Be Ceremonial
Air Rituals — The Elements of Ritual at Nectar Yoga, Bowen Island

Day retreat · Mar 14, 2027

Air Rituals ~ A Day Retreat at Nectar

An afternoon with the element of air

Air is breath, voice, thought and word ~ the first thing we take in when we are born and the last thing we give back. As the least tangible of the elements, its rituals are often made of sound: songs, chants, blessings, the speaking of a name, a wish released into the wind.

Through breath, song and spoken story, we'll work with air's rituals of naming, wishing and releasing. We'll close the series with a ritual co-created by the group, and you'll leave with a practice for giving voice to what matters most.

Air Rituals is the fourth and final day of The Elements of Ritual at Nectar, four Sunday day retreats on Bowen Island exploring earth, water, fire and air. Each day stands on its own, so you're welcome to join for this element alone.

This day retreat is $165 CAD, booked directly with Nectar Yoga.

Book Air Rituals with Nectar Yoga →

Booking all four? The complete series is $600 CAD ($150 per gathering) and can only be booked through Earth Rituals on Nectar Yoga's site, before the series begins on February 21.

When
Sun, Mar 14, 2027
Format
In-Person
Location
Nectar Yoga, Bowen Island, BC, Canada
Schedule
Sunday · 1:00–5:00pm
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Bookings are made directly with Nectar Yoga.

Rivendell Retreat Centre gathering space

Who this day is for

This afternoon is open to anyone curious about ritual ~ no particular belief system, tradition or previous experience required. You might be longing to explore ritual outdoors and in community rather than on a screen, or moving through a transition ~ a loss, an ending, a new beginning ~ and looking for a meaningful way to mark it. Celebrants, doulas, facilitators and wellness practitioners will find fresh, embodied practices to bring into their work, and past students of Ceremonial Training: The Elements of Ritual can meet the elements in person. Most of all, it's for anyone who feels at home among trees, water and fire, and wants to slow down and reconnect with the land.

Documentary-style photograph, late winter afternoon on a forested Pacific Northwest island (Bowen Island, BC). A small circle of eight adults in warm wool layers and blankets sit on simple wooden benches around a stone-ringed fire pit in a mossy clearing, surrounded by tall Douglas fir, western red cedar and sword ferns. Soft mist drifting between the trees, low golden-hour light filtering through, gentle woodsmoke rising. People seen from behind or in soft profile, faces not identifiable, relaxed and reflective, one person holding a mug of tea. A small handmade ritual altar of stones, cedar sprigs and a bowl of water rests at the edge of the circle. Natural, muted earthy palette of deep greens, mossy browns and warm amber firelight. Calm, grounded, contemplative mood. No text, no logos. Wide composition with open space in the upper sky/trees for a headline.

The rhythm of the day

We gather at 1:00pm, settling in with introductions and an opening ritual that marks the start of our time together. We then turn to wisdom sharing on the element of air ~ breath, voice and the rituals of naming, wishing and releasing ~ before pausing for tea and quiet reflection. In the second half of the afternoon, we work with breath, song and spoken story, share stories in small groups, and create a closing ritual for the series together. A final circle brings us back together before we part at 5:00pm.

Documentary-style photograph inside a translucent geodesic dome set among tall evergreen trees on a Pacific Northwest island in winter. Warm candlelit interior: a woman seen from behind, in a soft wool sweater, kneels and lights a single candle on a low wooden altar arranged with river stones, a shallow bowl of water, cedar and fir sprigs and a small feather. Through the dome's triangular panels you can see misty Douglas fir and cedar forest in cool blue-grey dusk light. Floor cushions and sheepskins in a circle. Contrast of warm amber candlelight against cool forest tones. Quiet, reverent, intimate mood. Face not visible. No text, no logos. Wide composition with negative space on one side for a headline.

How to prepare

We gather at Nectar Yoga, 720 Gardner Lane on Bowen Island, a short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, so check the ferry schedule and allow time to arrive and settle before we begin. We'll move between indoor and outdoor spaces, so dress for the weather in warm layers and a rain jacket, with comfortable walking shoes. Ritual materials, tea and a light snack are provided; please have lunch before you arrive, and bring a water bottle and a journal if you like to write. No previous experience with ritual or ceremony is needed.

Facilitators

Megan Sheldon

Ceremony Guide & Ritual Designer

Megan Sheldon (she/her) is a cultural mythologist, humanist celebrant, end-of-life doula, and co-founder of Be Ceremonial, the world's first guided ritual and ceremony platform. She is the author of Ritual Without Religion: A Humanist Guide to Creating Secular Ceremonies, and has spent years crafting ceremonies across the life cycle, with a focus on grief and loss. Her passion is helping people cross the silent thresholds and mark those seemingly invisible moments of change with meaning. She offers workshops, courses and in-person retreats near her home in North Vancouver, BC.

Space is limited - we'd love to have you.

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Frequently asked questions