As we approach the longest night and shortest day of the year, we gather in sacred circle to honor the Winter Solstice, the turning of the Wheel, and the promise of the returning light. This sacred threshold invites us to slow down, reflect on the journey of the past year, and gently release what no longer needs to be carried forward. Just as the Earth enters her season of rest, we too are invited into stillness, renewal, and the wisdom of the darkness.

Together, we will co-create a sacred despacho, a traditional Andean ceremony in which we lovingly build a prayer bundle of offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Rooted in the wisdom of ayni, the sacred reciprocity of giving and receiving, each offering represents a prayer of gratitude, healing, and intention. Through this beautiful ceremony, we honor our ancestors, the cycles of the Earth, and our connection to all creation, inviting harmony, protection, and sacred balance into our lives and the collective.

We will begin our ceremony indoors, reflecting on the lessons and blessings of the past year as we weave our prayers and intentions into the despacho. Together, we will then journey outdoors to gather around the sacred fire, offering our despacho to Pachamama and inviting the flames to transmute what we are ready to release while carrying our gratitude and blessings into the coming year.

As we welcome the returning light, we are reminded that winter is not yet the season for new beginnings to emerge, but rather a time to rest, replenish, and nurture the seeds of possibility within the fertile darkness. A time to listen to our inner wisdom and begin dreaming 2027 into being, trusting that what we tend in stillness will blossom in its own divine timing.

Throughout our evening, we will share light snacks and a specially curated herbal tea blend, lovingly prepared to support our journey into the wisdom and medicine of winter.

Join us in sacred community as we honor the darkness, celebrate the return of the light, and embrace the beautiful balance between rest and creation, giving and receiving, endings and beginnings.

What to Bring:

• A chair for gathering around the firepit
• Warm, comfortable layers and appropriate clothing for our time outdoors
• An open heart and your prayers, gratitude, and intentions for the coming year

Our gathering will take place both indoors and outdoors, with our despacho creation held inside and our sacred fire ceremony beneath the winter sky.

Energy Exchange: In the spirit of ayni, the sacred balance of giving and receiving, this gathering is offered on a donation basis. Your contributions are lovingly received and help support the time, preparation, materials, and continued offering of these sacred ceremonies. Please give what feels aligned and accessible to you. Donations can be offered through Venmo: @Shawnmcs, Cash App: $ShawnMcStravick or cash

Registration required to honor the time and space put into this offering, simply email Shawn HERE or RSVP below that you would like to attend. Address will be provided upon Registration.