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Stonehenge with the Druids on the Summer Solstice

Michelle Cromer June 16, 2025 Leave a Comment

While traveling in Portugal last year to study the Knights Templers, my friends Laurel and Tim, and I met a fellow pilgrim, James Tod, an Englishman who produced the musical Six.

One afternoon, before I entered an ancient stone circle, as I customarily do, I was asking the guardians of the site if they would permit me to enter. As I thanked the ancient ones, I looked up to see that James was watching me, and he asked what I was doing. After I explained my sacred site ritual, James explained that he was one of the head Druids in England and invited my friends and me into Stonehenge with the Druids on the next Summer Solstice!

The Druids were philosophers, scholars, judges, mystics, and educators. They revered natural elements such as trees, particular oaks, rivers, and stones. They played a significant role in the spiritual life of their communities from around the 4th century BCE until the Roman conquest of these regions. Modern Druidism saw a revival of interest in the 18th and 19th centuries, and with that came the resurgence of honoring the summer solstice at Stonehenge. The Druids consider Stonehenge to be a significant cultural and spiritual symbol, and for centuries, they have gathered there annually to honor the solstices.

Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire, England, is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Archaeological evidence indicates it was constructed between 3000 and 2000 BCE. The exact purpose remains a subject of debate, but some scholars believe it could have been an astronomical observatory because of the alignments of the stones with the equinoxes and solstices. It might have served as a site for religious ceremonies, possibly related to death and burial. It might have been a healing center. We know that in the medieval period, it was mentioned by several historical figures who linked it to the legendary wizard Merlin.

Before we met James in England, he provided us with a list of things we would be required to wear – everything would have to be white. White has always been important to Druids because it is deeply rooted in its symbolism of purity, spirituality, and connection to the natural and divine worlds. White is associated with light and illumination and the mythology of white animals.

From a Druid perspective, entering Stonehenge on the summer solstice is a deeply spiritual and ceremonial experience. They conducted three ceremonies to celebrate the longest day, and we were invited to participate in the three traditional ceremonies.

Midnight Ceremony -Midnight Vigil
Druids gather at sacred sites, such as Stonehenge or other ancient stone circles, to keep vigil through the night. – They light a sacred fire, which symbolizes the sun’s journey and the life-giving energy it provides. Participants engage in chanting, drumming, and storytelling, often sharing myths and legends related to the solstice. This ceremony honors the transition from darkness to light and sets the tone for the following day’s celebrations.

Our midnight ceremony was on a dark, rainy English night, and I had four layers of clothing on, and even though it was June 21, I was freezing. After we walked about two miles in a silent single file, we arrived at a mound in the middle of a field. The Druids gathered in a circle, and we, their guests, filed in behind them, creating an outer circle. After the ceremony, we returned the way that we came.

Sunrise Ceremony – Greeting the Dawn
Our second ceremony began around 3 am. As the sun rose, it aligned perfectly with the Heel Stone, which casts rays through the ancient stones. All the Druids gathered in white robes, symbolizing purity and connection to nature. A horn was sounded to herald the dawn, symbolizing the triumph of light over the darkness. We were then divided into four groups to honor the four elements, and we all faced the direction of the rising sun. The air was filled with the sounds of drums, chanting, and the scent of burning herbs, creating a sacred atmosphere. The ceremony began with an invocation to the sun, thanking it for its life-giving energy and asking for blessings. When the invocation was over, we formed a circle, holding hands, and engaged in rituals such as lighting the central fire, offering libations, or conducting a meditation to honor the Earth and the ancestors. Standing there, I knew that the Druids saw this moment as a time to connect with the cycles of nature, to reflect on personal growth, and to seek guidance for the coming year. This moment was a time of renewal and rebirth, reflecting the new beginnings associated with the solstice. The experience to me was one of unity, reverence, and a profound sense of connection to the ancient traditions and the natural world.

Noon Ceremony
At noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, Druids and their guests gather once more for a final ceremony. This ceremony included offerings of flowers, herbs, and other natural items, symbolizing abundance and fertility. We engaged in meditative practices, focusing on personal growth and the harnessing of the sun’s energy for inner strength. The culmination of the day’s rituals involved a communal meal, celebrating the harvest and the community’s bonds.

All three of these ceremonies collectively honor the sun’s journey and the cycle of nature, emphasizing themes of light, growth, and renewal.

Today, over a million people go annually!

The Druids remain a fascinating and mysterious part of history, symbolizing a deep connection to nature and a rich spiritual tradition.

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Balancing the Fire of Summer

Michelle Cromer June 9, 2025 Leave a Comment

It is the yang summer season! As we enter the vibrant summer, we are greeted by the radiant energy of the fire element, which is associated with summer and represents warmth, passion, and creativity. It is a time of expansion, growth, and embracing the fullness of life. However, excessive heat and imbalances in the fire element can lead to issues such as restlessness and irritability. Balancing the fire element during this season is not only about finding calm and coolness but also tapping into the fiery, yang aspects that bring vitality and inspiration. Let’s explore how we can harmonize both aspects of the fire element for a balanced and invigorating summer.

Here are seven tips:

Embrace the fire within – Summer is a time of heightened energy and passion. Embrace the fiery, yang aspect of the fire element and tap into your inner drive and power for manifestation and goal execution. Explore new hobbies, artistic pursuits, or projects that ignite your passion and allow your creativity to flourish. This can bring a sense of energized purpose to your life.
Recharge and Rejuvenate – Summer’s vibrant energy can pull us into lots of activities. Find a balance with moments of relaxation and stillness.
Nurture Yin – In all of the yang heat, we must maintain balance by nurturing the yin energy within us. Try restorative yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
Embrace Cooling Foods – Counterbalance the extra heat in your body with refreshing fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumbers, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.
Stay hydrated – Water is the balancing element for fire. Stay hydrated to maintain the equilibrium within your body. Drink plenty of water.
Create a cool and tranquil environment – Incorporate natural, water-like elements such as water features, blue/green glass, and indoor plants to add a sense of freshness and coolness.
Connect with Nature – Spend time outdoors, bask in the warmth of the sun (with protection), and absorb its nourishing energy. Ground yourself by connecting to the earth; walk barefoot, do some gardening, or simply sit in the grass.

As we embrace the fiery energy of summer, let us honor both the yin and yang aspects of the fire element. Find harmonious balance between action and contemplation, celebration and stillness, passion and tranquility. Align with the rhythms of nature and nourish your heart, ignite your creativity, and cultivate joy in your life.

The Power of Color

Michelle Cromer June 2, 2025 Leave a Comment

Colorful office — Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS

When we enter a room or see an object for the first time, our minds register its color before any other detail. The colors our eyes can perceive are like words that form a subtle language of mood, energy, and insight. Color can exert a gentle effect on the mind and the body, influencing our dispositions and our physical health. Color has the ability to trigger our emotions, affect the way we think and act, and influence our attitudes. You unconsciously respond to the color of the walls in your home, your car, your clothing, and the food you eat based on your body’s natural reactions to certain colors. The consequences of the decision to paint a room or wear a specific article of clothing, therefore, go beyond aesthetics.

The colors you encounter throughout your day can make you feel happy or sad, invigorate you or drain your vitality, and even affect your work habits.

Throughout history, cultures spread over many different parts of the globe have attributed varying meanings to different colors. In China, blue is associated with immortality, while people in the Middle East view blue as a color of protection. There is also evidence that human beings respond to color in a very visceral way. Red excites us and inflames our passions. Too much red, however, can make us feel overstimulated and irritated. Pink tends to make people feel loved and protected, but can also cause feelings of lethargy. Yellow represents joy or optimism and can energize you and help you think more clearly. Bright orange reduces depression and sadness. Blue and green are known to inspire peaceful feelings, and people are often able to concentrate better and work in rooms painted in soft blues and greens. The darker tones of both colors can make you feel serious and introspective.

Choose to surround yourself with the colors that you are attracted to and that make you feel good, and you can create an environment that makes you feel nurtured, peaceful, and uplifted.

The Power of Beauty

Michelle Cromer May 26, 2025 Leave a Comment

“The acute experience of great beauty readily evokes a nameless yearning for something more than earth can offer. Elegant splendor reawakens our spirit’s aching need for the infinite, a hunger for more than matter can provide.” ~ Thomas Dubay

At first, the beauty was barely noticeable. I stepped out of the school bus that had just driven over 21 miles of a washed-out dirt road and wiped the dust out of my eyes. Chaco Canyon, remote by any standard, had been on my bucket list for years because this shallow, ten-mile canyon situated in the Northwest corner of New Mexico is a complete mystery.

Home to the American Southwest’s densest concentration of high-quality pueblos, there are few places anywhere that host such a combination of celestially aligned buildings and intriguing petroglyphs.

The inhabitants between 900 and 1150 AD grew sustainable sources of food in the arid desert, accomplished sophisticated astronomy, and developed the architecture for multi-story buildings—all unlike anything seen in North America until the 20th Century.

I wasn’t prepared for the beautiful archeology-driven outwork expression, causing such a deeply moving spiritual response.

Standing by a 1000-year-old structure, I slowed my breathing, inhaled dust, and felt the shift in my body as I felt at home.

There was wisdom in the rocks. From the wisdom center of my heart, I allowed myself to feel what the land meant to me.

I stood in silence. For once, I didn’t chase the answer.

The ancient people who lived there called the elements of the earth, angels- the angel of the wind carried my breath as I shared it with those with me and with those who came before me. The angle of the sun warmed me. The angels of the earth mixed the minerals that make my flesh and bones. The angel of the water whispered that the same river in the ocean and the stream has coursed through the veins of every human, including me. All of these elements form a sacred marriage and a holy union in this brief experience we call life. They remind me that I am here for such a brief time.

I closed my eyes and I gave my heart to the land and in return, I received the experience of beauty, which is a transformative power.

I opened my eyes to my guide, author, and friend Gregg Braden reciting a Navajo poem:
The beauty that I live with
The beauty that I live by
The beauty upon which I base my life.

Recent discoveries in Western science now add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that beauty is a transformative power. More than simply an adjective that describes the colors of a sunset or a rainbow following a late-summer storm, beauty is an experience – specifically, beauty is our experience. Humans are believed to be the only species of life on Earth with the capability of perceiving beauty in the world around them and within the experiences of their lives. Through our experience of beauty, we’re given the power to change the feelings that we have in our bodies. Our feelings, in turn, are directly linked to the world beyond our bodies.

The ancients believed that feeling – especially the experience of beauty – is the single most powerful force in the universe. They believed that evoking beauty can directly influence the physical matter of our world. So when we say that beauty has the power to change our lives, it’s no exaggeration to say that the same beauty also has the power to change our world.

I will come back to this place in my heart when I listen to the wind, and I will always remember how precious and sacred we all are. I’m so grateful that the longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.

Believe in Yourself. Change Your Story

Michelle Cromer May 19, 2025 Leave a Comment

Believing in ourselves and changing our story is about reclaiming personal power. We do this because we recognize that our past does not have to define the future. Life is a narrative we tell ourselves, and when someone shifts that story—from one of limitation to possibility—they open the door to growth, healing, and transformation.

Self-belief fuels confidence, resilience, and the ability to take meaningful risks. When people choose to rewrite their story, they often let go of self-doubt, old wounds, or societal expectations that no longer serve them. They begin to see themselves as the author of their own life rather than a passive character.

At its core, this shift can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and alignment with one’s true purpose. It allows people to step into their potential, create deeper connections, and live a life that feels more authentic and intentional.

The Myth of Pygmalion and Galatea

Pygmalion, a gifted sculptor from Cyprus, had a deep mistrust of women. He convinced himself that all women were flawed, deceitful, and incapable of embodying true beauty or virtue. This belief shaped his reality—he lived in isolation, rejecting any possibility of love.

But then, he sculpted a statue so perfect, so breathtaking, that he fell deeply in love with his own creation. He named her Galatea. Every day, he spoke to her, adorned her with jewels, and imagined she was real. His love and belief in her existence became so powerful that he prayed to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, to bring her to life.

Aphrodite, moved by his devotion, granted his wish. Galatea became a living woman, and Pygmalion’s reality changed—his once cynical and lonely world was now filled with love and connection.

The Lesson –Pygmalion’s story teaches us that the narratives we tell ourselves shape the world we live in. His belief that women were unworthy kept him alone, but when he shifted his perspective, when he imagined something different and poured his energy into that vision, his reality transformed.

This is mirrored in psychology as the Pygmalion Effect—the idea that our expectations shape outcomes. If we constantly tell ourselves that we are unworthy, incapable, or doomed to fail, our reality begins to reflect those beliefs. But if we shift our inner story to one of possibility, strength, and love, the world responds in kind.

What story are you telling yourself today? And more importantly, how is it shaping your reality?

What if you could rewrite your inner narrative—transform self-doubt into self-empowerment?

Step one: Identify the story you’re telling yourself. Maybe it’s ‘I’m not enough,’ ‘I always fail,’ or ‘It’s too late for me.’ But is that really true?

Step two: Challenge and reframe the narrative. Instead of ‘I always mess up,’ try ‘I grow and learn from every experience.

Step three: Make it a daily practice. Speak your new belief aloud every morning and evening. Let it become part of you.

Step four: Reinforce with action. If you believe ‘I am strong and capable,’ prove it—take one bold step every day.

At its core, this shift can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and alignment with your true purpose. It allows you to step into your potential, create deeper connections, and live a life that feels more authentic and intentional.

Start today. Believe in yourself. Change your story.

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