The Heart of the 'Shire' Spiritual Solstice Retreat Weekender 2025 - Woodhall Spa- 21st-22nd June

Back for 2025- BIGGER & BETTER! ☀️ 

🌿✨ The Heart of the 'Shire' Solstice Retreat ✨🌿
"Where the journey to inner peace begins, just like a stroll through the Shire."

This Summer Solstice, step into a world of magical nature, and self-discovery at The Heart of the Shire Solstice Retreat. We will be embracing the powerful energy of the Moon and honouring the turning of the season in a deeply meaningful and enchanting way. We will reconnect with Mother Nature in, ’Shirewood’, (Woodhall Spa).

🌸 A Retreat Like No Other 🌸
Picture yourself walking through a whimsical forest. Enveloped in lush greenery and the gentle hum of nature, you’ll experience the perfect blend of relaxation, spiritual renewal, and playful fun. A space where you can be your true, authentic self, reconnected with the earth and with the beautiful community around you.

🌙 The Solstice Experience 🌙
This year’s event will be an extended weekend, guided by the rhythm of the Summer Solstice. These beautiful events bring a time of reflection, celebration, and renewal. From the very moment you step onto the grounds, you’ll be transported into our magical realm, to embrace the spirit of 'Shirewood'.

✨ What to Expect: ✨

Wander into a land of glowing mushrooms, fireflies, and moss-covered tables filled with wildflowers, crystals, and herbs. Fire torches and cozy hobbit door tents, all nestled beneath twinkling stars and candlelight.

You’ll experience forest bathing, a gentle drumming meditation with ecstatic dance, Solar Energy Harnessing Qi Gong and sound healing under the vast sky, all on day 1. Join the anointing ceremony upon arrival, followed by cleansing and intention-setting to align your energy with the transformative Solstice. You’ll be adorned with flower crown and handed your scrolls.

Allow yourself to be restored with optional private treatments of Reiki, energy healing, hypnotherapy, Chinese massage or reflexology, to further guide you into a deep state of relaxation and spiritual growth.

Engage your Sacral Chakras with blindfolded intuitive painting and snuggle down for the evening with storytelling around the campfire. Participate in Gremlin riddle challenge, and sparklers to honour the bright energies of the universe. Head over to the book nook and relax with optional herbal Shisha and wisdom. (Shisha contains no tobacco).

At the Heart of the Shire Solstice Retreat, the Altar will be the centrepiece of our spiritual work—a sacred space where we honour the longest day of the year and the life-giving power of the sun. It will serve as a place for gratitude, manifestation, and transformation, inviting each guest to connect deeply with themselves and the energies of the earth and sky. Throughout the retreat, the Solstice Altar will be a living altar, meaning guests will be invited to add to it, interact with it, and engage in ritual throughout the experience.

🌕 Why Attend? 🌕
This retreat is designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. You could be seeking connection with yourself, others, or nature, but this offers the perfect space to reset, recharge, and embrace your inner journey. The Summer Solstice is a time of powerful energy, transformation and personal growth provides the perfect atmosphere for manifesting your desires and intentions.

🌿 Come home to yourself amidst the peaceful beauty of nature. The magic of Shirewood will turn your retreat experience into a sacred pilgrimage that will leave you feeling renewed, connected, full of child-like joy and deeply at peace.

☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ 
Here's a rough itinerary! 

Arrivals from 12.30 to get settled.

From the moment you arrive at The Heart of the Shire, you will be welcomed not just as a guest, but as a traveler crossing into a sacred space—one where time slows, the veil between the worlds thins, and the whispers of nature guide your journey.

As you step through the fern-draped archway, past the mushrooms and mossy adornments, you will be greeted with a ritual anointing—a symbol of purification, renewal, and initiation into the retreat’s energy.

Anointing is an ancient practice used across many cultures to mark significant transitions, blessings, and moments of deep intention. It is a ritual of cleansing, protection, and empowerment, aligning the body, mind, and spirit with the energy of the Solstice and the land itself. There are 4 parts to this ritual.

Part 1: each guest will pass through a veil of herbal smoke consisting of rosemary, frankincense & sage, chosen for their protective and clearing properties.

Part 2: A custom-blended oil infused with herbs and botanicals sacred to the Sun and Moon will be gently applied to the forehead and pulse points.

The oil will be crafted with:

Calendula – Our herb of the Summer Solstice, symbolising warmth, vitality, and protection.

Myrrh – Ancient resin used to connect to higher wisdom and deepen spiritual awareness.

Orange & Cinnamon – For warmth, joy, and vitality, mirroring the power of the Solstice sun.

Lavender & Chamomile – To balance the energies, connecting the fiery sun with the soft embrace of the Strawberry Moon.

The Summer Solstice is a threshold—a time of powerful energy shifts, renewal, and awakening. The act of anointing symbolises this transition, preparing you to step into this space with clarity, purpose, and an open heart.

In the spirit of the Shire, this ritual also echoes the deep connection to nature—reminding us that, like the Hobbits, we are meant to live in harmony with the seasons, the elements, and the simple joys of life.

Part 3: As the oil is applied, a soft invocation will be whispered to set the tone for the retreat. This blessing welcomes you into a space of healing, joy, and deep connection.

Part 4: After the anointing, you will be invited to choose a token—a small piece of genuine Sunstone & Moonstone—as your personal talisman for your journey throughout the retreat. This item can be placed on the Solstice Altar or carried with you as a reminder of your intentions.

Sunstone - The Stone of Joy & Vitality
Perfect for Solstice energy – it carries the warmth and radiance of the sun, promoting confidence, abundance, and personal power.

-Helps with motivation and self-discovery, making it great for a retreat focused on inner journeys.

Moonstone- The Stone of Cycles & Intuition
Balances the fire of the Solstice sun with the soft glow of the Strawberry Moon.

- Encourages reflection, emotional harmony, and feminine energy.

Guests are then guided to their camping spot, where they can settle in and make their space a cozy sanctuary for the retreat. 🌿🏕✨

Flushable Camping Toilet & Privacy Tent are on site, with hand washing station, we are out in complete nature, but do offer the luxury of place to sit and ponder the joys of life and not simply a bush! If you feel you will need your phone on site, please remember to bring a power bank for charging.

1pm - We gather to warmly welcome everyone, around the altar. This is a time to introduce the journey ahead, walk through the day's flow, and answer any questions. With the sun high in the sky, we take a moment to ground ourselves, connect with one another, and fully arrive in this sacred space. 🌿✨

1.20pm- After our welcome, we embark on An Unexpected Journey into the woods, stepping into nature’s embrace. Surrounded by the whispering trees, we move with intention, allowing the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest to bring us into deep presence. You can be barefoot if you so wish. I will you guide you to the sacred tree, to begin the Forest Bathing experience. You’ll then slowly rise up from your roots into the Drumming Journey with Ecstatic Dance, letting the rhythmic beats guide you into a place of connection and free flowing energy. Close your eyes and intuitively move with the breeze and drums, feeling the energising power of the Lion’s Gate Portal Drum. Let go of any inhibitions and move as freely as your soul yearns to. We express our gratitude to the tree for providing us shade and beautiful healing energy. As we make our way back, we mindfully collect heather, leaves, or small natural offerings, always asking permission from the land. These will be placed upon the Solstice Altar, when we return as a gesture of gratitude and harmony with the earth. 🌿✨🪶

3pm- After returning from our journey, we take a short break to refresh before flowing into a Summer Solstice Qigong session.

Under the warmth of the sun, we move through a gentle yet powerful Qigong set, designed to align us with the vibrant energy of the Solstice. With each breath and movement, we honour the balance of light and dark, grounding ourselves in the present moment while inviting in renewal, strength, and harmony.

This session is a chance to release stagnant energy, awaken inner vitality, and connect deeply with nature, just as the ancient wisdom of Qigong teaches. 🌞🌿✨

4pm- we take a well-deserved break for food, gathering around the rustic tables to enjoy a nourishing meal in true Shire-style. This is also the perfect time to explore the retreat space, visit the stalls for crystals, herbs, and handmade crafts, or book a private healing session with our talented practitioners.

💛 Remember: Every activity is optional—this retreat is about following your own flow. Whether you feel called to rest, explore, or connect, do what feels right for you. You can book private sessions in at any time.

MENU: All vegan & gluten free
Summer in Shirewood: A mixture of quinoa, roasted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers), pomegranate seeds, salad leaves and a citrus dressing to represent the sun’s vitality.

Pony Prancing Wraps: Sweet potatoes, avocado, spinach, and a creamy tahini dressing wrapped in gluten-free tortillas.

Minted Salad Potatoes- POTATOESSS

Rivendell Hospitality: Sesame Ginger Zucchini Noodles

Chocolate dipped strawberries

Berry & Elderflower Tartlets

Herbal Infused Rosemary Lemonade

Fruit infused water

5pm- we begin the Sound Bath Healing Journey, allowing the vibrations of bowls, chimes, and drums to wash over us, guiding us into deep relaxation and energetic alignment. This hour is for pure restoration and inner stillness, letting go of anything that no longer serves us.

6pm- Afterward, there’s more free time to:

🌿 Book private treatments (Reiki, Reflexology, Hypnotherapy, etc.)

🎨 Express yourself with intuitive painting (blindfolded for deep connection)

🧙 Embark on Gremlin Riddle & Scavenger Hunt – solve riddles, find the One Ring, and return it to Mordor for a special prize!

8pm- as the golden hues of sunset fade into twilight, we gather for a magical Fire Ceremony, symbolising release, transformation, and renewal.

Sparklers in hand, we light up the night—a nod to Gandalf’s fireworks and the vibrant energy of the Solstice. As the sparks dance, we set our intentions and wishes for the season ahead, embracing the warmth of community and the fire within us.

Then, we come together around the sacred fire, where we’ll engage in a ritual of release—writing down anything we wish to let go of and offering it to the flames. As the fire burns, we make space for new beginnings, abundance, and light.

With the crackling flames, laughter, and heartfelt reflections, this moment marks a powerful turning point in our journey, grounding us in the magic of the Solstice and the stories we are creating together. 🌙🔥✨

8.30pm onwards- Free time- our healers often work late into the night, but they will still be on site tomorrow too, so do not worry about missing out on a treatment! They need their rest too! You can also savour some caramelised bananas over the fire and hot drink before you slumber whilst listening to a solstice, shire theme story. You may hear various animal noises at night from horses, to rabbits to deer.

DAY 2- 9am We begin the day gathered around the Solstice Altar, taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far. Each guest is invited to place another offering—a flower, a written intention, a small token from nature—symbolising their gratitude, transformation, and the energy they wish to carry forward. The site will be re-awakened with the sound of shamanic drums.

With the warmth of the morning sun upon us, we take a moment in quiet reflection, allowing the power of the Solstice to settle into our hearts. A short guided blessing will seal our collective energy into the sacred space.

9.30am- Moving into a serene meditation and breathwork session, we align with the golden light of the sun—awakening clarity, renewal, and inner peace. Through gentle, mindful breathing, we draw in the strength of the earth and the vitality of the sky, centering ourselves in balance and harmony.

This session is a sacred reset, allowing us to release, receive, and realign before stepping into the rest of the retreat.

10.15am- Slow nourishing breakfast

BREAKFAST MENU:
Fruit Salad with Honey
Coconut Yoghurt & Gluten Free Granola
Herbal Tea

10.45am- After a nourishing breakfast, we move into an incredibly powerful and transformative mirror work session. In this workshop, you'll engage in a deeply personal process of self-reflection and healing, using the mirror as a tool to connect with your inner self in a whole new way. This transforms into a group empowerment session with a buddy, to share affirmations to empower each others and celebrate the collective growth and transformation. We’ll move on letters of appreciation then a break.

12pm- Break and free time for optional private healing

1pm- We welcome the spirit of Cacao. A cacao ceremony is a deeply spiritual and ancient ritual. Cacao, the raw form of chocolate, is considered a sacred plant medicine. It has been used for centuries to facilitate heart-opening, clarity, and emotional healing.

In this ceremony, participants will connect to the spirit of cacao as they are guided through a heart-opening experience. It will help clear emotional blockages, encourage inner wisdom, and deepen the sense of connection to self, others, and the earth. You will be led into a guided meditation before we transition into a sound journey.

2.30pm- Light lunch and a little free time

LUNCH MENU:

The Shire Picnic
Cucumber Sandwiches with fresh mint, dill & cream cheese.
Eggplant & Hummus Sandwiches
Roasted vegetable skewers
Lavender Scones with Jam & Cream
Sparkling Strawberry Lime Water

3.30pm- As we come to the close of this magical weekend, we gather for our Closing Circle and Final Blessings. Together, we will reflect on the transformative journey we’ve experienced, holding space to share our insights, gratitude, and intentions. This is an opportunity for all participants to share their experiences and what they’re taking with them from this heart-opening retreat. Whether it’s a word, a feeling, or a deep insight, this is a space for connection and reflection. We’ll close with a powerful blessing to send each participant back to the world with peace, love, and clarity. The Summer Solstice energy will continue to guide you as you embrace the days ahead with strength and wisdom. To mark the end of this journey, we will light a candle together, symbolising the radiant energy of the Solstice that will continue to shine brightly in your life.

4pm- Site departure. As we part ways, you’ll leave not only with memories of this special weekend but with a renewed sense of inner peace and connection. Feel free to connect with your fellow retreaters or continue your personal healing journey with the support of our community. Until next time!

✨ Spaces are capped to ensure everyone receives appropriate healing and care✨

Saturday £75pp
Saturday & Sunday £150pp


2025 Attendees 
Sifu Boggie- Shundao Sanctuary - Qi Gong Specialist- Chinese Massage- Radagast of the Flowing Energy:
Inspired by Radagast the Brown, a wizard with a deep connection to nature and the energy of the world, this name embodies Sifu Boggie's expertise in Qi Gong and Chinese massage, guiding energy and harmony within the body.

Tash- Owner of Crystal Conduit, Curious Soul Club & Auric 333- Ithilwen, the Guide of the Shire:
Ithilwen means "moon-maiden" in Elvish, evoking guidance, light, and a sense of nurturing. She creates the welcoming environment and guide guests through their journey, embodying the heart and warmth of the Shire.

Alison- WilllowTree Wellness- Chakra Dancing, Energy Healing & Sound- Galadriel of the Rhythms:
Galadriel is a powerful and graceful Elven queen known for her wisdom and beauty. This name connects to Alison's role as the leader of dance and rhythm.

Fran- Soul View Reflexology- Custom Retreat Reflexology Treatment- Lorien of the Healing Touch: Lorien is a peaceful, restorative land in Middle Earth where the Elves go to rejuvenate. 

Alex- Lotus Mindful Coaching & Breathwork- Elanil of the Breath:
Elanil means “breath of the stars” in Elvish, symbolising the ethereal and expansive nature of Alex’s breathwork and meditation sessions.

Peter- Peter Ison Therapies- Sound Practitioner, Reiki, Pendulum Workshop, Integral Eye Movement Therapy- Aulë of the Resonance:
Aulë is the Vala (spiritual being) of craftsmanship, creating the world’s foundations with vibrations and resonance. 

Poppy- Positive Therapies- Sound Practitioner & Reader- Yavanna of the Sacred Sound:
Yavanna is the Vala (spiritual being), associated with growth, nature, and all things living. 

Retailers
Pod & Posy- Hand Harvested Seeds
Crystal Conduit- Crystals, Minerals & Trees
Nirvana Spiritual- Alternative Clothing
Harmonious Botanist- UV Spiritual Artwork
Soothe Aroma- Aromatherapy Products
Smudges
& more!

Additional Optional 1-2-1 Sessions
Reiki
Chinese Massage Tit-Tar, Tar-Nui
Reflexology
Energy Healing
Spinal Realignment Massage
Pendulum Workshop
Sound Healing
Oracle/Tarot Reading
Breathwork
Meditation
Private Cacao
NLP & EFT
Integral Eye Movement Therapy
Solstice Beauty Facial
& more!


What do I need to bring?
Tent, sleeping bag, blankets, whatever you need to make your camping night comfortable. Cushions and comfort items for sound healings, as your body temperature can drop during the session. Cardigan/jumper/jacket incase it becomes chilly in the evening. Comfy clothes, optional Middle Earth dress up! Your biggest smile! Powerbank if needed.

Car parking on site, off the road. Please leave your car in the designated parking area after you have set up your tent.

Cancellations: You can cancel up to 2 weeks before the retreat for a refund. However, after this time, it may be more difficult to fill your space. Therefore, you can transfer the ticket to someone else. If we have to cancel the event due to very bad weather (for example high winds that prevent us from putting up bell tents), do not worry! We will reschedule with a minimum of 1 months notice, so you can plan around your work and social calendar.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SPENDING THE SOLSTICE WITH YOU! 💙

If an overnight retreat is a little too much, day retreats & spiritual crafty workshops are available.

Stay tuned for regular highlights, updates and healer spotlights on the run up to the event!

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