Courting the Crone, a soul-wise retreat day

Samhain is one of the eight festivals or retreat days that form the Celtic Wheel of the Year. In this old Celtic calendar Samhain is seen as the ending of the old year and the birthing of the new. It is a time when the veils between the worlds are thin, for ancestor connection and appreciation, and a time to take stock of the year just passed so as to prepare well for winter and the shorter, darker days ahead. The Crone and her earthy wisdom are braided through this season of the year.

The Crone, Divine Hag, Wise Woman, Bone Woman, Thread Weaver are some of the names given to the divine elder woman that presides over these wintering times. The Crone, in the form of the Cailleach is said to midwife us through the winter months, and when she strikes her Blackthorn staff upon the Earth! all turns white with snow.

Samhain and Crone wisdom invite us into the mystery, to be with the seen and the unseen, the known and the unknown. We reflect on; our soul's journey through life, aging - whatever our age in years may be, becoming elder, death, release and rebirth. Life’s cycles and the entangled web of creation at our human lives are woven into.

The weft and warp of this retreat day will include; embodied meditations, creating simple ceremony, a short walking pilgrimage to the ancient, tumbledown Godstow Nunnery nestled alongside the timeless flow of the Thamesis, singing to the River, and time for sharing and silence.

For part of the day we will be outside in the weather of the day walking on uneven ground, sharing the retreat with the other creatures of air, earth and water. Wear Suitable clothing and footwear, be prepared to wrap up warm, in unpredictable weather experiencing the elements of the day.

All are welcome with an interest in this retreat. This day may also call to women considering being part of , my year-long, soul inspired course guided by the Celtic Wheel of the Year, which starts again in Summer 2025.

Tickets prices are available on a sliding scale to meet diverse financial resources. A few tickets are available by a Pay from the Heart (donation) option. These tickets are for those who would not otherwise be able to attend this retreat.

A percentage of the fee you pay will be given to

Top image by artist Carolyn Hillyer

Host or Publisher Ally Stott - SoiLandSoul