Sunday Solstice Ritual with the I Ching
A chance to reflect on self and society
Join me this Sunday, June 22nd at 10am PDT | 1pm EDT | 6pm UK for a two-hour consultation of the I Ching on the heels of the summer solstice. Details and registration link below.
The summer solstice is this Friday, marking the shortest night and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a point of climax, and a point of reversal as well, when light is at its height and just about to begin its journey in the other direction. For a short period, the sun appears to be balanced where it is, unmoving. The word solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium: sol, the sun, and sistere, to stop or stand still.
This is a time of year when rituals are (or were) practiced all over the world, whether through drumming and storytelling, lighting bonfires, week-long festivals honoring a god, the decoration of altars with flowers and symbols of the sun, or dancing through a night filled with music.
It is a time to celebrate the summer and the sun, and a time to remember that everything is change. When the light is in greatest abundance, it will begin to decrease. And during the winter solstice, the opposite will occur. Change is a constant; depending on the moment, this is a truth that can bring comfort or fear.
On this summer solstice weekend, as the planet is embroiled in so much violence and stupidity, and as people are awakening to their individual power, we will have our own ritual.
This Sunday, please join me to explore this moment in history, in society, and in our individual lives through consultation with the I Ching: The Book of Changes. Over two hours, we’ll have time to journal (with prompts), and then we’ll each consult this ancient, Taoist divination technique with one of three questions (in proper Self & Society fashion):
What do I need to hear about these times?
What do I need to know about my role in these times?
What do I need to know about [insert topic of concern here]? (It can be a theme from your own life, with no concern for the outer world!)
It’s kind of an audacious notion to consult The Book of Changes in a large group. We seem to never have enough time, and there’s always so much more that we could dive into. But I love these gatherings so much, so we keep doing them!
I hope you’ll join us.
One very important note:
I will not instruct on using the I Ching in this session. This is a time for consultation and response, not active learning for the first time. But…
I have a one-hour class that is available to all paid subscribers (see below). If you want to learn for the first time or need a refresher, please watch that video before Sunday! I’m very happy to answer questions here and there when we’re gathered, too. Since many of you have already taken this class, I’d love to create extra space for consultation and reflection in our limited time.
I’ve been so moved to hear how many of you have incorporated this divination technique into your lives.
One-hour “how to” class plus resources, available here (please watch in advance!):
Consulting The I Ching: The Book of Changes
The I Ching does not offer itself with proofs and results; it does not vaunt itself, nor is it easy to approach. Like a part of nature, it waits until it is discovered. It offers neither facts nor power, but for lovers of self-knowledge, of wisdom—if there be such—it seems to be the right book. …Let it go forth into the world for the benefit of those who can discern its meaning.
I hope to see you Sunday! Scroll down to register.
Sunday, June 22nd at 10 am PDT | 1pm EDT | 6pm UK
Two hours of self-reflection and community consultation
The registration link is below, beyond the paywall. Please join us live if you can! A replay will also be available for paid subscribers if you can’t be there.
If finances prohibit you from being able to join, reply to this email or send me a brief note at satyadoylebyock @ substack.com. I’m happy to offer a complimentary subscription.
If you are already a paid subscriber, there is no additional fee to attend; these workshops are a perk of your subscription. Just scroll down to register!