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Written by: Gretchen Ohmann

Category: Retreats

Published: 25 April 2025

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• If you cancel your registration 30 or more days before an event, 100% will be refunded to you.
• If you cancel you registration 1-29 days before an event, 50% will be refunded.

Emergency situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Updated 2025-04-24

• The cost on the registration form is per person.
• All meals are included for the duration of your stay.
• Sometimes single rooms are not available. If there are any, they will be listed on the registration form.
• There is always free time built in.
• People generally bring crafts and board games to share. Euchre is popular in the late evenings, as well as drumming, singing and a bonfire (usually on Saturday).
• Many of us bring snacks (chocolate!) to share.
• In Spring and Fall, we have a 90-minute keynote address, an early-afternoon workshop by the keynote speaker, and 3 late afternoon workshops. Workshops are optional, meaning you can spend that time in other activities.
• Fall often features a Croning ritual, where elders are encouraged to think deeply about this life transition, and we honor their wisdom.
• Summer and Winter retreats have no keynote, fewer workshops (or none), and more free time. Gatherings are more relaxed and time less structured.
• Summer usually has a Giveaway Blanket tradition.
• We have a Lending Library of Women's Spirituality books, CDs and DVDs to browse through - you can sign up to borrow an item, then bring it back at the next retreat.
• We often have an auction or a sale. Bring spending money!
• Usually there are a few vendors with books, jewelry, art, and clothing. Our favorite massage therapist is often there!
• Keynote speakers often spend the entire weekend with us, and you can get to know them better in an informal setting.
• Drumming and singing often break out at random times. Be sure to bring drums and musical instruments!
• We take special care to include vegan and vegetarian diets, along with gluten-free and dairy-free options. If you have a very restricted diet, please consider bringing your own food to supplement what's available.

Amenities:

• SPRING - Pilgrim Park has a labyrinth, and trails to walk. We have a gathering room and an outdoor deck in the main building were people hang out and talk. Meals are prepared and served by staff, with special attention to dietary needs. Almost all the lodging is in the main building on the same floor as activities. Sometime workshops are held in the lower level. There is a small elevator.
  • Rooms have twin beds and private bath. Dorm-style, no room keys.
  • Parking is in a gravel lot fairly close to the building, and the sidewalk/ramp to the main building is paved.
• SUMMER - Ronora Lodge, has hundreds of acres of wooded trails to walk, a tennis court with basketball hoops, horses to visit, and a private lake. Bonfire is available, and there is a well-loved esoteric shop nearby that many of us visit. We often cook our own meals in the spacious well-equipped kitchen. The building is accessible (with some assistance at the main doorway) and bathroom aids are available.
  • Building is modern (built 2022). Rooms have twin beds and several shared bathrooms. Cozy, family-style, no keys.
  • Parking is near the building in a gravel lot. No sidewalks but you can park right next to the entrance for unloading.
• FALL - Cedar Valley Retreat Center has many lovely trails to walk, and llamas to visit. Lodging and activities are on the second floor, with meals in the dining hall on the first floor. There is a modern elevator. The building is fairly accessible and we can give assistance to open the main doors.
  • Rooms have twin beds and private bath. Each person receives a key to their room.
  • Parking is in a paved lot right next to the building.
• WINTER - Toddhall Center features trails to walk and a labyrinth garden. Lodging and our gathering space are all on 1 floor in the same building. Rooms all open to the outdoors, and well-maintained sidewalks are available to the dining hall building.
  • Rooms have twin beds and private bath. Each person receives a key to their room.
  • Parking is in a paved lot right next to the building.

Policies:

Cancellation Policy

Details

Written by: Gretchen Ohmann

Category: Retreats

Published: 29 January 2025

Hits: 0 320

Friday-January 31, 2025

4:00 PM  Arrival & Welcome: check in, receive name tags and itinerary
5:00 PM  Opening Ritual: Pagan Open Circle Ceremony
    Gather to set intentions for the weekend through a meaningful, communal ceremony.
6:00 PM  Dinner Time!
7:00 PM  DIY Spa Session 1: Face Masks
    Pamper yourself with a face mask application, followed by relaxation time.
8:30 PM  Evening Activities: Fireside Chats and More!
    Fireside chats:, cards and games, coloring, jigsaw puzzles, and spa activities such as the sauna and whirlpool, bath bombs and shower steamers and DIY nail care and hand massages 

Saturday, February 1, 2025

8:00 AM    Morning Activity: Self-Guided Yoga Chair or Meditation Session
9:00 AM    Breakfast Time
10:15 AM  DIY Spa Session 2
    Activities include hand and foot treatments and massage, nail care, and the sauna and whirlpool.
10:15 AM  Workshop 1 Session 1. Crafting Brigid’s Cross
11:00 AM  Workshop 1 Session 2: Continued
    Create a Brigid’s cross as we explore the cultural significance and symbolism

12:00 PM Lunch Time
1:30 PM   Workshop 2 Session 1: Imbolc Ritual 
2:45 PM   Workshop 2 Session 2: Continued
    A ritual celebrating renewal, setting personal goals, and creative expression
4:00 PM   More Spa Time!
6:00 PM   Dinner Time
7:30 PM   Fireside Chat

Sunday - February 2, 2025

8:00 AM     Morning Activity: Nature Walk or Group Stretching
9:00 AM     Breakfast
10:00 AM   Closing Ritual: Closing of the Circle Ceremony
11:00 AM   Departure 

  pdf Winter Retreat Schedule 2025(740 KB)

Details

Written by: Gretchen Ohmann

Category: Retreats

Published: 29 January 2025

Hits: 0 847

Tentative schedule - subject to change!

Read more: 2025 Spring Retreat Schedule