In the UK, 21st December is the winter solstice, where the earth is at its furthest point from the Sun, following its elliptical path. The North Pole is tilted away from the sun’s light, meaning less daylight. It has been celebrated for thousands of years as the start of astrological winter.

So, on the shortest day of the year, I set off to Stonehenge. Living only 20 minutes away from the ancient stones, I thought it was about time I experienced the winter solstice celebrations, to see what it was all about. For me, once the shortest day is out of the way, the only way is onwards and upwards, looking forwards to gradually more sunlight on the approach to spring.

Getting there was simple- following the diversion signs took us easily to the car park, there were plenty of buses, and the half hour walk in the dark to the stone circle was invigorating in the chilly winter air.

I found being in a ‘holding pen’ with a large crowd of people  a bit claustrophobic, but pounding across the field with everyone to the stones  was quite exciting.

We squashed into the inner circle to welcome the sunrise, but as it was cloudy, we experienced a ‘lightening of the sky’.

The sounds of drumming and chanting were atmospheric, despite being squashed against one of the massive stones. I took advantage of its grounding energy to keep calm, while casting an eye around for way out.

I saw my opportunity to escape, and followed in the slip stream of a mother and daughter, forging a path through the people. My January sales elbows’ were required to get through, and I was tutted at, glared at and even poked as I kept my eye on my chosen route out.

Once out, I could enjoy the spectacle. I sat on the mound which surrounded the stones, giving me a great vantage point to enjoy the drumming, dancing, and ‘people watch’. Dawn braved the crowds to experience the drumming at close quarters.

We walked back to the bus in the daylight, surrounded by excited chattering voices, starting to feel the effects of an early start. We set off home  for a much-needed bacon sandwich,. I felt as though I had been on a transatlantic flight, so spent the afternoon sleeping off the ‘jet lag’!

I have woken this morning bright as a button. I feel as though I have been fully part of the earth’s shift into winter, experiencing my own ‘energetic shift’.

Would I do it again? Maybe not at Stonehenge, as I think for me its a ‘once in a lifetime experience’, but thoughts for next year are turning towards Avebury!