This morning feels especially sacred as I prepare my altar for the Winter Solstice yoga class I’ll be teaching at 10 a.m.

There’s a quiet hum of anticipation in the air, as I feel the fresh air of the morning and listen to the birds. My aim is to cultivate a sense of alignment between the season’s energy and the practice we’ll share together.

The Solstice marks the longest night and the promise of the returning light—a metaphor I carry into this class. My altar will serve as our point of focus, a space for grounding, reflection, and celebration.

The Ritual of Preparation

Before class, I take a moment to centre myself. I gather items that resonate with the Solstice’s themes: Candles:

Central to the altar, these will symbolize the warmth and light we’ll nurture within ourselves.

I’ve chosen one golden plate and an orange candle for the sun’s return. A beautiful piece of wood, that I might burn later on, together with all things I am letting go of. I also have a little pumpkin to remember the county of nature and some Christmas decorations because of the time of year!

The altar will be more than a visual centrepiece during the yoga class. It will guide the energy of our practice:

At the start, we’ll gather around the altar for a short meditation, focusing on the theme of light and renewal.

Throughout the class, I’ll encourage everyone to return to their awareness to the change of season and enjoy moments of stillness, drawing strength and light from within.

At the end of the class, we’ll offer gratitude to the altar, to each other, and to the season’s lessons. A Shared Space of Intention This altar isn’t just for me—it’s for the community gathering today. As I light the candles and arrange the elements, I think of the students arriving soon, each with their own journey, challenges, and hopes.

The altar becomes a space where our energies will mingle, amplifying the intentions we bring into the room. This Solstice class feels like a culmination and a beginning, a way to honour both the darkness we’ve navigated and the light we’re stepping into. Preparing the altar has grounded me in the day’s significance, and I hope it offers the same to everyone who joins the practice.

Wishing you a bright and peaceful Solstice! 🌟 How are you celebrating this moment of transformation? You can still register and join me at 10 am! Go to this link: https://app.ubindi.com/Geny.Caloisi