THE Asha Centre, near Flaxley, is to host a special Winter Solstice event on Friday (December 21), in conjunction with the members of the Wyedean Pagan and Wiccan Society.

Described as a 'Not The End of The World Party' it is aimed at bringing together people who are religiously linked or spiritually inspired by the Winter Solstice, and those who expect the world to end on that day for beliefs based on an ancient Mayan calendar.

For the first time, the Centre will hold a joint ceremony with the Society, which will include a ceremony at the fire-pit, a theatrical presentation of the Zodiac – to highlight the Mayan calendar – the lighting of a Candela, a circular illuminated art-form, plus a twilight procession headed by the High Priest and High Priestess of the Forest of Dean Coven.

This year, December 21 is being held in special reverence by many people as it is a significant date in many ancient calendars, and there will be ceremonies and gatherings all over the world to celebrate the event.

Although the date is also being seen by some as an apocalypse, the Asha ceremonies will concentrate on the raising of a collective global consciousness, and a drive to world peace.

The event starts at 10.30am, followed by a specially commemoration of the Mayan prophecies at 11.11am. A buffet lunch will be available, after which there will be a performance of an 'astrological dance' to mark the place and time at the winter solstice.

A procession which follows at 3.30pm will be led by the Forest of Dean Coven, and will make its way from the Asha Centre to St Anthony's Well – revered by many people locally as a place of special spiritual significance. There they will present, by candle-light, 'A Devotion at Dusk' to mark the sunset on the shortest day of the year, and the start of the longest night.

Admission to the event is free, but anyone requiring the buffet lunch is asked to contact the Centre on 01594 822330. Those wishing to participate at the twilight ceremony should contact the Wyedean Pagan and Wiccan Society on 0776 531 4223.