October 30 – November 2, 2025

Hagitude™, hags with an attitude.* A word coined by renowned author and psychologist, Dr. Sharon Blackie, captures a way of being in the world that is both counter-cultural and necessary for both our individual psyches and for the survival of the Earth. We will explore the stages of becoming Elder Women and various archetypes who can help us in our journey of embracing our power in this second half of our lives based on Sharon Blackie’s book, Hagitude™.  *(This retreat is offered with the kind consent of Sharon Blackie).

We will learn, create, dance and have fun as we embrace the wild and wonderful options for aging with purpose and power for ourselves, our communities and the earth.  This year we will spend more intentional time connecting with the land as one of our teachers.

Interactive learning sessions will be led by Marilyn Zehr and Svinda Heinrichs (see link to Bios below)

Dance/movement sessions will be led by Barbara Lindenburg (see link to Bio below) – not yet confirmed if Barb will join us for 2025.

Creative and Celebrative elements will be collaborative.

Marilyn Zehr  “On the cusp of my Crone years, I look forward to what the next phases of life hold for me in relationship to the community that I call home near Maynooth and Bancroft, Ontario.” For more about Marilyn Zehr’s experience and credentials.

Svinda Heinrichs Svinda Heinrichs’ experience and credentials

Barbara Lindenberg MFA
choreographer • performer • facilitator
“My work in dance expresses deep trust for the body, for dance as an art form, and for dance as a healing power and as a catalyst for social change and personal growth….” continued here

Thursday, October 30

4-6pm     Arrival/check-in –

6 pm       Dinner

7              Welcome, orientation

8:30        Bonfire

Friday, All Hallow’s Eve, October 31

Before breakfast – quiet time

8 am         Breakfast

9                Gather for interactive learning

Alchemy of menopause/”meno-stop”

Medial Woman – connecting with the numinous

Kissing the Hag – getting in touch with your radical inner beauty

10:30      Biobreak

11             Pause for Integration with a creative pursuit – journal, create, walk

12             Break

12:30       Lunch

1:30        House of the Elders part 1

1. Creatrix – Old Women weaving the world
2. Force of Nature – Guardians and Protectors of the Land
3. Fairy Godmothers and Purveyors of Old Wives Tales (Mentors & Storytellers)

3            Biobreak

3:30 House of Elders part 2

1. Tricksters & Truthtellers
2. Wise Woman – deep vision
3. Dangerous Old Woman – Carriers of the Fire

5            Dance/movement led by Barb Lindenberg

6            Dinner

7:30      Trick or Treat – Outdoor mischief and fun

Saturday, Samhain, All Saints’/Souls’ Day, November 1

Quiet time

8           Breakfast

9           Creative time – trying on the archetypes by creating masks and costumes

11:30    Dance/movement led by Barb

12:30    Lunch

1:30      Sharing our creations

3           bio-Break

3:30     Dance/Movement led by Barb

5           Break

6           Dinner

7:30      Party – with costumes

Sunday, November 2

Quiet time

8           Breakfast

9:30     Bringing it all together

11          Closing Ritual

12          Lunch

1            Leave-taking

Early Bird Discount if registered by September 1st, 2025.

Prices include program and materials, and meals/snacks/tea/coffee from Wednesday evening until Saturday noon.

Based on Shared Accommodation:
$649.00/ person 

(If you would like to stay longer than three nights, please indicate this in contact/registration form and we will send you an updated invoice for an additional cost per night).

Commuter:
$475.00/person

(Let us know if you would like help finding alternate accommodations).

After September 1st

Prices include program and materials, and meals/snacks/tea/coffee from Wednesday evening until Saturday noon.

Based on Shared Accommodation:
$695.00/ person

Commuter:
$515.00/person

Link to a Map