Fire is the energy of change and transmutation. Fire can turn wood to ashes and clay to pottery. Fire can eliminate invasive species and bring health and vitality back to a forest. Creation of fire depends on fuel and spaciousness. Throughout the weekend you will have opportunities to explore what fuels you and how you carve out the space for creativity and connection. We will also navigate themes of sparking passion, letting go of what no longer serves you. In Alchemy, Fire is the terrestrial manifestation of the Sun, so you will have plenty of time to play, hike or rest in the sunshine too!
Retreat Overview:
This retreat is a deeply connective experience in the rolling hills outside of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. We will explore themes of light and darkness, destruction and renewal.
Preparation:
In preparation for the retreat, Elizabeth or Angele will send you a detailed itinerary, release forms and other paperwork that will help you prepare for your weekend.
Your Retreat Time:
Please arrive between 4:00 and 4:30 pm Friday evening. We will help you get your things to your tents if you are planning to stay on the land. We will begin the time together with a communal meal. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available. Please be sure to specify dietary requirements on the registration forms. You will have time to arrive, settle in and meet other guests. After dinner we will spend time connecting with the land, each other, and setting intentions for retreat. There will be a bon fire prepped for your enjoyment. Choice is integral to healing and well-being. Therefore, all activities are available to you but you can choose to participate in as much or as little as you’d like.
We will have a breakfast prepared for you, complete with tea and coffee to greet you first day. We will then begin a more intimate introduction to the land. We will take a walk, while Elizabeth, a native plant expert, helps you learn to identify native plants and invasive species. You will learn about plant medicine and the ways in which reciprocity with the land can provide abundance and healing. You will forage plants that we will use to turn into individual and group art pieces. We will partner with the life giving fire, the sun, as our artistic medium.
On our final day together, you will have breakfast prepared by a local private chef who will talk with you, if you are interested, about the local ingredients and how earth elements are woven into the meal. We will then embark on a morning of mindfulness, meditation, massage and other restorative practices that will fill you up as you prepare to wrap up your retreat stay.
Sunday morning massages will be offered in private screen tents on the retreat property to allow you to connect with the natural elements while connecting into your body. Massages are provided by local certified professional massage therapists from Divine Healing. You will have a 45 minute massage slot and can then spend the rest of your Sunday morning participating in mindfulness and meditation activities or however you wish.
We will have a closing fire ceremony where you will be invited to consider how to incorporate the gifts and insights from your retreat time into your daily life. We will close our ceremonial time together at 1:00 Sunday afternoon, having cultivated a deeper relationship to self, nature and our own inner truths.