Winter Solstice 12/22

Despacho and Fire Ceremony

Noon to 5:30 PM

On the cusp of winter and the returning light, we will co-create an offering of what no longer serves us, focusing especially on releasing the energies of grief and loss. This will help us open ourselves to the lighter energy that will carry us forward in these times of transition.

At the moment the fire accepts our offering, we will allow ourselves to connect with All-that-Is. We'll fill ourselves then with whatever lighter energy arises for us.

When we engage fully in this traditional Andean ceremony, the shifts reverberate vibrationally in our bodies and cells, and change us somatically, emotionally, and spiritually.

We will gather at my home in Sonoma at 12:00 PM on Sunday, Dec. 22. We will feed the power of the despacho with our personal and communal intentions, receive its sweet blessing, and offer it to the fire, sending our intentions and prayers out to the cosmos in the smoke of transmutation. Afterwards, well share a potluck meal and revel in the beauty surrounding us, finishing about 5:30 PM.

A despacho transmutes energy. Our despacho uses traditional Andean form, ingredients, and intent, combined with Eagle-of-the-North practices for group engagement, connection, and focus. Creating this ceremony in reciprocity is a wonderful way of focusing intent, strengthening connections, giving back to the Earth and spirits, and being together. At summer solstice we made a Gratitude despacho; now we continue our process by releasing the grief and loss that weigh us down. This is a gift to the universe, just as releasing any heavy energy is a gift.

No prior experience necessary (and if you have it, bring it!)

Bring: Your intent to release personal and world grief and loss. Ancestral soil if you have some. A potluck dish to share. Layers for warmth, as we will have an outside fire. Your donation for land preservation, which will go to Sonoma Mountain Preservation.

Note: It is important for your completion that you stay for the fire ceremony. 

Learn more about despachos.   

Directions sent when you register via email. Sponsored by Earth Caretakers and Compost Mentis.

 "...we can change what has been; we are not bound to the past...We need to stand in the power of our personhoods, the power of the sacred in us, of the joy within, of being ourselves.  We need to stop judging ourselves for the thoughts and impulses that arise that may frighten us or that seem bad to us; we have the power to say NO to them, just as we have the power to say YES to love.  And if we err, we can learn from our mistakes.  We can rise up from any failures and act anew through the power of love.  -Dorothy McLean, co-founder of Findhorn