Note: keep an eye on the news in case further restrictions are introduced. Bear in mind that different countries, such as Scotland and Wales, have different regulations from England.
Despite the rampage of Omicron throughout the British Isles, a number of events are still going ahead. We’ll take a look at the seasonal round-up below.
Winter Solstice Sunrise (2010) – Image credit: Sian Lindsey – CC BY-SA 2.0
On December 18th, Leith Witch Market will be running from 10 a.m – 7 p.m. This event is described as Edinburgh’s “first witches’ market” and will feature astrologers, herbalists, and tarot readers as well as bakers, silversmiths, and florists.
The event will be taking place under Leith Arches and is run by two local businesswomen: Laura Cooper, who runs a Pagan-inspired floristry and vintage business, and Tarot teacher/reader Amelia Whitehouse.
They describe their event as:
“A space to build, celebrate and connect the vibrant local witch community in Leith and across Edinburgh. We hope to help people to get back in touch with the natural cycle of the seasons and to get them excited about the amazing changes in the natural world all year round! …. The Pandemic created a sense of global uncertainty and simultaneously caused many of us to spend significantly more time outside. So it’s not surprising to find that the one certainty so many people turned to were the seasons. Noticing the changes, enjoying them and wondering what our ancestors did to honour those changes seems like a very authentic response.”
Local businesses at the market will include Blackmoon Botanica, Essence of Jupiter and Stoneroot. Laura and Amelia are intending to run the market on forthcoming sabbats in 2022, as well as around this year’s Solstice.
On Saturday, 18 December, Earthsong Gatherings is inviting people to their Elen of the Ways Sacred Sounds event in Bath.
Caroline and Patrick of Earthsong describe this as “A full hour of deep immersion into Sound, Story and Vibrations within the energies of the Season at the Farm. The price is £10 each, including hot refreshments. Spaces are very limited for this unique Spiritual event so booking with payment is required. For more information please contact Caroline on 07748428242.”
Earthsong is also organising a Yule/Winter solstice sabbat at Lady Hall Farm. Marsh Lane, Brindle, Chorley, Lancashire. PR6 8NY.
Also on Saturday, near Holywell in North Wales, is a celebration of the winter solstice at The Little Grove, organised by Green Hearts Woodland Retreats.
They describe the event as, “You will have time to relax, enjoy the trees and natural beauty of the area and views of the sea from the glade. We will have fun, food, fire, rituals, storytelling, singing, music, mulled drinks. We are planning a lovely event in a magical woodland setting. You are welcome to wear whatever you like, maybe something red/orange to signify the returning sun and longer days.”
Image credit: Pixabay
Also on Saturday 18th is the Pagan Federation Yule Festival with the community team. This is an online event organised by The Pagan Federation. Details can be found on their website.
Elysium Craft Fayres and Markets will be hosting a Yule Craft Fayre, Coleshill Town Hall, Coleshill, B46 3BG.
This includes a free small glass of sherry upon arrival (18+ years). There is a £1.00 entrance fee (adults) – pay at the door. Entrance for children is free.
On Monday, 20 December the Hearth of the Grey Goddess in Portsmouth will be hosting a December Full Moon and Yule Log rite at 19.00 the Mystic Coffee Lounge, 117 High Street, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hants, PO6 3BB. This will be a Yule log rite to celebrate the festive season. “After we have blessed the log we will celebrate with mulled wine and mince pies.”
Yule Log with bands of ivy – Image credit: Rosser1954 – CC BY-SA 4.0
On the Solstice itself (Tuesday) there will be a Winter Solstice Ceremony at Avebury, organised by Debbie Lawrence and starting at 13.30 at Avebury Stone Circle, National Trust Carpark, Marlborough SN8 1RD. The cost is £45. Tickets are available through eventbrite.
“Our event will bring a deeper meaning to your seasonal celebrations and allow you to gracefully move into 2022 with renewed purpose. There will also be time to visit Avebury’s esoteric shops and the National Trust Café. Places are limited and we expect to fill them all very quickly due to the high amount of interest. Bookings on a first come first served basis.”
This year, the Chalice Well in Glastonbury has not been holding its regular seasonal celebrations, due to COVID-19, but the Well garden itself will be open around the Solstice.
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