Summer Solstice Ceremony

You are warmly invited to join us in ceremony as we come together to honour the potent energy of the Summer Solstice. 

Immerse yourself in the healing power of dance, ritual, song, storytelling and the heart-opening medicine of Cacao. Guided by experienced facilitators, you will embark on a collective journey, fostering a sense of community, togetherness and co-creative synergy.

When we consciously tune into the cycles of nature, our understanding of our own cycles begin to deepen. We reflect on our personal growth and invite the light of the summer sun to illuminate the way. 

Dancing freely we open the body, heart and mind to insight and inspiration. We gather resources to strengthen us so we may embody our gifts as a healing force in the world. Deepening into a greater sense of compassionate presence with ourselves, each other, and the wider web of life, we honour the interconnectedness of all beings and extend our love to all our relations.

To celebrate this special time of year, we will work with the powerful medicine of Cacao. Revered by our Central American ancestors as a health elixir and ceremonial medicine, Cacao has been used through the ages to support the healing of the mental, physical, and spiritual body. We will set our intentions and enjoy a beautifully prepared cup of ceremonial cacao sourced from ancient gardens in Peru.

Meet Your Facilitator - Mira Khanya:

A passionate advocate of movement as a transformative and healing practice, Mira brings a wealth of experience and creativity to each journey. Originally from South Africa - her multidisciplinary background spans visual and performing arts, meditation, shamanic journeys, butoh, and therapeutic work, among other fields. Mira's deep connection with dance led her to complete an apprenticeship and training program under the guidance of the founders of the School of Movement Medicine. Today, she not only serves as a mentor for the school and creates independent work but also collaborates with Medicine Festival, Ecstatic Dance UK, Bristol & Brighton and other organisations - crafting immersive and meditative dance journeys.

Meet Our Special Guests:

We are honoured and excited to have two incredible artists join our ceremony.

Api Ascaso:

As a ceremonial musician and multi-instrumentalist - Api’s musical abilities comes together to create expressive, eclectic and soulful music. Her incredibly versatile voice, accompanied by several instruments and a loop pedal, invites a deepening connection and celebration of life. Api is well known for her powerful and authentic transmissions through sound. She will offer her musical gifts and guide us into a shared community moment - activating the power of our voices through song.

Kate Smith:

Kate combines a life-long passion for storytelling and mythology, with experience as a multi  arts psychotherapist & shamanic practitioner, understanding how stories can heal and transform.  WyrdSpinners is intended as a fluid collective of Storytellers and Musicians, using creativity for change in these critical times. ‘Wyrd’,  from the archaic Anglo-Saxon word for ‘becoming’, is linked to the ideas of destiny, balance and interconnectedness. Weaving from the web of Wyrd, Kate will bring us softly to rest after the dance, through the magical land of story.

Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024

• Time:

• Doors Open: 12:30 pm

• Arrival & Smudging: 12:30 - 12:55 pm

• Doors Close: 1:00 pm

• Ceremony: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

• Venue: The stunning St. Luke’s West Holloway Church, Hillmarton Rd, London, N7 9JE

Booking Information:

Booking early is recommended as spaces tend to fill up quickly.

• Supporter Fee: Consider contributing or making a donation at the check out if you're a high earner to subsidise concession places.

• Concessions: For those needing financial support, some concession spaces are available. Request via email: mirakhanya@gmail.com

• Confirmation Email: Important information will be sent upon booking - please read and take action accordingly.

Guidelines: 

Upon booking, you will be prompted to read and accept our guidelines, ensuring a safe and supportive experience for all participants. These guidelines include important information regarding Ceremonial Cacao contraindications, the ingredients we use and other considerations. It is essential to be aware of and adhere to these guidelines to prioritise the wellbeing of both yourself and fellow participants. Your commitment to these guidelines creates and environment that supports everyone in receiving the full benefits of the ceremony.

Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy:

We do not offer refunds or exchanges, but you are welcome to arrange a ticket transfer to someone. Email us with the new attendee's name and email address for the necessary changes.

In the unlikely event that the organiser cancels the event - a full refund will be given.

Paying It Forward:

A portion of the profit contributes to charitable projects locally and worldwide, supporting various causes, including environmental conservation, humanitarian aid, education, and healthcare.  We are grateful for your support.

Community:

We are dedicated to cultivating a safe space where community-minded, warm, welcoming and supportive connections can flourish. We welcome adults of all levels of experience with this practice, spanning various ages, all sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, diverse abilities and backgrounds. We value the richness that arises from the unique contributions each individual brings to our collective tapestry of shared experiences. While we aim for inclusivity, we encourage anyone with specific accessibility concerns to get in touch. Please feel free to email mirakhanya@gmail.com with any inquiries, and we will do our best to ensure a supportive and inclusive experience for all.

Music: 

Music is an integral part of our journey - an honouring and celebration of soul stirring sounds from around the globe. Mira enjoys weaving tribal rhythms, ethno-electronica, medicine songs, sacred sounds and various other genres into an evocative set. An immersive experience that resonates with the spirit of the ceremony. 

Participants Share about their Experience:

“Yet another beautiful ceremony. Mira holds a fiercely loving space where you feel both held and supported but also encouraged to take responsibility for yourself... I danced deeply with my joy and with my grief and with an utter reverence for the magic of this gift of life.” - Rosanna

“The Spring Equinox Ceremony was an immersive, contained co-created and full sensory movement based ceremonial journey. Mira sensitively and intuitively wove the threads of the Movement Medicine practice. I highly recommend her work, it is safe, permissive, and nourishing at the deepest level.” - Dance Movement Psychotherapist, UKCP, ADMP

“I can't put into words how much I loved this. Mira and her team weave magic, creating an amazing heart-opening, connecting, illuminating, fun, and nourishing experience.” - Matt

“This was the most incredible experience of personal and collective prayer through movement and dance.” - Yaeli

“An incredibly beautiful and masterfully held ceremony.” - Anonymous

“Beautiful, transformative - expertly and sensitively held by Mira. A safe, expansive, empowering, and healing space. SO grateful.” - Lydia

“Mira's solstice dance was the most fabulous conscious dance I've ever been to. Healing, nurturing, expansive, and exhilarating. Just awesome. Thank you.” - John

“I loved every mesmerising second... tears, laughter, joy, and total respect... keep spreading your art!” - Katie

We sincerely hope you feel the call to join us. 

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions - email mirakhanya@gmail.com

We look forward to the joy of dancing, connecting and co-creating with you!

Warmest wishes,

Mira & the Lovely Team