Winter Solstice Women's Circle: Honoring Deep Rest on the Longest Night

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It is a celebration of the rebirth of the sun and the promise of returning light as days grow longer from here, creating opportunity for deep internal reflection while the darkness persists. We are reminded of the cyclical nature of life. Even in the darkest times, light is present and growing. The Winter Solstice encourages us to embrace this moment of stillness and reflection and to honor the quiet and restorative energy of winter,

In our patriarchal and linear society, the rest and reflection innate to winter are not honored or even encouraged. Instead, western society has created a consumer driven holiday season with high-demands and intense scheduling that leaves many of us exhausted and depleted.

In our Winter Solstice Circle, we invite you to give yourself permission to step away from the holiday chaos and take time for yourself, immersed in nature and surrounded by the support of sistars.

We’ll gather at the trailhead and walk the liminal path to the Sacred Grove, where we’ll cast a sacred circle and kindle a bonfire in homage to the returning light. After tending a communal altar, adorned with symbols of the many blessings in our lives, we will nourish our bodies, minds and souls with a special cacao ceremony, restoring what has been depleted and honoring in circle this sacred time of stillness and peace.