Shamanic Winter Solstice Women’s Circle: Honoring the Dark and the Light

Join us for a sacred and transformative Winter Solstice Women’s Circle as we celebrate the turning of the season and the rebirth of light. This circle will guide us through ancient shamanic rituals that reconnect us with the Earth, our inner wisdom, and the deep feminine.

Our ceremony will begin with the creation of medicine bundles, where we will gather tobacco and other sacred elements to craft bundles filled with our prayers, intentions, and personal offerings. These bundles will hold our hopes and dreams for the coming year.

Next, we will embark on a sunset meditation hike, walking mindfully through the natural landscape, and ancient petroglyphs, as we align ourselves with the energy of the winter solstice. As the sun sets, we will come together to share our intentions and prepare to journey deeper into our hearts.

After a short hike, we will move into a womb steam ceremony. A nourishing and grounding ritual to cleanse and honor the feminine body, with a guided meditation that invites us into deep reflection. During this time, we will be supported by the rhythm of shamanic drumming and rattling, helping us enter a state of deep connection and inner knowing.

To close our circle, we will gather in a hapé ceremony, where we will share the sacred tobacco of South American medicine together, opening our hearts and minds to clarity and guidance. Finally, we will honor our medicine bundles by offering them to the fire in a burning ceremony, releasing our intentions and prayers into the sacred flames as an act of transformation and renewal.

This circle is an opportunity to reconnect with the cycles of nature, the wisdom of our bodies, and the strength of sisterhood. Together, we will honor the darkness and light within us, preparing ourselves to step into the new cycle with clarity, purpose, and deep inner peace.

Preparation: To make the most of this sacred circle, we invite you to prepare both physically and spiritually. Here are a few simple ways to prepare for the ceremony:

• Set an intention: Take time in the days leading up to the circle to reflect on your personal intentions for the winter solstice. What do you wish to release and transform? What do you wish to call in as the light begins to return?
• Dress warmly: The ceremony will take place outdoors, so please dress in layers for comfort, especially during the sunset hike. Bring a cozy blanket or shawl to keep warm during the womb steam and meditation.
• Bring a small item for your medicine bundle: This could be a small piece of fabric, a stone, a feather, or any item that symbolizes your personal intention. This will be added to your tobacco bundle during the first part of the circle.
• Hydrate and nourish yourself: Arrive well-hydrated and having eaten something light but not heavy. Drink plenty of water before and after the ceremony.
• Be open: This is a space for deep reflection and personal connection. Come with an open heart and mind, and be willing to honor the flow of the group energy.

Post-Care: After the ceremony, it is important to take gentle care of yourself as you integrate the powerful energies of the solstice and the work we’ve done together. Here are some tips for post-care:

• Rest and reflect: After the circle, take time to rest and reflect on the experience. Journaling can be a helpful tool to capture any insights, visions, or emotions that arise. Let the energy of the ceremony settle in your body and mind.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support your body in processing the ceremony. Herbal teas, especially those that support relaxation and detoxification, can be a lovely way to nurture yourself.
• Grounding practices: After engaging in deep spiritual practices, it’s important to ground yourself back into the physical world. Take time to walk barefoot on the Earth, sit quietly, or meditate to help integrate the energy.
• Follow your intuition: If you feel the need for extra self-care after the circle, honor that. You might want to take a warm bath, spend time in nature, or meditate further. Trust yourself to know what you need.
• Stay in community: Consider reaching out to the women in the circle for connection and support as you process your experience. Sharing our reflections and intentions with one another can deepen the healing and power of the ceremony.

*Intake procedures and parking instructions will be confirmed at time of registration.

Host or Publisher Andrea Taahaabaah Twitchell