13th December 2026
Winter Solstice Sweat Lodge
The longest night invites you to turn inward. A sacred gathering among the apple trees.
The Wheel Turns
Bryannie and Sally invite you to the winter solstice sweat lodge. A time of celebration, inward reflection and deep rest. As we enter into the void at this liminal time we release anything from the year that no longer serves us. Birthing into the cosmos our dreams for the year to come.
At the heart of the Celtic and pagan year, the Winter Solstice — known as Yule or Alban Arthan, meaning 'Light of Winter' — marks the death and rebirth of the sun. It is the longest night, the darkest point, and yet it carries within it the seed of returning light.
For our ancestors, this was not a time of fear but of profound reverence. They gathered around great fires, feasted together, and turned inward — honouring the darkness as a teacher, a womb, a place of gestation and renewal.
At Knotted Roots, we hold this ceremony the traditional way. Water collected from a sacred spring, on land that has known ritual for millennia. The stones of our sweat lodge are Clee Hill dolerite — ancient volcanic rock that holds the fire and breathes it back to you through the breath of the steam.
The Ceremony
We gather mid morning to open the sacred space. Together we stand in circle lighting the fire, and blessing the rocks with our prayers. Once the fire is ignited we leave the sacred stones among the flames to warm. We set intention, then hold a smudging ceremony to cleanse and prepare each participant for the lodge.
The sweat lodge ceremony runs in rounds — each round deepening the heat, the darkness, and the stillness.
After the final round, we open the doors and rebirth under the cool dark sky. We feast together at the long table by firelight — warming food, mulled drinks, and the quiet joy of having journeyed together through the dark.
The Midwinter Feast
After the ceremony, we gather around the long table beneath the open sky. Tapered candles cast their warm glow across warming winter food — hearty soups, bread, roasted roots, and mulled apple juice. This is the oldest human ritual: surviving the dark together, and celebrating the light that is coming.
Sweat Lodge Safety
Your safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. Please read the following carefully before booking.
- •Medical Conditions: The sweat lodge is not suitable for those who are pregnant, have heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, claustrophobia, or are currently unwell with fever. If in doubt, please consult your GP before attending.
- •Hydration: Drink at least 1.5 litres of water in the hours before the ceremony. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand. Water is provided throughout the ceremony and you are encouraged to drink between rounds.
- •Food: Eat a light meal 2–3 hours before the ceremony. Avoid heavy or fatty foods. Arriving on a full stomach can cause discomfort in the heat.
- •You May Leave at Any Time: The sweat lodge is a voluntary experience. You are always free to leave at any point. There is no pressure to stay in any round. Listening to your body is an act of wisdom, not weakness.
- •Clothing: Wear loose, lightweight clothing — cotton or natural fibres. Swimwear is appropriate. Avoid synthetic fabrics which can trap heat uncomfortably. Bring a towel and a warm layer for after.
- •Facilitation: The ceremony is led by experienced facilitators trained in sweat lodge safety. A fire keeper and water keeper are present throughout. First aid is available on site.
Join Us for the Longest Night
Tickets are available through Sally Smiles. This is an intimate gathering — places are limited. Book early to secure your space at the fire.