As people have for thousands of years, a group of 45 gathered together to mark the longest night of the year at Friday’s Winter Solstice event at Unity Church in Islington. The evocative ceremony was rich with words, chanting, music, silence, candle lighting, and the highlight, a labyrinth walk, symbolically bringing light into this dark time.
One entered the space in darkness, with a candlelit 
path to guide the way. As people settled into the candle room, all joined for moment of quiet reflection, followed by poetry, a candle-lighting ritual, and chanting. Then we all walked the labyrinth, which was just brilliant.
Unitarian Minister Andy Pakula and Interfaith Minister Danielle Wilson created a safe and sacred space for all to get centred in their own way. Andy noted later that helping strangers to come together in a way that is welcoming for people of all faiths and none is important to his ministry. Unitarianism is a faith tradition without dogma that grew out of the most radical arm of Protestantism. Danielle said that her ministry has earth-centred roots and also welcomed all.
After the labyrinth walk, the participants joined together for mulled wine and food in a suitably festive atmosphere. Most people had been searching for a place to celebrate the Solstice—what did we all do before Google?
Meeting new friends was an unexpected outcome of the Winter Solstice. Phone numbers were exchanged with some people expressing surprise to find kindred souls in the N1.
Andy is planning another Friday night event in mid-January. If you would like to learn more about events organised by the London Spirituality Network, sign up for the newsletter on the home page.
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