Summer Solstice Gathering

ABOUT

This Summer Solstice, we’re coming together to celebrate and honour one another and the sacredness of all life. To meet and connect more deeply with our community and the Earth. To share in love, grow in love and co-create in love. To sing, dance and weave our vision for our community into reality, in harmony with the Earth’s heart beat.

Our annual conscious co-creative community gathering features, among others:

- Free camping, hot showers and compost toilets at Well-Being Sanctuary. For more information on the venue go to www.facebook.com/WBSSA/

- Free conscious dance sessions with Dr Jen Levin (Movement Medicine), Salome Fernwood (Dance Awake), Anja Bock and Dion Viljoen (Summer Solstice Abundance Celebration)

- Free sacred sound healing concert by Desert Rose as well as live concerts and performances by Nur Felix, Gabrielle Bleue, Quintin Song, Colorfields and Anika Hari

- Free tree planting ceremony with Ray Nolan of the Precious Tree Project

- Free fire dancing performances

- Free childrens’ area overseen by Tilani and Layla

- Free swimming in the lake and canoeing

- Free picnics spots under the trees or next to the lake

The following events can be experienced on a donation basis in Rands/Talents or on a trading basis:

- The Alchemy of Breath session with Jen Rorrison

- Various Sweat Lodge ceremonies with Nixiwaka

- Cacao ceremonies with Chantelle van Outiniqua, Anja Bock and Adri-anne Buhrmann

- Drumming circles with Lokahi Sylva (who joins us all the way from Hawaii)

- Sacred Rhythmic Prayer Circles with Drumming and Mindful Connection facilitated by Nidhi Chaitow of Conscious Rhythm

- Traditional Yang Tai Chi & Ba Duan Jin Qigong with Clinton Jonker

- Communi-Tea Cafe featuring Odette Livni's yummy vegetarian and vegan food (including juices, smoothies and picnic hampers!) – see the complete menu below

- Tai chi Qiging movement and short form guided by Christopher and Susi Smart (students of Eddie Jardine)

- Various forms of yoga with facilitators from Pure Yoga. Plus partner yoga sessions with Zendrik and Kundalini Yoga with Mimmie Buhrmann

- Fire Dreaming Ceremony with Clara Tilve-Lyon and Das Lyon

- Fascial Movement Flow with Adri von Wielligh

- Women's circle facilitated by Liz Coutts, medicine Mama for the Eden Red Moon Temple

- Men's circle facilitated by David Cubbin and informed by some of the elders of the Mankind Project

- Wheel of the Year, systemic ritual with Aleksandra Shymina

- SomaSensing movement session with Nicholas McLean, focused on somatic Myofascial unwinding to relieve pain stuckness and stress

- Body treatments such as Chi Nei Tsang (deep abdomenal emotional release massage), Reiki, Reflexology, etc.

- Nature constellation with Jani Schneider

- Voice work (sound and song) with Christina Auerbach

- Healing with Food dialogue with Tiffiny Rae Bowden

- Evolving with Climate Change: Facing the Dragon. A group discussion facilitated by Charl Pienaar, duration 90 minutes or until everybody present is talked out.

- Live poetry sessions with Simric Yarrow and Mikyle Busson

- What is permaculture and how can I apply it in my life? An informal talk with Fabian von Hase

- Pop up trading stalls

- Open mic sessions so even if you're a young, inexperienced musician or poet, your talent is most welcome

- Horse rides with Camille de Rouvroy de Saint Simon of All So Naturally

- Dialogues on indigenous reforesting, climate change, etc.

* Please note: Your 3-Day Adult Pass and/or 3-Day Teenager Pass enables you to attend all of the events on the day, starting from 6.30am. Some of these offerings may be free of charge, depending entirely on the facilitator. Others may ask for a donation in either Rands/Talents. If you would like to pay with talents, please ensure that you are registered with your local Talent Market and that, if requested, you can produce proof of your talent number. The entire event operates on the basis of honesty and trust, so thank you for contributing your positive energy to it.

SCHEDULE

Here it is! Our schedule for the event has been finalised. We hope you'll find the wide variety of offerings stimulating.

FRIDAY, 20 DECEMBER

6.30am to 8am: Gentle Yoga and Breathwork guided by Katja Schuermann with healing touch by Lize Kriel (Pure Yoga)

8.15am to 8.45am: Opening circle (setting our collective intention for the event)

8.45am to 9.30am: Breakfast

8.45am to 12am: Sweat Lodge for men with Nixiwaka

9.30am to 11.30am: Women's Circle with Liz Coutts / Alternative option, Traditional Yang Tai Chi & Ba Duan Jin Qigong with Clinton Jonker

9.30am to 11.30am: Various offerings at the Dialogue Stations: What is permaculture and how can I apply it in my life? An informal talk with Fabian von Hase (please consult the information blackboard on the day for confirmation of times and locations)

11.45am to 1.30pm: Open mic sessions (poetry by Simric Yarrow and Mikyle Busson, acoustic music, etc.)

12.30pm to 1.30pm: Lunch / picnic / swimming or canoeing on the lake / horse rides with Cami

1.30pm to 4.30pm: Sweat Lodge for women with Nixiwaka

2.30pm to 4.30pm: Men's Circle with David Cubbin and informed by some of the elders of the Mankind Project / Alternative option, 2.30pm to 3.45pm: Fascial Movement Flow with Adri von Wielligh

4.45pm to 5.45pm: Dinner / picnic / swimming or canoeing on the lake / horse rides with Cami / Open mic session

5.45pm to 6.45pm: Sacred Rhythmic Prayer Circle with Drumming and Mindful Connection facilitated by Nidhi Chaitow of Conscious Rhythm / Alternative option, Healing Hatha Yoga with Lize Kriel (Pure Yoga)

7pm to 8.30pm: Movement Medicine conscious dance with Dr Jen Levin

8.30pm to 11pm: Live music performances by Quinton Song and Colorfields / Alternative option, Drumming circle facilitated by Lokahi Sylva

SATURDAY, 21 DECEMBER

6.30am to 8am: Dance Awake conscious movement session with Salome Fernwood / Alternative option, Strong and deeply activating Hatha Yoga with Kayla Le Roux and healing touch in Savasana by Katja Schuermann and Lize Kriel (Pure Yoga)

8.15am to 10.30am: Sweat Lodge for men and women with Nixiwaka

8.15am to 9.30am: Fascial Movement Flow with Adri von Wielligh

9.30am to 10.30am: Breakfast

9.30am to 11.30am: Traditional Yang Tai Chi & Ba Duan Jin Qigong with Clinton Jonker

10.30am to 11.45am: Wheel of the Year session with Systemic Ritual facilitator Aleksandra Shymina / Alternative option, Various offerings at the Dialogue Stations: Pachamama Reforest Project; Evolving with Climate Change: Facing the Dragon. A group discussion facilitated by Charl Pienaar (please consult the information blackboard on the day for confirmation of times and locations)

12noon to 2pm: Open mic sessions (poetry by Simric Yarrow and Mikyle Busson, acoustic music, etc) / Alternative option, Zen Qi Yoga with Zendrik

1pm to 2pm: Lunch / picnic / swimming or canoeing on the lake / horse rides with Cami

2pm to 4pm: Sweat Lodge for women and men with Nixiwaka / Alternative option: SomaSensing movement session with Nicholas McLean, focused on somatic Myofascial unwinding to relieve pain stuckness and stress.

4.15pm to 5.15pm: Tree planting ceremony with Ray Nolan of the Precious Tree Project

5.30pm to 6.45pm: Cacao ceremony with Chantelle van Outiniqua and Anja Bock

7pm to 9pm: Summer Solstice ecstatic dance with Anja Bock and Dion Viljoen

9pm till late: Summer Solstice feast (food, live music, drumming, etc.) - While we celebrate, live concerts by Gabrielle Bleue, Anika Hari and Nur Felix followed by a drumming circle with Lokahi Sylva

SUNDAY, 22 DECEMBER

6.30am to 8am: Kundalini Yoga session with Mimmie Buhrmann / Alternative option, Fascial Movement Flow with Adri von Wielligh

8.15am to 9.15am: Chanting session with Karen Ritchie and Anika Hari

9.30am to 11am: Tai chi Qiging movement and short form guided by Christopher and Susi Smart (students of Eddie Jardine) / Alternative option, Nature Constellation with Jani Schneider

11.15am to 12.45pm: Healing with Food, a dialogue facilitated by Tiffiny Rae Bowden. Plus various other offerings at the Dialogue Stations: The use of Ayahuasca as a tool for conscious community expansion by Nixiwaka of Pachamama Forest Retreat; Introducing the Precious Tree Project, with Melissa Dalton (please consult the information blackboard on the day for confirmation of times and locations) / Alternative option, Partner Yoga with Zendrik / Alternative option, Traditional Yang Tai Chi & Ba Duan Jin Qigong with Clinton Jonker

12 noon to 2pm: Open mic sessions (poetry by Simric Yarrow and Mikyle Busson, acoustic music, etc.) / Alternative option, 11.30am to 1pm: Cacao ceremony with Adri-anne Buhrmann

1pm to 2pm: Lunch / picnic / swimming or canoeing on the lake / horse rides with Cami

2.15pm to 3.45pm: Voice work (sound and song) with Christina Auerbach / 2.15pm to 3.45pm: SomaSensing movement session with Nicholas McLean, focused on somatic Myofascial unwinding to relieve pain stuckness and stress.

4pm to 5pm: Breathing journey with Jen Rorrison

5.15pm to 6.15pm: Sacred Rhythmic Prayer Circles with Drumming and Mindful Connection with Nidhi Chaitow of Conscious Rhythm

6.15pm to 7pm: Dinner / picnic / swimming or canoeing on the lake / horse rides with Cami

7pm to 8.30pm: Sacred sound healing concert by Desert Rose

9pm till sunrise: Fire Dreaming Ceremony with Clara Tilve-Lyon and Das Lyon

*Please note that this schedule serves as a framework for the gathering and may be adjusted closer to the time. You are advised to consult the information blackboard on a daily basis to ascertain the correct offerings and times.

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The gate opens at 3pm on Thursday, 19 December. You may use the Thursday afternoon to pitch your tent and set up camp. The gathering begins at 6.30am on Friday, 20 December and ends at 12pm on Sunday, 22 December. Please pack up and leave the venue by 12 noon at the latest on Monday 23 December.

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TICKETS

There are a limited number of tickets available. To avoid disappointment, please remember to pre-purchase your tickets via Quicket (there will be no ticket sales at the door)

Go to: www.quicket.co.za/events/88178-summer-solstice-gathering/

3-day Adult pass (for Friday, Saturday and Sunday) R350

3-day Teenager pass (ages 13 to 17, for Friday, Saturday and Sunday) R100

Sunday Adult pass (including the Desert Rose concert) R200

Sunday Teenager pass (ages 13 to 17, including the Desert Rose concert) R50

Kids under 13 free. No refunds.

* Please note: Your ticket enables you to attend some events on the schedule for free. Some of the experiences offered may be free of charge, depending entirely on the facilitator. Others may ask for a donation in either Rands/Talents. If you would like to pay with Talents, please ensure that you are registered with your local Talent Market and that, if requested, you can produce proof of your talent number. The entire event operates on the basis of honesty and trust, so thank you for contributing your positive energy to it.

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Throughout the three days there will be various offerings by members of the community to connect, engage, learn and share inspiration, creativity and joy.

The CENTRAL DANCEFLOOR will be used for the conscious dances, other core ceremonies and a live performance by the acclaimed Desert Rose on Sunday, 22 December. It is also open for offers of live acoustic musical acts.

The ART OF THE HEART STATION is a space where the community can share their talents, craft and art offerings. You’re invited to do a pop-up trading stall or to facilitate a workshop, talk, demo or activity on a donation basis.

The DIALOGUE STATION is an open talking circle where we can gather to discuss and explore new perspectives and solutions to important storylines and topics for our community, its health and growth.

The PLAY STATION is a safe space for the children and inner child of the community to be cared for and engaged in a empowering, joy-filled manner. Offer a puppet show, free drawing, children’s yoga or storytelling.

The FOOD STATION, also known as the Communi-Tea Cafe by Odette Livni, will sell light and healthy meals, treats, juices, smoothies and picnic hampers. The full menu is posted below. PLEASE NOTE: All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as picnic hampers) should be PRE-BOOKED and PRE-PAID directly with Odette. You can contact her via e-mail ([email protected]) or on 073 311 6673.

MENU

Here is some clarification by Odette Livni on how to order from The Communi-Tea Cafe:

Breakfasts and Main Meals need to be pre-ordered. Please specify which option you would like of the different options.

If going for Option 1, Option 2 or Option 3 of the daily lunch and dinner offerings, please say which mains and which salads you would like.

See also a few small amendments to the menu as follows...

BREAKFAST

- Soaked Gluten Free Muesli served with Nut Milk or Yogurt R60

- Chia pot R50

- Blissful Berry Smoothie R40

- Super Cacao Smoothie R50

LUNCH AND DINNER

Salads

- Garden Green Salad

- Baobab Coleslaw

Mains

- Quinoa & Brown Rice with shredded greens

- Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew

- Roasted Vegetables & Moringa Chickpea Spread

Option 1: 1 Salad and 1 Main or 2 Salads or 2 Mains (i.e. 2 different food servings) R65

Option 2: 2 Salads & 1 Main or 1 Salad & 2 Mains R85

Option 3 : 2 Salads & 2 Mains R100

Option 4 : 2 Salads & 3 Mains R120

I will have the following home created dressings to add to the meals:

* Spicy peanut satay sauce

* Cashew nut cream

* 'Bayonaise' (baobab sauce)

* Honey mustard lemon vinaigrette

(these sauces are optional at no extra cost)

PICNIC HAMPER

Keto Seed Bread, Avo, Moringa Chickpea Spread, Olive Tapenade, 'Bayonaise' Raw Veg Sticks for dipping R65

Add extra boiled eggs R15

DESSERT

- Almond brownies R40

- Selection of bliss balls R10

DRINKS

- Refresh Green Juice R40

- Nettle Yerba Mate Iced Tea R20cup R60/bottle

- Hibiscus Iced Tea R20 / R60

- A Range of Herbal Teas R20

- Cacao Maca Nut 'Latte' R30

- Turmeric Ginger Honey R20

- Rooibos Chai Nut 'Latte' R30

- Bullet Proof Coffee R30

Desserts, snacks and beverages do not need to be pre-ordered as I will be making them throughout the gathering.

Feel free to ask me any questions regarding the food on offer. I look forward to nourishing you as best I can!

PLEASE NOTE: All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as picnic hampers) should be PRE-BOOKED and PRE-PAID directly with Odette before Wednesday, 18 December. You can contact her via e-mail ([email protected]) or on 073 311 6673.

She adds: "Spontaneously inclined? I will be offering some soups and other things 'on demand' for those feeling like a nibble but didn't pre-order."

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A wash up station is provided if you choose to bring your own pre-prepared food. Only food waste bins are provided, please take your own rubbish home.

Please volunteer to help set up, manage and pack up.

We welcome contributions and support with stretch tents, décor (cushions, carpets, blankets, mobiles) and any sponsorship or donations. Please bring a can-do attitude of gratitude, food to share for the COMMUNAL SOLSTICE FEAST, drinking water and everything else for a comfortable camping experience. There are hot showers and excellent compost toilets. No alcohol, drugs or stimulants. No fires. No pets. Please respect the space, use resources sparingly and leave only a good trace.

All are invited to join in the co-creation of this conscious community celebration.

All volunteers will receive a fair exchange ticket.

Please connect with us ASAP via Whatsapp

Offerings, Contributions and Volunteers: Anja 072 712 4877

More information: Dion 072 433 7421

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DIRECTIONS TO THE VENUE

Follow it and you'll get there. Guaranteed!

https://maps.google.com/?q=-33.971325,22.776617

FROM THE SEDGEFIELD SIDE

Once you pass through Sedgefield on the N2, take the Karatara turnoff to your left. Travel about 4km to the first turn to the left. (Also Karatara). Pass over a low water bridge, travel about 3km to the first left turn. It is a dirt road with sign saying Hoogekraal/George.

Follow the road over the river and up the pass for about 5km to the first left turn. Signs say Well-Being Sanctuary, Wilderness Forest Estate, Fynbosvlei. Turn left into Lake Ave.

From the top of Lake Ave just keep following the blue and white WBS arrows. At the bottom of the road you will see a face brick entrance, turn left and you will see a large wooden gate. You have arrived.

Once through the gate (where you will be required to present your pre-booked Quicket ticket) travel along the grass road and park your vehicle in the designated area. Voila! Enjoy a blissful time!

FROM THE WILDERNESS SIDE

Once you pass through Wilderness on the N2, take the turn off to Hoekwil. Travel for approximately 21km and take the right turn onto the dirt road to Ruigtevlei.

Travel about 3 km along the dirt road and turn right into Lake Ave. You will see a few signs including Wilderness Forest Estate, Fynbosvlei, Tomorrowland & Well-Being Sanctuary. Turn right into Lake Ave.

From the top of Lake Ave just keep following the blue and white WBS arrows. At the bottom of the road you will see a face brick entrance, turn left and you will see a large wooden gate. You have arrived.

Once through the gate (where you will be required to present your pre-booked Quicket ticket) travel along the grass road and park your vehicle in the designated area. Voila! Enjoy a blissful time!