Wild Magic Spring Retreat
My May retreat was literally a dream come true. Did I know who would be there or what we’d have for dinner or how the weather would turn out? No, definitely not (especially not the hail storm before lunch). But, I knew the retreat would happen and it would be medicine for the land and the people and all the spirits that surrounded us - and it was!
The green fire energy of spring was radiating through the gorgeous land that is Flear Farm. Nestled deep in the English countryside, we were surrounded by vibrant plants, trees, herbs, flowers and weeds… the wild medicine of these ancient lands! We frolicked in the wild garlic, climbed trees, crafted tinctures and tonics, whiteboarded herbal etymology, tickled pigs, pulled Tarot cards by the fire, watched the sunset over Burgh Island, shared life’s secrets in our comfy bell tent and offered our gratitude to the land with each slow, intentional footstep.
There were old friends and new, Brits and Yanks, hippies and doctors, sun, rain, clouds and yes… hail. I deeply thank each person that made the journey - whether all the way from Idaho or London or Bigbury - each of you made the day so special. Sometimes you think you can’t handle any more LIFE and then there you go - expanding again, even more, to infinity!
And sometimes… what you want most happens in a way you never could have imagined.
We were all standing in a big circle on the grass. The sun had come out and we escaped the bell tent with great anticipation to be under the open sky. We walked slowly in a circle widdershins (counter clockwise) consciously releasing something to the earth with each step. For me it started shallow - no more Instagram before coffee - and gradually got deeper and deeper (no more fear). There was a palpable seriousness to the group. When given a chance to embody ritual, most people will gladly take it.
Then, when we reached our starting point, we walked sunwise (clockwise) calling in our intentions with each step. Now it was time to fill our cups with our deepest desires. I could feel the energy buzzing with each step. At this point I admit my impatient nature was getting the best of me because I had so many wishes flooding in, I wanted to run not walk!
Eventually, we reached our starting point again. Then, with our arms held out, palms forward, we gave blessings to the land, to the ancestors, to the stewards, to the future generations, to the trees, the plants, the herbs, the grass, the sun, the moon and the stars. And, of course, to the wind. JUST at that moment, a big wind blew in and all around us - hair blowing wild, skin caressed, spine tingling, fully goosebumped - WIND. Well, hello! And yes! And thank you, thank you, thank you!
My biggest goal with these retreats is for people to feel in relationship, in reciprocity, and in love, with nature. In that moment, it was undeniable that our gratitude was deeply, truly, and otherworldly appreciated. Off with the wind went our deepest wishes - blessing the land for the benefit of all!
And so it is.
I can’t wait for the next one!
In gratitude,
Whitney
