Solstice Sunrise

Solstice Sunrise at Woodhenge, Cahokia Mounds Illinois

Saturday morning found us at the Mounds at 7:00am waiting for the sun to rise at 7:15. It was a nice morning - not nearly as cold and windy as it usually is on Solstice morning at the Mounds. The archeologist from the Cahokia Learning Center was on hand as usual to give an interpretation of the Woodhenge - how it was found, some history and such.

Across the road where there are several more mounds and open fields of grass grazed herds of white tail deer. I tried to get a picture but they were so far away that my camera on my phone couldn't get them in the picture except as small dark dots on the landscape. But there must have been over 50 deer in all the fields as we pulled up. They were beautiful.

After sunrise we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast as is tradition. Our good friend Charlie was there and so conversation never faltered! :) Naps were acquired once we got back home

Godspeed Brother Don

Last night Don Newman's chosen family and friends gathered at Cahokia Mounds inside the Woodhenge Circle to honor his life. The brotherhood of the spear, to which Don was a proud member, stood watch while we shared stories and memories of Don inside the circle. While we sat there the full moon rose over Monk’s Mound
in the east:



(Sorry the picture is so dark but it was... dark outside. If you look to the left of Gabriel's shadow standing guard in the east you will see a small red spot on the horizon. That is the moon rising.)



(This is a picture of it after the ritual was over and the moon was higher in the sky - and not quite so red.)

After the ritual we all went to Cracker Barrel for dinner and more remembrances of Don.

Godspeed my brother in light!