A little bit of history
Yule / Midwinter / Wintersolstice
The Wintersolstice. The time where the day is shortest. The longest night of the year. At 9:22 in the morning the sun will rise once more to announce that it will slowly grow in strength and the promise of longer days is being kept.
Many neolithic and bronze age archeological sites in Europe are associated with the solstices, for example Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland. Many ancient Egyptian temples are also aligned with the Winter Solstice sunrise, these including the Temple of Amun.-Ra and Hatshepsut.
The ancient Romans celebrated "The Middle of Winter" at the 25th of December and called it the first day of the new sun.
The celebration of the return of daylight was celebrated in Scandinavia too! Sources from the 6th century describe that this time was one of the greatest festivals for the people of the north.
Northern Germanic people celebrated Yule and one of the sources is Snorri Sturluson. He described a Yule feast hosted by none other than the Norwegian King Haakon the Good (920-961). Haakon aligned these celebrations more with the Christian Christmas celebration. The word Jul is still the term used in modern Northern European languages.
In the Druidic tradition Alban Arthan is a seasonal festival at the Winter Solstice. The druids would gather by the oldest Mistletoe-clad oak. The Chief Druid would cut the Mistletoe, while the other druids would make sure none of it would touch the ground. It was part of a sacrifice to invoke prosperity from the gods.
The holiday is also observed in a manner that commemorates the death of the Holly King (the Oak King dies during Midsummer) at the hands of his son and successor, the Oak King (symbolising the new year and the new sun that begins to grow). In some traditions this battle is still re-enacted at rituals, usually in the form of words, but there have been some sword battles too!
What to bring:
- Good walking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Food for the potluck (make something for 3-4 people!)
- Something that symbolises a tiny gift that may be gifted to another person.
When:
Saturday 20th of December 12:00 - 20:00
What are we actually going to celebrate?
Return of the light, the days growing longer
Before the chaos of the holiday season fully takes hold, we invite you to an intimate, restorative Winter Solstice Celebration at Siren Enchantments.
The Winter Solstice (Yule) marks the shortest day and the longest night—a sacred turning point when the darkness reaches its zenith, and the Sun is symbolically reborn. This is a powerful moment for deep rest, reflection, and calling the light back into our lives.
This gathering is an exclusive experience for only 10 participants, designed to nurture both the spirit and the body, but most of all: celebrate with others in a time where so much only happens online.
What We Celebrate Together
Our gathering is a unique blend of Nordic tradition, Druid wisdom and Japanese Shinto, ensuring you leave feeling a bit more connected to yourself and the spirit of the season.
We celebrate Stillness, Renewal, and the Promise of Light through these key practices:
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Rites of Renewal & Warmth: We begin by shedding external stress with a warm, nourishing lunch and a symbolic cleansing ritual (Kiyome). This ritual prepares the space and your spirit for true inner work.
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The Labyrinth’s Journey: The core of our time together is a guided, meditative ritual using the Labyrinth. This path offers a powerful moment of reflection: What patterns are you ready to release into the darkness?And what seeds of insight will you carry out into the returning light?
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Creative Alchemy: We anchor the insights gained in the Labyrinth by coming together to create a warming Winter oil infused with protective, natural essences. This craft is a physical reminder to carry warmth and self-care through the cold season.
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Nourishment & Guidance: We share a delicious, lunch and end the day with Tarot/Oracle guidance focused on the path forward.
Give yourself the ultimate gift of time and presence—a moment to pause and reflect as the days lengthen once more. Come as you are.¥¥
Tickets 20th of December:
350kr p.p. (10 spots)
When:
Saturday 20th of December 12:00 - 20:00
What to bring:
- Good walking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Food for the potluck (make something for 3-4 people!)
- Something that symbolises a tiny gift that may be gifted to another person.
What will we be doing this Wintersolstice?
Ways of celebration, program for the 20th of December
Program:
There might be changes adjusted to the weather. If too cold or too wet, we will celebrate inside, but we'll try to be outside as much as we can to celebrate the lengthening of the days
12:00 Arrival and light lunch*.
12:45 Cleansing with a beautiful Harai ceremony.
13:15 Birth of the sun Wintersolstice ceremony. Guided meditation
13:45 The Wintersolstice Giftbasket
14:15 Break
14:30 We'll make winteroils (juniper, fir, ginger) for the season and you can bring your own home with you.
15:30 Plant Oracle Reading for all who are present and wish to be read for.
16:30 Toji; we'll share snacks and drinks representing the sun, good health, fortune and prosperity.*
* 16:45 Walking the winter labyrinth. Reflect on what you wish to leave in the dark by walking in ward. Take the lessons with you when walking back out. **
17:00 Potluck dinner
19:00 Grounding meditation, closing ceremony.
* This is provided by the host
** In case of the weather causing trouble there are two alternatives: we go on a little winterwalk or move the labyrinth inside with an alternative formation.
Earlier Celebrations / Gatherings
*- IMPORTANT INFORMATION -*
Please take a moment to read through the rules we keep up to be able to make this a celebration enjoyable for all.
Celebrations at Siren Enchantments: A Guide for Participants
Welcome to our open-hearted gathering! We're thrilled to celebrate the Winter Solstice with you. This is a space for community, connection, and honoring the natural world. There's space for a maximum of 10 people.
Who is this for?
- Individuals and families who appreciate nature, community, and seasonal celebrations.
- Those interested in learning about Pre-Christian, Animistic, Shinto and The Older traditions.
- People who value a respectful and inclusive environment and wish to celebrate
Our Core Values:
- Respect: We foster a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and reject all forms of discrimination.
- Mindfulness: We are mindful of the children and animals present and ensure a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Responsibility: We are responsible for our actions and contribute positively to the gathering.
What is NOT accepted:
- Racism, bigotry, or any form of discrimination.
- Disrespectful or disruptive behavior that interferes with the enjoyment of others.
- Behavior that endangers children and animals or compromises their safety.
- Destruction of plants, flowers, trees, woodwork.
- The house is off limits with the exception of bathroom visits, please do not enter without permission.
- Smoking, drugs or any other means of intoxication.
Event Program Winter Solstice:
12:00 Arrival and light lunch*.
12:45 Cleansing with a beautiful Haraiceremony.
13:15 Birth of the sun Wintersolstice ceremony. Guided meditation
13:45 The Wintersolstice Giftbasket
14:15 Break
14:30 We'll make winteroils (juniper, fir, ginger) for the season and you can bring your own home with you.
15:30 Plant Oracle Reading for all who are present and wish to be read for.
16:30Toji; we'll share snacks and drinks representing the sun, good health, fortune and prosperity.*
* 16:45 Walking the winter labyrinth
17:00 Potluck dinner
19:00 Grounding meditation, closing ceremony.
Important Notes:
- Changes to the program may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Entrance for Ticketholders only!
- There are no Ticket Sales at the door.
- Please be mindful of the fire and follow safety instructions.
- Please be aware that this is a family friendly event.
- Please keep in mind that this is an outside event taking place, be mindful of our neighbours!
- Please use the parking space available at Tangen Skole (not Samfunnshuset!) and take a 10-15 min walk over to Fagervik House.
- Dogs are unfortunately not allowed due to the fact that we have cats on the premise.
- Please feel free to bring an offering to the fire (something you wish to strengthen or let go off)
- Please be respectful of the nature around us.
- There is the possibility of a photographer present. We will use some of the pictures for further announcing of upcoming events, but will refrain from posting you in case you're on and do NOT wish to be posted online. Children will not be posted online.
- Have fun!
Who/what funds the event?
Ticketsales
Where does the money go to?
Future event organizing, buying materials, upkeep of the stone circle and labyrinth.
Where?
Kongspartvegen 64, Tangen, Innlandet, Norway
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Get in touch
Feel free to contact us for more information! This form will not register you for any promotions or newsletters. We'll get back to you as soon as possible!