Tonight, Dec. 21, is the winter solstice. This, of course, is an annual event but this year, if one glances at the Mayan calendar, which many are doing, there is a special significance. To put it bluntly, today is the end of the Mayan calendar, something that has existed for 5,000 years.

The reason for this potentially grim outcome is that the Mayans were skilled astronomers and determined that tonight there would be an extreme confluence of events: the line-up of the Earth, the sun, and the Dark Rift, also known as the black hole at the middle of our galaxy. Featherstone and Spirit Water Retreats refuse to go gently into that Dark Rift, though. They are holding a winter solstice party tonight that begins at 5 p.m. and continues to 9 p.m.

The evening starts with drumming and a one-world chant. At 6 p.m. a bonfire will be lit, with more singing and a building of an altar to the Earth Mother. Everyone is invited to bring something to place on the altar. Adam Lipsky will also perform.

For more information, contact Kanta Lipsky of Spirit Water Retreats at 508-696-1917.