Ecstatic Equinox Retreat
Rites of Autumn ~ Wild Cave Journey ~ New Moon Camping
September 19 - 21, 2025
Dekalb County, AL
*Limited to 13 women*
Mystical + Joyful = Ecstatic
ECSTATIC EQUINOX is a portal into the otherworldly realms of Mystery, Soul, and Ecstasy. Through ancient feminine rituals we reclaim and release, celebrate and play, connect and remember.
While Autumn urges us to slow down, tend to our roots and release what no longer serves, modern rituals sometimes overlook a necessary component of this soul work: JOY! During our time together, we'll dip our toes into the practices of ecstatic dance, drumming, storytelling, and primal connection as a way to honor the seasons and cycles of both nature and our own lives.
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During our retreat we will journey underground into an ancient cavern that has a special history and herstory of ceremony and seasonal rites. This gathering offers rare and intimate access to the primal womb of Mother Nature. It's a sacred opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of the goddess cult(ure)s and mystics who inspire us. Since the cave and surrounding land are not open to the public, the exact address will be included in your preparation email.
"Let us push on now, and remember ourselves back to the wild soul. Let us sing her flesh back onto our bones.” — Clarissa Pinkola Estés
RITES OF AUTUMN
Underground Cave Journey
Ecstatic Dancing
Soulful Poetry &
Cave Stories
Fireside Feasting
CaveTime Tea
New Moon Stargazing
Time to Wander & Rest ​
INVESTMENT: $395
Included: 2 nights of camping, 2 dinners, all retreat activities, cave donation*, and Sunday's community cave tour and drum circle**.
Not Included: Breakfasts and Lunch, camping supplies.
*Cave Donation
A significant portion of your investment is allocated to the Protection and Preservation of the cave and is paid to the non-profit that stewards this sacred space and surrounding land.
**​Sunday Tour & Drum Circle
Sunday afternoon's Cave Tour and Community Drum Circle is included in your registration. For those who wish to attend, this opportunity will give you the chance to learn more about the history and geology of the cave as well as experience a larger underground drum circle.​
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
*central time*
FRIDAY: ​Participants may arrive between 3pm and 6pm central time to check in and setup camp. Participants must arrive by 6pm - no late arrivals will be possible. Dinner will be served at 6pm and our opening circle will start around the fire at 7pm. All times are central.​
SATURDAY activities, including our first journey into the cave will start at approximately 9:30am CT. Prior to this time, participants will have time to enjoy breakfast, join us for optional morning movement, or sleep in. There will be a break midday for lunch and free time. Our afternoon and evening rituals will include an immersive ceremony deep in the cave and a fireside feast and council under the New Moon.
SUNDAY activities will start at 9:30am and our retreat will end at approximately 12pm. A private cave tour and community drum circle will take place from 2pm-5pm and this is included in your registration if you would like to stay. For those not staying, you will need to depart by 1pm.
MORE INFO & FAQs
Please read before registering
LOCATION INFO
Our retreat will take place on private property near Fort Payne, AL. The exact address will be provided to participants in their preparation letters. These will be emailed to you at least 2 weeks prior to the retreat.
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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Once inside the cave, there is no crawling, squeezing or bending required. HOWEVER, the entrance to the cave requires us to bend and move through a square opening in the gate that is about 22" wide and 30" tall. Once inside, our journey through the cave is a 1-mile walk that includes several ascending and descending steps.
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WHAT TO BRING
We will email you a list of items to bring, however the following are important: sturdy shoes and flashlight for the cave, camping gear, a variety of clothing for unpredictable weather, and your own food for breakfasts and lunch.​
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REQUIRED FOR CAVE
To enter the cave, participants must have sturdy, closed-toe and close-heel shoes with very good grips on the bottom. This is a natural wild cave and while the path is gentle, it can be slightly muddy or slippery. Sandals will NOT be allowed in the cave. We recommend hiking boots. In addition, each person will need a flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries.
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FOOD & DRINK
Friday dinner and Saturday dinner are provided as part of the retreat. Vegetarian options are available, however anyone with a vegan diet may want to bring food to supplement what will be served. Tea and water will be available all weekend. Participants must bring their own breakfast and lunch foods as well as any snacks or drinks. This is an alcohol-free event. There is a microwave available and a very small amount of refrigerator space. We recommend bringing a cooler if you have items that need kept cold. A variety of restaurants and convenience stores are nearby, however there will not be time to leave the property once the retreat has started.
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SHOWER ACCESS
An outdoor shower is available. Please bring a towel + nature-friendly soap if you plan to use it.
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CAMPING INFO
Camping is available very close to the parking area as well as at the edge of the forest for those wanting a little more privacy. In addition to a tent, we recommend a ground tarp, rain fly, and something to hold your tent down such as stakes or weights. Don't forget your sleeping bag, pillow, and anything else you need to be comfortable.
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SUNDAY'S TOUR & DRUM CIRCLE
Our retreat will end at approximately 12pm central time on Sunday. An intimate cave tour and drum circle will take place from 2pm-5pm on Sunday and all retreat participants are welcome to join us at no additional cost. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the cave outside of a ceremonial context and learn a little more about history and geology. Sunday's tour and drum circle is open to all adults. Information about registering for this event (for those not attending the retreat) can be found HERE.
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Refund Policy
No refunds are available unless the event is fully cancelled by the host. If the event is cancelled, you will receive a full refund.​