Walking the Wheel of the Year: Connecting with Nature's Rhythms Through the Seasons

Join us for a year-long journey that honors the sacred rhythms of nature and the wisdom of the feminine spirit. Through the practices of Forest Bathing and Seasonal Rituals, we will move together through the Wheel of the Year, embracing each turning of the seasons with intention, mindfulness, and sacred ceremony. This intimate, yearlong experience is limited to just 10 women, creating a close-knit community where you can share your experiences, deepen your connections, and support each other as you walk this sacred path together.

This series is designed for women seeking to deepen their relationship with the Earth, honor their cyclical nature, and cultivate a sense of belonging to something greater. Together, we’ll explore the ancient wisdom of the Wheel of the Year, connect with the healing power of the natural world, and create rituals that nourish our bodies, hearts, and souls.

Throughout the journey, we will explore and practice different rituals that align with each season, helping you tap into the unique energy of each sabbat. These rituals will support your inner transformation, encouraging reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth as we move through the year.

Additionally, you’ll receive beautifully designed PDFs for each sabbat, which include simple rituals, creating sacred space in your home, journaling prompts, herbal/nature-inspired recipes, sacred ritual playlist, altar ideas, seasonal self-care practices, and suggestions for sacred practices to do at home. These handouts will serve as tools to enhance your journey and allow you to integrate the teachings of the season into your daily life. From setting intentions at Samhain to celebrating the abundance of Lammas, these resources will help you honor each sacred moment of the year, both in the forest and in the comfort of your home.

This journey will guide you through the cycles of growth, reflection, and renewal, offering deep spiritual insight and tangible practices to support your personal transformation. It is designed for women who are curious about exploring the Wheel of the Year and are seeking a sacred space to connect with nature's rhythms. If you long to deepen your spiritual practice, honor your cyclical nature, and create meaningful rituals that align with the changing seasons, this is the path for you.

This offering is for women who are seeking a supportive community of like-minded sisters to walk alongside them on their journey. You will have the opportunity to share, learn, and grow together, forming lasting connections and finding strength in the collective wisdom of the circle. Together, we will celebrate the sacred cycles of the Earth, embrace the power of ritual, and create a nourishing space for personal growth and sisterhood.

Learn more about the Wheel of the Year>>

>>Please note: This series is designed specifically for adult women, as it offers an intimate space for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and community connection. While we are committed to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces, the nature of this program is designed to support mature conversations and deeper reflection. Sometimes, sensitive topics may arise that are not suitable for younger audiences. To ensure a comfortable and enriching experience for all, we kindly ask that participants be 18 or older.

2025 Walking the Wheel Dates

Exact times and location will be announced. Please note, if inclement weather occurs, we will reschedule to the best of our ability within each Sabbat's timeframe. These walks are planned in advance of the actual Sabbat date. Locations may change within Middlesex County or New London County.

1. Imbolc: Saturday, February 1, 2025 (East Haddam)
2. Ostara: Sunday, March 16, 2025 (East Haddam)
3. Beltane: Sunday, April 27, 2025 (East Haddam)
4. Litha: Friday, June 20, 2025 (evening walk location TBD)
5. Lammas: Sunday, July 27, 2025 (Mystic/Groton, Ct)
6. Mabon: Sunday, August 21, 2025 (Mystic/Groton, Ct)
7. Samhain: Sunday, October 26, 2025 (East Haddam)
8. Yule: Sunday, December 21, 2025 (East Haddam)

Investment

• The investment for all eight walks is $400.00 per person and includes:
  • A series of eight, two-and-a-half-hour mindful nature walks, each one designed to align with the energy of the season and the sacred rhythms of the Wheel of the Year. These walks offer an opportunity to slow down, immerse yourself in the natural world, and connect deeply with the seasonal shifts.

    Each walk is an invitation to cultivate a greater sense of presence and connection to both the natural world and your own inner wisdom. During our time together, we will explore the themes of each Sabbat, discuss its significance in the Wheel of the Year, and engage in mindful practices that invite you to interact with the four elements—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—in a grounded and sacred way. These rituals are simple and accessible, allowing you to connect with nature on a sensory level and experience its healing power.

    Every walk will end with a moment of reflection and a shared circle where we can discuss our experiences, share insights, and offer support. This is a time to reflect on your personal journey and deepen your connection to the other women in the group.

  • Throughout the year, you’ll also receive eight PDF handouts with additional reflections, journaling prompts, and seasonal altar ideas to support your practice at home, helping you integrate what you’ve experienced on the walk into your daily life. They may also include simple, nourishing recipes that align with the season, journaling prompts, printable “reflection cards” for each sabbat, sacred seasonal playlists to enhance the mood each season, seasonal affirmations and mantras, intention-setting rituals, and self care practices.

Your Guide:

Kathleen Lowe, the founder of Friends of the Forest, is a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide through the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT). Her walks adhere to the evidence-based framework developed by the ANFT, which is rooted in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), ecotherapy, and the Way of Council. This standardized approach is designed to enhance wellness, reduce stress, and nurture the health of both individuals and communities through guided, immersive walks in forests and natural settings.

Kathleen’s walks provide a sensory-rich experience that helps participants slow down and connect deeply with the natural world, supporting personal healing, mindfulness, and a deeper sense of peace. The practice has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, boost immune function, and improve overall well-being. By engaging with nature through the senses—whether it’s the sound of leaves rustling, the scent of pine, or the feel of the earth beneath our feet—we can unlock our body's innate ability to heal and restore balance.

In addition to her certifications in nature and mindfulness guiding, Kathleen has recently completed training in somatic healing, which she now integrates into her forest bathing practice. This adds a layer of depth to her walks, inviting participants to connect not only with nature but also with their bodies, emotions, and energy. Somatic practices help women become more attuned to their physical sensations, releasing stored tension and trauma, and grounding them in the present moment. This makes each walk a truly holistic experience for the body, mind, and spirit.

Kathleen's love for nature extends beyond guiding forest therapy walks—she is also a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability. Through her work, she strives to inspire others to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and take action toward preserving it for future generations.

With a degree in Art History from Brown University, Kathleen believes that art and nature are deeply intertwined, and she enjoys incorporating elements of both into her guided walks. For her, nature is a living canvas, rich with texture, color, and beauty that invites personal expression and reflection.

Kathleen finds perpetual inspiration in the tranquility, joy, and depth of emotion that the natural world evokes. Through her personal journey toward wellness, she has discovered the profound healing and support that nature offers, and it is her honor to share that gift with others.