Lughnasadh (Wicker Gaia) celebration in Castlefest 2012

The Wickerman burning has become a highlight of Castlefest over the years. It is an age-old ritual where unity and connection to the primal forces are symbolised. Every year we search for a beautiful symbol to build out of willow brands. A symbol with which we want to show what is living in the heart of Castlefest. This year that symbol will be very powerful: Gaia, who is described as the Greek goddess of the primal force and of nature. We have learned from archeological findings however that mankind has used these types of symbols much earlier to understand the elusive. Especially with this symbol it is completely unimportant to know which tribe or people has imagined this symbol. The power of this symbol is in the all encompassing where everyone has their own unique place. Just like a mother watches her children. Her love for each child is equal, but she as no other sees the unique individuality of each child. She bears the responsibility of protecting her offspring and and preparing them for an independent and flourishing live as a unique individual and an undetachable part of the greater whole. This year with the wicker burning we celebrate that we live in a time where we can see that despite all of the different interests that there seem to be, we all have at least one common interest and that is that we should treat Gaia with respect, because are born, like everyone, from this mother. And that means we should not venerate this symbol, but to take responsibility for what this symbol represents. To emphasize that the wicker burning is a ritual of togetherness, in which each of us can play an equal role, it will be a little different this year. This year the ritual will not be started on the stage but will take place in the middle of the crowd, like it starts within itself. We hope that this way everyone will be able to join in the feeling of toegetherness which impresses us each year.