Shamanic Weekend Retreat

Autumn Retreat: Transformation & Composting

October 31 - November 2, 2025
Grounded Roots, Maarn

A journey inward during Samhain

a shamanic women’s retreat in nature.

Once, we lived in harmony with the natural cycles of the Earth and Sky. These rhythms were our compass, guiding when to plant, when to harvest, when to celebrate, and when to rest. By remembering these rhythms, we return home to ourselves.

Every season carries its own wisdom. Autumn invites us to slow down, release, and listen. As the trees let go of their leaves, we too are invited to shed what no longer serves, and to trust in the fertile mystery of decay.

During this sacred weekend, we gather in the deep stillness of Scorpio season, aligned with Samhain, the ancient festival that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year. Samhain is a threshold time when the veil between the worlds is thin, and we are invited to commune with our ancestors, inner guides, and unseen realms.

Scorpio, the sign of the shaman and the witch, invites us to journey into the Underworld—into the hidden, the shadowed, the compost. This is a time for transformation, for letting go, for shedding skin like the snake. For turning over the soil of your inner landscape, honoring the rot and decay as rich ground for new life.

This retreat is for the woman who..

𖦹 wants to connect with the natural cycles of the Earth and Sky, and her own inner seasons.
𖦹 seeks a deeper relationship with her body, intuition, and inner rhythm.
𖦹 longs for a slower, more intentional life in harmony with nature.
𖦹 is drawn to ancient wisdom and wants to reconnect with the knowing within.
𖦹 is ready to release, compost, and create space for what truly matters.
𖦹 feels called to explore the shamanic worlds and connect with spirit animals and helpers.
𖦹 desires to come home to herself and the Earth.
𖦹 craves stillness, time in nature, and reconnection with the land.
𖦹 longs for a sacred space to be seen, held, and heard.
𖦹 wants to feel more rooted in her body.
𖦹 is ready for transformational inner work aligned with the energy of the season.

Transformation and personal growth through deep connection: with yourself, with other women, with nature, and with the (inner) seasons.

During this weekend retreat, set in the heart of Autumn, we return to nature to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with ourselves and our personal path. Through ceremonies and rituals, we attune to the energy of Autumn — a season of release — allowing us to let go, to compost what no longer serves, and to make space for what’s next, just as Mother Nature does.

Limited to just 6 women — this intimate shamanic retreat offers space for deep connection and transformation.

A Shamanic Weekend Retreat with..

shamanic journeys / fire ceremony / ceremonial cacao & ecstatic dance (shadow dance) / releasing breathwork / sound healing / moon gazing / time in nature / create your own herbal tea blend workshop / ceremony & rituals / womb connection / creative expression / free time / homemade herbal teas, healthy snacks & vegetarian seasonal food / a small group of women / and more.

Meet Ella, your facilitator

Shamanic Practitioner · Breathwork Coach · Ceremonial Guide · Women’s Circle Facilitator · Astrology Student · Nature Enthusiast · Visionary Creator

Ella started facilitating women’s circles in Amsterdam back in 2021 with her dear friend Marije van Liere. When Marije followed her dream to live in Portugal, Ella continued holding monthly Women’s Ceremonies at De Nieuwe Yogaschool. In the meantime, she deepened her practice and knowledge of core shamanism by completing her Shamanic Practitioner training. She also continued her studies in astrology, became a certified breathwork coach, and completed her first training in sound healing.

In her free time, Ella explores herbalism, the nervous system, somatic work, and the power of nature by reading books, attending webinars, and taking online courses. She is deeply devoted to creating a more feminine way of living — one that invites us to slow down, live in tune with the natural cycles, and honor and respect Mother Nature.

Ella believes a new world can be created by doing our own inner work, following our unique path, and becoming more conscious of the generations to come.

Your Retreat Package

❀ 3 days / 2 nights at Grounded Roots.
❀ Seasonal vegetarian meals and snacks made with love.
❀ Water, homemade herbal tea, specialty coffee & matcha to drink.
❀ Two cacao ceremonies with ceremonial cacao by Pure Kakaw.
❀ Use of facilities at Grounded Roots, including sauna, swimming pool, tiny library.
❀ All materials and herbs for ceremonies, rituals, creative time and herbal tea workshop.
❀ Ayurvedic, seasonal vegetarian meals made with love by Yeleni van der Poel.
❀ All daily practices, ceremonies, rituals with space for free time to rest, reflect, read, create.

What’s included?

❀ Transport to and from Ground Roots.
❀ Extra activities.

What’s not included?

The Location

Grounded Roots / Maarn

Tucked away in the quiet green heart of the Netherlands, on the edge of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Grounded Roots venue is a sanctuary for rest, reflection, and reconnection. Surrounded by forest and open fields, this earthy, warm retreat space invites you to slow down and root deeply into the rhythms of the season. >>

A PLACE TO ground, A SPACE TO ROOT.

At Grounded Roots, we’ll root deeply into the soil and ground ourselves in the present moment during this shamanic weekend retreat — a time to compost, transform, and gently observe where we are in our own inner season. Here, supported by the land and the cycle of Autumn, we gather to remember our connection — to self, to Earth, and to the unseen.

  • Large dinner table

  • Ceremony space

  • Sauna & plunge pool

  • Cosy living room

  • Coffee corner

  • Comfortable rooms

  • Fire pit

The Rooms & Prices

This beautifully designed and thoughtfully styled house features two bedrooms and is largely furnished with sustainable brands. There is one twin room for two people and one shared room for four. The beds are made up with soft, sustainable linen from By Mölle, adding to the sense of comfort and care. The spacious shared bathroom includes a shower and toilet, with an additional separate toilet, and is stocked with natural, eco-friendly products from Marie-Stella-Maris — supporting a retreat experience that’s both nourishing and conscious.

2-persons bedroom (2 singles)

€825,-

4-persons bedroom (4 singles)

€800,-

Please note: This retreat is intentionally designed for a small group of women in a comfortable, luxurious setting, with high-quality food, products, and beverages included. Because of this, prices are already set at the minimum and I do not offer early bird discounts.

Early Bird Gift
However, if you book your spot before September 1st, you’ll receive a special gift: a complimentary 1-hour session of your choice with Ella. This free session can be scheduled before, during, or after the retreat, and you can choose between:
✿ Shamanic Healing
✿ Birth Chart Reading
✿ Breathwork Session

Meet your chef
(coming soon!)

You’ll be nourished with seasonal, vegetarian meals throughout the retreat. Soon, we’ll introduce you to our chef and share more about the delicious food that will be served.

We’d love to welcome you this Autumn.

If you have any questions or would like to explore if this retreat is right for you, feel free to reach out and book a free intake call.

FAQ

  • This retreat is for the woman who feels called to connect with the energy of Autumn, Scorpio season, and Samhain—a potent time of transformation, release, and inner composting. It’s for those who wish to deepen their connection with themselves and are open to exploring the unconscious and shadow aspects through intentional practices, rituals, and ceremonies.

    All practices are offered as invitations, and you’ll always be encouraged to honor your own inner wisdom and listen to your body every step of the way.

    If you're unsure whether this retreat is right for you, feel free to reach out through the form above—I’m happy to connect and answer any questions.

  • Absolutely. Many women choose to join retreats on their own. We’ll be a small, supportive group, and with shared bedrooms, there’s plenty of opportunity to connect and form meaningful bonds with others. You’ll be welcomed just as you are.

  • Not at all. This retreat is open to everyone—whether you're completely new or already familiar with the practices. No previous experience is required. All that’s needed is an open mind and heart, and a willingness to explore your inner world.

  • We will gather on Friday, October 31st, and welcome you in the afternoon at Grounded Roots in Maarn. Exact time is coming soon! You'll have time to gently arrive, settle in, and enjoy a cup of tea before we begin.

    We’ll conclude the retreat on Sunday, November 2nd, after lunch and a closing ceremony, around 16:00.

    Location:
    Grounded Roots
    Laan van Laag Kanje 1a
    3951KD Maarn, The Netherlands

  • You’ll receive a detailed email with everything you need to know before the retreat. But one thing I can already share — don’t forget to pack your outfit for our Samhain celebration! On the first evening, we’ll gather for a special Shadow Ecstatic Dance, so bring something that makes you feel embodied, free, and a little witchy.

  • All meals and drinks are included throughout the retreat.

    • Friday: dinner

    • Saturday: breakfast, lunch & dinner

    • Sunday: breakfast & lunch

    Throughout the day, you’ll also be nourished with healthy snacks like fresh fruit and nuts. Beverages include water, homemade herbal teas, matcha, and specialty coffee.

    Everything is thoughtfully prepared to support your experience with grounding, nourishment, and care.

  • Absolutely. All meals are vegetarian, and made with organic (biologic) ingredients. If you have specific dietary needs or physical concerns, don’t forget to mention them in your booking form. We’ll gladly explore the possibilities together to ensure you feel safe, supported, and well taken care of.

  • Yes, installment payments are possible—up to 3 installments depending on when you book. A non-refundable deposit of €300 is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. We’ll then create a personalized payment plan for the remaining amount. Please note that the full payment must be completed before the retreat begins.

  • Please note that bookings are non-refundable, as hosting a retreat involves fixed financial commitments. If you're unable to attend or your plans change, you’re welcome to transfer your spot to another woman. Just be sure to inform me in advance so we can update the details accordingly.

  • Click the “I want to join!” button to access the booking form. Once you’ve filled it out, I’ll send you an email with an invoice for the €300 deposit to secure your spot.

    You’ll receive a reminder for the second payment, which can be made anytime up to two weeks before the retreat starts.

    If you book within two weeks of the retreat (depending on availability), the full amount is due immediately. If that’s not possible for you, we can always discuss a payment plan together.

    Prefer to connect first? You can request a free intake call through the form.
    Questions? Feel free to email me at: hello@ellagiljam.com