Litha, Alban Heruin, Mean Samhraidh
Celebration of the Summer Solstice
A Summer Solstice Celebration of Art, Earth-Magic, and Seasonal Mystery
This Summer Solstice, we are gathering "at the height of the sun" for a uniquely curated celebration. We have combined the powers of local artistry, ancient folklore, and deep botanical wisdom to create a one-of-a-kind solstice experience for a small circle of 20 guests.
Lene from Siren Enchantments and Ragna Torheim bundle their powers together for this fantastic celebration and we welcome you to be part of it too!
This Year's Highlights:
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The Plant Journey: Embark on a sensory exploration of the land’s medicine. Guided by our expert guest Mari Jerstad, we will learn about the plants closely connected to summer.
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The Ritual of the Kings: Witness the dramatic cultural retelling of the Oak and Holly Kings. Through music, theater, and voice, we bring this ancient seasonal dance to life in a grand ceremonial performance.
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Art & Soundscapes: Let harp and voice guide you through a tapestry of sound, turning the evening into a living piece of performance art. Or if you'd prefer, enjoy a drumming journey.
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The Weaving of Powers: This year is special, as we merge the magic of two practitioners to create a sanctuary of connection, slow conversation, and ritual.
We are opening our hideaway to just 20 guests for this immersive cultural feast. In a world that often feels disconnected, we offer a place to celebrate the "big" themes of life—light, darkness, and the earth—within the comfort and safety of a supportive community.
Tickets are limited for this special collaborative event. Details coming soon.
Summer Solstice: What to Bring
1. Ritual & Community Elements
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A Dish for the Potluck: A seasonal dish to share for our Midsummer Feast at 16:30. Think of bright, sun-ripened flavors—berries, fresh herbs, or light salads that travel well.
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Instruments & Stories: Bring your drums, flutes, or a poem to share. We will use sound to honor the longest day during our bonfire and live music session.
2. Clothing & Footwear
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Sturdy Walking Shoes: We will hike for 30 minutes to Gjellberget. The terrain is uneven, so please wear supportive footwear (no flip-flops for the hike).
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Breathable Layers: While the sun is at its peak, the evening air near Mjøsa can still turn cool. Bring a light sweater or a windproof layer for after sunset.
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Rain Gear: Our outdoor ceremonies continue in light rain. A lightweight waterproof shell or poncho is highly recommended.
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Festive Solar Attire (Optional): Many guests choose to wear gold, yellow, or vibrant floral patterns to honor the Sun’s peak and the lushness of the Land.
3. Comfort & Protection
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Sun & Water Care: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please use reef-safe/eco-friendly sunscreen if you plan to dip in the water.
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Sit-mat (Sitteunderlag): Essential for comfort during our lectures and ceremonies held on the grass or within the Stone Circle.
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Insect Protection: Midsummer is an active time for the forest’s smaller inhabitants. Bring your preferred bug and tick spray.
4. Personal Essentials
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Water Bottle: Stay hydrated! Ensure you have enough water for a full day in the summer heat.
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Small Daypack: To carry your gear, sit-mat, and any natural offerings you find (please ensure all gathered items are environment-friendly).
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A Notebook & Pen: For capturing the clarity and "Self Work" insights that often arise during the Solstice rituals.
Children:
- You have the responsibility for your own children.
- Children are accompanied by an adult at all times
When:
Saturday 20.6.2026
Prices:
350kr p.p. (20 people max.)
Children up to age 13: free
Wheel of the Year Subscription?
Nagoshi-no Harae
Not too many days after our Summer Solstice there's a beautiful ceremony called Nagoshi-no Harae, performed at many Shinto shrines. Historically it originated as a way to purge impurities, illness and misfortune in the first half of the year. The belief was - and still is today - that unseen pollution (kegare) could disrupt the balance between people and the divine (kami), leading to misfortune.
It is also a time of deep reflection over the last six months and a chance to acknowledge personal struggles, unspoken worries and emotional burdens - to be able to them go at the height of the suns reign. Ritual purification in Shinto, is said to restore harmony with the kami, with oneself and the natural world.
The Labyrinth at Siren will incorporate this tradition and invites you, as a participant, to slow down and be present. Walking the labyrinth mindfully, surrounded by greenery, connects you to the natural cycles of the seasons, of life and of oneself. It reminds us that purification is not only a practice, it is a universal human need; to pause, to release and to step forward with intention and gratitude.
Solstice Collaboration Team
Ragna Torheim
Mari Jerstad
Co-host for the Summer Solstice
A renowned expert in the intuitive arts, Ragna joins us to facilitate our solstice rituals and offer personal guidance. Known for her expansive online platform dedicated to the study of magic, she is a passionate educator on lunar cycles and the integration of mystical practices into daily life. Throughout the event, she will serve as a co-host and provide dedicated Tarot readings, helping us navigate the energetic transitions of the sun’s peak.
Herbalist - Plant journey facilitator
We are privileged to include the expertise of Mari, who brings a rigorous academic background to our gathering. Mari earned her Bachelor’s degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of Lincoln (now Clinical Herbalism at Lincoln College)—an intensive three-year program equivalent to four years of medical and botanical study.
Under the mentorship of the late Andrew Stableford, a foundational figure in modern herbalism, Mari completed 500 clinical hours alongside extensive studies in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Her approach bridges the gap between traditional Materia medica and differential diagnostics, ensuring that her knowledge of medicinal plants is rooted in both philosophy and practical experience.
What are we actually going to celebrate?
We will celebrate this beautiful moment in time with both Celtic, Nordic as well as Japanese traditions weaven into the day.
Program:
The program might be subject to change due to the weather and is currently still being updated/edited.
10:00 - 11:00 - Arrival and landing
For children we organise the Quest of the Sun, a scavenger hunt to find the Sun Stones around the property while our group assembles for the day. There will be Please arrive in good time.
11:00 - 14:00 - The Herbalist Plantjourney
A deep dive into the world of plants connected to the Solstice. This will be a 2-3 hour journey where we explore the science, traditional and FUN uses of plants at their medicinal peak
Suitable for all ages, children under supervision of elders/caretakers. Please arrive in time and bring a snack!
14:00 - 14:30 - The Midday Feast
A nourishing lighter meal provided by the hosts to recharge
14:30 - 15:30 - The Mythic Battle: Oak & Holly King
A returning theatrical ritual representing the turning of the wheel. As we reach the height of summer, we witness the victory of the Holly King, signaling the slow return toward the darker half of the year. This is a storytelling experience suitable for all ages. We'll create a Sunwheel made of straw, each guest can tie a ribbon to it, representing the achievements of this year. During the battle the Oak will pass the wheel to the Holly King. The Holly King will take care of the Sunwheel during the darker half of the year, so our achievements may find grounding even when the sunlight lessens.
15:30 - 17:00 - Intergration, Music & Insight
There will be a harp concert. The labyrinth is open for free walking, a drummer will be present to hold a steady heartbeat for those walking the path.
You can also enjoy an individual tarot reading and kids can either listen to the music, walk the labyrinth or do some coloring, slow activities.
17:00 - 19:15 - Solstice Dinner Preparation & Feast
Everyone contributes to setting the feast. We'll chop what needs to be chopped, arrange what needs to be arranged, buy what needs to be bought and sharing stories. We'll enjoy a long slow meal where we share what we've brought/made and enjoy the food each participant has put on the table. Recommendation: Meals that represent the sun!
19:15 - 20:00 - Fire Ceremony and Closing
We'll enjoy a fire ritual to commemorate the height of summer, giving thanks to the sun, to one another and experience a soft close of the day. This ceremony is meant as a blessing and a protection for each and every participant. At 20:00 the feast is over and the premise will be closed for cleaning.
When:
Saturday 20.6.2026
Prices:
350kr p.p. (20 people max.)
Children up to age 13: free
Wheel of the Year Subscription?
Get in touch
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