I offer retreats and seasonal gatherings on the Celtic Way. The Celtic Christian spiritual tradition is deeply significant for our times, offering wisdom, enlightenment and contemplative practices which remind us of the unity of our origins, nourish our deepest longings for serenity and peace as well as nurturing our respect and care for the whole of creation.
Let me tell you about the image featured at the top of each page on my website…
Bradán is the Irish Gaelic word for the salmon. The ancient Celtic people respected the whole of creation – the birds of the air, the animals and creatures, the flower and plants of the earth, the fish and treasures of the sea, and the interconnectedness of all things.
They believed that the irridescent salmon was a sacred fish – wise and knowledgeable, strong and transforming. In its circular journey of life, the salmon inhabits two words – fresh water and sea water.
After living most of its life in the ocean, it makes its return, through streams of memory and against the prevailing current, to the cool freshwater pool of its birth. There, it spawns new life and then dies.
This circular journey of life is a significant, sacred, and beautiful metaphor for the Celtic Way. The fish has been used as a Christian symbol since the second century AD. In the early 9th century, the illuminated manuscript Gospels book, the Book of Kells, included images of fish, thought to be salmon. You can often see them above the letters IHS, which is an abbreviation for Jesus Christ.
There is much in our world that makes us anxious, fearful and pessimistic. The Celtic Christian Way encourages us to rekindle our imagination, discover new ways to belong, discern beauty and graceful love, and embody a sense of the sacred, of wonder, thankfulness and inner contentment.
Take a look at some of the retreats and gatherings…Retreats and Gatherings.
The Celtic Seasons of the Heart
A weekend or day retreat offering restfulness, refreshment and times of reflection, accompanied by the insights and wisdom of Celtic spirituality. Take a flight of the imagination accompanied by music, poetry, art, film, pilgrimage, quiet times and blessings. Discover the openness, sacredness and unity at the heart of the Celtic spirit and how the Celtic way can inspire us and speak to us in all the times and seasons of our lives.
Celtic Spirituality: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World
Be companioned by some of the greatest Celtic mystics, visionaries and saints; hear the music and songs, poetry, stories, wisdom and blessings that moved them to dream and write, travel and share prayer, pilgrimage and hospitality; discover the places where they found meaning, comfort and peace. Warm your spirit, feed your soul, deepen your insight. Be gifted with peace, beauty and love to mind your life.
Celtic Sacred Space: Weaving Your Story
Learn more about the intuitive and unique artwork of Celtic scholars and artists. Create your own Celtic designs. Poetry, blessings and music enhance the creativity of the weekend. No drawing or artistic experience is required.
A Celtic Pilgrimage
We are an island people, born of the sea. Over the centuries, our journeying has brought us together. Experience a flight of the imagination in poetry, storytelling, art and craft, film and music. Become refreshed and renewed in mind, body and spirit.
The Celtic Promise of Spring
One of the most beautiful transitions in nature is from winter to springtime. We celebrate light, life and freshness. It is a birthing time of hope and possibility. Come and share in the enjoyment of this season, savour the hope and trust in its promises to us.
Falling Leaves and Gathering Kindling: An Autumn Retreat
Autumn is a time when we gather the fruits of our life experience to our hearts, give thanks and gently let go into Winter’s rest. Enjoy a day of nurture and restfulness, refreshment and reflection. Be companioned by the insights and wisdom of Celtic Christian spirituality, music, poetry, creativity, quiet times, prayers and blessings.
Listening to the Voice of Winter
Winter is the coldest season when the flow of life naturally slows down. It is a time of rest, peace, inner focus, stillness, and reflection. We gather to read and reflect on David Whyte’s poem, The Winter of Listening and how it speaks to our Celtic hearts. We will also be accompanied by the gifts of singer and harpist, Julie Saraswati.
