Step into the mystical, resilient, embodied power of the Divine Feminine on this five-day retreat in the rolling hills of Umbria, a land steeped in the wisdom of saints, mystics, and wild women alike. The Mysticess Retreat is an invitation to reclaim the forgotten magic of the female mystic—free, whole, sensual, and untamed. We will honour the wisdom of the region’s inspirational mystical women—Saint Clare of Assisi, Saint Angela of Foligno, Saint Rita of Cascia, and Saint Angelina of Marsciano. We will reverse the “curse” placed on feminine power, transmuting wounds of suppression and silencing into a luminous force of self-discovery.

This is not just a retreat into mysticism for its own sake—it is also an embodied investigation into the historical erasure of women’s stories, and a reclaiming of their relevance in our lives today. Through somatic storytelling, archetypal energies, embodied movement, and reflective practice, participants will engage with the ways these figures navigated patriarchy, faith, politics, and personal transformation—and explore how those patterns live on in our own bodies and identities.

The Mysticess archetype (the Female Mystic) embodies the innate intuitive power of the feminine—a symbol of openness and connection to the spiritual realms. She is not only a symbol of spiritual intuition—she is also a mirror reflecting the untold lives of women who have, for centuries, resisted, reimagined, and redefined their worlds. This retreat invites you to examine how your personal story intersects with larger historical forces—how silence, shame, resilience, creativity, and power live in your body, and how they can be consciously re-authored.

Guided by facilitators experienced in storytelling, somatic healing, heritage, and ritual, this retreat will help you release the inherited trauma and limiting beliefs that have kept you small. Through powerful archetypal exploration, embodied practices, and deep reflection, you will step into your true power, embracing the wild and sacred nature of your feminine energy. Here, you will reconnect with the timeless magic of the Mysticess, understanding how the past shapes the present, and how your body holds the key to changing the future: finding clarity, healing, and inspiration to craft a life rooted in authenticity and spiritual wisdom.

Are you ready to awaken your Mysticess?
To reclaim your sacred power and step fully into your divinely inspired journey? Join us and reimagine the story of your life—one filled with magic, connection, and creative freedom.

🌸 Rituals & Ceremonies 
Morning incense, circles, and rituals that draw power from the earth to ground you in your sacred self.

💃  Archetype Exploration 
Through somatic workshops and storytelling, you’ll embody the Maiden, Mystic, Wild Woman, and other powerful archetypes.

🎨 Sacred Art & Creation 
Engage in mindful art practices, including mirror work, drawing, and creating a rose altar to honor your journey.

🔥 Mystical Storytelling & Inspiration 
Dive into the divine teachings of the female mystics and explore how their stories and energies intertwine with your own.

🌿 Nature Immersion & Sacred Site Visits
Silent walks through the woods, monastery visits, hot springs, and grounding meditations to reconnect with the land, its heritage, and your soul’s rhythm.

🍷 Sensual Celebrations 
Indulge in local wines, olive oil rituals, and the mouthwatering flavors of Umbria in a sensory feast.

Our signature Wanderess Method, developed by Dr. Ellie Chadwick (PhD), combines cutting-edge somatic and trauma-informed practices with academic research in performance, memory, and history. This retreat offers you the opportunity to explore the archetypal stories that have shaped — and constrained — the feminine psyche across history.

Rooted in deep inquiry and embodied exploration, this journey will support you to reclaim your voice and agency, moving beyond the cultural scripts of the Virgin, Saint, Witch, and Maiden that continue to shape how women are seen — and see themselves.

We’ll draw inspiration from the real histories of Italian mystics and visionaries like St. Rita of Cascia, St. Angela of Foligno, and St. Clare, alongside the figure of Mary Magdalene, reframed through a trauma-informed lens. These women’s lives will act as springboards into exploring our own internalised roles — and the possibility of transformation.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll be invited into somatic and performance-based practices that help you reconnect with the archetypes of the Sorceress, Priestess, and Mysticess, discovering how these energies can serve as tools for psychological integration and creative liberation.

We will gently dismantle limiting beliefs tied to the “pure” or “sacrificial” feminine, using research-supported techniques from Polyvagal Theory and expressive arts therapies to regulate the nervous system and cultivate internal safety.

With a blend of historical inquiry, artistic expression, and somatic healing, this retreat becomes more than an escape — it’s a re-education of the self, and a container for deep transformation.

We have an early bird deal available to save up to £810 off the total retreat price (£3,800) when booking by 11th May 2025.

There are two options for you to choose from :

£2,990 up front (save £810), or

Pay a £600 deposit and sign up to our payment plan of 5x £500  (June 2025-October 2025), saving £700.

Immersive Trips & Activities:

Explore Umbria’s rich culture and stunning landscapes with guided outings.

🌟 Plus! Our Special Retreats Bonus! 🌟

A 6-month complimentary membership to our online Wanderess Circle, a coaching container offering group somatic therapy, extending your journey of growth and connection long after the retreat ends.