We are so excited to invite you to Circle together on the night of Monday 21st June for a very special evening, to honour International Day of Yoga and celebrate Summer Solstice.
Our Summer Solstice Celebration is a way to bring all of our traditions and the elements together, marrying nature and community with Indian tradition and Irish mythology through the ancient art of story-telling with award-winning Story-Teller Maria Gillen.
What you can look forward to:
Sunset Beach Yoga & Solstice Meditation with Maeve
Fire Ceremony
Wrap up & gather fireside with a cup of hot cocoa & biccies
In Circle, listen to tales of times gone by, of Irish myths and modern legends as told by Maria Gillen, Kerry’s Story-Teller in residence
Optional twilight dip in the sea
Special Gift of your very own 10ml vial Danu's goddess blend - an empowering blend with oakmoss and wild rose to honour your inner goddess! The essential oil blend is inspired by Macha: A member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, she was one of the fiercest goddesses of ancient Ireland and possessed powerful magic. Macha was associated with the land, battle, kingship, horses, crows and fertility. For more on Danu skincare range see below!
What is Summer Solstice?
On the 21st June the sun reaches it maximum height in the sky, with the greatest number of daylight hours in the year. The sun will set at 9.26pm, giving just over 16 hours of daylight. Summertime is the season light and warmth, of energy. We feel this in our bones at a deep, primal level. We may feel full of life, to favour being outdoors and connecting with others. The season is associated with the element of fire. Fire has the capacity to burn, to destroy, to let go and then to also create and give life, new form and shape. Fire is deeply intertwined with Irish history and mythology. The fire is traditionally seen as a symbol of the re-birth and growth of the land after the long winter.
And International Day of Yoga?
International day of Yoga is about honouring and recognising the ancient spiritual practice of Yoga. The Day was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly of the UN, in which he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being……it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.” The 21st June became designated The International Day of Yoga and aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
We look forward to welcoming you to a night of connection to Irish mythology, our ancestors and Indian traditions as a Community.
Suitable for? Anyone over the age of 18 years old. No Yoga or meditation experience required, beginners are very welcome
What to bring: Yoga mat, blanket, lots of layers, water, your keep cup (helps reduce cup waste), notebook & pen, headtorch or small torch, swimming gear & towel if you’re planning a dip
Date & Time: Monday 21st June 8.30pm – 10.30pm
Location: Barrow, Co. Kerry. Located approximately 10 mins drive from both Fenit & Ardfert Villages. You will receive exact details of the location the day before the event via email as it depends on tides, wind direction etc. I will be aiming for a quiet, sheltered location so bear with me until closer to the time!
Investment: €50 per person please. Please note there are no refunds once booked as the event takes place on 21st June.
Bookings: Tickets are limited for this special & intimate event so please book early to avoid disappointment. It is a one-off unique evening. Visit https://ebbflowyoga.punchpass.com/classes/8668581 to reserve your space.
Allergies / Dietary Requirements: Please let me know 2 days prior to the event if you have any diagnosed allergies or have any specific dietary requirements (eg) Coeliac / Vegan
Injuries / Health: If you have any injuries, health conditions or are pregnant please let me know 2 days prior to the event
Meet your Hosts:
About Maria
Maria is the current Storyteller in Residence for the Kerry Writers Museum. Maria believes deeply in the power of stories to build communities, heal prejudice and to build resilience. She is a member of IACAT (Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists). She is an award-winning storyteller having won the longest running Story Competition in Ireland - Finuge - twice and the Butter Roads Storytelling Competition. In 2018 and 2019 Maria featured as an emerging storyteller in the annual Cape Clear Storytelling festival. In 2018 and 2019 she won The Mick McCarthy All Ireland Storytelling competition in Finuge.
Maria spent 22 years working in the Corporate World and in 2007, she became a Biodynamic Therapist. She also has an MA in Dramatherapy from Maynooth. Maria has been exploring the Medicinal Story through her work as a Dramatherapist and Story-Teller with Cork Yarnspinners. She co-developed a ‘Resilience Through the Creative Arts’ 12 week program using the exploration of story as a mechanism to contact and grow self-resilience. She is very interested in what the enduring myths and legends have to offer the modern world in terms of wisdom. To learn more about Maria visit https://www.facebook.com/SeedsOfStory/
About Maeve
Maeve is a Yoga Therapist & Teacher with a wealth of experience across a range of Yoga styles and approaches. She has a genuine grá for our Irish culture & heritage as well as a deep love and connection to Barrow, her homeplace.
A passionate Yogini & Nature lover, she feels happiest outdoors exploring & soaking in all the sights, sounds & sensations. Nature is our true healer and one of Maeve’s mission is to support and encourage others to re-connect with our natural world around us. She has a keen interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine and specialises in a flowing, dynamic style of Yoga as well as cooling, calm Yin Yoga and gentle Qi Gong. This unique combination in her classes and workshops allows students to explore finding peace in their body, heart and head. She LOVES meeting new and old friends, joining like-minded people together in Community at her unique & creative events.
Danu Skincare
Danu Skincare range combines the best of cold pressed and organic oils, pure essential oils, and plants and flowers from the Irish countryside to create a truly unique natural skincare and blended essential oil range, that is cruelty free, sustainably packaged and made in Kerry by Sarah. Check out https://www.etsy.com/ie/market/danu_skincare to view Sarah’s incredible product range.
We look forward to celebrating Summer Solstice with you on the sand!