Day retreat · Feb 21, 2027
Earth Rituals ~ A Day Retreat at Nectar
An afternoon with the element of earth
Earth is the element of form ~ the ground beneath us, the body we live in, the food on the table, the place we return to. The same soil holds both seeds and graves, which is why so many of our oldest rituals involve placing something into the ground or taking something from it. We begin the series here, building a foundation for the journey ahead.
Among the trees at Nectar, we'll work with soil, stone, seed and root, explore earth's symbolism and ritual uses, spend quiet time with the land, and share stories of the places that have shaped us. You'll leave with a small, portable ritual of your own.
What grounds me? What am I rooted in? What is mine to tend, and what am I ready to let rest?
Earth Rituals opens 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 can join for a single element or journey through all four.
Booking all four? The complete series is $600 CAD ($150 per gathering), a saving on the single-day price of $165 CAD. The series can only be booked here, through the Earth Rituals booking page at Nectar Yoga.
- When
- Sun, Feb 21, 2027
- Format
- In-Person
- Location
- Nectar Yoga, Bowen Island, BC, Canada
- Schedule
- Sunday · 1:00–5:00pm
Bookings are made directly with Nectar Yoga.
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.
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 earth ~ its symbols, stories and place in ritual through the ages ~ before pausing for tea and quiet reflection. In the second half of the afternoon, we head out among the trees to spend time with soil, stone and root, share stories in small groups, and move into ritual practice together. A closing ritual brings us back into circle before we part at 5:00pm.
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
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.
Book with Nectar Yoga(opens in a new tab)