Samhain Yoga, Soundbath & Tea Ceremony

Let’s gather at this threshold when the veil is thin to journey together. This Samhain evening will include:

• Ceremony & Ritual

• an embodied Somatic movement & Yoga practice

• Frequency & vibrational medicine as a soundscape & a 40 minute Cosmic Sound Bath

• optional Savasana adjustment & with pressure points and reiki

• Sharing of seasonal herbal tea & delicious treats

The themes of this Samhain journey include: *Honouring the ancestors, *Harvest gratitude, *Preparing for Winter, *Visioning through the darkness, *Rest & sensing the mystery of this time of year.

What is the meaning of Samhain?

Samhain is Gaelic meaning ‘Summer’s end’. It is the last Autumn harvest celebration and one of the four cross quarter fire festivals in the Celtic Wheel of the Year. Samhain, also known as the Witches’ New Year, is the festival to honour the ancestors and seek spiritual guidance to vision through the darkness and beyond. It’s believed that at this time the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is at its thinnest.

As a fire festival, Samhain takes place in the middle of Autumn and helps us to prepare for Winter. To attune we need to release and let go like the trees in Autumn so we can descend and slow down as we enter Winter. As a fire festival, Samhain also offers the opportunity for transformation, which we can do through visioning what seeds of intention we would like to nurture through the dark half of the year into Spring.  

Why mark this point in time? When we track through the Wheel of the Year, we can observe what is happening astrologically, in nature and our inner landscape. By marking each festival, we can draw our awareness to what is happening in the lunar, solar and planetary cycles and within our own life cycle. We can also call in energies and guidance from the outer worlds to amplify the qualities within our inner world that can help us attune and thrive in the present season.

How does sound amplify the yoga practice and deepen the journey experience?

Sounds have been used in many cultures around the world in ceremonies, rituals and for healing purposes for thousands of years. The basis of sound therapy is that everything in the universe is made from vibrating energy fields and that sound frequencies and vibrations help restore balance and harmony, which are natural states that emerge when proper resonance is restored.

The gong is a powerful fire instrument that can provide the benefits of stress and anxiety reduction, deep relaxation, and emotional release by calming the mind and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. It can promote physical and mental balance, stimulate the immune system, and facilitate a state of heightened awareness and personal transformation. The vibrations of the gong are believed to clear energetic blockages, improve mood, and induce a meditative state for overall well-being. This journey will also include the sounds of other instruments such as the drum, Tibetan bowls, rattles and other tones and frequencies to amplify the energies of the practice, guide through various states of being and into the depths of inner wisdom and relaxation.

Is the yoga practice, soundbath and ceremony suitable for anyone?

The journey is designed for individuals over 15. The yoga practice is adaptable, if you have any injuries or conditions that you wish to discuss in advance, please contact us or let us know when booking. Due to the vibratory effects, sound baths are not generally advised for people with a pacemaker or in the first trimester of pregnancy. Feel free to get in contact with any questions or get in touch with your health care provider for advice.

Come and experience this full body, mind & spirit Samhain journey

Practicalities This journey will be weaved by Ailie Tam (Yoga Rewild) and Sofia Barnes (Love All Ways Yoga). It will take place at St George Community Centre, Bristol,  BS5 8AA.

Bring any items you may need for the yoga practice and sound bath, this might include: a yoga mat, a bottle of water, a pillow, blanket, bolster, eye mask or anything else to feel warm and comfortable.

Pay what you can afford sliding scale.

• Supporter £35 - for those feeling generous & supportive

• Regular - £30 - for those on a healthy income

• Concession £25 - for those on a low wage, in receipt of benefits or experiencing financial difficulties