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

Step into a sacred year-long journey, where we honor the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of the feminine spirit through Forest Bathing and Seasonal Rituals. Together, we will move through the Wheel of the Year, embracing each turning of the seasons with intention, mindfulness, and ceremony, all while deeply connecting to the Earth’s sacred cycles.

This intimate, in-person experience is limited to just 10 women, ensuring a close-knit circle where you can share your experiences, deepen your connection to nature, and support each other as we walk this sacred path together.

What You Can Expect:

This journey is designed for women who are ready to deepen their relationship with the Earth, honor their cyclical nature, and connect to something greater. Through Forest Bathing, we’ll immerse ourselves in the healing energy of the forest, allowing the natural world to guide us as we explore the ancient wisdom of the Wheel of the Year. Each season brings its own magic, and we’ll create rituals that nourish our bodies, hearts, and souls.

Throughout the year, we will:

• Explore Seasonal Rituals: Experience rituals that honor the unique energy of each sabbat. These will include everything from nature-based offerings, sacred fire ceremonies, full moon and new moon rituals, to quiet reflection practices that support your personal transformation.
• Connect with Nature’s Cycles: Learn how to tune into the seasonal rhythms of the land, the moon, and the elements around you. Through Forest Bathing, you’ll find peace, rejuvenation, and a deeper sense of belonging in nature.
• Create Sacred Spaces: We’ll spend time each season designing sacred spaces in nature and in our homes—simple rituals to help you celebrate the changing seasons wherever you are.
• Tap Into the Healing Power of Nature: Through mindful walks, journaling, meditation, and group sharing, you’ll have the space to reconnect with the Earth’s wisdom and nurture your soul. You will learn how to integrate these teachings into your daily life, creating rituals that align with each seasonal transition.

Seasonal Offerings:

As we journey together through the sacred wheel, we’ll gather to honor the eight festivals of the year, each one aligning with the energy of the Earth at that time. These festivals are invitations to slow down, reflect, and connect with the wisdom of the natural world, celebrating:

• Imbolc (Awakening the Light) - January
• Ostara (Spring Equinox) - March
• Beltane (Fire, Passion & Fertility) - May
• Litha (Summer Solstice) - June
• Lammas (Harvest & Gratitude) - July
• Mabon (Autumn Equinox) - September
• Samhain (Honoring Ancestors) - October
• Yule (Winter Solstice) - December

Each seasonal gathering will be held in a local natural setting that resonates with the energy of the season, and each session will include:

• Guided Forest Bathing experiences to deepen your connection with the land.
• Seasonal Rituals and sacred ceremonies designed to honor the Earth’s cycles.
• Group Sharing and support as we reflect, renew, and celebrate together.

What You’ll Receive:

• Exclusive Seasonal PDFs: You’ll receive beautifully designed handouts with detailed rituals, nature-inspired recipes, journaling prompts, seasonal self-care practices, and ideas for creating sacred space in your home.
• Seasonal Journaling: Reflect on each season’s themes—whether it’s renewal at Imbolc, gratitude at Lammas, or transformation at Samhain—guided by our monthly prompts.
• Tools for Integrating Nature into Daily Life: Simple practices that will allow you to weave seasonal rituals into your home and heart, even when you're not in the forest.

Why Join This Sacred Circle?

This journey is for women who want to connect deeply with nature’s wisdom, explore the cycles of the year, and honor their inner rhythms. It’s a perfect offering if you feel called to:

• Embrace a nature-based, spiritual practice that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.
• Create a sacred community of like-minded women who support each other through each turning of the seasons.
• Cultivate rituals that connect you to the Earth and bring you deeper peace and spiritual fulfillment.

What You Need to Know:

• Limited to 10 women to keep the Circle sacred and intimate.
• Dates: We will gather for eight seasonal walks and rituals throughout the year, with each session aligning with a different festival in the Wheel of the Year. Full details of each gathering will be shared upon registration.
• Location: Gatherings will take place in beautiful natural locations, accessible to all women. We'll share more details after registration.
• Total Investment: $400 for the full year, covering all gatherings, PDFs, rituals, and support.

2025 Walking the Wheel: In-Person Nature Walks & Seasonal Rituals

Dates and Locations:

Exact times and locations will be announced closer to the event. Please note that if inclement weather occurs, we will reschedule the walk within the timeframe of the Sabbat. Walks are planned in advance of the actual Sabbat date, and the locations may change within Middlesex County or New London County.

• Imbolc: Saturday, February 1, 2025 | East Haddam
• Ostara: Sunday, March 16, 2025 | East Haddam
• Beltane: Sunday, April 27, 2025 | East Haddam
• Litha: Friday, June 20, 2025 | Evening walk (location TBD)
• Lammas: Sunday, July 27, 2025 | Mystic/Groton, CT
• Mabon: Sunday, August 21, 2025 | Mystic/Groton, CT
• Samhain: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | East Haddam
• Yule: Sunday, December 21, 2025 | East Haddam

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.