As the days grow shorter, darker and colder, one community-wide event seeks to bring light.

The public is welcome to walk the winter spiral at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School anytime between 4 and 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14. The school’s address is 6335 Old Pietila Road in Clinton.

Located at the outdoor auditorium known as Huckleberry Hall, people of all ages can traverse a spiral made of garlands to its center, where a single candle provides a source of light for a candle or lantern that each person is carrying with them.

“Some people will walk it as a kind of silent meditation,” said Karina Bergen, the school’s enrollment director. “Other people may have a question they’d like some insight into.”

Bergen said it’s not uncommon for people pondering a question to come up with a resolution or a new possibility while walking the spiral, which has a reflective quality about it.

“A lot of people just enjoy the quiet and the lighting, which signifies we’re lighting our inner light as we approach the (winter) solstice,” she said.

During a time of year that can be loud and busy with holiday happenings, the winter spiral provides an opportunity for a moment of silence.

The act of walking the spiral is a long-running tradition of the Whidbey Island Waldorf School. A few years ago, the school opened up the event for the general public to attend.

So grab a lantern or candle, walk the spiral and listen for the holiday music. Troy Chapman, well-known jazz guitarist, will provide accompaniment.

Photo provided

Photo provided