Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect at the gathering?

Approximately 150 women and children are expected to attend this informal event held in the midst of nature. The community that forms is warm, friendly and casual. Most women who enjoy camping find the atmosphere a welcome change from the hectic lives we experience in our day-to-day lives. A wide variety of workshops, healing services and sweat lodge ceremonies are offered for small groups, in addition to the large group rituals that occur throughout the weekend. What you choose to do is up to you, but it's pretty much guaranteed that you won't be able to find the time to do everything that appeals to you. For some women, the greatest aspect of Solstice is the opportunity to do nothing at all for a few days. 

Where is the gathering held?

For security reasons, we do not publicly display the location of the Solstice gathering. Those who have paid their registration fees and sent in their registration form are sent a map and directions. In general, the camp has plenty of tent-camping space, a commercial kitchen to allow for serving meals to everyone at one time, several dorm-style cabins, a swimming hole (monitored at specific times by a certified lifeguard), and communal shower facilities.

What does it cost?

Information about the various fees are included on our registration page.

What should I bring?

A list of suggested supplies and ritual items will be provided with the welcome packet that is sent out when we receive your registration information and payment. But for those who like to plan ahead, we encourage you to bring all weather gear for camping, as well as any drums, tambourines, rattles and other instruments that appeal to you. 

Do I have to camp? Can I stay at a nearby hotel?

It has become clear in recent years that some women simply don't like camping, but would enjoy participating in the Solstice gathering in other ways. If you have a medical need, you may bring a trailer or RV to the site. There are also plenty of indoor sleeping spaces, with electricity, heat and running water available in dorm-style cabins. Our elders often find these spaces allow them to meet their health needs and participate more fully with others in the gathering.  

What if I can't afford the fee?

Goddess Grants (reduced price registrations) are available on a limited basis to those who have a genuine need for assistance. These grants are issued on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please call us.

Why can't men attend? And what about my son(s)?

This event was originally conceived by a woman who wanted to create a spiritual space for women alone, a space in which the feminine spirit could be revered and celebrated in all her glory. To the best of our ability, we have tried to continue in the spirit of her initial vision. This does not mean that we are opposed to men as part of our spiritual practice. Many women within the Solstice community have husbands and sons who are every bit as precious to them as their daughters. If you are interested in finding family events where the men and boys in your life can participate, we encourage you to explore the many pagan and spiritual events offered in the Puget Sound region.

Who do I talk to about special dietary needs?

We provide three meals per day (continental breakfast, lunch and dinner) for attendees, beginning with lunch on Thursday and ending with lunch on Sunday. If you have special dietary requirements, please make sure you note any allergies on the registration form where noted. To the best of our ability, we will attempt to provide at least some dishes at each meal that are acceptable within your restrictions.  Ingredients are posted in the main lodge by our catering staff so that you can monitor your own allergies and make food choices that are good for you.

What is a "sweat?"

Sweat lodge rituals are an ancient tradition, dating back hundreds of years. We include them as part of the Solstice gathering because they are invariably a highlight for many of the women who attend. Sweats are lead by trained, experienced, and gifted "pourers" who guide the experience for the other participants.  Women enter a small, darkened structure, where large stones heated in a firepit are placed in the center. The leader of the ceremony pours water and herbs over the rocks, which creates a sauna-like effect. Women are asked in turn to respond to various questions or themes presented by the sweat pourer, usually in four rounds corresponding with the four directions. The exact structure of the ceremony depends largely on who leads it, as is true with most spiritual experiences in our community. Women who are new to sweats as a spiritual practice may let the pourer know, in order to gain additional information about the traditions and guidelines inherent in the process.

Am I required to participate in everything?

The short answer is "no." The longer answer is that you will be encouraged and  welcome to participate in anything that appeals to you at Solstice, because it is through participating as much as possible that the community builds and thrives. You will also be respected for choosing to decline if that is appropriate for you. A broad range of faiths and practices are in evidence at the gathering, and diversity is both appreciated and celebrated within our community. We have found that most women choose to be part of the main rituals because it enhances their experience within the community. How you spend the remainder of your time is up to your personal preferences.