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 most of us 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 exact location of the Solstice gathering. Those who have paid their registration fees and sent in their registration form are sent a Welcome Package with map and directions. The event is held about 80 miles from Seattle.

What does it cost?

The basic cost of the event is $150 and includes: tent camping, all the rituals, healing lodge, sweat lodge, moon lodge, meals, and most workshops. Luxury fees, cabin space, and late registration fees are extra. 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 Package 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. The Women's Summer Solstice is an alcohol and drug free event. Do not bring alcohol or recreational drugs to the gathering.

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

Once the opening circle is cast, participants are strongly encouraged to remain on-site to help preserve the integrity of the sacred space that has been created. Dormitory style cabins are available for those who find tenting too challenging. If you have other concerns about the accomodations, please contact us.

What if I can't afford the fee?

Goddess Grants (reduced price registrations) are available on a very 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 contact 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. Boy children up to the age of 30 months are allowed to facilitate the attendance of mothers. 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. If you are someone who has 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.  

What is a "sweat", what is a Sweat Lodge?

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 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.

What is a labyrinth?

The Labyrinth (not to be confused with the maze) is a circular pathway set up on the ground where the walker begins at the gate, and proceeds down the meandering path toward the center. The walker then usually pauses at the center, possibly making an offering at the center altar, then turns and walks back out by the same pathway. Throughout human history, as many as 3000 years ago, people have built labyrinths. Labyrinths are found on every continent, and some form of the labyrinth is present in almost every culture, though their original intended purpose remains a mystery.  

Women who practice walking labyrinths have expressed that often the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and meandering along the path can serve as a metaphor that provides insight and guidance in the darkest times of life.

All who attend the gathering are invited to find the solstice labyrinth and walk it. It will be set up near the main meadow. Bring something to leave at the center altar if you wish. Your walk is sacred....even in the darkest time.

What do you mean by healing?

Many of the women in the Solstice community are gifted practitioners of alternative healing arts, including massage, reiki, and other varieties of non-medical methodologies to renew the spirits of their clients. During the gathering, all service provided on a volunteer basis by these women are free to attendees at the event. However, time slots are limited, so make sure you check the sign-in board in the main lodge upon arrival at the retreat site. If you are a Healing Practitioner you may offer you services to the community on the registration form.

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.