Fire and labyrinth walk set for solstice

"Celebrate the rebirth of the Sun!" exhorts an invitation from Sisters Community Labyrinth. All are invited to join the group's Winter Solstice Gathering & Silent Meditation Walk on Saturday, December 21, at 6 p.m.

Celebrants can expect a short, non-religious welcome ceremony followed by a silent walking meditation through the labyrinth. Halfway through the walk sits a large boulder at the labyrinth's center.

photo by Jan McGowan

Pat Leiser of Sisters Community Labyrinth Committee speaks with participants at last year's winter solstice, gathering around the fire.

Walkers are invited to meet there, at the fire, sharing words and song on the shortest, darkest day of the year. Participants may carry stones to represent saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new year, along with the increasing sunlight to come.

After walking back through the labyrinth to its entrance, revelers can socialize and drink tea and cocoa. The labyrinth's winter events typically last around an hour.

Why a rebirth? Traditionally in some cultures, winter solstice is viewed as a time of renewal. "The old pass away to make room for the new," explained an announcer on the BBC.

The sun of the old year has died, waning every day since summer solstice happened in June. In the depth of winter, on the sun's shortest day, people since time immemorial have celebrated the return and rebirth of the sun. After solstice, the days will slowly grow longer and lighter.

The committee that runs the labyrinth invites participants to bring a special object such as a stone, marking the death and rebirth of the sun. Natural objects are encouraged, including rocks, crystals, or wooden items (no plastic).

"Embrace the new year and bid adieu to the old one," Sisters Community Labyrinth invited in an email. "We'll meet halfway through the labyrinth walk, and place our special objects at the center boulder."

Participants should dress warmly, bring a flashlight, and perhaps a candle to carry during the silent meditation walk. Bringing a mug for tea and cocoa is optional. The event is free of charge.

No bathrooms will be available at the park on this night. Pets and playing music are not allowed, with the exception of the invited musical guest at the labyrinth's center.

"In June, we'll have a louder celebration for Summer Solstice," the labyrinth's announcement explained.

Sisters Community Labyrinth is located in the East Portal park at the corner of Highway 242 and West Hood Avenue. East Portal is under construction. Parking is suggested on nearby roadsides or parking lots.

For information or to join the mailing list, see the new website at https://sisters-community-labyrinth.mailchimpsites.com.