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Solstice:  Solstice is derived from two Latin words: ‘sol’ meaning sun and ‘stitium’ to stand still.

SUMMER 

Summer Solstice is the time of year when the sun reaches its maximum elevation, a time when it appears that the sun
has stopped moving higher in the sky. June 21 is usually the day that marks the longest day of sunlight, shortest night of darkness.

​You are welcome to walk our Labyrinth at any time. Please park either in the 2 parking spots at the information kiosk at our front gate or on Bouchier Street. Please note there are no washroom facilities available.

If you are unable to enjoy the labyrinth in person, we invite you to view our online video of the Labyrinth walk and experience the contemplative peace from where you are at: https://youtu.be/qaddkNFajUQ

​Solstice blessings to you!



Summer Solstice 2025:
​June 21st will recognize and celebrate both The National Indigenous Peoples Day and the Summer Solstice. We invite you to walk/pray the labyrinth using the handout (below and available at the front gate kiosk) to guide your reflection. You may wish to stop by the Peace Pole, New Beginnings garden, and Sisters in Spirit cairn going to or from the labyrinth. This area of the property is open to the public while the remainder is private for those making retreat. Please respect their privacy. Parking is available on Bouchier Street and just inside our gate. The Labyrinth entrance is on the right side of the lane.  No washroom is available.
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​WINTER

Winter Solstice is the time of year when the sun is at its lowest elevation, a time when it appears that the sun can go no lower in the sky. December 21 is usually the day that marks the shortest day of sunlight, the longest night of darkness.

As we approach the winter solstice we are reminded that although we are in the dark of this winter season still seeing illness, poverty, unemployment, unrest and uncertainty surrounding us, let us remember that light, warmth, community, love, and good will are very much present too. Together, as many traditions celebrate LIGHT such as Diwali, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Yule, Christmas - we  invite you to join us in spirit rather than in person.

You are invited to pray/walk our labyrinth during the day or evening of the 21st or at anytime on your own, or “walk”* the labyrinth virtually along with the video offered below (even though the sounds and sights are of warmer days, the journey is the same)* to mark the first slow turning of our planet toward greater daylight, filling us with hope for the coming year and the return of Spring. 

Please park on Bouchier Street or at the kiosk just inside the gate. If you are planning to walk the labyrinth at night please bring your own source of light (phone or flashlight). Please note there are no washroom facilities available.

If you are unable to enjoy the labyrinth in person, we invite you to view our online video of the Labyrinth walk and experience the contemplative peace from where you are at: https://youtu.be/qaddkNFajUQ

​Solstice blessings to you!

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​Winter Solstice Gathering and Ritual
Saturday, December 20, 4:00pm
Suggested minimum: $20/person

Gather with community as we enter the longest night of the year. A telling of the Universe Story around the fire will start as off. As the sun sets, we will have time for personal reflection on the challenges and gifts of the past year and voice our hopes for the coming year. A simple, hearty winter supper in our main house will warm us up and round out the evening.
Dress warmly to be outdoors for the ritual, weather permitting. Will be held indoors if weather is too fierce. All ages welcome.

Registration not required but very helpful for the dinner planning. Supper will be vegetarian; lactose-intolerant and gluten-free options available. Contributions requested to cover cost of supper and materials. Suggested minimum: $20/person
Overnight accommodations available for additional fee; must be reserved in advance.

*Because Solstice occurs at 10:03am on Dec. 21 and the nights of Dec 20 and 21 will be the same length, we elected to honour the solstice at its start, in the midst of the weekend rather than the night before many people’s work-week begins.
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379A Bouchier Street, Keswick, Ontario, Canada  L4P 3C8     Tel. 905.476.4013     [email protected]       
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