LOFT STAGE
Gatherings offer an intimate setting in which to connect your inner landscape to the natural world through ancient and modern folk arts and shared community space.
- music meditation and participation (optional)
- heritage folk crafts & central altar creation
- poetic/philosophical/spiritual readings & storytelling
- guided, single-point discussion
- folk dance (occasional; join or enjoy watching)
Pilot the Arc of our Gatherings.
We invite attendees to bring mats, pillows, or any preferred portable seating. Chairs are also available.
In circle we dismantle the wall between artist facilitators and guests.
Each Gathering reflects the spirit of its seasonal time.
Intention and activities vary depending on the traditional practices associated with each seasonal time.
- music meditation and participation (optional)
- heritage folk crafts & central altar creation
- poetic/philosophical/spiritual readings & storytelling
- guided, single-point discussion
- folk dance (occasional; join or enjoy watching)
Pilot the Arc of our Gatherings.
We invite attendees to bring mats, pillows, or any preferred portable seating. Chairs are also available.
In circle we dismantle the wall between artist facilitators and guests.
Each Gathering reflects the spirit of its seasonal time.
Intention and activities vary depending on the traditional practices associated with each seasonal time.
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", or
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, patience and rest.
Meditative Celtic music.
Holiday Activity: weaving St. Brigit Crosses
SPRING EQUINOX, called Ostara or Easter.
The day and night are of equal length; signs 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 (May 1) or Beltane in old Celtic languages.
Flowers, rain, greenery and light are celebrated.
In the gathering: RENEWAL as we "return to life".
special Mother's Day event ft. Indian music praising the rain,
growth and femininity.
Holiday Activity: Flower Weaving & Water Ceremony
SUMMER SOLSTICE given the Anglo-Saxon name Litha.
The SOL stands still (-STICE) at its highest point in the sky.
In the gathering: VITALITY of long bright days.
Music TBA
Holiday Craft: central flower mandala and ring dance!
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.
Future Holiday Craft: Baked Goods Share
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.
Music TBA.
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.
Music: TBA
Holiday Craft: Day of the Dead-style altar and Lace Pumpkins
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!