Let’s welcome the season of darkness and share light around a beach bonfire (or online). We’ll celebrate the Winter Solstice with community and connection to nature. We’ll watch the sun set on the longest night of the year and reflect on the earth’s position and the cycles of our natural world. We’ll be led in simple solstice songs (singing or listening are equal choices) and gentle contemplative practice and share reflection.

This event is suitable for all ages and would be most engaging for ages 12 and up.

One version of this program will take place at the beach, and another version will take place online at the same time for folks who aren’t up for in person gatherings this time of year.

If you are attending in person, bring weather-appropriate wear and (if desired) your favorite hot beverage. If it is raining, the beach gathering will be relocated to a Shoreline home. Please RSVP to receive any location updates.

If you are attending online, please log on with 1-3 candles and matches. The Zoom link will be sent when you RSVP.

Contributions are warmly welcomed to meet our program expenses, which are about $25/person. Everyone is welcome to join in at whatever level is right for you: we all make this happen together!

Location:

Carkeek Park fire pit, image from seattle.gov

We are meeting at the fire pit, near the playground. Once you enter the park, continue to the parking nearest to the beach and the playfield. The fire pit is north of the parking, between the overlook and the restrooms, next to the picnic tables. Here is the location on Google Maps.

It is a 1.5 mile, up/downhill walk to the nearest bus stops (5, 40). Contact GatherinGround.Seattle@gmail.com if you would like to find a carpool, or if you would like a pick up from or drop off to a nearby bus stop.

Accessibility:

At the park:

Our meeting spot (the fire pit) is 50 ft from the parking lot. There is a paved path to the fire pit. There are cement benches around the pit and picnic tables nearby.

There is a public restroom 100ft from our meeting place that is typically open in winter.

Covid-19 and flu plan: Please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms. Masks are optional. Reach out if you need different guidelines.

On Zoom:

We are gathering on Zoom with automated captions. We read aloud comments typed in chat. Cameras are optional; most of us participate with cameras on to help build community.

Please contact us with any access needs.