Seasonal Gatherings
Seasonal Gatherings are our in-person ceremonies that mark the turning points of the year. They follow the natural cycles of light and dark, growth and rest, and the relationships that sustain life, to the land, to one another, and to those who came before us.
Our gatherings draw from modern pagan practice and Northern European traditions while remaining inclusive, accessible, and non-dogmatic. Belief is never required. Presence is enough.
Quick Access
Looking for dates, times, or upcoming seasonal events?
To keep information accurate and up to date, all upcoming Seasonal Gatherings are listed on our shared calendar.
RSVP Required for Most Gatherings
To help us prepare and to protect the privacy of our hosts, Seasonal Gatherings require an RSVP. Exact locations are shared after you RSVP through the event listing on our calendar.
Seasonal Gatherings are typically listed by their holiday name (Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine, etc.) on the calendar.
The Turning of the Year
We gather at two kinds of seasonal moments, both equally meaningful, each marking a different kind of threshold.
Quarter Days (Solar Observances)
These mark the changing relationship between light and darkness.
- Winter Solstice – Renewal, rest, and the returning light
- Spring Equinox – Balance, beginnings, and growth
- Summer Solstice – Abundance, vitality, and celebration
- Autumn Equinox – Harvest, gratitude, and preparation
Cross-Quarter Days (Seasonal Festivals)
These mark transitions within the seasons themselves.
- Imbolc – Quiet beginnings, purification, and the first stirrings of spring
- Bealtaine – Life, vitality, fertility, and connection
- Lughnasadh – The first harvest; skill, effort, and sustenance
- Samhain – Endings, remembrance, and honoring the ancestors
Each gathering stands on its own. You are welcome to attend one, some, or all, there is no expectation of continuity or commitment.
The Shape of Our Ceremonies
While each Seasonal Gathering reflects the character of the season, most follow a shared ceremonial rhythm. This consistency helps newcomers feel oriented while offering returning participants a sense of continuity and belonging.
A typical Seasonal Gathering unfolds as follows:
Participation is always optional. Listening is participating.
- Opening & Invitation
We begin with a welcoming statement for the season and an invitation to the Gods, Ancestors, and Spirits to join us, not as distant observers, but as honored guests to feast with us. - Feasting
When included, feasting usually comes early in the gathering, with some seasonal exceptions. Sharing food and drink is treated as a sacred act of hospitality and relationship, grounding the ceremony in the lived, physical world and in one another’s presence. - Smoke Cleanse
A smoke cleanse follows, offered as a moment of simple cleansing of our spirits, a transition from everyday concerns into shared ceremonial space. - Offering & Quiet Reflection
An offering basket is committed to the fire, accompanied by a period of quiet reflection. This is a time for remembrance, release, and honoring the the season without words. - Three Rounds of Toasts
The heart of the ceremony is a shared time of toasts. While these are often offered in a traditional Northern sequence, the rounds serve as guiding themes rather than rigid structure.
Participants are welcome to offer a toast when they feel inspired, or simply to listen. Toasts may be spoken, sung, or shared as brief stories, and can honor the season, the gods, the ancestors, community, oaths, or personal moments of meaning.
Participation is always optional. Listening is participating.
Common themes that may be named include:- First Round – Toasts to the gods
- Second Round – Toasts to the ancestors
- Third Round – Oaths, boasts, and personal toasts
- Closing Toast & Transition
We conclude with a final toast that marks the closing of the ceremony and the transition back into the everyday world.
Quiet presence is welcome throughout, and no one is ever required to speak, toast, or perform.
What to Expect When You Attend
You Do Not Need
- prior ceremony experience
- specific beliefs
- special clothing or ritual tools
What You Do Need
- weather-appropriate clothing (many gatherings are held outdoors)
- comfortable footwear suitable for uneven ground
- anything you need for your own comfort and safety
Optional items, such as food, drink, or a small offering, will be listed on individual event pages when appropriate.
Most Seasonal Gatherings require an RSVP. Exact locations are shared after you RSVP to protect the privacy of our hosts. RSVP information is included with each calendar listing.
Fire Safety
Seasonal Gatherings include an outdoor fire as part of the ceremony.
For everyone’s safety, we ask that participants:
- follow the guidance of the ceremony leader or host
- remain aware of footing, wind, and weather conditions
- keep loose clothing, long hair, and personal items clear of the fire
Children should remain supervised at all times near the fire.
We strive to create a space that is both meaningful and mindful of safety.
RSVP & Location Information
Most Seasonal Gatherings require an RSVP. To help us prepare and to protect the privacy of our hosts, exact locations are shared after you RSVP.
RSVP details are included in each event listing on our calendar.
Accessibility & Mobility
Seasonal Gatherings take place outdoors at private homes and may involve uneven ground, stairs, or limited mobility access.
We do our best to clearly note accessibility considerations on each individual event listing. If you have questions about a specific gathering or want to check whether a space will work for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out before attending.
Your comfort and safety matter to us.