Despite the fact that I only lasted couple nights at the camp (due to extremely low temperatures at nigh, really old camping gear that I managed to get on short notice) I still managed to experience the rituals and festivities of the one of European indigenous traditions – Romuva.

The name “Romuva” was chosen in honor of the famous Baltic-Prussian sanctuary Romuva,  Sources from the 14^th century state that in the center of Baltic lands (today Kaliningrad region), there existed Romuva sanctuary, which was revered by all Baltic nations, the eternal fire burning there spread her light and peace throughout the entire Baltic coast and even further.

This year’s summer camp was about the Lithuanian multipart songs – Sutartinės. It’s a special type of singing, that it’s not only beautiful to listen to, but also were used in various rituals as a tool of raising and directing the energy/vibration. Recognizing their uniqueness and value, UNESCO inscribed sutartinės into the representative list of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Every day would start and finish with the ritual at the stone circle. And the eternal fire altar had to be tended at all time, even at night. The dinner was cooked commonly in the big cauldron over the fire. And during the day various speakers would present their research on Lithuanian folk traditions.

One night while being unable to sleep because of the cold, I volunteered to tend to the fire. The early morning, as pretty much every year at late summer in Lithuania, was spectacular: with the fog rolling over the lake and fields. That week of August 10-16th usually leads to one of the staples of the Wheel of the Year – Zolines. According to ancient Baltic beliefs, it’s the day when you honor The Goddess of creation – Lada, by sacrificing the first mature crop of the year, mostly grain/plants. Nobody were to touch the new harvest until that day.  I find a lot of similarities with Lammas or Lughnassadh first harvest rites here. So one day was dedicated to making Baltic pagan symbols out of hay and decorating the surroundings. I also had a great plasure of meeting Prudence Priest  – The lady from California, original Golden Dawn initiate and high priestess,  that now owns some of the houses in Dvarciškiai village and actively participates in Romuva movement.