How a powerful retreat last year changed my trajectory
What happens when you step away from the world and into something wilder?
Last year, I spent a long weekend in October in a tucked-away house in Cornwall—an ancient land humming with its own kind of magic. Six women, one host, and no pretence. Just raw, open energy. The kind that doesn’t require explanations. It was hosted by Katy of The Owl & The Apothecary.
That was a turning point for me. I had just finished a marketing job I’d been in for a year and my role had been unexpectedly laid off. I wasn’t sure what was next. I know I planted some potent seeds that are now - 5 months later - just starting to poke their heads above ground like the Snowdrops coming up in our garden… at the time I couldn’t see it. Sometimes only looking back we can connect the dots. So I thought I’d share this as perhaps you are feeling in a transition or a bit unsure what’s next.
The path may not be obvious, but take heart that following your heart and soul will lead you there… not in the timeframe you might want, but in the timeframe you need. Via the apparent ‘obstacles’ that are actually your nudges from the universe to become who you are truly meant to be.
Reconnecting
It felt like a gathering of Witches—not in the trendy, Instagrammable way, but in the old-world, bone-deep knowing kind of way. Women of the earth, weaving time and wisdom together, no masks, no noise—just truth.
Stars
The 5 other ladies on the retreat generously shared their astrology charts with me (i.e. gave me their date, time and place of birth), and I was able to dive deeply into the patterns and symbols of that world. Each chart a map into another soul. Reading them, I felt something click. A new way of seeing. A concept formed in that space—The Wise Woman Transits. (That course? Born in those moments. You can see it here). When I was in my marketing job I just didn’t have the headspace to fully dive in.
Nature + Crafting
We walked the woods, collected leaves, twigs, pieces of the land itself, and wove them into our own creations. Not for Instagram, not for an aesthetic—just because craft is magic when it’s done with intention.
Time by the sea
In this circle, I am known as a Sea Witch (i.e. love the water and go in at any chance), so it’s only right we visited the nearby beach. We drove to Crackington Haven - for a while we just sat and watched the waves. It was like time was running at a different speed than normal.
Getting Signs
I asked for a sign from the universe for 3 circles together as a sign I was on the right track- and look what blew into my face on the beach…
Burning
I burned my past—literally. Every old work note from that job - all of the obligation, all of the ideas I had that were never used… all those hours in meetings diligently taking notes… went into the fire. It felt like closing a door that had a satisfying creek to it. I was grateful for that job, and the experience, but I knew it was time for something else.
Somatic Work
A shamanic massage revealed what my body already knew—every ache, every knot, tied to themes I thought I had worked through but had only scratched the surface of. The body doesn’t lie.
We moved gently, breathed deeply, and journaled when we felt like it. We called in our ancestors, and I felt my maternal line whispering through me.
I left different. Not in a dramatic, overnight-transformation kind of way. But in a way that settled deep into my bones, shifting the way I carry myself, my work, my knowing.
Some experiences don’t need to be hyped. They just need to be lived.
What’s Coming through now 5 months later…
This was the start of a Deepening for me- a journey back into exploring my natural energy - using Human design, Astrology and Numerology. I knew LOTS of the theory, but actually embodying it, that takes devotion. This retreat was like a hard reset for me (always too many tabs open!)
I had lots to release around money, work, worth and time, that is an ongoing journey, but stepping out of my day to day routine and really grounding into what was next for me meant I could break my own patterns and shift gears. There is a lot in my chart that says it’s about doing more with less - less work, less hustle, less stress, less ‘doing’ - which as a Manifesting Generator is kind of a tough one to crack!
I can see how the ball got rolling that weekend… it’s not been all planned out, but it has felt like I’ve been following a golden thread, living with curiosity and stepping more into ME. That has meant having some difficult conversations, re-setting my boundaries where there were energy leaks, and a lot of self-compassion.
Doing the work and becoming more aligned with my soul isn’t always ‘easy’ but it is always fulfilling.
As I mentioned above, things are just starting to come to fruition so there’s lots coming I have to share with you. I think / hope / trust it’ll be ready within the next week or two… we will see!
Go on your own Wild Retreat!
Katy is hosting a Spring version of this retreat next week - I believe there is still a spot or two left if you feel the call and know you need this too! More info here and below…
That sounds like the most incredible medicine! I’m so keen for a retreat this year but probably later on in the season! I often find it takes a while to let these experiences integrate! Xx