Elemental Being: Samhain Retreat

THE INVITATION

Join us for the Samhain edition of the Elemental Being Retreat for a tender-brave exploration of our interbeing with all that is.

Samhain ("sow-un") marks the end of growing season and the turning of the cycle towards the darkness. It is a time to slow, reflect, consider what is ready to release and what is needed to support you through the transition of darkness before the light returns again. It is a time to come together to give gratitude for what has been, and create space for what is to come. According to Celtic lore and the neo-druidic/pagan wheel-of-the-year, this is a time when the veil between the worlds is thin, where communication to and from the spirit world and our ancestors is most easeful, where we may honour the dead and in doing so celebrate life. This is the time when the Calleach starts to cover the land in her crone's cloak.

As we move towards this time, we will explore the cycles and spirals of this being human, weaving together therapeutic practices, embodiment, celebration, honouring life and dancing with death, deep rest, song, elemental ceremonies and more. 

Through the magic of the group container, we will connect more authentically and joyously to ourselves, each other and the natural world. 

Four rich days in community to liberate your Elemental Being! 

“The support was incredible. I felt so comfortable being myself fully - tears and all! Thank you for providing a space that is so freeing. The world needs more of this love, safety & compassion.”

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each day will follow a similar rhythm, which every session being optional, although full participation reveals the richness of this carefully curated experience. The schedule is still being refined, so expect changes!

Example Timetable
07.30 - Meditation, breath & dance - meeting the element and themes for this day
08.30 - Breakfast
10.00 - Yoga session & group process
13.00 - Lunch & free time
16.00 - Afternoon workshop & elemental connection ceremony
19.00 - Dinner
20.00 - Evening workshop

EARTH - Embracing Darkness
- opening, meeting the cycles and spirals of life and death
- group connection + personal reflection practices 
- making the altar
- yoga nidra - deep rest

WATER - Feeling the Ancestors
- Cord clearing with - and/or calling in support from - our ancestors (not as woo woo as it sounds for those a bit skeptical about this stuff!)
- Earth ceremony - honouring the ancestors
- Grief tending 
- Water ceremony (& optional wild swim)
- Prayerful mantra to honour death
- Playful creativity - small group adventures!

FIRE - Welcoming the Mystery
- Fire ceremony - song, voice, Celctic story-telling & music
- Cacao ceremony 
- Dancing the elements - optional ‘spirit-mask’ painting

AIR - Becoming Compost
- Partner practices
- Integration ceremony
- Loving-kindness/metta meditations for those that came before and those that will follow
- Final celebration and close
 

“I can say whole heartedly that I have come away a better person and it has catapulted me into improving and changing my life even more than before. Becoming better for myself and those that I love. Going on this retreat is one of the best decisions I have ever made.” - SARAH, LONDON

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The group is open to everyone who feels a calling to connect more deeply to themselves, community, the natural world and the mysteries of life. It would particularly suit those who are yearning for a deeper connection to the wider web of life, or who already feel this in their bones and would like to be with likeminded souls. Unfortunately the site is not accessible for those with certain physical disabilities - please contact Megan to discuss further. 

Taking part in this retreat requires adequate mental and physical health to be self-responsible within group processes; we are all facing the horrors and joys of life and your whole self is fully welcome, but do get in touch if you have any concerns or questions.

WHY COME?

“Where to begin!! The cacao ceremony was so rich, soulful & at times incredibly confronting. I felt a deep connection to myself that I truly thought I'd lost. I also worked through some personal shadows that needed releasing, to do that with the support from this group was so powerful. Also the final practices I found particularly moving. What a beautiful exercise in expressing self love. Megan's knowledge always blows me away, and Bendy's kind heart kept the space so soft & nourishing. Grateful is too small of a word” - CHELSEA, BRISTOL

​To remember ourselves as nature, interbeing with all that is; to expand around our small stories to find greater freedom, support and a sense of our common humanity; to meet our different parts with curiosity and compassion; to connect to the richness of our bodies and the deep wisdom that can be found there; to unlearn the bullshit and remember our truths; to touch into our unique gifts and the profound power of community; to offer ourselves the simple pleasure and profound healing of space and time away from the every day, attuning ourselves to the subtle mysteries that are unfolding in every moment.

This will be a gentle yet brave, welcoming yet challenging, soft yet strong space for you to be held and from that loving place, explore your edges. 

WHO ARE THE FACILITATORS?

Megan - A little about the experience I will be leaning into to hold you in this space alongside the rest of the team: I am a clinical psychologist, previously working with adults with complex trauma in the NHS and now working privately, an experienced yoga teacher & teacher trainer, and a nature-based facilitator with over 14 years of experience holding space for others and more than 20 years of practicing yoga. I also founded and direct the Bristol Yoga Roots Project with two dear friends.

Assistant/co-lead - we are just checking some potential timetable conflicts before this person is confirmed!

Shell Toll - chef: https://www.flowwithshell.com/catering (pics on website all from last year's retreat)

“I cannot recommend this retreat enough. Megan holds space so beautifully and the days are crafted so carefully to journey you through the elements, connecting you to nature and your heart, through your body. I really loved the barefoot elemental walk and cacao dance ceremony. I felt free to be myself. Writing this is making me realise just how much we did as there’s so much more I could say! What took me most by surprise is how connected to the whole group I felt in just a few days that it was difficult to leave. I am so grateful for this experience and definitely recommend you take the leap and go on this wonderful journey. I am already booked on to Elemental Woman! If I was to sum it up in one word it would be: joyful.” - AMY , BRISTOL

ANYTHING ELSE?

When not in the yoga space you can enjoy the chill out areas, peaceful gardens or the sauna. Only a short trip away is the colourful town of Totnes and the River Dart, ideal for wild swimming. The retreat space is surrounded by the glorious Yeoland, with altars to the different elements across the landscape. In the free time in the afternoon there will be craft activities and trips to the river or coast that are optional. Shell will be serving up three delicious meals a day, plus snacks and hot drinks. If you haven’t eaten Shell’s food before, prepare to have your experience of ‘retreat food’ completely redefined!

“It was absolutely amazing. I thought the balance of movement, reflection, learning, talking in big / small groups, activities, quiet time, noisy time, fun time, sad time and DANCING was brilliant” 

A webpage with images and links to videos can be found at: www.meganavery.co.uk/elemental-being-samhain-retreat-2025

Are you feeling the call? We would LOVE to welcome you in to this circle of love, empowerment, vulnerability, strength, mystery and playfulness. You are so welcome, as you are. Reach out with any questions to elementalbeingretreats@gmail.com 

With love and power
Megan and the team 
🖤

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations refunded (minus £50 deposit) up to 60 days before the retreat or at any time if you can fill your space. Deposits are non-refundable to cover admin time.