Distillation of Self: Women's Autumn Equinox Retreat
A wise woman's gathering and exploration into a deeper sense of self through connection to nature, the art of plant distillation, and the elements of the cosmos. Using the wisdom language of astrology, mythology, and storytelling, we rewrite a new story through the lens of our personal Chiron ( the wounded healer archetype). Accessing mind and body practices: meditation, eye gazing, breath work, sound bath, reflexology, EFT Tapping and more, we will release, celebrate and delight in the divine feminine. We invite you to participate in the full nourishment of the mind, heart, body, and spirit, dance around the bonfire and under the starry skies of the Autumn Equinox.
Astrology of the Retreat
Together, we gather under the mercurial sun of Gemini to delight, exchange, and connect our hearts and minds on the occupied Cherokee land in the heart of the Virginia mountains. With the planet Venus in Taurus heightened connections to the earth and plants will be felt while the collective North Node guides us on our path of embodiment in wisdom practices. The fire sign Aries that is prominent in both Mars and Chiron fiercely paves the way for self examination and healing towards wholeness during our shared sacred space. And concludes with the sun’s ingress into Cancer on the Solstice to assist with a renewed sense of compassion and an empathic heart for the Self.
Learn what your personal constellation is, and how it can be used as a tool for inner healing and self empowerment.
Explore the symbolic language of astrology, and how your Sun, Moon and Rising sign along with your Chiron (The Wounded Healer archetype) shapes who you are.
Rewrite your own story through the art of mythology and jungian archetypes.
Experience guided meditations to connect to the deeper parts of Self.
Experience somatic practices to align the mind, body, and spirit.
Learn holistic techniques to cultivate resilience and support emotional well-being with aromatics.
Be empowered with tools for mindset change utilizing EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping method.
Spend time with aromatic plants, harvesting and distilling!
Participate in a solstice celebration amongst a celebrated gathering and bonfire to release what no longer serves the higher self.
Alchemy Through the Elements
Plants are made of the totality of the elements: earth, air, water, and fire and during the alchemical process of steam distillation, when plant material is transformed into essential oil and hydrosol it requires the full participation of these same elements. It travels through the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. This transformation process defines a new way of being. The identity of the Self may also be distilled, transmuted, and redefined through an alchemical process of exploration, deepening and discovery. Under the archetypal elements of air, earth, water and fire, we engage in a myriad of mind and body practices and rituals throughout our time together to distill into a new sense of being.
Earth
Embodiment
Water
Potentiality
Fire
Transformation
Air
Movement
Location of Distillation of Self Retreat
Stuart, VA
If you are flying in for the retreat, the two closest airports are Greensboro, NC and Roanoke, VA. Both of these airports are approximately a one-hour drive to farm.
We will do our best to support students in connecting with one another so that ride shares can be arranged when possible.
Distillation of Self Women's Retreat
Yarrow Mountain Farm
Stuart, VA
For further information on retreat center, please view brochure here!
Our Women's Retreat Includes:
3 full days of teaching with Jade, Camellia, and Renee
Gathering circle Saturday 6pm
Fire Circle on Summer Solstice Evening
Forest bathing time
A bottle of fresh hydrosol we distill together.
Time and space to build community with fellow students
A Root and Resin retreat bag containing a signature blend
For those who select to stay on campus, your tuition includes: 3 delicious healthy meals a day, plus dinner on first night and breakfast on departure day
Off campus students may purchase meal plan.
Yarrow Mountain Farm
To learn more about the farm and retreat center, please view our 2022 Brochure here!
Meet Your Teachers
Meet Jade:
Jade is a clinical aromatherapist, aromatic plant grower, best-selling author, writer, and herbal and aromatic medicine maker. Jade received my aromatherapy education in the U.K. at the Raworth Institute of Natural Medicine. She is a professional member of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapist and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
Her journey over the past seven years has involved the study of Jungian psychology, tarot, reconnecting with her love of myth, and working with aromatic distillation and aromatic plants as tools for personal transformation, particularly as it relates to the healing of trauma. Aromatic distillation, gardening, and aromatics have played a large role in becoming fully embodied as a human being and as the person she is.
Her blood lineage and ancestors are from England, Poland, Puerto Rico, and Spain. She resonates strongly with her English heritage and perhaps it is that which threads European myth and magic through the fibers of her being.
Meet Camellia:
Camellia Lee’s healing gifts come under the tutelage of her maternal grandmother since she was 12 years old in the family lineage of Chinese folklore medicine. Her 18+ years in the health and wellness industry was pioneered through her career as a highly acclaimed NYC licensed massage therapist.
Combined talents of holistic skill sets and business acumen has led Camellia’s professional path into a variety of holistic integrative medical establishments and reputable spas before she co founded her own wellness center in the heart of NYC.
Since this endeavor, she has launched her product line, Root and Resin, creating bespoke custom fragrance for both personal use and in the hospitality industry. Certified in Craniosacral Therapy and Aromatherapy, she is a consummate student of holistic education and continues to collaborate on special projects and curate wellness retreat experiences.
Her production studio and private healing practice resides full time in Woodstock, NY with her partner and their dog, Jasper Blu.
Meet Renee:
Renee is an intuitive listener and visionary thinker. She intelligently weaves a variety of transformative methods that include coaching the subconscious mind, astrology and branding. She guides clients to become more resilient, feel more empowered, understand their soul’s purpose and live a happier life.
She is a student of many lineages, and has been graced and trained by amazing teachers. Her work integrates meditation, somatic experiencing, breathwork, hypnosis, neurolinguistics, and mindfulness practices.
With over 20 years as a creative director in advertising, her business experience spans many industries. And her unique sensibility and keen eye for design has won many awards. In 2001 she founded The Wedding Party, an organization devoted to marriage equality. In 2018 she co-founded a thriving wellness center in NYC, where she established her practice until she moved up to Woodstock, NY in 2020, where she currently resides.
She works one on one, leads retreats and online courses. You can also find her teachings and meditations on Insight Timer.
Distillation of Self Women's Retreat
Stay on Campus
Yarrow Mountain Farm
Stuart, VA
For further information on retreat center, please view brochure here!
Distillation of Self Women's Retreat
Off Campus
Tuition does not include meal plan.
For further information on retreat center, please view brochure here!