Winter Solstice: The Dreamtime
Photo by Nasir Khan Saikat
The Wheel of the Year echoes the tangible shifts in the outer world and inner psyche across changing seasons, and Winter Solstice marks the shortest and darkest day of the year. At this time of year, it can seem that the warmth and light of summer are forever gone, so Winter Solstice celebrations in the northern hemisphere focus on renewing light and hope. In Northern European traditions, the Mother Goddess gives birth to the sun on Yule. People would keep vigil through the long darkness, gathering around the Yule log burning in the fireplace, singing songs and telling stories. Boughs of evergreen trees were brought inside, symbolizing that even amid the darkest and coldest days, life continues onward. From the Yule onwards, we begin the slow but inexorable return to the light and the renewal of Spring.
War will never bring peace. Currently, every hour in Gaza 15 people are killed (6 are children), 35 people are injured, 42 bombs are dropped, and 12 buildings are destroyed. The latest death toll stands at 20,301 Palestinians and about 1,139 people killed in Israel since October 7 (Al Jazeera). It’s hard to stay present during this ongoing horror. In addition, factors like climate catastrophe and massive inequality might make it feel like the world has also entered its darkest time. Witnessing these catastrophes is a way of shining light on them and bringing them out of darkness.
This season is also called The Dreamtime, a time of hibernation and going inward. Winter Solstice can be a time of gestation for the dreams that will manifest in the future. It symbolizes the birth of light to be planted in spring, cultivated in summer, and harvested in fall. The metaphor of winter as a season of dreaming underscores the deep introspection and creative potential that comes with the slowing down of life's pace during this time. The crucial question arises: will we dream unconsciously or consciously during the dark winter?
Spend some time this Winter Solstice dreaming of how you want to show up in the world. Dream of the ways in which liberation might come about in your own life, your communities, and for the lives of oppressed and colonized people in our world. What are the ways that you can resist? What are the ways in which we can thrive? Winter Solstice is also a time to come together around the fire as community and repair tools, share stories and songs, and share food. In what ways can we collectively work towards liberation?
Here’s a ritual for this night of longest dark: write an intention (or several) by candlelight - a dream, a hope, a purpose you want to bring into focus. This can be for you and for the larger collective. Place the candle in a sheltered vessel so the flame may burn steadily through the night, illuminating these intentions. Witness the first light of sunrise as confirmation and blessing.
(Editor’s note: the blessing of paganism and animism is a letting go of hard clock time. This Winter Solstice newsletter is “late” by modernist standards, but not by the slower and more flowing Earth time. Every turn of the Wheel is gradual, and the Solstices, Equinoxes, and Cross-quarters have a penumbra before and after the high point. I invite you to flow into and out of these points in time as you’re able and as you’re called. There is no “wrong” way to be on the Wheel of the Year.)
Take action and demand a ceasefire now
Jewish Voices For Peace: “Jewish Voice for Peace is the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world. We’re organizing a grassroots, multiracial, cross-class, intergenerational movement of U.S. Jews into solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle, guided by a vision of justice, equality, and dignity for all people.”
IfNotNow: “ We are a movement of American Jews organizing our community to end U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system and demand equality, justice, and a thriving future for all Palestinians and Israelis.”
International Solidarity Movement: “The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) is a Palestinian-led movement committed to resisting the long-entrenched and systematic oppression and dispossession of the Palestinian population, using non-violent, direct-action methods and principles.”
Rewilding Loneliness: A Crisis of Community and Loss of Shared Spaces
Join Paulé Wood, co-initiator of Rewild Salish Sea, at the 7th Annual North American Rewilding Conference, January 26 - 28, 2024. They will be giving a talk called “Rewilding Loneliness: A Crisis of Community and Loss of Shared Spaces.”
From Paulé: So-called "developed" nations have the highest rate of loneliness in the world. When we think of rewilding, it's often the romanticized vision of the rugged, capable individual in a pristine forest. However, long-term feelings of loneliness and social isolation can reduce cognitive skills, such as the ability to concentrate, make decisions, and problem-solve. In the face of increasing authoritarianism and populist xenophobia, all we really have is each other in the day-to-day context we’re in.
Stay tuned: Rewild Salish Sea will host a watch party. We’ll send a follow-up email with more information on how to join.
More information and conference registration
Hospicing Modernity: join us for a 7-month book club / experiential hybrid practice
Hospicing Modernity: Facing Humanity’s Wrongs and the Implications for Social Activism by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira is a book that serves as a foundational resource for people who long to respond to the overlapping crises created by capitalist modernity with more awareness, maturity, and playfulness.
It can be a highly uncomfortable read, but by gathering and incorporating somatic practices, we hope to expand our collective capacity for discomfort and together allow ourselves to become disillusioned with the extractive, violent systems that affect us all.
We plan to host seven monthly Friday evening meetings from January to July on Zoom and weave in in-person gatherings as possible.
Jan 19th, Feb 16th, Mar 15th, Apr 12th, May 10th, Jun 14th, Jul 12th
Email us to RSVP
Support Yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective
yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective is a community of intertribal Indigenous artists rematriating 1.5 acres of land in South Seattle, on Coast Salish territories. Their mission is to help improve Indigenous well-being through art-making, community-building, and equitable creative opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective as stewards of sacred community space in South Seattle. To celebrate their first anniversary on the land, they have gifts for you! Visit their site and take home one of these gorgeous art yard signs designed by local tribal members.
Artworks were created by Kate k̓yʔk̓ablu Neayuq Ahvakana (Suquamish and Iñupiaq), Tyson Simmons (Muckleshoot), Camille Trautman (Duwamish), and Denise Emerson (Skokomish and Navajo). Language translation services were provided by the Muckleshoot and Suquamish language programs, as well as the University of Washington. Graphic design support and printing preparation provided by Pei Pei Sung.
Signs can be picked up along the sidewalk in Rainer Beach at 9666 51st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, and will be replenished regularly throughout December.
More info about the artists and this project at yehawshow.com/yardart.
Rewild Salish Sea needs your help!
There are only two of us running Rewild Salsih Sea and we need help!
Are you a person who has skills to share with the community? These could be “physical” like mending, foraging, and friction-fire starting, or they could be “somatic” like increasing physical/mental health, and relational practices?
Do you like planning, organizing, and supporting events, both in-person and online?
Is social media and communications your jam?
Help us grow Rewild Salish Sea in 2024! Email us for more details
Upstream Podcast: radical ideas and inspiring stories for a just transition to a more beautiful and equitable world
“Founded in 2016, Upstream is a podcast that offers a quarterly Documentary series and a bi-monthly In Conversation series exploring a wide variety of themes pertaining to economics — from an anti-capitalist perspective. Through a mixture of heartfelt stories, expert interviews, and rich sound design, we invite you to unlearn everything you thought you knew about economics and imagine what a better world could look like.”
Be sure to check out these episodes:
The multi-episode deep-dive conversations about Palestine with leading activists and academics
A series outlining the history and context of the formation of the state of Israel, how Palestinians resisted Israeli occupation from before the state was even created, and how they continued to resist throughout the disingenuously named “peace” process that culminated with the Oslo Accords, which was never intended to bring lasting peace to the region but was intended to cement in the status quo. (Episode list)
Bonus episode: A Winter Solstice Celebration for 2023 with Manda Scott and Nathalie Nahai
“As we gather to reflect on what’s been an extraordinarily turbulent, confronting, and unexpected 12 months, we share some of the key themes of inquiry and growth we’ve explored on our podcasts, we trace what we find when we each go upstream from the challenges we’re facing today, and we explore some of the gifts, stories, and resources that can support us as we step into the months ahead.” (Episode list)
Thank you for joining our Rewild Salish Sea community conversations in November!
We had a couple of sweet conversations with community members in November in which we asked how Rewild Salish Sea can be of more service to the community. Know that we heard you and that we are also moving slowly at this time of the year.
Stay tuned for more offerings as we approach the spring:
In-person skills teaching, such as bow drill fires, making cordage, mending and hand sewing, and small-scale horticulture
Rewilding Technology: how can we find balance with this “invasive species” and get beneficial use out of it? How can we practice better information hygiene?
Earthquake preparedness and disaster recovery
Want to lead or teach a skill? Have an idea or a request? Email us!
Rewild Salish Sea community map
Check out the many excellent community resources such as tool libraries, mutual-aid groups, learning orgs, and more on the Rewild Salish Sea community map. Are we missing something? Please contribute more resources to the Rewild Salish Sea map!
Upcoming events around the Salish Sea
Events are in chronological order. Tell us about your event and we will share it.
Free Wilderness Awareness School: eCourses
Online in your email inbox
Bird Language, Wilderness Survival, Wild Plant Identification, Nature Connection, and Secret World of Mushrooms eCourses. “Gain a renewed perspective for the natural world with free eCourses delivered right to your inbox.”
Sign up
The Heron’s Nest Landback Project: Outdoor Education & Restorative Justice Volunteer Land Stewardship Day
Every Monday, 10 am - 2 pm
”Work includes general landscaping, blackberry root removal, ivy and invasive species removal, new plantings, weeding, small building projects, and more! All ages activities, Gloves, tools, snacks, and drinks are available. Come as you are, feel free to bring what you like. On-leash dogs welcome.”
More information
4818 Puget Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 (above the Duwamish longhouse)
Seattle Spoon Club
Every third Friday of the month, 6 - 9 pm
”A gathering of spoon enthusiasts in the Seattle area. Come join this wonderful community. We will have spoon blanks available, but we ask that you bring your own tools.”
More information
Seattle Spoon Club at Pratt Fine Arts Center, 1902 South Main St, Seattle, WA 98144
Solidarity With Palestine 🇵🇸
Sun Dec 24, 2024, 11 am - 1 pm
”Whether you have known about the Israeli occupation of Palestine for a long time or just found out about it come stand in solidarity with Palestinians. We are anti-war and anti-genocide! Those are our babies, our children, our husbands, our wives! “If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” —Lilla Watson. Bring signs/ flags and please share the event.”
More information
Bayview Rd and Highway 525 on Whidbey Island, 5243 Bayview Rd, Langley, WA 98260
The Palestinian Struggle in the New Year, with Palestinian Youth Movement
Fri Dec 29, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
”Join us for an evening of reflection and discussion with three organizers from the Palestinian Youth Movement as we hear about PYM’s national and international organizing work, including the role of political education, mass mobilization, and coalition building. What lessons can we glean from their experiences and insight? What can we learn from our months of struggle in Seattle? What is to be done now to fortify the movement for 2024?
“The event will include a formal moderated discussion with the PYM, a large group reflection and discussion with attendees, and Q&A. Hot beverages and cookies will be provided! Masks are required except when eating.”
More information
Registration is required
Seattle, WA; exact location will be provided after registering
Samidoun March for Palestine
Sat Jan 6, 2024 (check event link below for exact time)
”For the next two weeks, we are dedicating ourselves to a deeper study of the ongoing struggle for the liberation of Palestine (reading list coming soon!). We’re planning on taking the streets again on January 6th to tell Seattle that ignoring an ongoing genocide IS NOT AN OPTION.”
More information
Westlake Park, 401 Pine St, Seattle, WA
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Night Club
Fri Jan 12, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
“Night Club invites you to explore your relationship with darkness and light by practicing nature connection beyond the realm of day. Through games, discussion, modeling, art, sensory play, and more, you’ll experience astronomy, awareness, games & challenges, nocturnal critters, and campfire connection."
More information
Linne Doran Campus, Cedar Lodge, 20410 320th Ave NE, Duvall, WA, 98019
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Tracking Club (Seattle)
Sat Jan 13, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (please arrive by 8:45)
“The mission of Tracking Club is to develop tracking skills for all ages, prepare adults to pass on tracking knowledge to youth, and to prepare children for a lifetime of learning about the natural world. You can never be sure what cast of characters we may be following: elk, otter, coyote, bobcat, bear, cougar, and more! At Tracking Club, participants are led by skillful naturalists into a world of mystery and intrigue that we call tracking.”
More information
Discovery Park (meet at back end of north parking lot at the west end of Texas Way, Seattle, WA 98199)
Wilderness Awareness School: Monthly Tracking Club (Duvall)
Sat Jan 13, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (please arrive by 8:45, carpools leave at 9:00 am)
“The mission of Tracking Club is to develop tracking skills for all ages, prepare adults to pass on tracking knowledge to youth, and to prepare children for a lifetime of learning about the natural world. You can never be sure what cast of characters we may be following: elk, otter, coyote, bobcat, bear, cougar, and more! At Tracking Club, participants are led by skillful naturalists into a world of mystery and intrigue that we call tracking.”
More information
Duvall Park & Ride, 16011 Main St NE, Duvall, WA 98019
Rewild Salish Sea: Hospicing Modernity book club / experiential hybrid practice
Fri Jan 19th: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
The first session of seven of Hospicing Modernity will begin in January in which we will sit with, work through, and talk about Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira. This book serves as a foundational resource for people who long to respond to the overlapping crises created by capitalist modernity with more awareness, maturity, and playfulness. It can be a highly uncomfortable read, but by gathering and incorporating somatic practices, we hope to expand our collective capacity for discomfort and together allow ourselves to become disillusioned with the extractive, violent systems that affect us all.
More information
On Zoom (RSVP)
Ravens Roots Naturalist School: Twined and Twill Cattail Baskets
Sat Jan 20, 2024
“Come join Reisha Beck for a day of basket weaving! In this workshop we will be focusing on twined and twill cattail baskets. Nearly every culture in the northern hemisphere has had a relationship with cattails and utilized this fantastic plant for basket weaving, shelter building, food, and medicine. Connect with your roots and learn one of the oldest forms of basketry, twining!
“In this hands-on workshop participants will learn the basics of twined cattail basketry. and cordage making We will also cover how and when to harvest cattails, how to dry, store, and processes for weaving. Reisha will also display and demonstrate other types of materials used in twined basketry and cover the Ethnobotanical traditions of cattail baskets. Students will go home with a finished basket!
“This course welcomes students 16 and up to participate on their own, and no previous experience needed. All materials and tools are included in the price ($75).”
More information
Ravens Roots Naturalist School at Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Dr. North, Bellingham, 98225
