The Winter Solstice carries deep meaning in the Celtic tradition. We reach the depth of the darkness with the longest night of the year. It is a time when we turn inward, away from the World. In the quiet, we have an opportunity to contemplate, be more aware of our dreams and visions. During the Winter Solstice, the rain or snow is often heavy. This intensity symbolises a deep clearing. In the Celtic tradition, this time of year is also associated with rebirth, the dying of the old and the making way for the new.

We will be spending time together (Socially distanced as in the normal mothers fire circles) in the candlelit roundhouse, around the fire. Singing songs and practicing the ancient craft of candle dipping. Storytelling, Winter poems and drumming together. We will enjoy periods of quiet, to contemplate our place in this Earth, at this time, and give thanks for our friends and families.

We will have a candle dipping ceremony with traditional songs and music, and then a winter spiral where the children take it in turns to walk the spiral(made of the traditional evergreens representing 'everlasting life', Mistletoe,Holly, Pine and Ivy, and light their candle in the centre. This is a silent activity where we respect the process., and honour the child's journey.

There will be a shared meal of seasonal mild vegetable curry with cous cous, but if you don't want to share food, please feel free to bring your own. We will have cocoa, tea and coffee, and winter wassail for the adults (alcohol optional), again please feel free to bring your own drinks if you are not comfortable sharing at this difficult time with covid-19. I have a full covid-19 policy and procedure which I will send with a joining email if you haven't been before!

But please feel welcome and safe amongst friends new and old, as we welcome in the beauty of the Winter season. If we are lucky we may see our resident deers, owls and foxes, but ssshhhhhhh! or you will scare them off!!

This will be a small gathering with limited numbers to encourage intimacy and connection.