A Cycle Of Transformative Retreats For Women in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Join the Retreat
Actual photo from retreat space.
Modern Dilemma
As white women of the European diaspora, many of us often feel disconnected from our ancestral heritage and the wisdom of our foremothers. It can be difficult to connect with the rhythms of nature and the deep-seated knowledge passed down through generations.
It is time to gather in Circle. Our retreats will be held at sacred times in the Celtic tradition. We will reclaim our European earth-based practices that teach us our intrinsic worth. We will gain strength from ancient matriarchal cultures that help us stand in defense of our planetary home. Together, we will cultivate our collective power.
We design our retreat cycle to activate healing and empowerment. Each weekend will focus on these core approaches:
Reclaiming and recreating earth-based rituals.
Principles and practices to reckon with the forces that seek to annihilate womyn’s culture and our planet.
Skills to draw on our inextricable connection to the web of life
Exploring the archaeology of matriarchies from Old Europe.
What You Will Gain
The cycle of the retreats provides you the tools to come alive in a new way.
All our retreats are held at a private preserve in Western NC, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This setting is perfect for transformative work. As a group of 16 women, we will be the only people present on the land and retreat space. Such unparalleled privacy enables us to hear the guidance of the most ancient mountains in the world.
Just 30 minutes from Asheville, this private, gated mountain estate features modern amenities while maintaining a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
Several miles of private hiking trails, a stocked trout pond, breathtaking mountain streams with numerous waterfalls, beautiful stone patios, and a fire pit make this property unique. The outdoor lighting at night is nothing short of spectacular.
The charming main log cabin offers an expansive great room, several cozy sitting areas, two fireplaces (wood burning and gas), a fully stocked kitchen and picturesque views. There are 6 bedrooms, with 5 queen beds and 2 sets of twin beds.
Combined with our intentions and purposeful guidance, this majestic land aids us in reconnecting body and spirit.
As a co-creative trio, we're delighted to bring our decades of experience facilitating women's circles to every aspect of ReMembering OurSelves.
Jo
Originally from Asheville, NC, Jo is a Southern Appalachian womon of French, Irish and German descent. She is a popular education trainer, ritualist and cultural transformation catalyst. She has over 30 years of experience working closely with community groups to build grassroots power throughout the U.S and abroad. As a life-long ecofeminist, Jo has created many avenues to support women and girls in spiritual activism. She is a facilitator and convener of the Work that Reconnects. She enjoys nothing more than song swaps and frame drumming by the fireside.
Melanie
Melanie is a queer, fat, witch of Scottish and Italian lineage who has called The Blue Ridge Mountains home for over 30 years. She discovered the magic of womyn's circles as a teen, which continues to inform her current spiritual practice. She brings her background of social justice advocacy, mental health counseling and somatic experiencing to her work. She is deeply rooted in intersectional feminism, body liberation and connection to the earth.
Byron
Byron, BA, MFA, is a native of Western NC. She is a writer, amateur folklorist with a specialty in Appalachian folk magic & healing. She tours extensively in the US & Great Britain. Her books include four on mountain folk magic. The first was Staubs and Ditchwater, and the most recent (2023) is Small Magics. She lives in Asheville.
Register below for our Open Weekend. This retreat will provide an introduction to the core concepts we will dive into during the year-long immersion (a series of four retreats) that begins in November.
Registration Deadline: August 2nd, 2024
August 16th at 12pm – August 18th at 12pm, 2024
All lodging options include 6 locally sourced meals, full access to the forest preserve, and the experiential program. And did we mention the huge hot tub overlooking the creek?
All-inclusive pricing (per person):
Participants in the Open Weekend receive a $500 discount if they join the year-long immersion!
This cycle of four retreats will enable us to align with the seasons and bring our unique contributions to the healing of our world.
Application Deadline is October 5th, 2024.
Fill out your application here. Email us for more information or visit our FAQ page.
Have a question? Please ask.
