The old stories tell of a time when the relationship among all beings of the Earth, and with the Earth herself, was one of reciprocity. The land offered nourishment for all, and in return, people practiced their gifts of care-taking, creativity, and ceremony. In some parts, it was said that the source of the Earth’s life, the life-giving blood of her veins, was the sacred water of wells, which flowed up out of the deep, potent waters of the Otherworld. The wells were tended by women, the Voices of the Wells, wise guardians and protectors, the embodiment of rooted moral and spiritual authority. The Voices represented the spirit of the Earth herself, the anima mundi.
In this era of disintegration and despair, it is time for women to reclaim our heritage as well-tenders and hear again our ancestral stories from many traditions; stories that remind us about our belonging to the animate Earth, about our capacity for courage, for healing, and for re-weaving the beautiful garment of our world.
Through time in the wild mountain forest of Rolling Ridge as well as gathered times of ceremony and soulful conversation, we will immerse ourselves in the realm of story and deep imagination, listening for the Voices of the Wells.
This annual retreat includes openings for wandering in solitude, sharing dreams and stories, ceremony, the rhythm of drums, and sacred circle dance The retreat is at Rolling Ridge, 1400 acres of protected wilderness between the Appalachian Trail and the Shenandoah River. Lodging in our comfortable Retreat House and at the Still Point mountain cabin. The retreat begins at 5 pm on Friday and ends after lunch on Sunday. $335 includes lodging, meals, and program. Register with a friend and share a room for $285; or camp, $265 (bring your own tent). Scholarships available.
Lindsay McLaughlin is a writer, dancer, and storyteller. She lives at Rolling Ridge, where for more than a decade she has led retreats to restore and nurture connections with soul and the living Earth. Julie Gabrielli practices and teaches sustainable architecture and has long been an advocate of reconsidering the stories we live by. Her writing, storytelling, and retreats all explore the effects of immersion in sensory and imaginative kinship with the wild, animate Earth. Lisa Bardack has been dancing most of her life. She has studied Sacred Circle Dance for more than ten years and has been teaching the dances since 2008. Katy Gaughan is a gifted drummer and drum circle facilitator. Together we bring a fascination with the power of story to heal and reweave our world.
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