What is Womenspirit?
Womenspirit is a biannual spiritual retreat for women over 18 years from all walks of life. We gather recognizing that we have traveled on varied paths to Spirit. We gather to honor the manifestation of the Feminine Divine in our own deep beings, each other, and in the world around us.
We recognize and celebrate the four ages of Woman: the Maiden, whose curiousity and boundless energy propel her toward discovery; the Mother, whose endurance and nurturing comfort all; the Warrior, whose passion and strength protect what is vital for the greatest good, and the Crone, whose wisdom and patience bring a wise perspective to us all. Each passage teaches us and those around us.
Where and When is Womenspirit?
We gather at The Mountain, our Unitarian Universalist retreat and conference center in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Here, ancient dwarf oaks, panoramic vistas, and whispering winds surround and comfort us on this mountain top far away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday world.
Womenspirit gathers each spring and fall and offers two sessions: The Institute and The Gathering. Each session focuses on sharing sacred time together through worship, learning, and individual and group activities. Women may choose to attend Institute or Gathering or both.
Upcoming Events:
Spring 2012 – May 16-20, 2012
Fall 2012 – October 10-14, 2012
What will I experience?
The Institute is a time for focused learning in Tracks that are facilitated by members. Institute begins on Wednesday afternoon with registration, followed by dinner, Worship circle, and a brief meeting of your track. Tracks meet Thursday morning and afternoon, and end on Friday morning. Worship circles are held Wednesday evening, Thursday evening and Friday morning.
The Gathering begins Friday afternoon, as our numbers and energy grow with sisters coming for a weekend of spirit and sharing. Friday registration is followed by a newcomer’s welcome and organizational meeting, social hour and dinner, followed by the first of three Worship circles held during Gathering. Saturday brings more learning and personal discovery with your choice of half-day or full day workshops, again taught by Womenspirit sisters.
Worship is the heart of our event as we gather in circle to create and share sacred space. Worship rituals are inclusive, with most encouraging group participation through singing, dancing, writing, small group circles, simple art activities, and sometimes even feasting!
Additional activities are nestled in between worship and workshops. Stepping Stones to honor life passages, fire circles to share stories, drumming and dancing, guided meditations, and our Cabaret talent show are some of the many offered. Women may choose to spend quiet time alone or together… hiking the mountain or relaxing in rocking chairs on cabin porches and beautiful decks. We ask that each woman take good care of herself and make choices that best suit her own needs.
Womenspirit also offers Sacred Shopping, where members offer their handmade and women-honoring items for sale. An amazing variety of beautifully and lovingly created items are displayed for you to enjoy and purchase… hand-crafted soaps, drums, original artwork and prints, t-shirts, dolls, books and journals, CDs, pottery, candles…and more!
As you walk around The Mountain during Womenspirit, you are sure to hear everything from silence to whispered prayers to excited discussions to deep laughter. There is a welcoming space for everyone!
