Post by The Cell on Oct 24, 2008 16:35:31 GMT -5
The 2nd Annual Winter Solstice Ceremony and Burn
December 19th thru December 21st
December 19th thru December 21st
The Winter Solstice occurs at the instant when the Sun’s position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equatorial plane from the observer. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the event of the winter solstice occurs some time between December 20th and December 23 each year in the northern hemisphere and between June 20th and June 23 in the southern hemisphere, during either the shortest day or the longest night of the year, which is not to be confused with the darkest day or night or the day with the earliest sunset or latest sunrise. This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light and the rebirth of the Sun. Solstice rites are one of our oldest celebrations, held by virtually early every culture in the world. Many of the customs associated with the Winter Solstice derive from stories of a mighty battle between the dark and the light. Other traditions record this as the time a savior (the Sun-Child) is born to a virgin mother.
The seasonal significance of the Winter Solstice is varied, since it is sometimes said to astronomically mark either the beginning or middle of a hemisphere's winter. Winter is a subjective term, so there is no scientifically established beginning or middle of winter but the Winter Solstice itself is clearly defined within a second.
It is also a time of spiritual beginnings. Because it signifies the completion of the wheel of the year, the period around the winter solstice is considered to be a good time for spiritual work. It is a time for self-examination and meditation on hidden energies-both the energies lying dormant within the earth, and also those within ourselves. Winter solstice traditions celebrate nature's renewal, and help affirm our connection to the energy and power of the earth and the cosmos.
Though the Winter Solstice lasts an instant, the term is also colloquially used to refer to the full 24-hour period. Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time.
The word solstice derives from Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), Winter Solstice meaning Sun standstill in winter.
Come join us for our:
Winter Solstice Burn
Sunday December 21st
- Please bring: a cushion to sit on, and a dripless candle.
- Ceremony will begin with music on didgeridoo, gong, Tibetan singing bowls, flute and more. A special Guest of Honor will lead ceremony, incorporating Soyal (Hopi winter solstice) elements.
- We will honor the dark before calling in the light. We will spend a few moments meditating in darkness and silence, reflecting on these qualities of winter. This is a natural time for letting go and saying farewell. Release your resentments and regrets into the darkness, knowing they will be transformed.
- We will welcome the light by lighting candles (some will be provided, feel free to bring your own special candle). When you light your candle, do so with the intention of bringing light into the world. What are the ways in which you can help make the world lighter? How do you bring light into the lives of those around you? Make a conscious effort to increase the amount of light you create. Contribute to the manifestation of more wellness on Planet Earth. The Pyre is the offered up with a Flaming Torch.
Also join us for:
ROHO PONYA
(Soul Healing Ceremony)
(Soul Healing Ceremony)
roho noun
1 soul, spirit, ghost
2 personality, character
ponya verb
1 heal, get better, recover, be cured, get well
2 escape
The Roho Ponya Ceremony and Event is a 3 day ceremony we have chosen to set aside to celebrate our life. Ceremonies that help bind, and release our inner demons and strengthen the connection with our life-force. It is a cleansing, a letting go, and the start of a new cycle and is a celebration of connection, and the atonement of past things both good and bad.
The Roho Ponya Ceremonies and Events involve the rituals of building and energizing personal crystals, talismans, and placing handwritten notes, blessings, painful secrets, copies of pictures of loved ones remembered, notes of personal faults, once revealed to the light of day, can then be burned. A large wooden barrel, covered with ancient symbols and Hieroglyphs, will be burned in the darkness, past regressions will be healed, if not mended, at least until the next Roho Ponya Ceremony. On the last day of the ceremony the night of the Solstice burn, the barrel is taken by a solemn processional, and place in the middle of the burn pile before it is lit. The Roho Ponya Ceremony and Event also helps usher in a time of spiritual healing, and new beginnings, and because it signifies the completion of a Life Cycle, it ties in to the period around the winter solstice which is considered to be a good time for spiritual work. It is a time for self-examination and meditation on hidden energies-both the energies lying dormant within the earth, and also those within ourselves. Winter solstice traditions celebrate nature's renewal, and help affirm our connection to the energy and power of the earth and the cosmos.
Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony
You are invited to share in our first sweat lodge with Ron Wermuth, a descendant of the Tubatulabal, an aboriginal people who for 6,000 years hunted, fished and raised families along the Kern River, a full-blooded Native American spiritual leader and medicine man from the Southern California tribe of the Nuui Cunni. He will guide us in the sacred Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremony, the traditional way of cleansing body, mind, and spirit. By sweat and prayer, we clean our bodies of toxins, our minds of negativities, and our heighten spirits will come into a balanced relationship with ourselves, the Earth, and everything that surrounds us.
Timing of the Weekend Sweats:
Sweat Ceremony typically begins Friday, Saturday and Sunday at around 7:30 to 8am. There will be another ceremony starting about 2 to 3pm and another at sunset, finishing by midnight. You are welcome to arrive Friday evening and stay for the entire weekend or to come for a whole or half-day. Sweat Lodges by their very nature have limited space so RSVP if possible and check in promptly.
What should I bring?
Clothing such as a bathing suit, shorts or cotton sweat dress/wrap are worn in the sweat lodge. We suggest that you bring a towel, thongs or sandals, and a flashlight for night use. Camping is available at the site. Please bring your own camping gear and meal provisions. We will share a potluck meal after a ceremony. You may want to bring some extra food to share with others. Individual campfires are allowed in most areas, but burn barrels are better. An orientation will be provided for all newcomers. Please see more information on event schedule and directions.
We ask that all pets be kept on a leash at all times and where possible, please leave them at home.
Women and men usually participate in the ceremony together. Following Native American tradition, Moontime (menstruating) women do not enter the ceremonial area. Pregnant women do not enter the sweat lodge. Please abide by these traditions.
If you have questions and are not sure what is appropriate for you or your condition at the time, be sure to ask the ceremonial leader or a knowledgeable staff person before entering any ceremony.
The Offering: This is a FREE event. You are welcome to bring any offering you wish to contribute: food, drink, dripless candles, solstice decorations (evergreens, holly, ivy, mistletoe). By tradition, an offering is always given by each participant before entering into ceremony. Traditionally and historically, the offering is one considered valuable and of support to the expense of the ceremony and to the support of the ceremonial leader. The participant determines the amount based upon his or her spiritual guidance and intentions. We are attempting to maintain this tradition, however all donation are greatly appreciated, needed and appropriate.
Out of respect and by natural law, we always give an offering before we take anything for our needs. No one is turned away from participation if they cannot afford a donation. You should always leave all ceremonial areas and campsites clean and natural. We ask that you refrain from any activities that disturb or damage the natural habitat.
Please extend this invitation to your friends and loved ones!
You are Welcome and Thank You for your Support!
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Date & Time: Saturday, December 19th thru the 22, 2008
Location: 16666 Red Rock Road
Cantil, Ca 95671
More Info: 323-236-1502
Email: info@TheCellHabitat.org
Spiritual Advisor:(Pending) Ron Wermuth
Monache Intertribal Association
P.O. Box 168
Kernville, CA 93238
(916) 717-1176, or (916) 802-4720
(760) 376-4240, or (760) 376-1109
Email: warmoose@earthlink.net
