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
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.
- Explore the Winter elements.
- Stand at the sacred Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness - attunement of mind, body and spirit.
- Enter the mystical Maeshowe Tomb - witness the solstice sunset.
- Around the peat fire listen to the ancient island legends and music.
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.
- Walk the North Atlantic Coastline.
- Explore the ancient wisdom of the Picts and Vikings.
- Draw upon the stillness of a rural island winter.
- Around the peat fire greet the New Year with good food, good company and Orkney traditions.
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.
- Explore the Spring elements - Earth and wood.
- Immerse yourself in 360 degrees of remote landscape, exhilarating sea and endless sky.
- Free the mind, body and spirit with spring seascapes and earth walks.
- Explore the path of the sacred Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness.
- Around the peat fire enjoy island storytelling, music and oral traditions.
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.
- Explore the Summer element - Fire.
- Summer Tai Chi movement meditation.
- Earth walks and seascapes, beachcombing and sacred stones.
- Enjoy natures awakening on our Hoy island trail
- Around the peat fire listen to island legends and lore.
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.
- Explore the midsummer element - Fire.
- Embrace the summer energy in Chi Kung breathing.
- Tune into the elements, sun moon and stars.
- Celebrate Island customs around the midsummer bonfire.
- Listen to the Orkney stories, music and song.
We offer individual attention on our retreats - your participation may be as passive or active as you like.
This six night programme includes:
- Accommodation and full board (Orkney organic produce where possible, special diets catered for).
- All retreat workshop sessions.
- All Earth walks and seascapes.
- An evening of Peatfire Tales, island music and dance.
- An evening of traditional Orkney folk music and song.
Price
- Island New Year "The Auld Neuerday" - Week (6 nights) - £545
- All other Weeks (6 nights) - £520
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
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!!