This event has been cancelled.
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On Sunday 20th December 2020 at 2pm there will be a celebration of the Winter Solstice at the Standing Stones of Stenness. Our ritual is inclusive and designed to be accessible for people of all religions / beliefs and none – it incorporates aspects of modern Paganism and refers to Orcadian traditions and folklore.

This ceremony takes place just before sunset, in the evening, of the longest night of the year – as we finish, the soon-to-be-reborn sun will set into the Hoy Hills. We acknowledge the sun at its nadir and we beseech its return, for without light we are bereft. We also acknowledge the cycle of the sun’s rebirth and ascent to its zenith as the days will now start to become longer.

The focus is on our inner and the outer light; we acknowledge this status in the natural world around us and as it symbolises in our lives.

We welcome everyone who wishes to attend. There is no charge and we ask only that you bring your open mind and warm heart. We meet at the central hearth of the Standing Stones of Stenness and we are quite obvious! We invite participants to join in, perhaps by taking a speaking part, or bringing a reading or piece of music to share. Join in as much as you are comfortable with – if you only wish to observe, please be equally welcomed. We usually conclude by sharing ale and honey-cake ... and then we regroup at a local hotel for a social meeting.

Please feel free to contact Helen or Mark Woodsford-Dean, for further information email us at info@spiritualorkney.co.uk

Our website is updated regularly: www.spiritualorkney.co.uk/open-rituals or join / like “Spiritual Orkney” on FaceBook. We publish downloadable copies of our attendance guidelines on our website.

ATTENDANCE AT OUR OPEN RITUALS AND PARTICIPATION IN ANY ACTIVITIES OFFERED IS ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN CHOICE AND RISK. WE DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT WE CONSIDER TO BE DANGEROUS BUT WE ACCEPT NO LIABILITY IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER. WE OFFER THESE RITUALS PURELY ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS AS A SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO BRING A LARGE GROUP TO ONE OF OUR RITUALS PLEASE CONTACT US IN ADVANCE SO THAT WE BRING ENOUGH ALE AND HONEY CAKE (DONATIONS APPRECIATED).

THIS IS A SCOTTISH PAGAN FEDERATION EVENT.