Step into the enchanting embrace of the Kelsali Winter Solstice Women's Retreat and discover the transformative power of this special season. Join us as we gather in a serene and cozy setting to celebrate the Winter Solstice, a time of reflection, renewal, and deep inner connection.
About the Retreat:
Retreat and group activities center around themes of reflection, renewal, and deep inner connection. Winter Solstice, often referred to as the "shortest day of the year," is a captivating celestial event and a significant holiday celebrated by various cultures and traditions around the world. It typically occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. This holiday marks the astronomical moment when the tilt of the Earth's axis is farthest from the sun, resulting in the longest night and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Embracing the Cosmic Dance: Winter Solstice is a time when people come together to celebrate the intricate dance of our planet and the cosmos. It is a reminder of the Earth's journey around the sun, highlighting the changing seasons and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Reverence for Nature: Many Winter Solstice celebrations are rooted in nature and emphasize the deep connection between humanity and the natural world. This holiday is an opportunity to express gratitude for the Earth's bounty and to reflect on the beauty and resilience of the natural environment.
Welcoming the Return of Light: In the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is a turning point as it signifies the gradual lengthening of daylight hours. It marks the symbolic rebirth of the sun, and from this point forward, the days grow longer and the nights shorter, promising the return of warmth and life in the coming months.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Winter Solstice is celebrated in various ways by different cultures and spiritual traditions. For example, it's the time of Yule in Norse mythology, a festival that honors the return of the sun and the eventual defeat of darkness. In some Native American traditions, it's a time for storytelling, ceremonies, and honoring ancestors. Many different cultures and groups around the world celebrate the significance of the Winter Solstice.
Lighting the Way: One of the most common customs during Winter Solstice is the use of candles, bonfires, and other forms of illumination to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Lighting candles or creating a Yule log are common practices in many celebrations.
Gathering and Community: Communities often come together during the Winter Solstice to share meals, exchange gifts, and connect with loved ones. It's a time for warmth, togetherness, and celebrating the bonds that sustain us through the colder months.
Personal Reflection: On a personal level, Winter Solstice is an opportunity for introspection and setting intentions for the year ahead. It's a time to let go of what no longer serves you and to make space for personal growth and renewal.
Global Diversity: What makes Winter Solstice truly special is its global diversity. Different cultures bring their unique traditions and rituals to this celestial event, making it a rich tapestry of human expression and connection with the cosmos.
In essence, the Winter Solstice holiday is a celebration of nature's rhythms, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life, and an occasion to find hope in the darkest of times as we eagerly await the return of the sun's warmth and light. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the joy of coming together with others to share in the wonder of the universe.
Schedule & Activities:
9:45 - 10:15: Welcome & Settle In
10:15 - 10:45 Introduction & Ice Breaker
10:45 - 12:00 Women Circle and Share
12:00 - 12:45 Garden to Table Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 Guided Meditation & Sound Bath
2:00 - 3:45 Women Circle & Work That Reconnects Group Activity
3:45 - 4:00 Closing Ceremony