Every year on the Summer Solstice, thousands flock to Stonehenge to celebrate the longest day of the year.

The stones of the ancient, mysterious rock formation align with the rising and setting sun on the solstice, resulting in a breathtaking spectacle.

Many of Summer Solstice revelers are neo-pagans, there to honor their belief that Stonehenge was the site of ancient pagan rituals and to honor the sun - or Sol - as a source of life.

The term 'solstice' is derived from the Latin words sol sistere - meaning sun stand still.

One of these neopagans is Arthur Pendagron, a well-known druid (member of a pagan religious order) who believes he is the reincarnation of the legendary King Arthur Pendagron and who has long fought for public access to the Stonehedge rock formation while opposing the fact that it is flanked by busy public roads.

Open access is permitted on the Summer Solstice, but the site is protected during most days of the year.

The druid, who was born John Rothwell, prefers to be called simply Arthur.

[Sources: The Guardian; The Pagan and the Pen; Sacred-Destinations.com]

sun
The sun rising over Stonehenge on the morning of Summer Solstice (June 21, 2005). WikiCommons
Arthur
Arthur Pendragon, who believes he is the reincarnation of the ancient Briton, King Arthur, poses for photographers on the steps of Southwark Crown Court November 5, 1997. Pendragon was facing charges of possessing a bladed weapon, after he was arrested carrying his ceremonial sword, 'Excalibur', in Trafalgar Square in central London earlier that year Reuters
presunrise
Revelers surround the ancient Stonehenge monument prior to the summer solstice on Salisbury plain in southern England June 21, 2011, a rather cloudy day. Druids believe Stonehendge was a center of spiritualism more than 2,000 years ago. Reuters
two druids
Two druids walk across Salisbury Plain after celebrating the summer solstice ceremony at Stonehenge in southern England Reuters
sun
The sun shines through a rock formation at Stonehenge on June 21, 2011 Reuters
Peace
A druid prays for peace during incantations at the summer solstice ceremony at Stonehenge on Salisbury plain in southern England June 21, 2011 Reuters
Religion