At 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, it will take place at the Coastal Repertory Theatre at 1167 Main St., Half Moon Bay.
Described by organizers as nondenominational and nonprofit, the ritual involves music and personal searching as it coincides with the seasonal shift from darkness to light.
 Photo courtesy Reba Vanderpool From left, Linda Grace Frost and Reba Vanderpool make ready for the winter solstice ritual scheduled Sunday. |
The ritual was crafted in 1979 by then-Palo Alto resident Cynthia McReynolds and Oregon composer Joan McMillan. It incorporates McMillan's original music sung by the Voices of the Coming Tribe, the name given to the group that sporadically gather each year to sing.
It juxtaposes the long winter nights before the coming of longer and warmer days with the inner process of retreating within to prepare for the coming year.
“It's going into the place where dreams are stored,” said Vanderpool. “It's checking in with ourselves to see who we want to be in the coming year.”
“This is the time of year when we go inward, sit by the fire, quilt, do quiet things,” said ritual participant Linda Grace Frost of Half Moon Bay. “In our culture, everything is outward. This ritual gives us a chance to go into a quiet place.”
Other Coastside ritual organizers include Carolann Towe, MaryAnn Gutoff, Meta O'Rear, Lillie Barrows and Moss Beach resident Tom Divine, who directs the choir.
The ritual is open to the public, and organizers request that participants bring an unscented candle with a holder. The suggested donation is $5 to $20. Proceeds after expenses will go to Coastside Hope.
For information, call (650) 207-3440.
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