Winter Solstice Wreath Workshop: Making, Movement & Momentous Wintering

In the stillness of the winter solstice, we weave the circle not only to honor the darkness, but to anchor our intentions for the quiet return of the light.

As the longest night of the year descends, gather with us in the grounds of Festina Lente for an evening dedicated to intentional creation, gentle movement, and the art of slowing down. This is an invitation to step out of the holiday rush and cross the threshold into winter surrounded by warmth, wholesome chalet food, and a supportive community.

To winter is to yield to the wisdom of the body— to drop beneath the noise, move with the quiet earth, and rest in the dark until the light calls us forward again."

We begin our evening softening into the space with gentle, body-led movement and seasonal aromatherapy to release the year’s tension, stimulate the senses, and align with the quiet rhythm of the season.

Moving into the shelter of the polytunnel, we will step into an intentional practice of co-creating with nature as a wintering ally. Designing with nature’s intentions—listening to the form, story, and energetic qualities of each botanical element —you’ll construct a zero-waste, sustainable solstice wreath using fresh winter evergreens, native foliage, dried seed stalks, and aromatic plants.

When we craft with nature, every branch, seed, and stem becomes a silent prayer—a sacred conversation between human hands and the intelligence of the earth.

Throughout the evening, you will also receive a personal 1-on-1 seasonal card reading—offering tailored insight and quiet perspective for your path ahead. Reflective journaling prompts will hold space to pause, honour what you are putting to rest, and anchor your intentions into the weave.

We will complete our solstice gathering in the warm embrace of the chalet over comforting seasonal warm refreshments and hot drinks by candlelight— with gentle song, stories, shared naturally around the table.

The earth rests in the dark not out of weariness, but to remember how to bloom again. Nature shows us that in quiet stillness, the deepest growth begins.

WHAT YOUR EVENING INCLUDES:

• Embodied Movement & Aromatherapy: Gentle, grounding movement paired with seasonal botanical scents to settle into solstice energy.
• Polytunnel Wreathing: Co-creating intentionally with nature as a wintering ally to craft a zero waste solstice wreath using eco-friendly bases, fresh winter greenery, and natural elements.
• 1-on-1 Seasonal Card Reading: An individual card pull offering personal insight and guidance for the winter threshold.
• Natural Journaling: Dedicated time and guided prompts for reflection and intention setting.
• Chalet Gathering: Warm chalet food, seasonal drinks, gentle song, and stories shared naturally around the table.
• All Materials Included: All tools, frames, and botanical supplies are provided (feel free to bring any small personal tokens or ribbons to weave into your wreath).

MEET YOUR FACILITATORS

Dr. Sinéad O’Connor & Siobhán Máire Dumigan Together, Sinéad and Siobhán weave a deeply holistic solstice experience, holding space at the intersection of earth wisdom, plant connection, sensory engagement, and embodied movement.

Dr. Sinéad O’Connor (Head of Social Therapeutic Horticulture & Sustainability) brings deep-rooted wisdom in social therapeutic horticulture and zero-waste botanical crafting, guiding you to co-create intentionally with nature as a wintering ally.

Siobhán Máire Dumigan brings a rich background spanning dance, fitness, health, and wellness—having danced since age three and held sacred space since 2017. Siobhán uses gentle intuitive movement, elemental imagery, and breath to weave pathways of presence, remembrance, connection, and belonging