“All beginnings start in the darkness, in the fecund earth, the pulsing womb. It is not spring where life suddenly appears out of nowhere, but now in these inward months.”

Brigit Anna McNeil

What is your relationship with the darker months, the darker times of your life?

In this full-day online event, we will explore our relationship with the dark using the natural world as our mirror. We will listen deeply and connect with our body, each other and the land, exploring how this winter story can teach us about our own human journey.Let us come together and learn how we can move to the rhythms of the natural world once again.

This is an online adaptation of our in-person event to allow more people to experience the transformative power of deep nature connection. You can join from anywhere in the world - please note the retreat takes place during daytime hours in GMT timezone.

What to expect:

Our online day together will begin with a virtual council, where we will share teachings from the eco-centric wheel on the season of winter and have guidance on how to move through the world with embodied awareness.

Following the online council you will be invited to walk on the land for up to 3 hours before we meet again to reflect, share and tell our stories.

Despite what the over culture may tell us, we don't have to start the new year with a bang announcing to the world our plans for the year ahead.

Let yourself take time to compost what no longer serves, dream, alchemize and lean into the mystery of the dark.

“This season of winter, for me, is always a time to think about change and transformation, about all the ways in which we might allow the long, cold dark to strip us down to the bones of who we are. Every year, letting winter strip us bare; letting the final leaves that we’re clinging onto fall. Letting it all fall, and seeing what still holds us upright. And from that point of strength, choosing the ways in which we might bend.”

Sharon Blackie

Timings for the day - all times in GMT:

10 am - 12 pm Opening Circle

12 pm - 5 pm Time Alone in Nature

5 pm - 7 pm Story Council and Closing Circle

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

As we cross over the threshold of Imbolc (translates as "in the belly"), as winter begins to loosen its grip and the earth begins to stir we will come together to explore what is stirring within us. As the Cailleach's reign on the land weakens and Brigid returns, we will slow down, connect to the rhythm of our animal bodies with embodiment practice, and spend time alone in the natural world to listen to what is calling to emerge.

Do you feel a quickening within you?

Are you feeling ready to begin to be roused from the winter dreaming to see what wishes to be manifested?

What can you do to revive and nourish your body and soul as you tend to the seeds within you?

What seeds that you have been tending or forgetting are beginning to germinate or not, knowing not every seed sends roots)?

Slowly, slowly we will explore this gentle nudge towards emergence and desire, knowing that these seeds that are beginning to emerge are still fragile, tender and vulnerable. Let us tap into the sense of awe and wonder that this potential brings. Let us come together share our emergent stories and sew ourselves into relationship with the beauty and power of the lands way of growing, recovering, resting and dying all for continued life.

What to expect

• A small group experience with those who wish to listen to the rhythms of nature

• Teachings and inspirations from the eco-centric wheel, a seasonal, nature-based approach to human development

• Guidance through embodiment practices

• Time alone in the natural world to be curious about the animating force of the natural world and our relationship with it

• Exploring the way of council, the ancient community practice of sitting in circle of sharing and listening from the heart

A note on the safety and weather

This event is entirely outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors in February - waterproof clothing and shoes are advised. Please bring what you need to keep yourself warm.

By participating in this event, you acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing. The guides assume no liability for any injuries, illnesses, losses, damages, or other issues that may arise before, during, or after the event. You are encouraged to take appropriate precautions and act responsibly to ensure your own health and safety.