Winter Solstice Ceremony, Thursday, December 21 at 9:00 a.m.
Free community and family event at Wishtoyo Chumash Village
Winter Solstice:
Winter Solstice represents the ending of a complete cycle of 12 months and the beginning of the New Sun, the New Year! It's the shortest day of the year with cold winds, rain and sometimes snow on the mountains bringing about a new cycle. Bear and Eagle are the Winter Helpers. Eagle, with its great vision, observes the land and communicates to Bear if there is danger. Bear represents the healing strength of the Mother Earth.
Currently, our world is out of balance and this Winter is being met with ongoing drought and now hurricane speed winds and fires. The Thomas fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara has burned 237,500 acres of land and close to 900 structures, and tens of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. It is a necessary time to come together in prayer and actions to help each other through this difficult time and reflect on our relationships to the natural world. Are we really paying attention to our relationship with the Earth?
Our dear friend, Billy Frank, Jr., who passed into spirit almost 4 years ago left us with a statement of clarity and truth in living:
"I don't believe in magic. I believe in the sun and the stars, the water, the tides, the floods, the owls, the hawks flying, the river running, the wind talking. They're measurements. They tell us how healthy things are. How healthy we are. Because we and they are the same. That's what I believe in."
--Billy Frank, Jr., Nisqually Elder and an undaunted defender of and respected elder statesman for tribal treaty fishing rights, protection of the environment and the restoration of salmon habitat in the Pacific northwest.
When we come together as community to honor a new season at Winter Solstice, we can use these five days of reflection and the symbolism of the Helpers to reflect upon our relationships with self, family, community and the natural environment that sustains us all! How are we doing as a Human Family? What steps can we take into the New Cycle to deepen our relationships with each other, our earth, ocean and all the living beings that exist here? Even reflect on the connection of the ancestor stones whose breath provides ancient wisdom if we care to listen.
Each day from December 17 - 21 starts with a morning ceremony with a specific daily focus. All people are welcome to join us at Wishtoyo's Chumash Village (The Village) for as much or as little of the ceremonial cycle by RSVPing to Luhui at: luhuiisha@wishtoyo.org.
The Village is an 8,000-year-old site that provides a sacred place to gather, educate, and share Chumash history, cultural preservation, and environmental issues that affect us all. We look forward to a meaningful community ceremony and celebration with you all!
What to bring:
Water Offering tobacco Food to share (community potluck style) Prayers Wear warm clothes Camp chair or blanket to sit on Traditional Protocols:
ABSOLUTELY NO CAMERAS/VIDEO during Ceremony.
Women Sisters: please remember to wear long skirts, sarongs, wraps, dress modestly. If you're on your moontime, please sit outside of the sil'i'yik and bring a blanket or camp chair to sit with other Sisters. Please do not be in the kitchen area or prepare food (see Luhui if you have questions).
Do Not Bring your Dogs/Pets. We have three German Shepherds on site. They are friendly but they will not be okay with other animals and will bark continually disturbing the Ceremony.
Parking:
Please Park on the PCH and walk in. If you are an Elder, are disabled, or have someone to drop off, please let us know ahead of time so we can accommodate you by emailing Kote at: Kmelendez@wishtoyo.org
