An Island Calendar 2009 - Via Retreat Weeks

"Orkney, Edwin Muir the poet said, is a land where the lives of living people turn into legend, in a small community, enclosed by sea and sky and fields, it is possible to see a man's life as a whole. It has a clear outline, it becomes elemental and larger than life."
George Mackay Brown

Snow over Sandwick  Spring Daffodils at Via House

The Island Calendar Retreats at Via House are founded on the ancient Celtic year that mirrors the cycle of the seasons and life itself - planting to harvest, birth to death, rebirth and renewal. The Celtic year was divided into two halves: the dormant, dark winter half, and the vibrant, bright summer half; then divided again into four quarter days to mark the seasons.

Through our walking meditations on the Island calendar we can reconnect with the four elements whilst reflecting on our own life cycle.

As darkness was believed to precede light, so the year began with the dark half, on the eve of November 1st, October the 31st (Hallowe'en).

Midwinter - Solstice Celebration

Solstice marks the spiritual borderland between the seen and unseen worlds - the threshold from darkness to light. Gifts of plenty are arising, winter wonders open wide the guesting door, wisdom waking in abundance, warm our beings to the core.

Island New Year "The Auld Neuerday"

Relaxing - sit in the lap of winter. Celebrate the ancient customs of an island people. Surround yourself with sea and sky, moon and stars.

Skaill Loch  West coastline of Orkney

Imbolc - Spring Renewal

In the Celtic calendar, Imbolc brings the gifts of spiritual inspiration and is a time of new beginnings and preparation for the unfolding year. Imbolc corresponds to the period of childhood, when all things are questioned or enjoyed for its own sake.

Beltane - Welcome Summer

Beltane brings a time of growth, confidence - celebrate the vitality and joy of nature's growth. Beltane is a good time to celebrate the lives of heroes and heroines. In the human growth cycle, it corresponds to a time of young adulthood when the blood is hot, when ideas are sometimes impetuous, and ambitions are pursued with vigour.

Midsummer Joy

Solstice celebration brings alive the spirit and light of island life - sacred stones tuned to the elements, sun, moon and stars. Gifts of love to Earth are bringing, dancing be the heart within us. Courage vanquish every shadow, greet midsummer with a kiss.

We offer individual attention on our retreats - your participation may be as passive or active as you like.

This six night programme includes:

Price

Booking Information

A detailed schedule of Via Retreat Weeks and Orkney Island information pack can be sent on request.

Please confirm by e-mail together with a (non-refundable) deposit of fifty pounds (£50) per person. Cheques made payable to:

Orkney Images Ltd

Postal Address:

Via Retreats
Via House
Sandwick
Orkney Islands
Scotland
UK
KW16 3JF

Escape from the mainland of everyday and travel to an island retreat.
Enjoy the freedom, safety and tranquility of Via House, take part in retreat activities or
choose your own personalised island break. Please contact us to find out more!!