Night Rewilding Explained

Without spoiling what is often felt as a joyful, surprising and mysterious experience, I’ll share a little about the process of night rewilding so you’ll get a rough idea of what to expect. It’s important to remember that on the Divine Night retreat, we walk into the night guided by the ‘presence’ of particular mythical and real figures of the feminine divine.

Before

We begin by getting to know the land. We walk the land together with the group when it is still light to get a feel for the specific woodland in which we practice. We will be familiar with the terrain - the trees, the river, birdsong, the state of the season, and have incorporated it a bit before the practice.

The Practice

We begin outside of the woods.

We mark the beginning with intention. At the beginning of the night rewilding practice, we honour the land and feel into our place within Living Earth.

Through a slow sensory process of becoming calm and connecting with our bodies and the space, we become very ‘mindful’ and present. Through gentle movement, breathing with earth and sensory awareness, fear subsides, or at least diminishes with mindful awareness. We become less reactive and more receptive.

Entering the Woods

This is where the epicentre of the experience takes place. First we notice what it is like to cross the threshold into the darkness of the woods - the different atmosphere. Field…Woods. You.

We light the central fire and invoke the feminine figures of the night.

At this point you continue to walk into the woods on your own until you find your place to sit or lie in total darkness and solitude. This time belongs to you and the night.

…  SPACIOUS GAP HERE …

We stay for a set period of time, but you can always stay by the fire and you’re free to return whenever you wish.

After the solitude, we gather once again as a group. We sit around the fire and let it light our faces and warm our hands. We share tea and listen.