Winter Soulstice Circle

The Winter Solstice can be seen as a Liminal Space – a time of in between. 

Merry meet & merry part & merry meet again

We gathered together to warm our hearts in a treehouse in Scarborough that was quite literally dreamed into being. It was such a sweet reunion - some had last been together a year ago on our REtreat. 

So much change, so much growth... and tremendous healing (Sally you gorgeous thang)! There were exclamations of great joy. Beaming smiles, glowing eyes and heartfelt hugs. A real homecoming to our dear hearts.

For that alone, to come together and celebrate our journeys, this circle was pure gold. 

What I love about these spaces is there is always a fresh dynamic - always someone brand new, bringing that precious gift of Beginner Mind. Thank you Tracey for darling Deena. And those who have walked hand-in-hand with me over many moons, my touchstones. Thank you Trace. And thank you Mel for sparking the flame. What a delight, this spiral way. 

Here's our playlist which begins with the stories the world has told over millennia to make sense of this mystical occurrence of Solstice, when the sun suddenly seems to stop in its tracks.  

What are we made of, if not stories and stardust?

Move around (DANCE) as you consider the word and notice how your body holds it.

I can recommend  Luke Sital-Singh's "Nothing Stays the Same", Rose Cousins "The Darkness" and Yaima's "Gajumaru" (all in the playlist) to get your groove on and tango with your Shadow. 

How does liminal feel in your body?

How do you feel when active?

How do you feel when passive?

 

What if life weren’t a passage between the two.

What if we could find the balance that allows us to rest, to be soothed.

What if we lived in tune with the deeper rhythm of the universe.

 

This is a call for Presence over Performance.

 

Some of this is drawn, with thanks, from Being the Light of Winter Solstice – The Akashic Reading Podcast, all the podcasts I mention are in our playlist. 

To my surprise, Shiva came to our party

Together we invited in non-duality by dissolving into the sound of our voices raised in ancient mantra. Moving together, chanting together. Two quick ways to dissolve into one-ness.

I found this article on the significance of 108 repetitions in our Japa Meditation most interesting. As always, I'm humbled by how much there is to learn, but more especially by all the magic that unfurls when we trust that the way will open before us.

My mind wanted to discuss The Crone archetype, for more on that listen to The Shaman's Way "The Crone of Winter Solstice," but Shiva was determined to crash our party. He popped up all over the show! 

The natural So-hum mantra of our breath reminds us that that we are all that we seek. That coming home to the breath is our life's work. Not controlling, but paying respect to our beautiful gentle sustaining breaths, from first till last. 

I've included Braydon Mackenzie's guided So Hum Meditation at the end of our playlist.

Our writing as meditation was guided by these wonderful prompts. 

Many found the mantra "The outcome is not my responsibility" very liberating.

Some Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra are just the ticket for the Deep Rest that is required for our true healing. 

You are worth slowing down for

We played with fire. And were delighted, astounded even at what was revealed when control was relinquished and the way unfolded.

Fumage - the art of painting with fire

In the end we could share and let some shit go...let it be consumed in the cleansing fires of our compassionate hearts. Our deep love for one another, this magical existence. 

Let it all go

 

There were a million stars that our resident Astronomer Kosma could name for us -- we clearly saw Leo, Scorpio, the Southern Cross and the blazing milky way. Bellies full of soup and sourdough bread. Hearts overflowing with community 

We plan to get away the first weekend in August. Book now!

Even at Winter Solstice the days begin to grow longer, we welcome in more light. 

Even at the Summer Solstice the light begins to fade.

This is our living. 

Constant death & rebirth.