Conscious Women Retreat and the Dark Goddess

We are certainly living in rather interesting and somewhat challenging times.  After postponing the Conscious Connection with Self Women's Gathering, initially scheduled to be held in August, in early November I found myself heading to Queensland to, not only take part in this event, but also to host my Encountering the Dark Goddess workshop in Surfers Paradise.

The venue that I utilised was the Chameleon New Age Salon and if you have yet to visit this place, please do as it is absolutely wonderful - not only the staff and the array of offerings (from yes, hair styling through to incense, books and jewellery) including services and even yoga.  The space upstairs is perfect to lounge about in with a coffee or tea from their cafe.

The Thursday I headed up to the Kupidabin Wilderness Centre at Mt Samson for what was billed to be three days of "ultimate self care".  An array of workshops were offered and it was wonderful to reconnect with some people who I had not seen for a number of years, as well as connect with other women from all walks of life.

Organised by Amy from Mystical Realms Australia, it was certainly a fantastic weekend.  Set amongst some beautiful bushland just over half an hours drive from the centre of Brisbane, Kupidabin Wilderness consists of some 10 or so acres of space that includes ceremonial sites, fire pits, camping grounds and even a fairy garden.

The event was officially opened on the Friday by Dinnawhan, a Waka, Kabi, Mandanjandi and Gomeroi woman, who shared her deep knowledge about the country, indigenous culture and other sacred women's business with us.  After lunch, Tess led us through a rather fun and progressive yet informative reminder of our senses as we travelled around the property, including the faery garden that she had in fact helped to establish.  The candles that were lit at the end of her offering connected this weekend to other Goddess and spiritual events that she had attended in the past.

Later that evening, Juniper Rose took us through a ritual of release using the Goddess Hekate.  Perfect timing as we entered the dark of the moon.

Every morning Kaitlyn offered yogic practices.  Saturday I shared more discoveries with the Dark Goddess including a pathworking that had came to me during the night and a sensing connection exercise that was inspired by Tess's progressive workshop the previous day. 

That afternoon we learnt about the hidden messages in handwriting as well as the powers of shamanic drumming and drum journeying.  Later that evening around the fire pit, shamanic drum healing was being offered to anyone who wished to experience it.

The final workshop was one on ancestors and how to set up an ancestor altar by a local hounsi senp before the closing ceremony was undertaken, and we then went out separate ways.

I arrived back in Adelaide only to find that a COVID-19 cluster had broken out close to where I live and two days later Adelaide went into complete lockdown.  I was sent home from work for what was initially supposed to be for a period of six days.  I started to wonder what would have happened had my returning flight been for a few days later - would I have been stranded in Queensland?  By Friday evening it was disclosed that one of the infested people had not been 100% truthful of their movements and therefore where they had contracted the virus, the restrictions started to lift.  Now I wait to find out whether I am required to return to work earlier - probably best before I start reorganising my library.

Ooh what interesting times we are currently living in.