What are the dates for this year’s event?
Thursday, June 20th – Sunday, June 23th, 2024
Where is the gathering held?
Our venue is a retreat center on the east slope of the Cascades, off I-90, near Easton, WA. Once registered for the event, attendees are sent a Welcome Packet in mid May with driving directions and detailed information.
What does it cost?
Information about registration costs can be found at the beginning of the registration process. Click the Registration tab above to register.
What should I bring?
A list of suggested supplies and spiritual items to bring is included in the Welcome Packet that you will receive in mid May. In general, we recommend that you to bring layers, and include warm pants/skirts and a warm jacket and blanket for the chilly evenings. We encourage each of you to bring any drums, tambourines, rattles and other instruments that add to celebration and ceremony. Please do not bring drugs or alcohol. The Retreat Center has a “No Alcohol or Drugs” policy. With respect to our sisters in recovery, our desire to be healthy role models for our children, to honor the sacred space we co-create at WSS, and to honor our venue’s policy, we ask that you respect this restriction.
What should I wear?
Take this opportunity to be creative! Express yourself throughout the weekend in fun and imaginative ways- wings, crowns, ceremonial garb, whatever brings you joy!
*There is no nudity or partial nudity allowed on the grounds, as is the policy of the Retreat Center*
We request that you be mindful that some of your sisters have experienced sexual trauma. For example-some women have had trauma surrounding natal male genitalia. We ask the entire community to be mindful and respectful. Our gathering is a safe space for all sisters.
What are the new accommodations like?
Our venue has fantastic dorm style lodging with electricity, toilets, and plenty of running water. There are limited RV sites (14 available) these will be “first registered, first served” until the spots are filled. There is limited rustic camping (only 30 spots available) It is “dry camping” (bring your own water) with honey bucket, no campfires allowed in camping area. Indicate your lodging preference on the registration form.
What if I can’t afford the Registration Fee?
We offer “Goddess Grants” (reduced price registrations) which are available on a limited basis to those who have a genuine need for assistance. These grants are issued on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please contact us at registration@womenssummersolstice.com
Why can’t men attend? And what about my son(s)?
This event was originally conceived by a woman who wanted to create a spiritual space for women alone, a sacred space in which the feminine spirit could be revered and celebrated in all her glory. To the best of our ability, we have tried to continue in the spirit of her initial vision. This does not mean that we are opposed to men as part of our spiritual practice. Many families within the Solstice community are full of treasured men, and boys. If you are interested in finding family events where the men and boys in your life can participate, we encourage you to explore the many pagan and spiritual events offered in the Puget Sound region. This community has also begun gathering on the Winter Solstice, as a Family Event, which joyfully includes partners, husbands, and sons! Participation in this summer event is limited to women, girls, boys under 36 months of age, and trans females who have “female” on their drivers license and are living as a woman on a daily basis.
What about meals?
This year, WSS is offering all of your meals as a gift, included in your basic registration fee! Meals will be prepared by the Retreat Center kitchen catering staff. Those with sensitive diets may consider bringing their own food to supplement what is provided. (For those staying in the lodge: there is no cooking allowed in the lodges; participants are welcome to bring a cooler with chilled food and snacks, provided there is no cooking in the lodge).
What is a “sweatlodge?”
Sweat lodge rituals are an ancient human tradition, dating back hundreds (if not thousands) of years. Sweat lodges are lead by trained, experienced, and gifted “pourers” who guide the experience for the other participants. Women enter a small, darkened structure, where large stones heated in a fire pit are placed in the center. The leader of the ceremony pours water and herbs over the rocks, which creates a sauna-like effect. Women are asked in turn to respond to various questions or themes presented by the sweat pourer, usually in four rounds corresponding with the four directions. The exact structure of the ceremony depends largely on who leads it, as is true with most spiritual experiences in our community. Women who are new to sweat lodges as a spiritual practice may let the pourer know, in order to gain additional information about the traditions and guidelines inherent in the process. Sweat lodge is frequently a highlight of the Solstice experience, for many attendees.
Am I required to participate in everything?
The short answer is “no.” The longer answer is that you will be encouraged and welcomed to participate in a variety of activities that appeal to you at Solstice, because it is through participation that you will come into community with your sisters, creating the *magic* of Solstice! You will also be respected for choosing to decline if that is appropriate for you. A broad range of faiths and practices are in evidence at the gathering, and diversity is both appreciated and celebrated within our community. We encourage you to join the main Ceremonial gatherings, and how you spend the remainder of your time is up to you!
What is a Service Shift?
All attendees over 13 years old are asked to volunteer for two 2-hour service shifts over the course of the event. Offering your Service is a contribution and gift to the wholeness of the event. These service opportunities provide even more ways to meet other women and contribute to the spirit of the gathering!
*If you are unable to contribute in this way, you will be asked to pay an additional “Luxury Fee” of $100 upon registering*
When you register, you will be asked to choose from a list of opportunities. Choose 3 preferences- service shifts will be assigned on a first-come, first served basis. Depending on your shift, Council team members may contact you to arrange scheduling. After you arrive on Thursday, you will be oriented to your service shift.
Do I need to stay for the whole weekend? Check in starts at noon on Thursday and we strongly encourage everyone to be settled on site prior to Opening Ceremony at 7 pm on Thursday, in order to soak in the magic and energy of the full gathering. It is expected that ALL women be on site no later than 12 pm on Friday at the very latest. Once you are in camp for the weekend, we ask that you plan to remain on site the entire weekend to avoid disrupting the Sacred Energies and Boundaries that have been established.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind? All refunds will be subject to a $20 processing fee; and NO refunds will be made after registration closes.