STONES OF CALANAIS, MIDSUMMER FULL MOON, AND THE LUNISTICE

Established between 2900 and 2600 BCE, the Stones of Calanais (Callanish) were built by seafaring Neolithic settlers around 5,000 years ago, predating Stonehenge. They were a continuous and active part of ritual life and celestial observation for over 2500 years, well into the Bronze Age.

Along with the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, both of Orkney, the henge moments of Calanais are of the oldest in the British Isles. The Stones of Calanais, which are actually three distinct stone circles, all visible to one another, carry a unique and profound relationship to lunar cycles, in particular to the lunistice, or major lunar standstill, observable with the “skimming of the Moon” that takes place with the Mid-Summer Full Moons roughly every 19 years.

This first Astro Magia Retreat is timed to and centred around the engagement with this specific place and time.

ABOUT THE RETREAT

Attendance is limited.

The retreat will include a series of workshops focused on lunar astrology, magic, and mystery suitable for both beginner and advanced practitioners of astrology and astral magic alike. This primary focus will be enhanced with an emphasis on the aspects and elements of magical practice attending to place as equally as to time and to embodiment.

Some of the discursive and instructive aspects relevant to the retreat will be taught online prior, ensuring that our time together is used most wisely for the direct encounter, the experiential, and the applied.  All events leading up  to the retreat are included in the retreat fee.

Michael Ofek, JD Kelley, and a small group of colleagues are collaborating on the pre-retreat and retreat programme. Equally, as the group of attendees is finalised, all efforts will be made to cultivate connection among the group prior to the retreat, and those that have something of resonance to share will be encouraged to do so.

The workshops will take place alongside practice and ritual, day trips around Lewis and Harris, social events, and daytime and night trips at the Stones of Calanais. As is the way with Scotland’s “all weather in a day” and summer being no exception to the rule, much will be planned in account of the weather. All efforts will be made to prepare participants for and keep us as comfortable as possible for any and all conditional eventualities.

This in-person event is linked to the online conference that will take place in November, in that some of the content of the conference will unfold based on our experiences in the Outer Hebrides.

While all efforts will be made to accommodate varying needs and abilities, many of the aspects of these locations limit many accommodations. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please get in touch.

BOOKING

$999 - Fee

Pay in Full today for $888, offer ends 27 April

Pay in Three Payments

$555 - First payment by 4 May, remaining will be invoiced

$222 - Second payment by 1 June

$222 - Third payment by 29 June

PAY IN TWO PAYMENTS

$666 - First payment by 1 June, remainder will be invoiced

$333 - Second payment by 29 June

pay in One Payment

$999 - Payable from 28 April and required by the 2 June

REFUNDs

50% refund until 31 May with no refunds being made thereafter.

HOW TO GET tHERE

All efforts will be made to coordinate travel wherever possible and do not hesitate to reach out if you need any travel-related advice.

Ferry Crossing

Departures weekdays from Ullapool (Scottish Mainland) to Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) two times a day.

Relevant information can be found here, along with the timetable. It is very easy to travel as a foot passenger and it is also possible to travel with a vehicle if desired.

Travel to Ullapool Ferry Terminal by car or public transport.

Flights

Flights into Inverness are recommended, but for those wishing to explore the central belt of Scotland, flights into Glasgow (GLA) and Edinburgh (EDI) International Airports are also suitable.

Flights are also available to Stornoway Airport (SYY).

Visitor Visa and Travel Authorisation

While some travelers from abroad may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, most will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check if you are eligible for an ETA here.

ARRIVal

Due to the nature of the retreat location, we understand that arrival times may vary. Your accommodation will be available from 4:00 pm on Tuesday, 8 July. Depending on how you plan to arrive, arrangements will be made to help you get to Lews Castle, but please note it is within a walkable 25-minute distance from the Stornoway Ferry Terminal.

There will be informal events planned throughout the afternoon and evening on Tuesday. The retreat programme will start formally on Wednesday morning.

LEWS CASTLE

Perched on an ancient incline, with unbeatable views over the inky blue waters of Stornoway, Lews Castle is an inspiring, gothic-revival style castle that hails from the mid-1800’s.

Located in a modern purpose-built extension to Lews Castle, the new Museum nan Eilean opened in July 2016 where visitors can learn about the Outer Hebrides, its people and history. Currently on exhibition there is the world-famous Lewis Chessmen.

Within the ground floor of the Castle you will also find the Storehouse Cafe, which offers both breakfast and lunch menus, bakes, coffees, and teas.

Some of the conference events will take place in the large ground floor rooms pictured above, namely the library and the dining room.

Accommodation

All attendees will be guests at Lews Castle’s apartments located on the mezzanine, first floor, and second floor.

All are accessible via stairs and lift. If there are any questions regarding access needs at Lews Castle, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Each apartment has a living space, a kitchen, two bathrooms, and two to three bedrooms.

While it is possible to have a private room, most rooms will accommodate two attendees with separate single beds. Efforts will be made to match attendees based on preference. 

Please get in touch regarding fees for a private room if this is your preference.

If you are traveling with another and it would be preferable to have a double bed, this is easily arranged.

MEALS

The retreat will feature two catered dinners and some additional meals will be provided. However, all breakfasts and snacks between meals, along with some lunches and dinners, will be the responsibility of attendees.

As all four apartments each have a kitchen and Lews Castle is in walking distance from a selection of restaurants, food shops, and markets, as well as prepared breakfast and lunch available in the onsite cafe, there is ample choice.

Some tea and coffee service and self-service will be provided at various times during the retreat.

All efforts will be made to coordinate and plan to suit your dietary requirements.