Over our five retreat days, we will partake in various rituals and ceremonial practices together. So, what are rituals?

Rituals are the sacred gateways through which energetic shifts unfold, marking moments of transformation and awakening. They are the catalysts that spark change, igniting the soul and realigning the spirit. Through ritual, we renew ourselves, calling forth the energies of rebirth and growth, while weaving deeper connections within our communities. Rituals are the keepers of tradition, honoring the ancient ways with a conscious heart, ensuring that the wisdom of the past lives on in the present moment.

On a deeper level, rituals attune us to the rhythms of the sacred, guiding us back to what is truly meaningful—those truths so potent and timeless that they endure across the ages. Ritual is the thread that ties us to the mysteries of the cosmos, to the ancestors, and to the very essence of existence itself. In this way, ritual is not just a practice, but a living force that helps us remember what is deserving of our devotion, our focus, and our love.

We begin by gathering in a safe, intentional space, often in circle, sharing a cup of ceremonial cacao.This simple act helps us ground, connect, and open our hearts to the experience ahead. The cacao supports us in softening into presence, inviting clarity, connection, and a deeper sense of awareness.

Cacao is a potion of the ancients, a sacred elixir that stirs the blood and awakens the heart. It is no mere drink, but a spell that conjures vitality and opens the pathways to deep emotional release. This pure, raw cocoa is rich in magnesium and antioxidants, surpassing many plants in its magical potency. It is a source of untamed energy, a natural aphrodisiac that calls forth the spirit of passion and joy.

We use cacao from Dalileo, a brand committed to purity, quality, and sustainability. It is single origin cacao, sourced from one region to preserve its unique flavor and energy. They focus on the Criollo variety, a rare and high-quality cacao bean believed to be the original type used in chocolate production.

Each bean is hand-selected, and grown using sustainable practices that respect the land and its people.This is cacao in its most authentic form natural, intentional, and aligned with the spirit of our ceremonies.

Icelandic magical staves, or Galdrastafir, come from the ancient tradition of using runic symbols as powerful tools for communication, protection, and manifestation. In Icelandic, Galdrastafir combines “galdra,” meaning “magic,” and “stafir,” meaning “staves” or “letters.”

For us women delving into the world of witchcraft, Icelandic runic symbols provide a profound link to ancient wisdom, offering a powerful means to connect with intuition, nature, and the mystical forces around us. By studying and working with these symbols, we can tap into energies that Icelandic women have long invoked for strength, clarity, and protection. These staves allow us to step into a lineage of feminine power, using runes as a way to enhance our own rituals, find grounding in our personal journeys, and amplify our intentions.

We at Völur are reviving the tradition of seiður in a contemporary way; blending ancient symbols with our unique, personal spellwork to foster a deeper connection with ourselves and the natural world. Through the carving of these symbols, we reclaim a space to honor our inner witch,to summon strength, wisdom, and transformation on our journey.

Plants are the original medicine and have been used for their healing properties in Iceland for centuries.

During our retreat, participants are invited to join a sharing circle focused on the use and foraging of Icelandic healing plants. It’s a safe space to share knowledge, stories, and personal experiences with herbs and plant medicine. This wisdom has been passed down through generations of healers, many of whom perished during the witch trials, reminding us that knowledge is power and that learning together keeps these traditions alive and meaningful.

Participants will learn to craft their own personalized tea blends, thoughtfully designed to support their individual well-being. Each blend is packaged in a handmade bag to take home and continue their ritual. In our potion-making class, you’ll discover how to create natural paints using plants and other earth-sourced ingredients. This hands-on practice connects you to ancient traditions and the subtle magic of nature’s colors.

There is no one correct definition of creativity, which is why we make space for all sorts of art sessions; Choose your own creative adventure! 

This is your time to delve into your creativity and find your voice. Be it photography, drawing, painting, poetry, writing, film-making, dancing, singing, or learning the art of ancient rune wood carving!

Here, creativity flows freely, offering a powerful, immersive experience that nurtures inner healing and wholeness. There is no requirement to showcase any of your artwork you produce during this time; this is your sacred creation.

These sessions will be available every day of the retreat.