We started this retreat in 2001 as part of a highly-structured initiatory training coven. Over the years: students have graduated; members have moved away; elders have had health issues; I have tried to retire from teaching a couple of times; friends with a general interest in Earth Spirituality have wanted to come along and learn more. SO we've opened up to everyone interested, at all levels of experience. It's also more fun and relaxing that way. This is a very visceral interaction with nature, far beyond book learning. (Nothing wrong with book learning! That's how most of us started. But it's different :D ) Practical matter$: Price per person depends entirely on how many people attend. The full cost of renting the venue is divided evenly between all participants. At this point in time, we have a firm total of about 8 people, and a couple of maybes. Likely range will be $250 - $300/per person. (Our absolute max capacity is bout 14, or $180/person. But that seldom happens.) This includes one cabin that is reserved for meals and gathering times, and also some extra time for a couple of us to do early setup and get ready for you. I will keep this count/cost updated via the FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1736628850328523 To reserve your space, we need a deposit of $100 by Friday September 18 and the balance when you arrive on 9/25. Check, Venmo, PayPal to David or myself. NOTE to North Parish Folk: we will be at church this Sunday 9/13. Mountain Home Cabins is in Bartlett NH, rather a drive but well worth it. https://maps.app.goo.gl/pfpwmdNUB4TCqZx2A http://www.mountainhomecabins.com/ Arrival / Departure We can begin arriving in cabins at 4 PM Friday. If you arrive before 4 PM Friday, you can come to Cabin #1 until your space is ready (we will already be there and sharing snacks). You will know ahead of time which cabin you'll be in. Most rooms will be private unless otherwise requested or agreed-upon. Many people cannot get there until later in the evening - that's OK! We have a Seasonal Attunement / meditation, which can sometimes be done more than once as people arrive. It's better to arrive late on Friday and be ready-to-go for the morning Water Blessing ritual Saturday at 10 AM. But if you can't, then Saturday by 10 AM is ok. On Sunday, we have a brunch where we share our experiences from activities of the day / night before. We can stay in Cabin #1 until 1 or 2 PM, but need to move out of the other cabins by 11 AM. If you can't stay until 1 PM, that's ok but we try to have chat time as much as possible (or as we sometimes call it, "Pithy Comments") on ritual and meditation impressions. Food! We take turns providing and preparing/serving meals in teams. New people will be teamed with experienced people, and ALL imdividual food requirements are taken into account. Also, some "food turns" are more buying/serving than cooking, some are more suited to being cooked ahead of time, and snacking sessions are potluck. Trust us, we are trained professionals with organizing this! More detail to follow when people confirm, but this is the general gist. Rules / Boundaires: Yes, even Pagans have them! At this event we do not allow: -- alcohol; smoking (unless you go WAY far away from the cabins, then you will miss something and we'll talk about you); recreational drugs; children; pets; specific political discussion (EVEN if we agree about issues!). There may be some spiritual discussion around "Hopes for the Wider World", and our sending our energy toward them, but lengthy detailed conversations have a negative effect. Photos: I'm working on putting together a photo album accessible through the FB event page. (That's the easiest way for me.) To retreat regulars: if you have any photos, please send them to me. I know there are a lot more, I've seen them - but my files are in disarray! There are some good photos of the cabins / accommodations on their website: http://www.mountainhomecabins.com/ Facebook Event Page Sample Schedule |