AWED by the great power of the sun, civilisations have for centuries celebrated the first day of summer, otherwise known as the Summer Solstice.

Perhaps the most enduring image of the event is the Druids’ celebration of the day, notably at Stonehenge where thousands gather to welcome the sunrise on June 21.

Among them on Tuesday will be members of the Dorset Grove order of Druids, organised by Ian Temple – otherwise known as Wildfox.

But what is a Druid? Put in simplest terms a Druid is someone who follows a nature-based spirituality they believe pre-dates Christianity.

“We are basically environmentalists, protecting the earth and its animals,” said 68-year old Wildfox who is a baker by trade from Weymouth.

Most modern scholars agree that the word Druid is derived from the words oak and wise, so either means one who has the wisdom of the oak, or is an ‘oak-knower’. In either case, it strongly suggests that the Druids of old were associated with trees.

“Some call Druidism a philosophy, although this year it was officially recognised as a religion, coming under the umbrella of Paganism,” said Wildfox.

“And Pagan simply means country-dweller.”

The first druids were probably Celts, although not much is written about the ancient orders. Modern Druids have their own ideas and follow their own gods, be it Herne the Hunter, the Norse gods or Celtic deities.

“I even know a Christian druid which should be a contradiction in terms but there we are!

“I believe that all spiritual people feed off the same basic energy, anyway – be they Native Americans, Christians or Buddhists.”

Following the changing of the seasons and the turning of the year, the Dorset Grove Druids try to meet once a month to undertake rituals – which are always held outside so as to connect with nature.

They may have bread and wine, or recite poetry, but the rituals usually always involve inviting the four elements of earth, air, fire and water as well as invisible deities into a circle where they are asked for blessings of luck and healing. The white robes signify a lifted connection with spirits and appropriate deities from higher levels and are an iconic sight at Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice.

Yet while next week is regarded as an important date in the Druid calendar, it falls technically at the ‘wrong end of the year’.

“Our ancestors mainly looked forward to sundown in midwinter,” explained Wildfox.

“Because after this the light would be coming back and people could plan ahead for the spring.

“If you think about it, in midsummer the crops have been planted, the animals have been born and the nights begin to draw in. You’ll actually find more Druids at Stonehenge in midwinter!”

But without calendars, how could our ancestors tell when these significant times of year had arrived?

“The sun travels across the sky, stopping in midsummer and midwinter when it rests for a week then travels back again.”

Wildfox is often asked how long he has been a Druid but he can’t define an exact time.

As a child he would always have pockets of sticks, feathers and stones, so he thinks he was probably born one.

“I think many, many people are Druids, but they don’t realise it,” said Wildfox who also performs handfasting ceremonies – where hands are tied together with ribbon at Pagan weddings.

“When people get to the age of 35 or so they look for alternatives in life and want to do something for the environment.”

Today there are 25 members of Dorset Grove, with ages ranging from people in their 30s right through to their 60s. No-one under 18 is accepted unless their parents are Druids.

“All rituals are open to anyone, and we welcome new members,” said Wildfox.

“There are no dangers or politics and we aren’t looking to corrupt anyone!

“The world is getting smaller but people keep getting further apart. “We are just trying to offer a little more balance in life.”

• Dorsetgrove.co.uk