shared grapes with us all. All the deities were thanked for their presence today and our ceremony ended in peace and love as it began in peace and love.
There was such a theme of love, beauty, and truth today. How it takes immense courage to have love in your heart in a world that tries to tell you different. Keep love in your heart. We all went to the courtyard for well earned tea and cake.
Our next Gathering is on Saturday 25th July at 11am to celebrate Lughnasadh.
(Please note: Festival attendance is by invitation only - to request one, see this page: Events)
