The dark shadow of space leans over us. . . . .
We are mindful that the darkness of greed, exploitation, and hatred
also lengthens its shadow over our small planet Earth.
As our ancestors feared death and evil and all the dark powers of winter,
we fear that the darkness of war, discrimination, and selfishness
may doom us and our planet to an eternal winter.May we find hope in the lights we have kindled on this sacred night,
hope in one another and in all who form the web-work of peace and justice
that spans the world.In the heart of every person on this Earth
burns the spark of luminous goodness;
in no heart is there total darkness.
May we who have celebrated this winter solstice,
by our lives and service, by our prayers and love,
call forth from one another the light and the love
that is hidden in every heart.
Amen.
- – By Edward Hays
As we near the Winter Solstice, I have been thinking a lot about the dark. For us, the solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year up here in the Northern Hemisphere.
As the year comes to a close there is a sense of completion.. rest.. retreating.. reflection.. and releasing. Allowing the darkness to welcome the death of another year in order for the light to start shining, birthing a new glorious chapter.
But perhaps on this winter solstice, before we start turning toward the light, we can spend some time embracing the darkness — or letting it embrace us.
It is in the darkest of nights that the brightest lights can shine, the darkest shadows that show us our truest wisdom and the darkest days that gift us our life-giving lessons..
For in fact our inner darkness, can be our greatest teacher.. if we let it.
On this Winter Solstice, I invite you to a Restorative Spiral Gathering where we will nourish our bodies with words, wisdom, mindful breath, music with restorative somatic/sensory exploration, food, tea and heat. We will also allow time for intention setting as we light candles in the solstice spiral and release anything from this year that you no longer want to carry through a burning ceremony.
Date: Winter Solstice, Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Investment: $33/ea
Location: Rising Sol Space in Skutz Falls, Cowichan Valley – address with finer details on where to park, how to get there etc. will be emailed to you prior to the event.
Who: This is a safe, inclusive event. Individuals, couples, partners & friends/family of all kind are welcome here however space is limited!
Register Here or Read More Here.
