Our TS working group, the Sooke Region Multi-Belief Initiative, is hosting a summer solstice celebration this Saturday in the apple orchard at InishOge Organic Farm, 6698 Helgeson Road just east of Otter Point Rd.  All welcome, no charge. Bring a picnic lunch, whatever you need to be comfortable and your playful spirit. It promises to be a fun, communal and meaningful afternoon in the heart of the idyllic Sooke farmbelt.

Get to the farm at 11 am to participate in an hour-long work party involving lightweight chores as we offer some helping hands to our hosts, Steve, Mary, Finn and Chloe. Or arrive at Noon for the lighting of the fire pit (via Finn’s bow drill skills) and the start of festivities.

On the afternoon’s relaxed schedule will be a circle dance led by Vivi Curutchet; a witness circle led by Hum (Eric Anderson); a multi-faith singalong with Phil Rossner; and, if we’re all so moved, a drum circle (bring your own drums, rhythm instruments and noisemakers).

Everyone is free to participate as much or little as you like. Along with your own lunch, you’re invited to bring finger-food contributions (cookies, squares, etc.) for the potluck dessert table.

As InishOge’s Mary Coll will tell us, the longest days of the year signal the start of mid-summer and the time when, metaphorically and literally, the fruit of another growing season is ripening and ready to be picked. What might that bounty be in your own life? How can whatever it is be of service to yourself, your circles and the community at large? Thoughts to ponder and perhaps share during Hum’s witness circle.

By the way, the summer solstice is exact at 3:07 am Pacific Time on Thursday.