Bringing Back the Light: Winter Solstice Circle (Women & Men)

The longest night of the year. A threshold moment when darkness reaches its peak and light begins its return. For centuries, humans have gathered on this night to honor endings, release what no longer serves, and welcome transformation.
The Orion Project invites women and men - single or partnered - to this 3-hour sacred ceremony exploring the journey through darkness and back to light. Using the ancient Sumerian myth of Inanna's descent into the underworld, we'll create space to acknowledge what we're ready to release, what we've learned in our own dark nights, and what light we're ready to bring back into our lives.
We descend into our personal darkness not to stay there, but to find what's been buried - the vitality, truth, and parts of ourselves we've abandoned. By facing what we've been avoiding, we reclaim our light and let it emerge. Through ceremonial cacao, guided meditation with shamanic drumming, and authentic sharing, we'll honor the solstice as our ancestors did - not rushing past the darkness, but moving through it consciously, together.

• Opening and creating sacred container
• Ceremonial cacao sharing with intention-setting
• Mythological exploration: Inanna's descent and return
• Extended guided meditation with shamanic drumming and sound journey
• Integration through circle sharing
• Closing ritual

The myth of Inanna teaches us about voluntary descent - the choice to face our darkness, shed our defenses, and emerge transformed. We'll explore what darkness you've moved through, what you're ready to release, and what gifts you're bringing back as your own light returns. This is a ceremony for anyone at a threshold - ending or beginning something significant, feeling the weight of transition, or simply needing space to pause and realign with what matters most.

• €65 per person
• €110 for couples or friends attending together
• Limited to 16 participants — open to singles and couples
• Location: Pilates Concept, Wilhelminapark 28, 2012 KC Haarlem (free parking available)
• Includes ceremonial criollo cacao, guided meditation with sound journey, mythological exploration and authentic sharing
• Tea, water, and light refreshments provided
• What to bring: Comfortable clothing for sitting, an open mind, a journal if you like to write
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Valid ID may be requested
• Doors open 12:45, event begins 13:00 sharp

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Host or Publisher The Orion Project