Earth Circles
Introduction
Earth Circles are special evening worship services that honor the changes in nature and in our cycles of life. They are done in the sanctuary in the evenings at 7 p.m near the solstices, equinoxes, and the four days between them known as the cross-quarter days. The services are done in a circle and involve a lot of music, poetry, and personal sharing. Anyone of any faith who joins in respect is welcome to participate.
Next Earth Circle
7 pm in the Sanctuary
*temporarily suspended*
Themes
The Autumn Equinox
Date: near September 21
Age: Elderhood 65+
Themes: Gratitude and Celebration?
Color: Blue
Milestone: retirement
The Crest of Autumn
Date: near November 1
Age: Death
Themes: Challenge and Transformation, Endings
Color: Black
Milestone: honoring the dead
The Winter Solstice
Date: near December 21
Season: Winter Solstice (early Winter)
Age: Birth
Themes: New Beginnings, freedom and struggle, Living with purpose?
Color: Green
Milestone: Birth
The Crest of Winter
Date: near February 1
Age: Childhood 2-17
Themes: Creativity and Imagination
Color: White
Milestone: Childhood
The Spring Equinox
Date: near March 21
Age: Adolescence 18 -21
Themes: Mystery and Wonder/Resurrection, courage to act
Color: Yellow
Milestone: Adulthood
The Crest of Spring
Date: near May 1
Age: young adult 22-30
Partnership (Connections)
Themes: Healing and Forgiveness
Color: Orange
Milestone: Unions and separations
The Summer Solstice
Date: near June 21
Age: mid life 30-50
Life Work
Themes: Belonging and Home?
Color: Red
Milestones: Careers and Avocations, Moving
The Crest of Summer
Date: near August 1
Age: 50 - 65
Adulthood (fulfillment)
Theme: Love and Loneliness?
Color: Purple
Milestone: Relationships
Order of Service
Earth Circle Order of Service
ENTERING
Set the Space
Opening Words
Welcome
Opening Chant: Gathered Here
Check In
TRANSFORMING
Light the Chalice
Invocation Chant: Chant for the Seasons
Readings
Chant: Sing and Proclaim (Rejoice)
Ritual of the Walking Stick
Seasonal Music
Prayer and Meditation
Meditation Chant: Let Your Heart Speak
INTEGRATING
Check Out
Closing Words
Parting Chant