Back in January, I wrote about a quiet yet insistent nudge I’d received – an invitation to gather and share stories of connection with the unseen realms. The original idea was to create a small booklet by Summer Solstice, a collection of glimpses and gifts from the subtle worlds, but what unfolded was far more alive and communal than I first imagined; the Arc of Solstice – a rich weekend of offerings where the seen and unseen were consciously interwoven.

From the outset, I had envisioned a simple book launch – a gentle gathering to share the stories and honour our invisible allies but, as I began to sound this note into the world something deeper began to respond. Allies showed up, like Cornelia from COIF, and a wave of resonance gathered around the invitation. What began as a modest launch gradually expanded into a full weekend of events – a space where we could come together and consciously tend both the practical and the subtle threads of connection with nature.

Together, we created a container not only to celebrate, but to listen deeply to the voices of the unseen. These are voices that depend on our presence, our attunement, and our willingness to speak on their behalf. What started as a printed project blossomed into a living practice of co-creation.

Two highlights of the Arc of Solstice

One particularly heart-opening moment was the opening of Frances Ripley’s “Visions Unseen” exhibition in the Upper Foyer of the Universal Hall, lovingly curated by Cornelia. The exhibition showcased Frances’ ethereal paintings – visionary works that offer luminous glimpses into the subtle realms, giving form to the nature spirits, devas, and gentle companions that many of us sense but seldom see.

Frances’ book “Visions Unseen” is now permanently available through the COIF website, a beautiful legacy that continues to inspire.

The exhibition opening was a warm, intimate event filled with stories and reflections. Cornelia shared her own journey of connecting with the paintings and with Frances’ biography, while many community members offered memories of Frances and her husband George Ripley, whose work was so instrumental in the building of the Universal Hall.

Honouring Frances Ripley's work event photo Carolin Waldmann

Visions Unseen info photo Carolin Waldmann

photos above Carolin Waldmann

Later that evening, under the soft blessing of twilight in the Original Garden, a group of performers gathered for “Whispers of the Unseen – Sounds and Stories from Beyond the Veil.” This unique offering became a living ritual – blending theatre, enchanted storytelling, humour, prayer, and music born of this land. We even brought in technology to give voice to the living songs of the plant kingdom.

The event was a tapestry of presence and performance – each thread offering a new way to connect, express, and honour the unseen companions walking with us.

You can watch here the recording of the event.

Photo Credits: Mark Richards from Aurora Imaging and Hugo Klip

What Emerged – and What’s Next

Rather than a single printed booklet, what emerged was a living archive – a constellation of offerings woven together over the Solstice weekend and we’re listening for what wants to grow next.

This Solstice reminded us that when we consciously invite the subtle realms in and make space for their presence they respond in mysterious and generous ways. Ways that bless us quietly, and continue to unfold long after the moment has passed.

We were reminded, too, that our incredible family extends far beyond human form and that when we co-create with that wider web of life, we are met with joy, mystery, and meaning.

You Are Still Invited

✨ Stories – If you’ve had an experience with the unseen – especially one connected with music, please share it.
🎨 Art – Paintings, songs, photography, dance… all expressions that bridge the worlds are welcome.
🌿 Ideas – This project is alive. Meditations, interviews, rituals, poems all are welcome threads in the weaving.

Let’s keep listening

The Arc of this Solstice has only just begun – and who knows what magic the next may bring?