Winter solstice gathering at Balsam Moon Dec. 21

    You are invited to join in a Winter Solstice gathering on Wednesday, December 21, 6-7 p.m. at Balsam Moon Preserve around a simple campfire.  This is a time of year in the astronomical cycles of the Earth’s orbit and axis tilt position where the northern hemisphere is turned farthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year.  It marks the official beginning of Winter, and of longer daylight to come.   

     Throughout history, societies across the world have held festivals and ceremonies marking winter solstice, the day of the “sun’s rebirth.” The word “solstice” derives from the Latin word solstitium and translates to “sun stands still.” Many people use the Winter Solstice time of year to celebrate the past year, releasing what was and welcoming the coming light with gradually longer days. Some traditions referred to this time as “Yuletide”.  It can also be a time to honor our connection with the natural world. 

     Join together at Balsam Moon, located at 3148 Bungo Creek Ln. SW, Pine River (6 miles west of Pine River out highway 2 and 5 miles south on CR25).  Take time to stop, look at the stars and planets, warm yourself around the campfire in community with others.  You can even create a little ritual of burning an old journal or a slip of paper with a list of all the things/happenings from the past year. Release them with gratitude in the campfire and welcome in the new.  Dress warmly, bring a mug of something warm to drink and your good cheer.  Call to “register” at 218-587-3808.

     Balsam Moon Preserve is a non-profit organization sharing an alternative, sustainable, spiritual place of peace, honoring the earth and all living things. They offer trails, workshops on site and on-line, gardens, a labyrinth, demonstrations of solar uses, overnight stays, pizza nights in the summer and opportunities to gather in community sharing our common humanity.

     For more information about Balsam Moon Preserve and the 2023 schedule, visit the website https://balsammoonpreserve.wixsite.com/balsam, email [email protected] or call 218-587-3808.