At Winter Solstice, when the light is at it's lowest in the Northern Hemisphere, the time to retreat and go within is felt strongly by both humans and animals. We naturally seek warmth, rest and deep reflection at this time, harnessing the darkness to cultivate and nurture the light within. This Winter Solstice, between December 18th and 22nd, our dear friend and colleague Kim Booth will be returning to the powerful land of Iceland for another Earth Magik retreat and all are invited!
Kim has been creating and hosting retreats and experiences for many years, her vibrant energy and deep passion for creativity can be found in her work with yoga, sound healing, Earth rituals and more. Her profound knowledge and discoveries filter down into all that she now touches and shares. Her tireless work on her Ibiza based event Cosmic Pineapple, which bridges indigenous wisdom with art and music, both celebrates and inspires life and has created profound shifts in those who attend her events on the island and beyond. A long time student of yoga and a lover and supporter of music, with her own crystal bowls, within the music industry and also on the dancefloor, Kim's zest for life and passion for sharing is truly remarkable to witness and share!
Her upcoming retreat will be no different, Kim explains;
"Winter Solstice – December 21 – marks the longest night and shortest day in the northern hemisphere. In Iceland, a whisper of light rises around midday lasting a few hours before the sky returns to darkness. Yet, this shortest day of the year marks a celebration, of the light that is to return. Spending a winter in Iceland in 2014, was the first time I really deeply connected to winter solstice and the earth’s seasonal rhythms and her magic – witnessing the majesty of the Northern lights, stepping on new snow as it lay on the earth, witnessing the beauty of nature’s nakedness and darkness, laying in natural outdoor heated pools, sitting cozy inside. I meditated a lot, I studied a lot and I also connected to Icelandic shamanism and elemental wisdom in this time and was able to see and feel a deeper connection to the magic of earth all around. Iceland is the most powerful land I have visited. The land of fire and ice has volcanoes, glaciers, gésiers, hot springs and a nation of beautiful, creative people that believe in elves and fairies… It is a land very dear to my heart and I can’t wait to return and help connect beautiful souls to its natural wonder.
Overview of Cosmic intentions:
This is our second cosmic retreat in Iceland, the first was held in 2018, filled with fun and creative magic! My intention on this retreat is for us to connect deeply to the land and portal, live and connect in a community space, go deeper within to let go of what is no longer needed, connect to our inside light – finding the inner spark wishing to expand into the new – and see, feel and connect to the magik that exists for us all.
Through yoga, meditation, sound journeys, heart opening ceremonial cacao, organic vegetarian food and drink, earth connection, workshops and an Icelandic sweat lodge, we will connect to this powerful land and winter solstice energies on December 21… and maybe receive a little visit from the mystical northern lights. The retreat will be set at Varmagerdi, located in the Southern part of Iceland, a safe and nurturing space for healing, growth and self reflection. Located next to a geothermal hot spring area and river."
Read on for a short Q&A with Kim herself:
Nixi: For those who aren’t familiar with Cosmic Pineapple, can you briefly introduce the ethos and mission behind the project?
Kim: I started Cosmic Pineapple in 2015, I was deep in my “awakening” phase and I wanted to share inspiring and good energy with others. Originally it was a website sharing articles to help with deeper connection to the self, the other and planet Earth, and this evolved into mini festival events in Ibiza and cosmic retreats.
Nixi: When attending a Cosmic Pineapple retreat, what can people expect to discover and what do you hope they will take away from the experience?
Kim: The retreats are so special. It’s an intimate opportunity to immerse into the cosmic and creative inner and outer worlds and we create a magic bubble for the days together. It’s a space to go deeper into yourself and find parts you haven’t yet met. I weave many different teachings and traditions together. It’s deep work but I curate and share in such a way that it’s also fun. Everyone leaves feeling more connected, elevated and inspired. Also discovering magic lands that I feel deeply connected to and open up to others. And you make new friends along the way.
NixiL What is it about Iceland that continues to call you back? Can you share a favourite memory from your times spent there?
Kim: I’ve been going to Iceland since I was 18 and I worked with a band called GusGus. Over the years I worked with quite a few Icelandic artists and festivals and I was always called back. I spent the winter there in 2014 and it was the first time I really understood the magic of winter solstice and connected to the rhythm of the Earth - this land and time of year is so powerful and I it really calls you to turn your light inside and discover new parts of yourself. I’ve travelled a lot but I can honesty say Iceland is the most magic land I have visited. It’s somehow between worlds.
Nixi: Winter Solstice is such a strong time of year, what is it about this time - when the light is at its lowest - that feels potent and magical to you?
Kim: We turn our light inside and we shed the layers that we no longer need. It’s an opportunity to connect deeper to yourself and the magic “light” of winter solstice is that it’s to celebrate the Sun’s rebirth - the light returning. At this magical Earth marker we set a seed for that we wish to bring into our lives over the next seasons. It’s working with the Earth and Cosmos’s natural rhythms. We are all part of this and to be in rhythm with the Earth is to be in rhythm with ourselves.
Nixi: Since music is such a huge part of your life and your offering to the world, can you share some songs that we may expect to hear on the retreat playlists? :)
Kim: Yes! I have this yoga playlist that I always update!
Find out more about the Earth Magik retreat and reserve your space here:
Follow Cosmic Pineapple on Instagram: instagram.com/wellcosmicpineapple
Website & articles: cosmicpineapple.co.uk
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