Into the Dark: A Retreat of Presence and Possibility 14- 21 January 2026 Kinvara, Ireland
Come into presence with the gifts and wisdom of the dark, on the threshold of Samhain, the season of winter, and the awakening of Imbolc, a fire festival honoring Brigid, hearth-tender, creative muse and keeper of the sacred flame.
An intimate community will gather in my home on the wild west coast of Ireland to be present with the dark, held in flickering light of flame and hearth, ensconced in silence with space to create. **
Each day will begin with simple ritual and stillness in community. The day will be yours to devote to a creative project with silence encouraged in the house when not intentionally gathered in community.
You can intersperse your devotional work with a walk into the village or to the sea to receive inspiration from the elements ( and tea + cake!). We will venture out together on a few occasions to swim in the winter sea, to walk in a sleeping forest and to listen to the songs of a sacred spring. Otherwise we will be based at home in our creative residency.
In the evenings we come together for dinner and quiet conversation, then we will share time at the hearth to offer a bit of work from the day (writing, art, other inspirations). We will close the day with a Compline practice before we begin again.
I will offer a herbal consultation for body and spirit to you at the beginning of the week and customize a tea blend and a variety of other potions to support your creative devotion for the week and beyond.
Offer what you are able: $1,350- $1,800
Includes lodging (everyone will have their own bedroom, most ensuite) in a cozy Irish home just outside the seaside village of Kinvara County Galway, transport on arrival and departure day, self-catered breakfast, all dinners, ritual and ritual supplies, herbal consultation for body and spirit and custom herbal tea. Also includes a few brief outings, close to home.
Does not include airfare or lunch or any additional transportation.
To hold your spot, please send a $500 non-refundable deposit via Venmo (@Tonja-Reichley) or PayPal HERE and a brief email (tonjareichley@gmail.com) describing the project you hope to devote to during the week. The remaining balance is due by 1 January 2026.
**Space to create as in time to create; the space in my home does not allow for an art studio so this residency is best for smaller visual art projects, writing etc.
More soon on additional offerings in 2026 including:
Herb Retreats for Bealtaine and Lughnasa
Death Reverence Pilgrimage for Samhain