"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 Celtic 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 meditations on the Celtic 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).

Samhain - Winter Welcome - Sat 28th Oct - Friday 3rd Nov 2006

In the Celtic calendar, Samhain brings gifts of restoration and renewal. A time for reflection, alternative pathways to celebrate your ancestor's wisdom. Samhain corresponds to the period of old age when wisdom, freedom of spirit and clarity are experienced.

• Explore the winter element - Water.
• Winter Tai Chi movement meditation.
• Rural landscape trails.
• Around the peat fire, hallowe'en story telling.

Midwinter - Solstice Celebration - Sat 16th Dec - Friday 22nd Dec 2006

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 element - Water.
• Stand at the sacred stones - attunement of mind, body and spirit.
• Enter the mystical Maeshowe Tomb - witness the solstice sunset.
• Around the peat fire meditate on the ancient Viking sagas.

"The Auld Neuerday " An Island New Year - Sat 30th Dec - Friday 5th Jan 2007

Relaxing - sit in the lap of winter. Celebrate the ancient customs of an island people. Go with thanks, go with blessings - seasons of deep memory.

• Walking meditation under the winter skies.
• Explore the ancient spiritual wisdom of the Picts and Vikings.
• Draw upon the stillness of a rural winter.
• Around the peat fire listen to Island New Year storytelling.

Imbolc - Spring Greetings - Sat 28th January - Friday 3rd February 2006

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.
• Environmental art inspired by 360 degrees of remote land, exhilarating sea and endless sky.
• Through the Spring landscape free the mind, body and spirit.
• Explore the path of the sacred stones.
• Around the peat fire enjoy island storytelling and oral traditions.

Beltane - Summer Greetings - Sat 29th April - Friday 5th May 2006

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.
• Seasonal visualisation and imagescape art.
• Relaxing landscape trails.
• Around the peat fire listen to island sagas and ballads.

Midsummer Joy - Sat 17th June - Friday 23rd June 2006

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 breath movement.
• A meditation on the vitality of Mid-summer fire.
• Discover the art of ancient fire making with Malcolm of "Five Senses".
• Celebrate the Solstice around ancient island customs.

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

Cost

April - September - £395

Early booking discount of 10% for individuals who book 10 weeks in advance.

This six night programme includes:

• Accommodation and full board (Orkney produce where possible).
• All holistic and sensory workshop sessions.
• All Earth walks and seascapes.
• One ancient fire making session with Malcolm of 'Five Senses'.
• One deep relaxation Chinese massage (Foot, hand and head).
• One sensory healing arts session.

Booking Information

A detailed schedule of the retreat week 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

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