We Begin in the Dark

The oldest stories keep returning to the same cycle. Our protagonist goes down into the underworld. They are stripped of what they thought they couldn’t live without. Something in them dies, and something new takes root. Then they climb back toward the light, changed, carrying a gift for the people waiting above.

The land tells this story every year. Every seed starts underground. Before anything rises, it breaks open in the dark, where no one is watching. That’s where we’re starting.

In January 2027, Chōra Collective opens with The Descent, a 13-week ritual cycle. We’ll meet weekly, practicing the descent and return in community, going down into the richness of the dark and returning with the light.

At each dark moon, we’ll honor Hekátē, torch-bearer, preceder and follower of Persephone on her annual pilgrimage. In early February we’ll explore the festivals of light that many traditions keep at this turning of the year. And we will close our circle around the spring equinox, when day and night stand in balance and the seeds are ready to break ground.

Between these turning points, we will each go into our inner sanctuary, held by circle, for wisdom and repair.

The descent begins as personal work. It doesn’t stay there. What we meet in the darkness shapes how we show up for each other and for a world that is hurting. Inner work calls, collective work answers, and back again.

The inaugural cohort of this ceremony will be kept small for intimate practice. Join the waitlist to hear first when registration opens.