Wild Women - Winter Solstice Circle

This relaxed half-day Women's Circle will take place in the grounds of the atmospheric Sorbie Tower, a Scottish Tower house which is the ancestoral seat of Clan Hannay, situated just outside Sorbie village, on the way to the coastal village of Garlieston. Whilst reconnecting with nature in this beautiful setting, we will begin the celebrations by crafting a Solstice star from natural materials around the open fire, you will then be introduced to the skills of fire-lighting as we decorate our Yule Log to burn on the fire, as the yule log is burning we will enjoy a bowl of wild food themed soup and fire baked bread. Once we have feasted around the open fire we will spend some time lighting candles and setting intentions celebrating the return to light using a crystal grid, finishing the day with a wild tea ceremony. The booking fee is £8 and then I respectfully ask for you to pay what you feel you can contribute towards the costs on the day.

TERRAIN

Please note the half day takes place in the beautiful and atmospheric grounds of Sorbie Tower. The ground can be rough and uneven underfoot at times off the main paths, near to the forest camp. There is also a set of stairs in the Tower leading up to the Main Hall, where we will retreat to if the weather is too inclement.

MINIMUM AGE

8 years old. (Anyone aged 17 or under must be accompanied by a paying legal guardian)

MINIMUM BOOKING NUMBERS

Please note the minimum booking numbers are for Adult places, not child.

COVID 19

COVID-19 is still a public health risk. You can catch it even if you’ve been vaccinated or had it before.

By continuing to care for ourselves and others, we can help slow down the spread of the virus, enable workplaces to operate safely and reduce pressure on health services.

As of 21 March 2022 most of the remaining legal requirements in the Coronavirus regulations were removed, specifically the:

-requirement to collect and share visitor information

-requirement to have regard to Scottish Government guidance about minimising risk of exposure to coronavirus on its premises

-requirement to take reasonably practicable measures, as set out in the guidance, to minimise incidence and spread of coronavirus

As a result of the removal of most Coronavirus regulations, sportscotland’s return to sport and physical guidance has been withdrawn.

For general advice on helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19, sportscotland recommend following:

Use 'Covid sense' to help protect yourself and others:

-stay at home if you’re unwell with symptoms or have a fever

open windows when socialising indoors

-wash your hands to protect yourself

-Care for yourself and others to help slow down the spread of the virus and reduce pressure on our health services.

Please note that different individuals have different comfort levels regarding the lifting of restrictions, please respect others who may feel less comfortable than you.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding COVID 19 and the course please do contact Way of the Wild.

Warm clothing as we will be either outdoors or inside Sorbie Tower, both have the potential to be cold at this time of year. Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Please wear long sleeved tops and trousers to protect your arms and legs from bites and woodland flora.

Waterproof jacket and trousers, just in case. Jeans should not be worn, as they are slow to dry, clinging and cold.

Walking boots or other tough footwear, trainers are not suitable.

If you have the following then please do bring your own (items with a star can also be provided)

*Camping Mug

Water bottle

*Pair of gardening gloves or similar (Can provide if needed)

Sunscreen and insect repellent (Smidge is great)

Hand sanitiser

Pay what you feel cash donation towards the costs of the day.

The Course will start with introductions and a safety brief at the meeting point, then we will walk to the forest camp on site or up to the main hall in the Tower. Whilst reconnecting with nature in this beautiful setting, we will begin the celebrations by crafting a Solstice star from natural materials around the open fire, you will then be introduced to the skills of fire-lighting as we decorate our Yule Log to burn on the fire, as the yule log is burning we will enjoy a bowl of wild food themed soup and fire baked bread. Once we have feasted around the open fire we will spend some time lighting candles and setting intentions celebrating the return to light using a crystal grid, finishing the day with a wild tea ceremony.