Thursday 17 December to Tuesday 22 December 2026
Findhorn Ecovillage, Moray, Scotland
Winter Solstice is that moment when the earth moves towards the sun again, and the days begin to lengthen once more. Traditionally it is a time for introspection, reflection, dreaming and visioning. Celebrate this turning point of the year in one of the world’s most famous communities. Join us for a journey of Stillness and Light.
At this solstice moment, the sun appears to pause. We too can pause as we take time to reflect on the last year. As we sift through the events, we notice the gifts. We can consciously bring those gifts with us as we move forward into the new year. Echoing the return of the sun’s light.
Every year the Findhorn community marks winter solstice with a special ritual. Stillness & Light takes you on a journey of reflection, integration and inspiration, culminating with this ritual.
Reflect & Gather the Gifts:
Your 4.5 day retreat will begin with a process of reflection. Looking back over the previous twelve months, exploring the challenges, noticing the patterns, identifying the lessons and harvesting the gifts.
Reflect on the stepping stones of your year, or your life, and reveal the patterns – notice what inspires you and uncover your gifts, passions and purpose.
Dream & Envision the Future:
Once you have identified the gifts from the last year, we will turn our attention to the next twelve months. How would you like the next year to unfold? Are there specific actions you’d like to take? Dreams you’d like to bring into reality? New patterns you wish to embed into the rhythm of your daily life?
Take time to create your year ahead in a conscious way. You will be using a variety of creative tools to help step outside of the logical mind and move beyond any barriers or ‘what if’ stories that hold you back.
Pinpoint what really excites and inspires you, what lights you up. Identify the support that exists around and within you, and weave it all together.
Winter Solstice Ritual:
On Sunday morning we will help to set up the space for the community solstice ritual which begins in the evening. The ritual itself focusses on releasing the last twelve months and inviting in the next twelve.
Now that you have a clear sense of the gifts of the past and a path to the future, you will be ready to make the most of this powerful event. You can take part once or several times. For yourself, for an aspect of your life, for your friends, family, partner – or all of these things.
Complete your ritual by drawing an Angel® card. The Angels® act as your partner in attaining a goal by leveraging your strengths to find unexpected solutions. They reveal unknown paths to express who you are and what connects you to the people around you.
The solstice ritual will continue for 36 hours. As well as taking part in the ritual, you can take time for reflection and integration during this time.
Harvest & Integration:
On the final morning we will come together for a Next Steps process. This will help you to integrate your solstice retreat experience and set up practical tools to take with you, ready for the new year.
Explore Findhorn Ecovillage:
During your retreat there will be time to explore the ecovillage community. Choose from a variety of holistic offerings: meditation, dance, yoga, pottery. Take a dip in the hot tub or the sea, enjoy a sauna, or book a massage. Visit the village and sample traditional Scottish fare in the local pubs and cafes. Visit the Phoenix cafe on site for drinks, lunches and delicious cakes to meet all dietary needs.
If you would like to extend your time at Findhorn, you could consider coming early to enjoy a few unstructured days before the retreat begins. This is a non-residential retreat. Please book your accommodation using the link provided in the ‘accommodation’ section below.
OUTCOMES:
– Harvest the gifts of the last twelve months
– Find your passion and purpose
– Create your vision for the next year
– Take part in one of this community’s most beloved rituals
– Learn about the Findhorn community – past and present
– Explore the woods, dunes, beach and bay
– Join in with regular community activities
– Indulge the senses with sauna, hot tub or massage
DATES & TIMES:
7pm Thursday 17th December – 12.30pm Tuesday 22nd December 2026
TUITION
£195 early bird (until 30th June) | £225 full price
£390 for two booking together
LOCATION
Findhorn Ecovillage, The Park, Findhorn, Moray, IV36 3TZ
ACCOMMODATION
To book your accommodation follow this link to find a list all of the different accommodation options available in or near to Findhorn Ecovillage.
The ‘Hazel Hoose’ is a self-catering lodge located in the heart of the community with a shared vegetarian kitchen and four single bedrooms.
Findhorn Bay Holiday Park is adjacent to the ecovillage. Offering a range of accommodation from camping and touring pitches, small Eco-Pods to larger Eco-Cabins. Accommodation costs are ‘per property – ideal if you are coming with friends.
Cullerne House is a short walk from the centre of the community, situated in its own grounds adjacent to the community’s vegetable gardens. Choose from single or shared rooms.
If you enjoy a wild, back-to-nature experience there are Wild Camping pads provided by our friends at the Findhorn Hinterland Trust. Located in the woods a short walk from the ecovillage, with access to compost toilets and a fire pit (firewood provided).
There is also a selection of B&Bs within the community,
Please Note: Findhorn Ecovillage is a popular destination and accommodation books up quickly. Be sure to book yours soon to get your preferred choice.
FOOD OPTIONS
You can either bring your own food, or buy groceries at the Phoenix community stores in the Park ecovillage. There are also a variety of options to buy meals either at the Park or in nearby Findhorn village.
Coffee, cake & light meals:
The Phoenix cafe in The Park does great coffee, cakes, sandwiches, wraps, breakfast and lunch options. Also La Boheme offers pizza several nights a week, and the Bakehouse cafe in Findhorn village does light meals too.
Dinner and heartier fare:
In the Findhorn village there is the also The Kimberley pub, The Crown & Anchor pub and the Captains Table. The pubs are open for lunch and dinner, and the Captains Table for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
HOW TO GET HERE
The Findhorn ecovillage community can be accessed by road, rail or plane. If you are driving, please contact Jacqueline once you have booked to get directions to The Park ecovillage.
By plane
The nearest airports are Inverness and Aberdeen and both have frequent rail connections to the nearby town of Forres. You can also fly to Glasgow or Edinburgh and take a train from there (approx 3 hours away).
By train
The nearest station is Forres. If you are travelling by train from London, there is a direct train from Kings Cross to Inverness once a day (tip: check if it is cheaper to book the Inverness-Forres ticket separately, rather than as part of your overall journey).
From the station it is a 10-15 minute journey by car to the community. You can either book a local taxi, or some community members offer (cheaper) station pick-ups. If you need any help with this or with directions to Findhorn by road, please contact me.
WHAT TO BRING
Journal and pen
Water bottle
Walking shoes
Waterproof outerwear & warm layers
A full list of what to bring will be emailed to you upon registration