Introducing Cedar Circle: A Community Celebrating the Wheel of the Year
Wheel of The Year. By, Emerald Hearth
I'm excited to announce the launch of Cedar Circle, a community I've created to celebrate the Wheel of the Year through seasonal gatherings. Following the enthusiastic response to our Yule/Winter Solstice celebration, and with many of you eager to stay connected for future events, I felt it was time to formalize this wonderful group.
Why Cedar Circle?
A Shared Space: All our gatherings will be held at the Hoyt Arboretum. This offers several advantages:
Easy to Remember: A consistent location simplifies planning and eliminates confusion.
Seasonal Connection: Witnessing the changing seasons within the same environment fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Connecting to Place: As city dwellers, we often feel disconnected from the land. The Arboretum provides a valuable opportunity to establish a connection to a specific place.
Upcoming Gatherings:
I aim to hold gatherings as close as possible to the official date of each Sabbat, recognizing that flexibility is important. In general, it's preferable to celebrate after the actual date if an exact match isn't feasible.
What is the Wheel of the Year?
For those unfamiliar, the Wheel of the Year is a modern interpretation of ancient beliefs and practices that honor the cyclical rhythms of the seasons. It offers a framework for connecting with the natural world and deepening our understanding of the ever-changing cycles of life.
“The Wheel of the Year is a modern conceptualization of cyclical seasonal celebrations that follow the ebb and flow of darkness and light over the course of a year. It contains eight holidays, or sabbats, altogether: four solar festivals (the equinoxes and solstices), and four fire festivals (each Celtic in origin, marking the halfway point between solstice and equinox). The calendar is heavily reliant on Celtic mythology and folk holidays, with some Germanic and Norse influences as well.” Sea Witch Botanicals
Every Gathering will focus on:
Building Community: We'll create a supportive and inclusive space where we can connect on a deeper level.
Embracing Vulnerability: Sharing openly, even in small ways, fosters trust and strengthens our community bonds.
Mindfulness & Meditation: Integrating mindfulness practices into our gatherings will help us cultivate inner peace and presence.
Nature Connection: We'll deepen our appreciation for the natural world through activities like forest bathing, mindful observation, and seasonal awareness.
Seasonal Celebration: Each gathering will incorporate elements of the relevant Sabbat, such as:
Small Rituals: Simple and meaningful ways to honor the season.
Sabbat-Specific Activities: Exploring tarot, crafting, food sharing, or other activities related to the season.
Supporting Each Other: We'll look for ways to support one another through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and practical assistance.
Our Next Gathering: Imbolc
When: February 1st Where: Hoyt Arboretum Gazebo (4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221) Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
RSVP: Please message me by 1/29 (I want to ensure I bring enough supplies) to let me know if you want to join this group. This gathering is not set up for drop-ins.
About Imbolc:
Imbolc, meaning "in the belly," marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). As the days begin to lengthen, we witness the first stirrings of life returning to the earth. While it's still too early for planting, Imbolc is a time for introspection and planning. Consider what you wish to cultivate in your life this year – new skills, relationships, or personal growth – and begin to nurture those seeds within.
Symbols of Imbolc:
Fire
Bread
Butter
Milk
Candles
Brigid's Crown, Brigid's Cross, or Brigid's Corn Dolls
Seeds or Bulbs
This is a free event but if you can kick down some cash for supplies and the continued support of Palestinian families I would be very grateful.
To stay up-to-date with all Cedar Circle Gatherings either sign up to receive my email, message me that you want to join this group, or scroll to the bottom of my website page and find my calendar with all the events for the year posted.
Want me to do something in your city? Reach out and let’s make something magical happen!
I'm so excited!
Love,
Angie
