Upcoming events
Sacred Encounters
Come and find welcome in a gathering of folks who love the more-than-human community at the retreat, and find rest in being immersed in the beauty of mountain life. In this time of contemplation with the land, we share our noticings and reflections on creation. We gather in the stone cottage, and then spend time on individual wanders on the land. A screened porch is an inviting space for those who wish to be still with the massive cherry tree next to the stone cottage. Give yourself the peace of an afternoon with the wild. For questions or to attend, RSVP to retreat director Debbie Scott: Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Buddhist Pranayama: Opening the Eye of Wisdom
Mountain Light Sangha resumes their retreat offerings this August with “Buddhist Pranayama: Opening the Eye of Wisdom,” led by Mountain Light Retreat’s visiting resident of interspiritual contemplation, Satyadhara Todd Brown. This retreat will be devoted to the practice of breath meditation inspired by the teachings of Theravada Forest Tradition masters Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Ajahn Sumedho. The schedule will include varying periods of formal meditation, basic instruction, chanting of traditional verses, embodied practice, and silence.
MLS retreats are donation-based offerings, with a suggested donation of $100 per person to cover the costs of facilitating each retreat. No one will be turned away due to financial hardship. Lodging is $45 per night, and commuter participation is welcome. Teachers and retreat leaders give their time and resources freely to the community, and are not compensated for their time. Financial contributions to teachers and retreat leaders are encouraged and gratefully appreciated.
To register for this retreat, or if you have any additional questions, please email mountainlightsangha@gmail.com. Detailed retreat descriptions, daily retreat schedules, and all confirmed upcoming retreats will be posted on our website: mountainlightsangha.com. We look forward to seeing old friends and new in August, and beyond.
Veriditas Qualifying Workshops Weekend for Labyrinth Lovers & Facilitators
Friday, September 4: labyrinth walk at 7 pm, Mountain Light: All welcome!
Saturday, September 5: Qualifying Workshop presented by Mary Ann Wamhoff, assisted by Lars Howlett, The Sacred Space of Labyrinths: Enhancing Walks with Field Awareness
This event fulfills the prerequisite for Facilitator Training; however, it is appropriate for EVERYONE! These two workshops complement one another but may be taken separately.
Mary Ann will explore why we can quiet our own Personal Field more easily in an archetypal labyrinth. We will work with our Social Field to amplify a shared intention and see how the labyrinth symbolizes Relational Fields. Then we will connect with the Caring Field, the Noosphere, to enable distance healing. There will be an art project to help synthesize our learning.
Recommended (but not required) reading: Space is Not Empty: How Hidden Fields Are Shaping Your Life and Our World, by Alan Briskin and Mary V. Gelinas
Cost: $90.00, lunch included
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with one hour for a networking lunch
Place for ALL events: Mountain Light Retreat Virginia, https://www.mountainlightretreatva.com/ , 6656 Mountain Light Place, Crozet, VA | Please arrange accommodations yourself directly with Mountain Light info@mountainlightretreatva.com should you desire to stay there.
Register directly with Mary Ann: cslabyrinth@outlook.com
Saturday, September 5:Craft Project Creating a Hand-Held Labyrinth
Cost: $45.00
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Register directly with Lars:findlars@gmail.com
New Cosmic Walk: 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 6: Qualifying Workshop presented by Lars Howlett, assisted by Mary Ann Wamhoff, The Sacred Time of Labyrinths: Enhancing Walks with the Awareness of Liminality
This event fulfills the prerequisite for Facilitator Training; however, it is appropriate for EVERYONE! These two workshops complement one another but may be taken separately.
Retreat Is nothing sacred? In a hyperconnected world with few boundaries between work, social media and home, it’s easy to lose a sense of the sacred in our relationships and routine. In this chaotic and changing era, labyrinths provide a sure path for uncertain times. By stepping out of our schedules and into Kairos time, we can see a bigger picture of life. Beyond the rigmarole, labyrinths create a field where we can meet ourselves (and others) to gain clarity, insight and inspiration.
There will be an art project to help synthesize our learning.
Cost: $90.00, lunch included
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with one hour for a networking lunch
Place: Mountain Light Retreat Virginia, https://www.mountainlightretreatva.com/ , 6656 Mountain Light Place, Crozet, VA | Please arrange accommodations yourself directly with Mountain Light info@mountainlightretreatva.com should you desire to stay there.
Register directly with Lars:findlars@gmail.com
Vision Quest Day Retreat
Searching for a Vision?
Mountain Light will host a series of one-day vision quests this year for one to two people at a time. The retreats include a deep meditation and spiritual shield making led by Louise M. Mitchell (Laughing Waters) a local nature spiritualist and gifted intuitive.
In meditation a shield maker experiences their personal connection to power (Spirit) and envisions their path and purpose. The process has been called “awesome,” “unbelievable,” “elevating,” and often brings elation to participants.
At Mountain Light, these retreats will be a serene experience in the cozy Cottage. Participants receive a vision, and with Louise’s assistance, interpret the vision and use crafting and materials from nature to create a unique twelve-inch shield imbued with spiritual energy and inspiration for its owner to use daily.
A shield is a circle, reflecting the spirit of its owner, like a mirror into the soul, reminding its owner of who they really are.
Louise has led shield making retreats for hundreds of women, men, and children since the 1990s. She is dedicated to a life of spiritual growth, deepening her connection to nature and spirit, and sharing the light, and recently teamed with Debbie Scott to lead the first Forest Bathing Retreat at Mountain Light. Louise is a certified Reiki and Crystal healer, certified Sylvotherapy (Forest Bathing) Practitioner, has published six books on spirituality (fiction and non-fiction), and her articles have appear in newspapers and magazines.
The May 20 and July 29 Shield Retreats are full. Fall Shield Retreat dates are September 30, October 28.
Cost: $100, including materials and a snack.
Register or waitlist with Debbie Scott at debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. For questions, email Louise louisemitchell311@gmail.com.
Annual Women's Fall R&R Experience
Join a small group of like-minded spiritual-seeking wise women for a nourishing weekend in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Soak in the smells and sounds of nature in the fall. Practice slow, mindful Yoga. Explore the benefits of meditation. Relax with Yoga Nidra. Experience the magic of a crystal bowl sound bath in the beautiful historic chapel. Gather ‘round an evening fire. Retreat leader Barb Germershausen of Simply Yoga Cville is your experienced retreat leader.
Friday evening is Potluck Dinner—bring a dish to share. Meals provided are Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Vegetarian, Vegan Gluten-free and Dairy-Free diets can be accommodated upon request. Price is per person. Register now for Early Bird rate of $580, after 9/1 rate is $680. Limited scholarships available. For more information or to register, email simplyyogacville@gmail.com or call or text 434-760-3669. Learn more about Barb’s offerings on her website: simplyyogacville.com.
Buck Moon Labyrinth Walk
Join Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitators Amy Epp, Debbie Scott, and Mary Ann Wamhoff for a Walk with the Buck Full Moon on the outdoor labyrinth. Named by Native Americans for a time when the deer shed their antlers and grow new ones, this Moon offers a time to reflect on old intentions and set new ones. To take a cue from nature, join us for the wonders of mountain wildlife, and allow space for emerging thoughts and dreams. In case of rain, we will use the indoor labyrinth. All ages are welcome, and musical instruments are provided. Bring a flashlight. For our planning purposes, please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Free! Additional Full Moon Labyrinth Walk offered on August 28 at 7:00 pm.
One Heart Summer Event
Airisun Wonderli and John Oliver will lead a traditional sharing circle in the air conditioned church, and then a potluck dinner will follow in the dining hall. In the afternoon at 4:30 pm, David Vandeveer will offer a sound bath. This event is planned for 4 times a year. Please bring a dish to share and a friend. If you wish to spend the night, contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. For more information, contact Airisun: visionairi@ntelos.net.
Writers Retreat Reading Night
Teaching artists based in Richmond will share “woks-in-progress” at this cozy summer-time reading. Attendees will hear from Richmond’s newest Poet Laureate and get an inside look into the process of making prose pieces, zines, poems & slam poems. This event will be indoors in the air conditioned chapel at the retreat. Presented by Visual Arts Center of Richmond. To RSVP for this event, please email Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Contemplative Day
Enjoy a peaceful retreat day of centering yourself, taking time to engage in the contemplative activity of your choice, and gathering with fellow contemplatives for refreshment. Contemplative activities may be augmented by spiritual direction, a guided labyrinth walk, or nature walk. Also, the retreat is spacious enough for a silent retreat, if desired. A light lunch is provided, so please RSVP and advise of your food preferences if you can attend! The retreat opening and closing will be led by Debbie Scott, retreat director. For questions or to register, please email Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Labyrinth Walk with Strawberry Full Moon
Join Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitators Amy Epp, Debbie Scott, and Mary Ann Wamhoff for a Walk in Gratitude with the Strawberry Full Moon on the outdoor labyrinth. To celebrate the summer season, join us for the wonders of fireflies and starlight, and some strawberry treats. In case of rain, we will use the indoor labyrinth. Bring a flashlight. For our planning purposes, please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Tree Retreat
In the tree-filled terrain of the retreat we have the invitation to rest, relate, and receive from trees. The healing properties of forest bathing are well documented, and this retreat allows space and time to experience an awareness and connection with the Holy Wild. Support in the form of opening Qigong with Louise Mitchell, invitation to a day of forest bathing, and then a closing circle to share fruits of the day provide a loose structure for our gathering. Bring your water bottle, sack lunch, journal, and camera. Remember to wear layers and have bug repellent/sunscreen on hand.
Guides for the day are Louise Mitchell, who recently completed Sylvotherapy (Forest Bathing) Practitioner training; Debbie Scott, Wild Guide and Eco-spiritual Director, Seminary of the Wild; Sue Dilbeck, tree communicator. Our desire is for you to come away trusting your own experience of kinship with the Holy Wild. We plan to offer this retreat seasonally so that you may receive the wisdom of our Earth home at the changing of the seasons.
The fee for this retreat day is $20, payable in cash, check, or Venmo at the time of the retreat. To reserve your space and to receive email updates on this retreat, please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Summer Solstice Celebration Retreat
In Ireland, honoring Aine is traditional on the summer solstice. The solar goddess Aine becomes St. Anne over time, but her day continues to embrace the joy and radiance of this longest day of light. Enjoy some reflections about the summer solstice and a ritual in which we will bless seeds and send them forth with our hopes, dreams, and visions of the future.
As part of the celebration, you are invited to wear a bright color, in honor of the sun, and to bring something to place on our altar for the day’s blessing that you can then take home, such as a crystal, a small planted herb, or ribbon.
The retreat will also include a labyrinth walk and the blessing of a sound bath, followed by tea treats and sharing. Debbie Scott, retreat director, will lead this day celebration. Sharon Hovland will offer the sound bath.
To reserve your space for this day retreat or to stay overnight, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. There is no charge for the celebration, but your donation is welcome.
T'ai Chi Chih
T’ai Chi Chih
A mindful, moving meditation. Move towards better health and more happiness.
“Nothing is more important than knowing how to circulate and balance the Intrinsic Energy, the Vital Force of the body, known as Chi in Chinese. The rewards in good health, wisdom, serenity, and longevity are great for the one who learns the ancient principles and applies them in a modern way.”–T’ai Chi Chih® founder Justin Stone, who lived to be 95 years old.
T'ai Chi Chih, abbreviated as TCC, is a series of 19 movements and 1 pose that together make up a meditative form of movement to which practitioners attribute physical, personal, and spiritual health benefits. Some studies have found the practice to reduce stress and relieve certain ailments.
It’s easy to learn and usually takes about two months (or eight classes). T’ai Chi Chih is not a martial art. T’ai Chi Chih is completely non-violent. T’ai Chi Chih does not require a particular level of physical fitness or coordination. The very old and very young alike can learn it. (For those with physical limitations, movements may be done seated–with some modification.) No special clothing or equipment is required.
T’ai Chi Chih is not organized, nor does it have a hierarchical organization, as the originator intended. As Justin Stone said, “T’ai Chi Chih is a service to mankind.”
Mary Ann Wamhoff is an accredited TCC instructor and is pleased to bring this practice to Mountain Light this summer. We’ll meet 8 times for about 90 minutes each. You may wish to come early and stay afterwards to enjoy your bag lunch—relish the Mountain Light atmosphere. Walk the labyrinth!
When? Tuesday mornings, June 16th, 23rd, 30th, July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and August 4—all at 10:30 until about noon.
Cost? $96 (or $8/hour), but no one will be turned away. Contact Mary Ann with questions and to register cslabyrinth@outlook.com
Reiki Level 1 Instruction
Reiki is a form of energy healing, an alternative healing art. The system for how to work with Reiki was created by Mikao Usui in Japan in the 1920s. Level I Reiki practitioners use hands-on healing through which a "universal energy" is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the client, to encourage emotional or physical healing. It is based on qi, a universal life force.
Mary Ann Wamhoff is a Reiki Master Healer and Teacher. She has practiced Reiki daily for almost thirty years. While she practiced therapeutic massage, she incorporated Reiki into every session—often 3 or 4—usually 6 days a week.
Mary Ann will offer Level I instruction at Mountain Light on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The best way to learn this practice is to bring a Reiki buddy—someone to learn and practice with later. If you don’t have a buddy, don’t let that stop you. You’ll probably make a new friend!
Who will benefit? Virtually everyone! Definitely anyone interested in or currently practicing the healing arts. Mary Ann found Reiki to be an extremely beneficial asset while she practiced massage. Therapists, please bring your tables.
· You will be introduced to basic concepts.
· You will be attuned to the first Level.
· Then you will immediately practice on yourself.
· It’s important to bring a bag lunch or substantial snack for a break to help ground you at this point. This is especially important for those who have never worked with energy before.
· Mary Ann will demonstrate practicing on someone.
· Then you will give Reiki to your buddy and receive Reiki from your buddy in return.
We’ll meet from 1:00 pm until about 6:30 pm. We recommend securing accommodations at Mountain Light (https://www.mountainlightretreatva.com/) prior to or following the workshop. Why not make a retreat of this special weekend in your life?
The cost for five hours of instruction and three free check-ins* (Please see below.) is $200, but no one will be turned away. (Discuss this with the instructor beforehand. There will be an automatic scholarship offered to students.) If you have questions or want to register, please contact Mary Ann directly: cslabyrinth@outlook.com We plan to limit this event to 6 participants. Register early!
*Mary Ann will offer optional “check-in sessions” before full moon walks this summer. These are on Monday, June 29th; Wednesday, July 29th; and Friday, August 28th. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at Mountain Light. These are free opportunities to clarify your practice. We can also practice on one another! Why not plan to stay for the full moon walk at 7:00 ?!
Sacred Encounters
A favorite month for retreat gatherings, this May offering will feature an opening of nature readings, followed by a Wander on the retreat land. You may wish to bring your journal to make a quick sketch or note of what is shimmering for you on your Wander. In our closing gathering we will share the gleanings of the day. If you have a favorite spring poem, please bring it to share with the group. If the weather is rainy, we will have indoor gazing on the outdoors. Please register for this free offering so that you may be advised of any changes due to weather. Contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Contemplative Day
A favorite month for retreat gatherings, this May offering will feature an opening of nature readings, followed by a Wander on the retreat land. You may wish to bring your journal to make a quick sketch or note of what is shimmering for you on your Wander. In our closing gathering we will share the gleanings of the day. If you have a favorite spring poem, please bring it to share with the group. If the weather is rainy, we will have indoor gazing on the outdoors. Please register for this free offering so that you may be advised of any changes due to weather. Contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Contemplative Day Retreat
Let the sights, smells, and sounds of spring bring you rejuvenation as you retreat to a place where cell phone service is limited and distractions are sudden breezes and cawing crows. Bring your journal, reading, watercolors or other contemplative way of resting in this lovely, historic place. A morning coffee and lunch are served, to be enjoyed on your own or with our small group. Event fee is $20. RSVP to Debbie with your food allergies/preferences: Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Tree Time Day Retreat
“I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree” wrote the poet Joyce Kilmer. We will spend a contemplative day with the trees, beginning with gratitude for the trees, some QiGong, and then spending the day with them. So as not to interrupt the peace of this time, please bring your own bag lunch and water bottle. Folding chairs are available. In closing we will share some tea and talk about the blessings received. This retreat is led by Louise Mitchell, author and nature Shaman, and Sue Dilbeck, nature communicator, who have both spent time with trees at Mountain Light and will share their experience of trees, and Debbie Scott, Franciscan Companion and eco spiritual director. Together we hope to delight in forest bathing and finding our own connections with trees by tapping into our senses and experience of them.
To register for this event, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Cost is $20, payable at event by check or Venmo.
Sacred Encounters
Encounter the season of spring as the greening of the mountain begins. We gather in the stone cottage to begin opening to the offerings that nature extends, followed by a Wander on the property, and a time of thanks for renewal. Social time follows with tea and treats! RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Springtime Solace
Join Karla for a nurturing and supportive 3-night retreat under the Spring Equinox new moon, at the peaceful and calming Mountain Light Retreat Center in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
This is your invitation to unplug from the rush and distraction of day to day life and engage in this sacred time for yourself. Take space and time to nurture your broken heart, explore your emotions, attend to your body, mind and spirit, while you allow Mother Earth and the renewing energy of the new moon to soothe your soul.
Experience thoughtfully curated activities designed to help you renew and rebuild your vital energy, which is so drastically depleted in the experiences of deep grief. Your days will be balanced with supportive, holistic activities for all layers of your being, allowing space for reflection, integration, and personal time. We will create art, write, engage in ritual, share nourishing meals, experience sound and energy healing, and connect with the beauty of nature.
Your retreat experience will begin with dinner and a sacred fire on Thursday evening. Each day after tea, coffee and breakfast, all with time to take your time, we'll meet for morning meditation, centering, grounding, connecting and some gentle movement. Creative, reflective, and heart-supporting activities will be woven into each day with time and space for connecting and sharing. Each evening will include easeful movement and guided yoga nidra and sound baths. We'll conclude on Sunday morning after breakfast with an integrative closing circle.
Directions to Mountain Light Retreat and all details will be sent to you prior to the retreat following your completed registration and payment. Contact Karla Helbert to register: https://www.karlahelbert.com/spring-retreat.html.
We have very limited space for no more than 12 attendees.
This retreat is especially for those who are navigating traumatic grief due to the death of a loved one.
Deep Rest Day Retreat
Are you feeling exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually? Join Barb Germershausen to experience gentle yoga, breathing practices, meditation, and Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep) in the retreat chapel. A vegetarian lunch is provided. No prior experience is needed—just a desire for peace and calm.
Early bird registration fee is $108 by 2/14, and then $150 after 2/14. No one is turned away for lack of funds, so please contact Barb about financial assistance. To register for this retreat with Barb: simplyyogacville@gmail.com. Website: simplyyogacville.com. Phone or text: 434-760-3669.
Finding Presence: A Day of Mindfulness, Art, + Movement
Join us for a daylong retreat—show up as you are, experienced or new to meditation, movement and art—all are welcome. Space is limited!
The day will begin with registration at 9:45 am. The morning will include mindfulness and meditation sessions guided by Christine Gyovai followed by time for reflection, discussion, and lunch. The afternoon will include nature connection through art guided by Amber Ellis, followed by movement and dance guided by Samantha Lane. This will be followed with open time to further explore meditation, art, journaling, or other practices that feel right for you. We'll close with additional reflection and connection time before the day wraps up at 4:30 pm.
Price is on a sliding scale from $75 - $250. Space is limited. Please let us know if cost is a barrier. For registration or more information: Amber.findyournature@gmail.com.
Overnight lodging is available for Friday or Saturday. Contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Contemplative Day
Give yourself the gift of slowing in this fast-moving month. Take time for your favorite way of turning inward and drawing on your source of renewal, whether that is walking, gazing at art, creating a poem, or reading in a place of stillness. We gather in the cottage to begin the day with some inspirational thoughts, and then have free time until lunch. Gather together to be served or take lunch in solitude. After lunch, enjoy the spaciousness of the retreat vistas before the return of spring. Consider what the Land may be leading you to discover. We conclude with a circle to share the goodness of the day.
To reserve your space, contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Please advise of any food allergies/preferences in your email. Event cost is $20.
Sacred Encounters
The stark landscape of winter invites us to look at our own framework for living, to contemplate our core. We will listen to the wisdom of nature poets as well as the life of Jane Goodall in our gathering before the Wander on the retreat land. In our closing gathering we will share the gleanings of the day. If you have a favorite winter poem, please bring it to share with the group. If the weather is too frosty, we will have indoor gazing on the outdoors. Please register for this free offering so that you may be advised of any changes due to weather. Contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Spring Cleaning for Body & Soul: Practices, Chakras, The Magdalene, and Different Ways of Fasting
This is our second collaborative effort between Creation Spirituality Communities and Mountain Light Retreat at following a book by Christine Valters Paintner in order to have discussion and an in-home retreat for what many hold as a sacred season in which to focus on what to leave behind and what to grow into more. It is hoped to be a forty-day sacred journey through the wilderness—right in our own homes, on our own schedules. Our guide will be Mary Ann Wamhoff of Creation Spirituality Communities, an international group which helps us feel connected in our desire to live fully into respectful community. We will meet on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm on zoom on the following dates: 2/11, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8. The meetings will be recorded. Reserve your space for this free offering now by contacting Debbie: Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Join us this spring to practice ways to embrace presence, abundance, slowness, tenderness, unfolding, and mystery. We’ll read and discuss. We’ll journal and pray. We’ll walk the labyrinth. The registration for the zoom link will be through Creation Spirituality Communities.
Hopefully, we’ll strengthen some practices we can carry with us into the rest of the year. As Paintner says: “our invitation is to practice here and now.” We shall attempt to empty in order to be filled.
Brigit & The Secrets of Mary of the Gael
“BRIGIT & The Secrets of Mary of the Gael” – The Brigit Virtual Retreat will begin Friday afternoon at 4pm, there are two sessions on Saturday at 12 noon and 4pm, and on Sunday at 12noon. Each module lasts 90 minutes. We are in Virginia with an EST time zone. They will be recorded. (Start time: 4pm is 1pm Pacific Time and 9pm in the UK.)
Due to inclement weather the Brigit Retreat will be held virtually on zoom. The four Brigit teachings will be offered as four modules which will be live and also recorded for future students to enjoy. The work can continue as powerfully virtually as in person, and perhaps even more so, since now national and international students can join our community of Inspired Seers and Dreamweaver.
During the virtual retreat we will cover four arms of Brigit’s Cross including: Brigit as Poetic Inspiration and Celtic Seer; Brigid as Goddess, Smith & Druidess; Mary of the Gael as Miracle Worker; Brigit & The Rose of Ancestral Wisdom.
Each of the four modules have three parts – a teaching, an experiential exercise & group sharing. Questions can be asked during the live zoom sessions and there will be time for exploration of individual insights.
Please note that these modules will be recorded and other students will hear and benefit from what you share. Option: Upon request, we can make a separate private Zoom for sharing that will not be recorded.
ITEMS YOU WILL NEED
Candle & Matches or Lighter
Vessel for Water
Pen & Paper
Ribbon or strip of cloth
Clothing that can stay out overnight
COST : The Brigit Virtual Retreat is $222. Digital payments can be made via PayPal ayn@infinitelightpublishing.comor Venmo Ayn Cates@Ayn-Sullivan. A check can be sent to Ayn Cates Sullivan, 3176 Peavine Hollow Rd, Crozet, VA 22932. All proceeds go toward supporting our ongoing literary work and retreats. If you have financial difficulty, please email me at grailheroine@gmail.com.
Unbound: A Daylong Retreat for Women
Come explore the roots of female power as you step into the new year with clarity, authenticity and clear intentions. In this daylong workshop, award-winning author and Sacred Feminine educator Liz Childs Kelly will guide you through embodiment exercises, mythic frameworks and sacred stories, circle dialogue and small group exercises, and more. Learn more and register here:
Contemplative Day
Shifting into the new year, we give time and attention to what may be percolating within us. Are new directions calling, or are well worn paths seeking an even deeper commitment? What has this season of the Holy in-breaking brought up for you? What gifts would you like to bequeath?
We begin with some readings for inspiration, and then there is free time for contemplative walks indoors or outdoors on the labyrinths, time in the church for meditation, or use of indoor spaces for art or writing projects. Bring whatever aids your spiritual walk as you notice what is nudging your heart. Lunch and coffee/tea is provided. The cost of this retreat is $20, and may be paid on the day of the event. To reserve your space and advise of food allergies/preferences, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.org.
Sacred Encounters
Begin the new year with a peaceful time of relating to the land and to each other in this contemplative, eco spiritual retreat. With inspirational readings from John Philip Newell, Thomas Berry, Victoria Loorz, and Mary Oliver, together with a wander at the retreat to sense our connections to this land we call home, we appreciate and renew our interconnections with our world. Please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreat.org so you may be advised of weather-related changes to this retreat.
Birthing the Holy: Wisdom from Mary to Nurture Creativity and Renewal
For those registered in this online program offered by Mary Ann Wamhoff through Creation Spirituality Communities, this event will include a labyrinth walk, ritual, and lunch.
Please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com with food allergies/preferences.
Contemplative Day
As the Winter Solstice arrives, relax into a season of deepening awareness. What still holds true, what needs to be let go, how may peace be cultivated? We begin with some readings for inspiration, and then there is free time for contemplative walks indoors or outdoors on the labyrinths, time in the church for meditation, or use of indoor spaces for art or writing projects. Bring whatever aids your pilgrim walk. Lunch and coffee/tea is provided. The cost of this retreat is $20, and may be paid on the day of the event. To reserve your space and advise of food allergies/preferences, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.org.
Contemplative Day Retreat
Taking a day to be present to the season of Advent, to express oneself in artistic endeavors, to walk and reflect on how the outer world mirrors our inner world—all these ways and more are welcome as we enjoy a restful retreat day. Lunch is provided, but please advise Debbie of food preferences/allergies. The fee for the day is $20 and may be paid on arrival. Please RSVP to Debbie so that you may be advised of change in plans due to weather: Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
This event is cancelled for Friday, December 5 because of impending weather conditions. It is rescheduled for Thursday, December 18, 9:30 am-2:30 pm. Please contact Debbie to re-register.
Sacred Encounters
Attune to the changes in our environment, attending to the invitation the late fall offers for turning inward with the season of Advent. How is nature signaling a shift from busyness to stillness? Join Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, and Debbie Scott, eco spiritual director and Wild Guide, for a wander on the retreat property and reflection afterwards. Please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com, so you may be contacted with weather-related change in plans.
Yoga Weekend Retreat
Join Wendy and other healers for a weekend of restoration, peace and fellowship as a community. WE will offer an all levels:
gentle yoga, place a yin offering, a little rocket inspired vinyasa, a yoga nidra, and also
offering 9dbreathwork and a soundbath.
We will eat clean healthy meals with vegan options, and cook our breakfast/brunch together. On Saturday, we will walk the labyrinth that is on site, do some more yoga, and go to Coconut Thai restaurant Sat. night.
Come back and have a lovely soundbath with Lynn.
9dbreathwork offering with Kristy late morning on Sat.
Yoga with the lovely Clair Norman also offered.
This will be a lovely way to invite peace back to yourself before the holidays!
$775 for the weekend include your lovely room all your food all the classes and dinner out.
$100 off early bird if booked by 9/22/25
($350 non refundable deposit balance due by 10/15/25)
Venmo Wendy
@Wendy-Phillips-90
or check
13148 Depot Rd
Hanover Va 23069
e mail with any questions in2ashtanga@yahoo.com
Birthing the Holy: Wisdom from Mary to Nurture Creativity and Renewal
A Creation Spirituality Community zoom/in person event led by Mary Ann Wamhoff, the series is based on Christine Valters Paintner’s book by the same title. An initial zoom meeting orients us to the series, and then resumes on Wednesdays after Thanksgiving until December 17. A concluding ritual and lunch will be offered at the Retreat on December 19, with zoom access for those enrolled in the series. To enroll or for more information, contact Mary Ann Wamhoff: cslabyrinth@outlook.com.