STONES OF CALANAIS, Summer FULL MOONs, 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 second Astro Magia Retreat is timed to and centred around the engagement with this specific place and time. This will be the last southern moon rise tied to the period of the major lunar standstill for a further 16 years.

ABOUT THE RETREAT

Attendance is limited.

The retreat will include a series of workshops, practices, and rituals 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.

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, 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.

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

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

Recommended more for those within the UK, the ferry departs regularly 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 the Stornoway Airport (SYY) on Lewis are recommended for those traveling from outside of the country. These you can find from Loganair. You will need to first fly into Glasgow (GLA), Inverness (INV), and Edinburgh (EDI)

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.

ARRIVals

Due to the nature of the retreat location, we understand that arrival times may vary. Your accommodation will be available on Sunday, 24th of May. Arrivals will also be suitable on Monday, 25th of May and the formal programme will begin Monday evening. Depending on how and when you plan to arrive, arrangements will be made to drive you to the house in Achmore. If not immediately from your arrival to the airport or from the ferry, you can enjoy and explore the largest town on Lewis, Stornoway and we will pick you up as soon as possible.

departures

Similarly, transport will be provided for you to either the ferry terminal or the airport for your planned departure on Saturday, 30th of May.

Achmore Schoolhouse

Perched on an ancient incline, with unbeatable views over the moors, the Achmore Schoolhouse is a lovely gem in the history of this small village and within close distance to the Stones of Calanais. This second Astro Magia retreat will be more intimate and this is the ideal location for us to be based.

Accommodation

Achmore Schoolhouse is a modern, open-plan conversion of this historic stone building. It has four bedrooms. One with an ensuite. There is a shared bathroom on the ground floor.

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

All main meals, hot drinks, and most snacks will be provided. All efforts will be made to suit your dietary needs. We will enjoy many of the lovely foods of Scotland and in particular those that are famous from the Isle of Lewis. There will be a trip to the local grocery store on your arrival if you wish to stock up on food or drink for yourself or to share.