2004

Reviews of the Druid Camp 2004

This review is simply a few photographs, with a few words, and a poem that sums it up beautifully.

Our Camp ritual in 2004 was based upon the ogham tree alphabet, each group studying, exploring and presenting different trees. The rite was held up in the Mistletoe Grove. A torch was brought to light a snall fire in honour of the trees, the land, the ancestors and the gods.

Impromtu Drumming Between and around the rituals, talks, performances and workshops, there was the usual easy peacefulness. People found space to meditate or walk alone, or gathered to chat, to share stories and music.

As well as the Saturday market place, where individuals offer their creativity, we have a few stalls on site manned by the Rainbow crew, selling drums, fleeces, clothes and the like.

Seize the Day

On Saturday night, the wonderful protest band Seize the Day played for us, the whole camp dancing in the marquee to their sounds ... pedal-powered, of course.

The masked ball allowed yet more time to dance. Masks were created throughout the camp, with help offered to those who were stuck for inspiration. Some were beautifully simple, while others were extraordinary, elaborate, and entirely disguised the wearer ... allowing the ball to be a magical and transformational event.

The Tribe

We drift in slowly,
In ones and twos,
Small groups and families,
Slowly we come together,
Creating small circles of extended family
Contained within the whole of the Tribe of the Valley.
Like Nomads of past times,
We come,
Renewing old acquaintances,
Re-forgeing friendships and Love,
Re-affirming our Loyalty to one another;
Spending time together, making time to sit and relax in the warmth of friendship,
Protected within the Haven of the Tribe.
A few days,
Too little time,
But then,
that is the way it is now;

Then on the final day
We step back from those we love,
Separate ourselves from our physical connections.
Slowly with sorrowful goodbyes,
We make our way back out of this valley of friendship,
Away from the security of our Tribe,
Journeying back into the harshness of the World,
Leaving behind nothing,
But circles in the grass to say we have been there.

Danefox