Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is an intergenerational, earth-based spirituality program created to celebrate the eight solar holidays of the year. People of ALL ages, from newborns to elders, are welcome to attend one or all of these celebrations.

Rituals are participatory (to the level of each person’s comfort and ability), child-friendly, and last no longer than one hour. At each celebration the group calls the directions to create sacred space, learns about the reason and themes for the holiday being celebrated, sings a few songs or chants, enjoys a holiday theme-based activity, and gathers again to offer thanks and closure. After the celebration, the group enjoys conversation and snacks.

Celebrations are held on Friday evenings. Rituals start promptly at 6:30 p.m. at First Universalist Church. Donations to offset the cost of ritual materials are welcome, but never required, as are contributions of beverages or snacks to share after ritual. Dress is comfortable and casual, so participants can be ready for movement, play and creative activity of any kind.

Please join us at any or all of the following celebrations in 2010!
All are held at First Universalist Church on Fridays and begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

  • February 5     Imbolc (Candlemas/Brigid)
  • March 19     Spring/Vernal Equinox
  • April 30     Beltane (May Day)
  • June 18     Summer Solstice (Litha)
  • July 30     Lammas (Lughnasadh)
  • September 24     Fall/Autumn Equinox (Mabon)
  • October 29     Samhain (Day of the Dead/Halloween)
  • December 17     Winter Solstice (Yule)

Previous activities enjoyed during Wheel of the Year celebrations include: stories told and shared; holiday-themed art and crafts created; songs and chants taught and sung; labyrinth walking; pumpkin carving; creation of ancestor altars; a shadow puppet show; creation of sun crowns; poetry creation and recitation; creation and blessing of altar items; dancing and weaving a May pole; creating May baskets; egg hunts; an obstacle course and play with scales and toys focusing on balance; planting seeds; a sun piñata; and the sharing our appreciation for the blessings and abundance we have received.

For more information please contact Wheel of the Year co-leaders Debbie (best contacted by phone: 612-722-4705) or Morgan (best contacted by email: morganerock@hotmail.com).