Yule : A Winter Solstice Gathering
A Return to the Light | Rest. Recalibrate. Reconnect.
guided by Lily Alvarez, Ella Greenwalt & jacklyn janeksela
date Saturday, December 19, 2026
time 11:00am - 4:00pm
cost Suggested Price of $125 with a sliding scale starting at $95 - pay the amount you are able
nourishment light evening meal provided (vegetarian & gluten-free options)
As we gather during the darkest season of the year, we honor the sacred pause of winter, the wisdom of rest, and the gradual return of the light. Through ceremony, movement, energy healing, and ancestral wisdom, we invite women-identifying and gender expansive individuals to reconnect with their bodies, nourish their spirits, and align with the natural rhythms of the season.
The Gathering
Opening Circle & Candle Ceremony
We begin by welcoming you into sacred space, acknowledging the Winter Solstice and the symbolic rebirth of the Sun. Through a collective candle-lighting ceremony, we call in the returning light and set intentions for the season ahead.
Yule Log & Liberated Movement
Gathering around the symbolic warmth of the Yule log, we honor the ancestral relationship with fire as a source of nourishment, protection, transformation, and renewal. Liberated movement invites you to awaken warmth within your bodies and celebrate the returning light.
Winter Wellness Stations
We will rotate in small groups through each of our three dedicated healing sanctuaries—Monarch, Rose, and Lotus—spending 30 minutes fully immersed in each of the unique wellness modalities:
Sound Bowl Healing | Lily Alvarez
Reiki | Ella Greenwald
Spinal Energetics | jacklyn janeksela
Seasonal Wisdom & Embodiment Practices
We reunite for a series of supportive practices and conversations designed to help you navigate the winter season.
Ayurveda for Winter | Ella
Understanding seasonal Vata dosha accumulation and exploring Ayurvedic practices for maintaining warmth, movement, nourishment, and balance.
Yin Yoga | Lily
A gentle, grounding, restorative practice encouraging stillness, surrender, and deep nervous system nourishment.
Astrology & Human Design | jacklyn
Exploring current planetary transits, practical ways to work with the seasonal energies, and a brief introduction to the transition toward the Cross of the Sleeping Phoenix in Human Design.
Shared Meal
We take time to feed our bodies after a day of feeding our souls. In the safe, quiet space of the Monarch Studio, we share a meal in the spirit of found family and sisterhood.
Closing Circle
We gather once more to integrate our experiences, share reflections, and honor the intentions we are carrying into the returning light. We aim to create a nourishing, accessible, and meaningful gathering that honors the Wheel of the Year while bringing women together in community, restoration, and celebration.
Meet Your Guides
Lily Alvarez
Capricorn Sun and Moon, Gemini Rising
Lily is a world traveler, yoga practitioner, and bodyworker, deeply rooted in her Latina heritage. With over five years of devotion to yoga, she has also spent years studying and practicing KaHuna bodywork, energy work, and sound healing. A lover of culture, connection, movement and good food, she continues to deepen her studies in the healing arts, honoring the wisdom of both ancient traditions and embodied experience.
For this special December gathering, Lily is delighted to share three practices close to her heart: the heart-opening medicine of ceremonial cacao, the deep rest of Yoga Nidra, and the soothing vibrations of sound healing. Together, these offerings create a nourishing space to soften, settle into presence, and invite the body, mind, and heart into deep restoration from within. Come as you are & let yourself be held & nourished.
Ella Greenwalt
Scorpio Sun and Moon, Leo Rising
Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Reiki Master, Thai Bodyworker, 255 hr YTT | Yin, Ashtanga
Ella is a calm presence and identifies with a fairy essence. Her life mission is to teach others how to cultivate peace and call it success! Ella creates spaces where one feels seen, supported, and empowered in their own healing, educating others on how to become their own healer and deepen their connection with their body and inner knowings. Especially committed to making spirituality and holistic wellness more inclusive and accessible to LGBTQ+ folks, Ella weaves a little queer magic into her teachings.
jacklyn janeksela
Virgo Sun and Rising, Capricorn Moon
A Saami direct descendant and animist, jacklyn centers the voice and experience of Mother Earth as the key to having a meaningful, rich human experience. With Virgo Sun and Rising plus Capricorn Moon, jacklyn allows discernment, pattern recognition, and desire for mastery to be the elements that guide her into being embodied Earth. Trained in astrology, yoga, meditation, herbalism, Reiki, energy work, art therapy, Human Design, hypnotism, plant medicine, and Spinal Energetics Level One —jacklyn blends the wisdom she's gained with inner intuition to offer unique experiences. She holds sacred circles and makes a living as an intuitive astrologer (wearethemedicine.love). You can find her drumming and joiking along Gitchi Gummee, communing with her spirit animals (rabbit, raven, and reindeer), and casting spells through her various writings.
For the Winter Solstice/Yule gathering, jacklyn brings the medicine of astrology, mini Spinal Energetic assessment and session, and liberated movement. She excels at creating safe, nurturing space that offers room for expression, release, and grounding. The gathering is a chance for women to lay it all down during the holidays and be present with their aliveness. Because women carry so much, the biggest gift they can ask their relatives for is a day to decompress, rest, and recharge.
Studio Information
This class will meet in Lotus Studio at 16 ½ N. 1st Ave. W, on the 2nd floor
Virtual Attendance
This workshop is offered in-person only; no virtual registrations
What to Bring
All props are provided, including mats, blocks, cushions, blankets, and bolsters. You are also welcome to bring any personal items that support your comfort.
Parking
Street meters are free on the weekends. Other nearby parking options include:
Public lot at 108 W 1st St.
Tech Village ramp at 14 E 1st St.
Holiday Inn ramp at 200 W 1st St.
Cancellation Policy
*Cancellation up to 48 hours prior to the workshop will be refunded less a 10% Administrative Fee.
*Cancellation 24-48 hours prior to the workshop receives a 50% refund.
*Cancellation less than 24 hours prior or a no-show receives no refund.
Questions?
We're here to help! Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Email: hello@svalja.yoga
Text: (218) 595-0762
We look forward to welcoming you to the studio!