REWILDING + RELEASING + REMEMBERING 

ancient awakening redwoods retreat

Awaken the ancient power within.

The redwoods are ready to activate your memories, strip away the patriarchal programming, & ignite your magik.

They eagerly await your return ancient one.

Welcome home.

A house entrance with a pink door, flanked by two tall frosted windows, a welcome mat, a decorative metal "Welcome" sign with mountain and tree design, and an antique vase to the right, surrounded by greenery.
A scenic outdoor park area surrounded by tall trees, with picnic tables, a small grill, and string lights hanging among the branches on a sunny day.
Red and purple chairs facing a river with forested hills and a clear blue sky in the background.
A Pac-Man arcade game machine next to a chalkboard with colorful chalk drawings and writing, including the word 'Welcome' and various doodles, in a room with beige walls and wooden flooring.
A dining room with a polished wooden table surrounded by six gray upholstered chairs, a doorway leading to a bedroom, wall art featuring posters, a small side table, and an open door with a view of the outdoors.
Front porch of a house with a gravel pathway, a large rock, and a wooden chair. The house has a blue exterior with white trim and a small wooden porch roof.
Living room with a dark leather sofa decorated with three pillows; one with a round brown patch, another with black arrows, and another with a brown textured cover. Behind the sofa is a white wall with a wooden honeycomb-shaped shelf holding small de
A lakeside scene with a small wooden picnic table and benches, a fire pit, tall trees with green leaves, and a calm lake in the background surrounded by lush forest.
A wooden picnic table in a forest clearing with a lake visible through the trees in the background.
Beach with colorful Adirondack chairs facing a forested hillside.
Front entrance of a house with a blue exterior, a pink door, a small porch with wooden posts, and a gravel pathway leading to the door. There is a large rock and a watering can in the yard, with a single chair leaning against the house and trees in t
Two kayaks, one yellow and one dark gray, are lying on dried grass in a wooded area with tall trees and a dirt path.
A green chalkboard with the handwritten message, 'Welcome to the Cabin @ Eel River Retreat,' inside a cozy living room with wooden flooring, a dining table with chairs, and a standing lamp with three yellow shades.
A hallway with open doorways, decorated with framed pictures and a large map on the wall. There is a wooden shelf with small items and a framed photo, and a glass-topped display table with items inside on a wooden floor.
Modern kitchen with green cabinets, white marble countertop, stainless steel oven and range, wooden shelf with a bottle of oil and a knife block, and framed art on the wall.
Modern kitchen with white marble island, four black bar stools, stainless steel refrigerator, stainless steel range hood, and wooden floors. Windows show greenery outside.
View of a bedroom visible through an open doorway, with two beds and window with orange curtains. Near the doorway, a wooden shelf contains books, framed photo of a sunset, a glass bowl, a small box, a pair of glasses, and a folding knife.
A bedroom with two beds, nightstand with lamp, windows with trees outside, wall air conditioner, and patterned area rug.
Bathroom shower with glass doors, white tiled walls, and a small corner shelving unit with toiletries; toilet and sink visible outside the shower, wooden floor, and a small trash can.
Bathroom with a toilet, wooden vanity with a white sink, round mirror, rolled towels in a basket, and a wicker trash bin with a towel inside.
A bathroom with a small window, a mirror, a towel bar, a white shower curtain, a sink with a soap dispenser, and a dark rug on the floor.
A dining room with a wooden table and six gray upholstered chairs on a red and white patterned rug. Behind, a kitchen with a refrigerator, window, and counter with bar stools.
A cozy bedroom with a large white bed, gray pillows, a black bedside lamp, a wooden ladder shelf, and an en-suite bathroom visible through an open door.
A bedroom with a large bed covered in white bedding, two gray pillows, a black nightstand with a black lamp, a window with curtains, wall art featuring three framed abstract prints, a wall-mounted air conditioner, and a black rug on wooden floor.
Dirt trail through woods with a sign on the right that reads 'River This Way' with an arrow pointing upward.
Outdoor seating area with five Adirondack chairs arranged around a fire pit table, on a bed of wood chips, overlooking a forested hillside with tall trees and mountains in the background.
Living room with a wooden vaulted ceiling, blue sofa, white round coffee table with decor items, and a built-in white bookshelf with various decorative objects and books.
A cozy living room with large windows, a white brick fireplace, a mounted flat screen TV, a potted plant, a comfortable chair, a side table with a lamp and photo, a decorative rug, and a modern coffee table with a tray and decorative items.
A nighttime outdoor deck with string lights, outdoor seating, a hot tub with blue lights, and a grill.
Outdoor wood deck at night with patio furniture including a cushioned sofa and armchairs, metal coffee table, side tables, and string lights on the wooden railing.
This is a dining and living room area with large windows showing trees outside, a wooden ceiling with beams, a round paper lantern light fixture, a long wooden dining table with a cloth runner and eight chairs, a blue sofa with a throw blanket, a sid
Interior of a living and dining area with large windows showing a view of trees. The room has a blue couch, a wooden dining table with seven chairs, a hanging paper lantern, and wall art consisting of green plant arrangements.
Kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a white countertop, wood flooring, pendant lights, and a vaulted ceiling with wooden beams.
Kitchen with wooden cabinets, a window over the sink with greenery outside, and various small appliances on the countertop including a coffee maker, paper towels, and a dish drying rack.
A cozy bedroom with a large bed with white and grey bedding, two night lamps, a mirror on the wall, beige curtains, a patterned rug on the wooden floor, and a window with black triangular panes.
A bedroom with two beds, a beige rug, a nightstand with two lamps, beige curtains, an air conditioning unit, and triangular windows near the ceiling.
Bedroom with a king-size bed with white bedding and decorative pillows, a side table with a lamp and an alarm clock, a window with grass outside, a ceiling light, and artwork on the wall.
Bathroom vanity with oval mirror, three-light fixture, and wall-mounted towel hook. Contains a sink with soap, lotion, and tissue, with a small window above.
Modern bathroom with a wooden vanity, large mirror, gray subway tile wall, and hexagonal gray floor tiles. Features a toilet, small window, and a bathtub with a white shower curtain.
White tiled bathroom shower with square rainfall showerhead, built-in shelf with black bottles, and single-handle faucet above bathtub.
A modern shower with green and brown tiles, a large rainfall showerhead, a handheld showerhead, and a built-in shelf with shampoo and soap.
Cozy bedroom with a large bed, nightstands with lamps, a wall mirror, a mounted flat-screen TV, curtains covering a window, and a patterned rug on the wooden floor.
Mushrooms growing on a moss-covered log in a dark forest.
Close-up of hands touching the ground with small blue flowers and grass, partially covered by a fabric or clothing.
A group of women holding hands in a circle outdoors, participating in a spiritual or meditation ceremony near a campfire, surrounded by trees and nature.
A group of women sitting cross-legged around a campfire at night in a wooded area, with candles and traditional decorations, signifying a spiritual or ritual gathering.
A woman in a forest illuminated by sunlight streaming through trees, touching a tree trunk.

The Ancient Awakening Redwoods Retreat 2026

The redwoods have a way of changing you forever.

There is something that happens when you stand before living giants that have witnessed thousands of years of history. Their presence awakens something ancient within us—a remembrance that we belong to the Earth and that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.

Over the last three years, the redwoods have been my teachers.

Within their cathedrals of green, I have remembered forgotten parts of myself, deepened my priestess path, and gathered wisdom through both spiritual training and a decade of experience in mental health, psychotherapy, shadow work, and human transformation.

Now, I am being called to share what I have learned.

This four-part retreat series is a modern Earth Priestess Mystery School for those who feel the ancient call stirring within them to complete your certification and training.

Together, we will journey through the elements, reconnect with the wisdom of the Earth, strengthen our intuition and clairabilities, and learn how to embody our deepest truth.

Through a unique blend of my approach, the Advanced Shadow Work Method©, nervous system regulation, ritual, Earth-based spirituality, and ancient mystery school teachings, you will begin shedding the conditioning, fear, and inherited stories that have obscured your true nature.

This is not about becoming someone new.

It is about remembering who you have always been.

What Is The
Ancient awakening Redwoods Retreat?

October 30-November 4, 2026 | Avenue of the Giants

Dark forest scene with glowing orange candles, crystals, a pumpkin, and ornate lanterns. Decorative red and orange leaves and mystical symbols, including a moon and planetary shapes, frame the image."

Across four seasonal initiations, you will learn to deepen your relationship with the Earth, cultivate your intuitive gifts, strengthen your connection to spirit, and develop practices that bring greater harmony, purpose, and stewardship into your daily life.

Our first gathering begins on All Hallows' Eve, during the sacred threshold of Samhain—a time when the veil grows thin and the wisdom of the unseen becomes more accessible. Through ritual, guided journeys, shadow work, ceremony, and communion with the ancient redwoods, you will begin the process of remembering your power, reclaiming your voice, and reconnecting with the deeper truths that live within you.

By the completion of the fourth retreat, you will participate in a culminating Earth Priestess Initiation with each element, receive a certificate of completion, and the title of Earth Priestess.

ACCOMODATIONS

The property sits on 10 acres of exceptionally private river front along the Avenue of the Giants.

Featuring:

* 2 beautifully renovated homes with updated amenities

with riverfront camping.

*400 sq ft of private Eel River access with a private beach

for swimming + kayaking.

*Picnic spots, camping area, and fire pits

*hot tub

*2 Fully stocked kitchens

*High speed wifi

*4 Full Bathrooms

Front door of a house painted in a salmon color, with two glass sidelight windows on each side. A "Welcome" doormat is on the porch, and a decorative metal sign with a bear scene and the word "Welcome" is on the left side. A large vase is on the right, with green plants nearby.

Main house lodging

A bedroom with a white bed, beige pillows, a black bedside lamp, a wooden ladder shelf, and a small bathroom with a toilet and sink visible through a door.
A bedroom with a bed, nightstand, window with curtains, and ceiling light fixture, decorated with artwork and colorful pillows.
A bedroom with two beds, a large window, beige curtains, a beige rug, and two lamps on a nightstand.
A cozy bedroom with two beds, white bedding, and several pillows. The room has wooden floors, a window with orange curtains, and a patterned rug. There is a small table with a lamp, wall art, a bench near the window, and an air conditioning unit above the window.

Primary Bedroom: 1 King with private bathroom

$3,500

Bedroom 2: 1 King + 1 Twin

  • King bed: $3,000

  • Twin bed: $1,750

Bedroom 3: 2 Queen + 1 twin

  • Queen bed: $2,500

  • Queen Bed: $2,500

  • Twin bed: $1,750

Cabin

Bedroom 1: 2 Queen + 1 Twin

  • Queen bed: $2,500

  • Queen bed: $2,500

  • Twin bed: $1,750

Riverfront Tent Camping

String of string lights hanging among trees in a wooded outdoor area at dusk.

Tent camping: $900 (limited availability)

Once you submit your application, you will hear back within 72 hours.

If your application is accepted you will be provided with a private link to book your accommodation.

Pay in full or select Payment Plans available for 5-6 monthly payments with a $100 deposit due at checkout.

Getting Here

Getting to Ancient Awakening in Miranda, California

Nestled among the towering redwoods of Northern California, Miranda is remote—but that's part of the magic.

✈️ Flying In

Closest Airport (Recommended)

  • California Redwood Coast–Humboldt County Airport (ACV)

  • Approximately 1.5 hours from Miranda

  • Direct flights are available from select West Coast cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and more (seasonally dependent)

Alternative Airports

  • Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) — about 3.5–4 hours away

  • Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — about 5 hours away

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — about 5–6 hours away

Rental cars are strongly recommended from any airport.

🚗 Driving

Miranda is located along California's famous Avenue of the Giants, surrounded by ancient redwood groves.

Approximate drive times:

  • San Francisco: 4.5–5.5 hours

  • Sacramento: 5 hours

  • Portland: 8–9 hours

  • Los Angeles: 10–11 hours

🌲 Final Stretch

As you approach Miranda, cell service becomes limited and the roads become more scenic. We recommend downloading maps in advance and allowing extra travel time to enjoy the journey through the redwoods.

Detailed arrival instructions and the exact property address will be provided to confirmed guests prior to the retreat. ✨

Promotional graphic for 'Ancient Awakening' Redwoods Retreat, encouraging submission, set in a forest with sunlight, flowers, and crystals.
Submit your application!

Former Trauma Therapist | Shadow Alchemist & Trauma Specialist

Courtney is a multidisciplinary practitioner specializing in trauma-informed shadow work, integrative personal transformation, and soul remembrance.

She has a decade of experience working in mental health as a former trauma-informed psychotherapist specializing in highly sensitive people and witches. She felt the call to break away from the system and sought to deepen her understanding of mysticism and shadow work. She ended her therapy practice in 2022 to create her role as a Shadow Alchemist.

In 2021 Courtney completed a year long Priestess Mystery School initiation as a High Priestess of the Magdalena Rose Path. In that same year she became a certified Reiki Master and sound healer. In 2025, she added certifications in crystal healing and herbalism to more deeply live in harmony with the Earth to heal and share this healing wisdom with others.

Today, Courtney is the author and creator of The Advanced Shadow Work Method©, blending her life’s work, spiritual wisdom, and the gifts she’s remembered from the redwoods into an approach unlike any other shadow work that exists.

Courtney is known for having the sight to see the truth, what is underneath, as the ancient Priestesses once did. She has a reputation for being able to tell you truths no one else can where it is received fully. Her approach is powerful, relational, and focused on helping people build internal stability while engaging in meaningful emotional and spiritual growth through truth infused alchemy.

She creates sacred spaces where depth and safety coexist — supporting clients in developing greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and the capacity to move through life with clarity and steadiness.

Her work resonates with those seeking real transformation by stripping away the patriarchal lies, that is both psychologically informed and intuitively supported — without losing grounding in practical, lived experience, to help you build a deeply meaningful magikal life where you remember your truth and can fully claim your power.

Bridging psychology and spirituality to create deep, sustainable transformation at the soul level.

M e e t

C O U R T N E Y K E I S E R

A woman with vibrant orange braids and tattoos on her arms and torso, wearing a black tube top and skirt, standing outdoors in a river with a forest background, looking to her left with her eyes closed.

Each day includes 3 organic + regenerative + vegan + vegetarian meals. Breakfast served between 7:00-8:30 AM

Itinerary + Activities

A group of women standing in a circle outside, holding hands, and smiling during a yoga or meditation session in a wooded area with sunlight filtering through trees.

  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Arrival + check-in
    Tea, light snacks, settle into accommodations

    3:30 PM
    Opening circle + introductions
    Intentions, guided grounding with the trees.

    6:00 PM
    Family dinner- vegan + vegetarian + regenerative + organic + food as medicine

    7:00 PM
    Fire gathering amongst redwoods + sing + share

    9:15 PM
    Early rest / quiet evening

  • 9:00 AM
    Movement practice + guided meditation + rage release - followed by NLP & EFT to ground nervous system

    12:00 PM
    Nourishing lunch + optional 1×1 coaching session

    1:00 PM
    Shadow work introduction to methodology + deep dive

    4:00 PM
    Reflect/journal/connect with trees before Samhain journey

    6:00 PM
    Dinner

    7:00 PM
    Fire Samhain shamanic journey to underworld with Goddess Hekate to release the truths she reveals into the fire.

  • 9:00 AM
    Drive to Founder's Grove

    9:30 AM
    Priestess lineage & the Builder Priestesses + root of power

    10:30 AM
    Clair abilities practices

    12:00 PM
    Lunch + 1×1 coaching

    1:00 PM
    Symbols of communication

    2:00 PM

    Solo immersion in forest + reflect + journal + practice

    4:30 PM

    Return home

    5:00 PM

    Free time + optional 1×1 coaching

    6:00 PM

    Dinner

    7:00 PM

    Fire gathering + share +sing +storytelling

  • 9:00 AM
    Somatic breathwork

    9:30 AM
    Heart Activation Practice

    10:00 AM
    Shadow Work

    12:00 PM
    Lunch + 1×1 coaching

    1:00 PM
    Psychometry + Telepathy Practice

    4:00 PM
    Reflect + practice + journal + 1×1 coaching

    6:00 PM
    Dinner

    7:00 PM

    Fire + sing + share + storytelling

  • 9:00 AM
    Mystery School + frequency + movement + crystals

    10:00 AM
    Telekinesis practice

    12:00 PM
    Lunch + 1×1 coaching

    1:00 PM

    Violet Flame Healing

    2:00 PM

    Practice + reflect + journal

    4:00 PM

    Free time + 1×1 coaching

    6:00 PM

    Last family dinner

    7:00 PM

    Claiming your power fire ritual

  • 9:00 AM

    Last circle to share + reflect + connect with the forest

    12:00 PM

    Departure

Submit Application!
A person wearing a cozy cream-colored sweater holding a bowl of colorful vegetarian salad with various vegetables and toppings.
A group of women with long hair, wearing casual, bohemian-style clothing, standing in a circle with eyes closed, while singing or chanting in a forest surrounded by tall trees.
A group of women holding hands in a circle during a wellness or spiritual ceremony outdoors, with trees and a forest in the background.
A group of women sitting in a circle around a campfire at night, with candles and ritual objects in the background surrounded by trees.

FAQ

  • This retreat is designed for women who want to dive deeper, are spiritually curious, and deeply feeling women seeking healing, who want to remember their ancient power and purpose, and experience not only nervous system support in nature from the trees, but experience them in a new way beyond what can be explained. No prior experience with shadow work, meditation, or holistic practices is required.

  • You can expect a restorative blend of guided shadow work, nervous system regulation practices, meditation, somatic exercises, nature immersion, journaling, guided journeys, ceremony and ritual, and group connection.

  • No. While Courtney has a clinical background in therapy and trauma-informed care, this retreat is not a substitute for therapy, mental health treatment, or medical care.

  • There are two indoor spaces- the primary home and then a cabin. There is an outdoor area where camping guests will be staying next to the private riverfront area and fire pit. The bedrooms and sleeping arrangements are provided above. Please feel free to email courtney@journeyofshadows.com for any questions you may have.

  • Not at all. This retreat is beginner-friendly and intentionally designed to feel grounded, expressive, knowledge-building, applicable, accessible, and supportive.

  • Yes. Nature is at the heart of this retreat experience, and much of our time together will take place outdoors among the redwoods. Expect fresh air, cool mornings and evenings, changing weather, uneven terrain in some areas, and the grounding experience of being fully immersed in nature.

    Activities may include forest walks, outdoor meditations, movement practices, fireside gatherings, and quiet moments of reflection outside.

    We recommend bringing comfortable layers, walking shoes, a warm jacket, and anything that helps you feel cozy and supported outdoors. This retreat is designed to feel restorative and accessible — not physically intense — with plenty of opportunities to rest and move at your own pace.

  • Being immersed in nature means occasional bugs are possible, especially near wooded or creek areas at dusk. The Coast Redwoods are generally cooler and less buggy than many outdoor destinations, but we still recommend bringing clean bug spray for evenings outside. Courtney will also have some homemade bug spray for folks to use.

  • Comfortable clothing, layers, walking shoes, a journal, reusable water bottle, and anything that helps you feel grounded and cozy.

    Crystals, oracle or tarot decks, an instrument, yoga mat, blanket, any ritual or magikal items, books, witch hat. One outfit you feel fierce af in that speaks of who you are remembering you are!

  • This retreat is intentionally intimate to create a safe and connected environment. Space is limited to 15 women.

  • Because of the intimate nature of the retreat and advance planning involved, booking are non-refundable. Please review full retreat terms prior to booking.

  • Absolutely. We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary needs and allergies with advance notice. Please include in your application and we will reach out to you for further deets!

  • Yes. You will receive 3 daily vegan and vegetarian meals, snacks, tea, and refreshments are also included throughout the retreat. There will not be coffee or milk/dairy creamer, you will need to bring your own. Let us know and we can give you more details!

  • Most guests attend solo. The retreat is intentionally designed to foster connection, comfort, and sisterhood/community in a welcoming, supportive, and loving environment.

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