This year on the first weekend of May, we will celebrate Beltane with a full weekend retreat at LOVE Woodland. Some of our most talented practitioners will contribute to make this a weekend to never forget.

Firstly, we will arrive on site from 8am to choose our tent pitches and get set up for the weekend.

We will begin our retreat at 10am with an attunement in circle, where we will set our intentions for the weekend and connect to one another and the land.

In the spirit of Beltane, there will then be a workshop where we create our masks together - we will provide a variety of materials to create masks and head-dresses of nature spirits to wear throughout the weekend.

Having spent the morning tuning into our creativity and connecting with one another, we will then enjoy a delicious lunch together.

After lunch and a wee rest, will then move into a workshop in an ancient form of movement known as Ecstatic Dance.

Ecstatic Dance is a conscious dance as movement therapy. Apart from the physical benefits of movement, Ecstatic Dance serves as a catharsis for emotional blocks that often are released through dance and provides a safe space for people to explore their own self-expression comfortably, openly, and freely. Regular dancing in a shame-free and judgment-free spaces facilitates more self-acceptance that typically carries over into other areas of people’s lives, becoming stronger, happier, and more content versions of themselves. Another important benefit is community building, enhancing community wellness and a strong sense of togetherness. In Latin, the word ekstasis means “standing outside oneself". At the end of this workshop, Lara will lead us out to the Maypole, where we will dance to celebrate the coming of summer with this ancient Pagan tradition.

A highly nutritious vegan dinner will then be served, after which we will take some time to gather ourselves before embarking upon...The Firewalk.

David Blane, a highly trained and experienced firewalk leader, will lead us in this personal challenge to align us with our sacred higher power. Firewalking is the act of walking barefoot over a bed of hot embers or stones. It has been practiced by many people and cultures in many parts of the world, for centuries. It is often used as a rite of passage, and as a test of strength and courage. David says:

"I have been practicing firewalking for 15 years and I have experienced remarkable transformation in my life as a result and I've witnessed thousands of people being filled with the magic of dancing across red hot coals. I am trained by Sundoor School of Transpersonal Education, where firewalking and other rituals are used as a means of breaking through limitations, living one's true potential and creating an incredible life. I feel honoured to have the gift of firewalking in my life, and I believe everyone should have the chance to immerse in the beauty of this ancient practice."

To end the night, we will gather around the fire. Drums will be available to play if people wish; we can dance, sing and enjoy the summer night together under the trees. (Should the weather be wet, we have a yurt and a stretch tent which we can use for shelter). Festivities will end at 11pm, and we will sleep under canvas with the sounds of nature all around us.

Next day, we will awaken and have a light breakfast together. We will then commence the Sweatlodge, led by Arleen Sinclair, at 10am.

The ceremony will start with a fire awakening, which will include dance and drums. There is then a two hour period of warming the stones, dressing the lodge and preparing before entering. There will be 3 rounds of sweating, where the door is closed and we sit together in the womb of mother earth, speaking around themes and letting go of energies that no longer serve us. On exit around 4pm, there is a closing ceremony and fruit feast.

For the mask making, please bring along any materials you may wish to use to create a mask or headdress such as feathers, leaves, paint, animal horns or ribbon (we will provide many, but you may wish to add your personal touch). For the sweat lodge, please bring a sarong, a towel, some sandals for river dipping, and a water bottle. For the campout, please bring your tent, ground mat, and sleeping bag.

Unfortunately our site is bumpy, and unsuitable for those who need walking aids or who use wheelchairs

If driving, please park at the bottom of the hill near the school and walk up. There is very limited parking at the main gate. We will create a WhatsApp group before the event to organise lift shares. Please share your car or use public transport if possible. Lochwinnoch Train Station is a half hour walk from the woods.