Gatherings offer an intimate setting in which to connect your inner landscape to each season through ancient folk arts and lore, modern mindfulness practices and shared community space.
Gatherings include: - candlelit meditation - seasonal folk crafts or central altar creation - poetic/philosophical/spiritual/literary/folkloric readings - other activities! Depending on the season: folk dance, group song, writing, food and more
We invite attendees to bring mats, pillows, or any preferred portable seating. Chairs are available.
Each Gathering reflects the spirit of its seasonal time. They are history and folk tradition-based, while also incorporating contemporary elements. We strive to balance interactive fun with shared quiet, and to guide in an open-ended atmosphere.
Celtic duo The Runach | 2025 Imbolc Gathering
gathering days
Hearthsong uses a combination of scientific, colloquial folk, Christian, ancient Celtic and modern pagan names to designate eight seasonal/celestial holidays. As they have evolved over centuries and into modern recognition, so we hope to represent aspects of both their history and relevancy.
IMBOLC an old Irish word best understood as "in the belly"; Brigid's Day, Irish goddess and later saint of fertility, fire, holy wells, dairy & more In the gathering: ACCEPTANCE in the depth of winter through introspection, dreams, and patience. Meditative Celtic music. Holiday Activity: weaving St. Brigit Crosses & wax scrying
SPRING EQUINOX, called Ostara or Easter. The day and night are of equal length; arrival of spring In the gathering: BALANCE as we transition into a time of activity and expectation. There is no Gathering for this holiday in 2025. Future Holiday Activity: natural egg dying & herb pressing
MAY DAY Beltane in old Celtic languages. Flowers, rain, greenery and light are celebrated. In the gathering: RENEWAL special Mother's Day event ft. Indian music praising rain & growth Holiday Activity: Flower Mandala
SUMMER SOLSTICE, also known as St. John's Day. The SOL stands still (-STICE) at its highest point in the sky. In the gathering: VITALITY of long bright days. morning party celebration featuring Son Jarocho (Mexican folk) music & dance + tamales!
LAMMAS/LUGHNASADH from the Anglo-Saxon & Old Irish names. The first of three so-called Harvest Festivals, observed by baking bread. In the gathering: RELEASE into lazy days and warm nights. There is no Gathering for this holiday in 2025.
FALL EQUINOX called Harvest Home, The Festival of Ingathering and Mabon. Days and nights of equal length. In the gathering: PREPARATION, letting go and giving thanks. featuring meditative Japanese Shakuhachi music Holiday Craft: Corn Husk Dolls
ALL HALLOWS EVE called All Souls Day and Samhain in Old Irish. The veil between worlds is said to be thinnest on this night. In the gathering: REMEMBERANCE as we contemplate ancestry and our mortality mirrored in the dying year. Contemplative & Upbeat Celtic Music Holiday Craft: Ancestor Altar + Mask-Making
WINTER SOLSTICE called Yule in the old Norse language. On the longest night of the year greenery is brought inside, candles are lit. In the gathering: HOPE , peace, light and coziness in the darkness. Music TBA. Holiday Craft: scented citrus ornaments & ceilidh dance!