Mid-winter Festival News - contents
- About the Winter Solstice
- Solstice images and thoughts from Sarah Partridge
- Solstice images from Tony Mounter
- Review of the Winter Solstice celebration at Sanctuary
- Ideas to help you celebrate the Solstice
- Dates for your diary - Imbolc celebrations
About the Winter Solstice
'From the most Ancient Days our ancestors have gathered at Solstice.To witness the rebirth of the unconquerable Sun at first light. Moving from its long gestation to triumph over the darkness.
The divine light gathers strength to bring new hope, peace and joy. Whispering life’s secrets into awakening dormant seeds. With the warmth of love and the mysteries of the spirit.
We rekindle the turning of the year from it’s dark coals. To guide and sustain us as we journey through the coldest times. Honoring the rebirth of the inner light within ourselves.'
Review of Winter Solstice celebration
On Saturday 15th December 2006, 29 adults met at Sanctuary to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Last year we had raised money for the Fields of Albion project. This year that project has grown roots and is taking shape as the Orchard Barn project.
The evening started informally with much humour and leg waving! It had been a stressful time for many of us and it was good to laugh together. Kaaren read some of her wonderful poems. If you were unable to join us read her latest Winter King here.
Andrea Povey (previously Gibbons) read us her latest epic - Journey of a Yule Tree. Annette Fry showed us her film of the Gate-opening Ceremony at Orchard Barn. Other readings were enjoyed. Gary Knight played fantastic Didg for us and sang one of his own songs. Listen to more of his music here
Our shared supper was abundant, as was time to socialise and make new connections. We closed the evening with the Shepherds Dance, as led by Jez Gladwin.
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What people said
'...... what a magical evening it was. The ones that are
less planned are always the best. It felt truly
organic.''Had a lovely evening on Saturday - thank you. Very intersting and inspiring to hear such a variety of poetry and readings; the circles of candles and gentle company all made for an enriching experience.'
'Thank you 4 a lovely evening.'
Imbolc celebrations ......
Saturday 26th January at Phoenix Centre, Dunwich - River of Sound - A Winter Concert with Mary Benefield, Kate Hesketh Moor, Leigh Osborne, Lin Scott
Sunday 27th January at Sanctuary, Offton, IP8 4RZ see HEARTH 2008
Thursday 31st January at the Harmony Centre, Walpole
Friday 8th February at King of Hearts, Norwich - another opportunity to get to River of Sound
wishing you much
WINTER KING
Winter, with its longest breath of exhalation,
creeps under the hoar frost white-netting earth’s surface,
a protective cover for the One-in-deep-sleep.
Activity is reduced, stilled to shadow size
as Winter, both King and guest, demands a mute pause,
an almost solemn death, before the birth of Light.
Then, during year's darkest night, new hope is kindled.
With an embryonic breath of inhalation,
Kaaren Whitney
Winter Solstice 2007
