Description
We are honoured to welcome Sam McLaren to lead this two day exploration of the indigenous practices of these islands.
Sam will guide us in our discovery of ancient Irish myth, suggesting the existence of an indigenous ‘Medicine Wheel’ for our lands. You will benefit from unique, in-person training to support reconnection to your ancestry. We’ll experience visionary journeys to the Iron Age peoples of the British Isles.
You will be introduced to an early Irish cosmological model, which, when approached in an animistic way, functions beautifully as a ‘medicine wheel’. Despite being at least 1500 years old, it can be applied effectively to modern life.
There is growing acknowledgement of the appropriation of indigenous cultures from around the world. Many of us wish to rediscover our own practices. We feel the urge to connect with something authentic; a way of honouring the land, our ancestors, and the spirits of the wild places.
We will explore the clues left by our Iron Age ancestors, and the mythology of early Medieval Ireland and Wales. We’ll listen deeply to the land and our powerful guides and allies. We’ll find our way back to our roots, and acknowledge the past, while forging a new path forward.
The workshop may challenge some existing misconceptions around all things ‘Celtic’, but in doing so, clear the way for a deeper, more authentic connection.
Your Teacher
Sam MacLaren is a British animist and seer who has devoted her life to unearthing authentic indigenous British practices, often inaccurately described as ‘Celtic Shamanism’. She is of Scottish and Irish parentage, brought up in the north of England.
Her visionary work is academically supported through her private tuition with Harvard Celtic Scholar Sharon Paice MacLeod, a First-Class Honours degree in Celtic Studies with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and her study of Ritual and Religion in Prehistory with Oxford University, marking Sam as one of the premier experts on authentic indigenous practices in these isles.
Read more about Sam here: www.pretani.uk/
More Details
Where:
This two day experience will take place in our beautiful Bank Woods, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4JR, in Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty
When:
Saturday and Sunday of a weekend to be confirmed, in 2025
(if you would like us to let you know as soon as the date is confirmed, please email helen@makeitwild.co.uk)
What to bring:
- Your curiosity and an open mind
- Suitable clothing for outdoor learning, which might include waterproofs
- Notebook and pen
- Vegetarian food to share with the group for lunch on both days. Remember everyone will be bringing food, when planning how much to bring. (If you have dietary restrictions, you may wish to bring enough food for your own lunch, plus a little extra to share) We will be in touch 7-10 days before the workshop to let you know whether you should bring savoury, salad or sweet.
Catering:
Water and hot drinks will be provided. Lunch will be a shared cold buffet as above.
Booking:
You may wish to delay booking until the dates are confirmed
Please book your place here. On ordering you will receive an email by return which confirms your purchase. There is no need to print this. We will be in touch with further arrangements in due course.
Accommodation Suggestions:
We have a luxury ecofriendly self catering holiday cottage, Heather Lea, adjacent to Bank Woods, which sleeps up to eight people in four bedrooms. Please contact helen@makeitwild.co.uk if you would like to check availability.
There is a campsite about a mile away: Manor House Campsite
If you like country pubs, we recommend The Wellington Inn, just a few minutes drive away in Darley.
There are various options available via Air BnB nearby.
