Just sharing with all a wonderful update on the Women of Columcille’s Brighid/Imbolc Retreat held 1/28-1/29/12. If I had to choose a word that I feel would best describe the weekend, I would choose “SISTERHOOD”. The camaraderie shared by all that weekend was unparalleled. What a blessing to have such a bond with Sisters from all different locations, backgrounds, etc. The wonderful trust and comfort shared by the group bought a true spontaneity allowing for authentic expression and creativity. The cohesion displayed throughout the weekend was so heartwarming and although there were many familiar faces, there were also as many new ones but they also felt “familiar” as well!

As we opened the retreat the energy in the farmhouse was “magical”. The sacred space setting was done the night before with Yvonne Cormier, Shelly Kelly, Debbie Burns and myself, Beth Guida. However, Debbie really catalyzed that incredible energy with her crystals, candles, figurines and her infamous 5 foot Dragon Gong along with other spiritual tools. Wow, those energies were palpable!

First, we had our opening circle ceremony which included introductions by all. Then Yvonne Cormier led us in a wonderful opening prayer and Shelly Kelly lit the Brighid Flame and the retreat was in full force, literally! After my brief description of the synchronisticies between the Goddess/Saint Brighid and it being the Year of the Dragon, we were gifted by one of our honored elders of Columcille, Bertie Vanderbent, who shared some of her stories of the much earlier Womens’ Retreats in past at Columcille. It was a highlight that will be cherished for quite some time. Debbie Burns then led all into an incredible “Brighid” meditation that made one feel like they were meeting the Goddess in person. Awesome experience.

Now, on to our first workshop led by Katrina “Kat” Eldridge with “Invoking the Ancient Powers of the Celtic Bard”. We were sent numerous writings prior to retreat in order that each of us could choose the one that “spoke” to us. As we gathered initially, Kat asked for any who felt the need to share any issues they were facing. Several brave souls came forward and then we shared different writings. The brave souls then chose which of those writings seemed to address the issue(s) and we then broke into groups going where each felt called. Needless to say it was so insightful and altering for ALL of us, changing and healing many of our perspectives. One of the favorite quotes of our founder, Bill Cohea, by St Oran, comes to mind: “The way you think it is, may not be the way it is at all”!

Then on to lunch where everyone shared each other’s potluck item. Again, all just pitched in where/when needed and shared good food and chat! Lunch was followed by our next workshop, “Mother Earth Shamanism” led by Kathleen Meneses. Speaking of whom, she was Brighid Herself in the flesh!! All were stunned and thrilled simultaneously – Kathleen looked exactly like one of the pictures of Brighid we had on our altar! Kathleen led us in a deep meditation and journey that was simply enchanted! Afterwards Kathleen and many of us were prompted to go outside to experience Mother Nature directly.

This incredible journey was so aptly followed by a craft workshop led by one of our co-facilitators, Marjorie Spadoni. We were given materials and wonderful instruction on how to make both Goddess necklaces, using the 5 elements, and medicine bags. Marjorie not only was so instrumental in the organizing of the retreat, but hosted this fun and creative endeavor. I wear and enjoy my necklace very often.

Then a short break followed by Kim McGuire, another of our co-facilitators, leading us in a beautiful and earthy Brighid Ceremony. We all were given paper to write down both our dreams/goals and another one for what we wanted to release. Kim had us “plant” our “dream” seeds in a pot of dirt containing a beautiful ivy plant that is hung in our Voyagers Lounge at Columcille so that each of us upon visiting the Park can go see the plant and our “dreamseeds” grow! Then Kim had each of us gather our Brighid cloths and the papers with things to be released and we all walked to the Sacred Women’s Site in Columcille – holding our candles lit from the Brighid flame on the altar. Once at Sacred Site, were greeted with an incredible roaring fire built and tended by Yvonne, our Goddess of Fire. One by one we each threw our pieces of paper into the fire and all could feel the “releasing”. Of course, many bought drums which greatly added to the incredible energies along with singing/chanting. Then after laying of our cloths on the Brighid Stone, we headed back to the Farmhouse for a sumptuous dinner.

Well, I thought we had pretty much hit the “max” as to experiential depths, but I was very wrong. Our Jam Session at 8:30ish pm led by Debra Miller was the “cherry on top”!! Deb led all of us to “other dimensions” with the drumming, tamberines, rainsticks etc. – not to mention the wild liberating dancing. In fact, my arms were vibrating by the end of the night – we finished around 11 pm or so!!! I believe that was a reason why a few did not make it to the next morning’s workshop at 7 AM with Betsy Jackson – “Yoga/Writing”. Betsy has so graciously given this workshop for us ladies over the last 4 years and it just gets better each time. Betsy has a way to get one to go within gently both by movement and the written word – they really work symbiotically under Betsy’s wonderful guidance.

Next, our co-facilitator/host, Marjorie Spadoni, our “Goddess of Many Talents”, once again delivers a delicious and plentiful perfect Sunday morning breakfast consisting of pancakes, bagels and toppings, cereal, fruit, juices, etc. Enjoyed by all! Thanks again Marjorie!

Finally, the retreat was winding down. Many had long distances to travel and so left shortly thereafter. Those of us that could stay cleaned up a bit and then proceeded to the great room where it all began and most of the retreat took place – there were 12 of us. None of us were prepared for what happened next. I decided to spontaneously ask Danielle Salerno one of our Sisters to lead us in a closing song. Little did any of us suspect that Danielle would not only deliver but completely knock us off our feet, but our “Goddess of Chant” did exactly that – knock us off our feet! Danielle has a true melodic voice and the song she came up with was heart rendering. Believe it or not, all of us were so inspired that in spite of ourselves, we actually were able to follow her. In fact, we got so caught up in the creation/magic of the moment, that we actually were harmonizing as if we all had done this numerous times before. Our “Closing” is the most memorable one I have experienced in all of the retreats I have attended and I have only missed one due to weather! Not only does Danielle, our Goddess of Chant have talent, she has Heart/Soul and has been very blessed with this gift and we are all so lucky. Also, I want to say a deep soulful thank you to each and every one of the 12 Sisters that took part in this Closing.

All of these incredible experiences were accompanied and more fully enjoyed by the joy, creativity and authentic love shared by ALL of the women involved. A special thanks mention to Karen Hoskins, our “Leopard Goddess” or “Goddess of Uninhibited Fun” for her hilarious and adorable human version of a leopard all weekend; to Pam Garrity for her wild dancing during the Jam Session; to Margaret Leslie who showed ALL of us what it means to be an example of the Divine Feminine; to Jeanine Gortvay the model of calm and joy simultaneously; to Amanda Werner who showed us that 1.5 can have more fun – let us know if it is a healthy boy or girl! It is really difficult to put all of it down in words, but ALL of the Sisters there were such an integral and special part of the Retreat – NAMASTE!

Then, to bring this incredible retreat to a wonderful end, the remaining Sisters walked down into Columcille Park to partake in the 2 pm Imbolc Ceremony held at St Oran’s Chapel. Karen Dugan our marvelous facilitator and her two sons led all of us in a very special program honoring both Brighid and Imbolc. In fact, several of the Sisters were asked to recite a favorite poem for the occasion and did so along with some of the visitors. All in all, it was a wonderful and meaningful ceremony with people drumming and sharing. Afterwards, we invited all to come back to the Farmhouse to enjoy tea, coffee, and treats that had been leftover from the retreat. I know everyone enjoyed themselves. Finally, those of us remaining from the retreat, cleaned up and sadly locked the door, knowing it was truly over until next year! However, we have our memories and the photos on the website that we can look at again and again, remembering the wonderful experiences!
BRIGHID BLESSINGS ON ALL OF YOU!

Beth Guida
On Behalf of the Women of Columcille