Seasonal circles - Winter Solstice

Seasonal circles - Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice, or Midwinter, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year—a still point in the turning of the seasons. For generations, people have gathered around fires, lit candles, and brought evergreens indoors to remind themselves that warmth and light always return.

It’s a moment to pause. To look inward, release the old and prepare for the year ahead.

This Seasonal Circle offers a warm, reflective space to honour this turning of the year together. We’ll gather around the fire in the beautiful surroundings of Snapdragons, Victoria Park, to share stories, listen deeply, and welcome renewal.

Our approach is nature-based and inclusive, drawing inspiration from Midwinter traditions such as Yule and Christmas, while remaining open and grounded in our shared human experience. You don’t need to hold any particular beliefs; simply a wish to connect with others and the changing rhythms of the natural world.

This gathering also marks a new beginning: the first in a new series of Seasonal Circles in Plymouth, inspired by nature’s cycles and rooted in community, connection, and deep listening.

What to Expect

Together we will:
• Gather in circle around the fire to welcome the Solstice
• Reflect on the year that’s passed and what we wish to invite in for the one ahead
• Set intentions for this new series of Seasonal Circles in Plymouth, nurturing a community grounded in listening, connection, and care.

Please dress warmly and bring a blanket or cushion to sit on. Hot drinks will be shared around the fire.

Why We Gather

Seasonal Circles are spaces for reflection, connection and belonging—to ourselves, one another, and the world around us. They invite us to slow down, listen deeply, and honour the changing seasons both in nature and within our own lives.

By marking these turning points of the year together, we follow in the footsteps of our ancestors to celebrate the rhythms of light and dark, rest and renewal. Through shared presence and heartfelt listening, we nurture our relationships and sense of community. We are reminded that connection is what sustains us.

This Solstice circle also marks a new beginning; the first of a new series of Seasonal Circles in Plymouth. Together, we’ll set intentions not just for the year ahead, but for the kind of community we wish to grow: one of warmth, deep listening and shared humanity.

This Winter Solstice gathering is for anyone who feels drawn to mark the turning of the year in community—to pause, reflect and reconnect with nature’s rhythms.

You do not need to have attended a Circlewise event before, all are welcome.

It may particularly appeal to those interested in mindfulness, nature connection, wellbeing, or creative ritual.

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Time: 3.00pm – 5.30pm

The circle will take place in the beautiful natural surroundings of , Victoria Park, Plymouth—an outdoor community space in the centre of Plymouth where we will gather around the fire.

Please dress warmly and bring a blanket or cushion to sit on.
Hot drinks will be provided.

The nearest car park is Stuart Road Cark Park—see directions to Snapdragons.

On street parking is also avalible.

What3words: //brings.reveal.castle

Pre-booking is required and spaces are limited.
To reserve your place, please book through Eventbrite.

This event is fully funded by the #iwillfund grant, so there is no charge to attend.
We do, however, ask for a refundable £5 deposit to help us hold your place. Your deposit will be returned to you after the event.

If the deposit or travel costs are a barrier, please do get in touch; we may be able to help.

If you have any questions or would like to talk it through before booking, please contact email Ellie Zalick on [email protected] or [email protected], or call Heidi Rose on 07891 062769.

Circlewise is a service that provides facilitated listening circles and the way of council training to community members, organisations and those working in education. They are committed to supporting individuals, groups, schools and the community by building life skills in communication and empathy through circle practices.

Circlewise offers facilitated circles, support, training and resources to promote:

- Compassionate communication and deep listening

- Social, emotional, mental well-being

- Empowered and relational learning

- Nature-inspired ways of relating

About your facilitators:

Ellie Zalick (she/her)is a Psychology graduate from the University of Exeter with over three years’ experience facilitating community spaces. She joined Circlewise CIC in January 2025 as a Social Media and Communications Intern, and quickly finding a deep resonance with the practice of council and deep listening.

Trained as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFaider), in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST), and in a Neurodiversity Profiling Tool, Ellie is passionate about inclusion and ensuring all voices are heard and valued. Drawing on her Cornish roots and over a decade of developing her own seasonal practice, Ellie brings a grounded, science-informed approach inspired by nature and community wellbeing, underpinned by research into social prescribing.

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