The Winter Solstice Spiral is a unique and reverent festival held during the darkest time of our year. It is a quiet celebration of stillness and returning light, the sleep of Winter and its promise of restoration and new beginnings. A large spiral of evergreen boughs will be laid out as a pathway, and in the center, a simple altar space created in honor of all kingdoms of Earthly life as they slumber for Winter- the human world, plant world, animal world, and mineral world. We will be welcomed into silence as we approach the spiral on a dark forest path illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. As we approach, we will hear the lull of soft music, and perhaps the subtle, inward stirring that tells us we have entered a Sacred space. Most children will recognize, with little or no guidance, that there is something to feel and sense in the silence, and will listen and respond to their own version of an ‘inner hush’.

At the beginning of the spiral, there will be an ‘angel’ (Ms Rebecca), and as each of us enters, we will be given a candle inside a clear glass jar. Then, as quiet music plays, we will carry the candle into the center of the spiral, to be illuminated by a second ‘angel’ (Ms Sara). We will then walk the spiraling path outward, and place the candle in a spot we choose along the path. When we’ve completed the journey, we take our place in the larger circle of folks around the spiral, and observe in wonder as the increasing light brightens the path for those who come after. Each child may walk alone, or with a parent, at his or her own pace, in his or her own way.

This is a celebration of quiet confidence, of carrying light in darkness, of sharing our light with others. It is an awe-inspiring punctuation of the darkest of days, and a fitting ceremonial end to the first half of our programming year. The spiral is a rare opportunity to experience the unhurried, restorative, quieting energy of Winter in a world that longs to remember its restful embrace. It is a joy to not only to watch your own children, but to witness how every child is held in the community of their peers, and in the greater, seasonal cycle of all life. Observe how each child approaches the candle at the center of the spiral…Are his/her footsteps slow and careful, quick or hurried? Does he/she stop along the way to consider each turn in the path before placing the candle along the pathway?….or does she/he set it down quickly and hurry on without looking back?

As we leave the mountain, remain in stillness. Carry your observations, feelings, intuitions and impressions with you as we part for our Winter break. Hold them in your hearts as our community’s gift to you and your family…..Share the blessings of returning light and silence with those who weren’t present to witness this Sacred journey…..And know that we are all held tenderly, together, in the great Mystery of Being.