MÂTÎRJA (Motherline): Voice & Song Retreat

She has sung to me through Her songlines. On a journey of remembrance. Of reclamation. A return to the Earth that we walk upon and the songs, myths and stories that animate these blessed lands.

Matírja - Motherline (Proto Celtic)

Dearest soul,

If you have found this page you are being called to the sacred medicine of your voice and the ancient power of your Mother songs arising from within your ancestral bones. 

Join Molly-Anne for a weekend of discovery, rewilding, red threads and reclamation, in the rural Wilds of West Cyrmu (Wales).

Over the weekend you will be guided through a deep dive into the awakening of your voice, the energetics of singing, improvisation and the voice as a tool for inner alchemy, truthful expression and reWilding of inner and outer landscapes. Remembering the bone songs of these ancient lands. 

The voice is a source of infinite power and creative energy. Through consciously connecting to and honouring our own voices we can connect to the voice of the land, remembering ourselves as children of one Matírja (Motherline). 

When we awaken our voice, we are healing ancestral wounds through the body, mind and heart while transforming resistance and pain into treasure. Your voice was made to heal through the power of your own unique vibration. 

You will journey alongside other powerful souls who are with you on a quest to cultivate their creative fire and align with the ancient magic within the sacred voice - reclaiming the voice of the land. 

Listen deeper, your voice is sacred.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A weekend of simplicity, sacred song and reconnection outside in nature. Our weekend will be full of the joys music and voice, sea swimming, Earth magic, the wild Welsh coastline, and time spent recharging in nature. 

• Voice Work & Activation
• Songs of the Land
• Supportive Breathwork & Meditation 
• Crystalline Sound Healing
• Embodiment Practices
• Sacred Song, Drumming and Singing Circles
• Cacao, Rose + Fire Ceremonies
• Earth Magic, Nature Connection
• Wild Ocean Swimming
• Songwriting, Creative Sharing

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Vocal Activation

Vocal Activation is a deep and healing journey of discovery into the mysteries of our most intimate musical instrument – our voice. We will reconnect to the simple medicine of expression. Releasing our authentic voices beyond judgments, limiting beliefs, personal narratives and societal conditionings. Together we will weave a deeper sense of self-love and acceptance into our hearts, minds and bodies as we are guided in the sweet medicine of our soul song's to bring us closer to our imperfect, raw, wild and empowered human-ness. We will build a more compassionate relationship with our authentic expression and embody the wisdom of the voice to co-create a supportive space to explore and empower ourselves into our creative potential.

Ancestral Songs & Storytelling

As women we are bound by the Matírja - the red thread - the bloodline of the women and wombs who came before us, who birthed us and gave us life - womb to womb, back through the mists of time to the very first mother. It is time for us to come together and reclaim the ancient magic - the stories, songs and myths of our ancestors - that is stored within us.

We will give voice to our wise and well ancestors, of both blood and of place, as well as honoring the great and cosmic Mother who nurtures us all as Her children. Our stories and songs will bring the old stories back to life and reanimate the auspicious lands we walk upon.

Creative Writing

We will spend time  immersing ourselves into the creative process of sound, song, voice and written word. You do not have to be a practicing musician, writer or songwriter to be able to access this work, simply come with an open mind and heart and be dazzled by the beauty that is ready and willing to flow forth from you. Your gifts are ready to be shared with the world!

Crystalline Sound Healing

Fall through the stars and into vibrational harmony with crystal bowl sound journey's using the deeply therapeutic qualities of high frequency. Lose yourself, free your energy and feel your troubles melt away as you release into the bliss of intentional vibration. Sound healing can be beneficial for helping with energetic balance, emotional release, creative blockages, physical healing and nervous system regulation. 

Drumming + Sacred Song Circles

Come journey with us into the world of sound and music. Drumming has long been used by shamans, priestesses and spiritual voyagers to connect with the land and open the channel for healing and creativity. We will take our place amongst the trees and sing to the animate world around us - reclaiming the tradition of sacred song to build relationship with the voice of the Earth our own vibrational essence.

Embodiment/Movement Practices

We will start our mornings by moving, breathing and connecting with cycles, rhythms - deeply embodying the vast within. Voice work is full body work! These practices will shake you open to explore the outer edges of your being, opening all the parts of you that feel tight or resistant and allowing the sacred waters to flow. Our practices may weave through somatic ecstatic dance, embodiment, tantric Yoga, self-massage and beyond. All abilities, body types, ages will be catered for.

Cacao + Rose Ceremony

The Cacao and Rose medicines represents the feminine way of the heart and reflects humanity's sacred connection and relationship with the land and the (un)seen worlds. She holds the vibrations of kindness and unconditional love, opening a channel for deeper connections to form with ourselves and others. Cacao's energy is healing and very gentle—speaking directly to the heart. When we connect with the heart’s energy, our voice may speak from a place of deeper intelligence carrying vibrations of peace and harmony. We call upon our beautiful plant priestess Rose to take us deeper beneath the surface of the waves and meet the essence of our creative heart.

Wild Ocean Swimming + Nature Connection

Felinganol is made entirely from natural materials and surrounded by forest. Wake up each morning to enchanted glades, ancient trees, wild ocean and wide open sky. Immerse yourself in the medicine of voice, held in the arms of a supportive sisterhood. We will spend our free time wondering the beautiful and wild Welsh coastline, finding recharge and replenishment in the arms of a a beautiful natural place. We will build relationship with place and land through weaving song offerings and 

Sharing Circles

Sharing Space Women’s circles are an ancient practice and place for women to be held, heard, seen and supported. We don't have enough spaces where we can speak honestly, authentically and without fear of judgement. When we share in held spaces such as this we often find release in speaking the words aloud, and comfort in hearing our stories reflected back to us in the experiences of others. We will spend time reflecting, sharing authentically and journaling each day to meditate upon our own, and the collective, healing.

Fire Ceremony

We gather around the crackling fire to share a moment of community and sisterhood. Into the fire we let go of the fears we no longer need, that which is keeping us small. Sacred fire allows us to release and transform that which no longer serves our greatest good to further embody our authentic voice. We will gather to offer our voices to the fire and share the creations we have birthed during this weekend experience. 

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SCHEDULE (subject to change)

Friday

16:00 - Arrival

17:00 - Opening Cacao & Rose Ceremony

19:00 - Dinner

20:30 - Starlit Sound Bath

22:30 - Lights Out

Saturday

07:30 - Quiet time

08:00 - Morning Embodiment, Breath & Voice Practice

09:30 - Breakfast

11:00 - Wild Sea Swim at Mwnt Beach

13:00 - Lunch

14:30 - Proto-Celtic Song Class

16:00 - Tea Break

17:30 - Land Connection & Group Song Weaving

19:00 - Dinner

20:30 - Fire Ceremony with Drum Songs

22:30 - Lights Out

Sunday

07:30 - Quiet time

08:00 - Morning Embodiment, Breath & Voice Practice

09:30 - Breakfast

11:00 - Wild Swim to Mwnt Beach

13:00 - Lunch

14:30 - Closing Circle & Song Ceremony

16:00 - Departure

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SOME THINGS TO NOTE:

1. While this work may have therapeutic benefits, this is not supposed to be offered instead of, or as a replacement to, therapy. If you are seeking therapy then we encourage you to seek 1-1 support from a qualified psychotherapist. If you are experiencing significant health challenges please contact us in advance so that we can have a conversation about whether this retreat is right for you at this time.
2. There is very little phone reception and extremely limited WiFi at the venue. We encourage you to take the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world, and to fully immerse yourself in nature.
3. Although this venue is very special, it is not a five-star luxury retreat and will be rustic, wild, outside and close to nature. You will have everything you need, but the venue is minimalist. The facilities are all shared and community living is encouraged. Please prepare your expectations accordingly. 

VENUE

Our home for the weekend is Felinganol forest retreat and studio. Nestled in the trees close to the wild Pembrokeshire coastal path it’s located amongst stunning untouched beaches, valleys and forestlands.

The accommodation in hand built wooden cabins offers quiet seclusion, close to nature, while the old stone house provides a warm communal kitchen and other facilities. This is a simple, rustic and wild retreat and the facilities reflect this. All cabins are within a few yards of flushing or compost toilets and there are two communal showers on site. The cabins have electricity, lamps, heaters and beautiful views.

A deep sense of presence resonates through Feliganol, as herons nest in the Mwldan river flowing through, owls calling at dusk, fire-flickering as the stars spread across the sky above us. The round, pillared studio is a deeply nurturing place to move, practise or work, built entirely by hand from natural materials resourced on site or locally has underfloor heating and a wood burning stove. The simplicity of natural beauty is recaptured in ourselves when we gather here.

There is very little phone reception at the venue. We encourage you to take the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world, and to fully immerse yourself in nature. Please prepare accordingly before arriving.

FOOD

All meals are included in the cost of retreat and please know that we take food very seriously – you will be well fed!

We will be bringing you a plant based and locally sourced menu packed full of seasonal and delicious veggies, grains, and pulses.

We’re delighted to have Felinganol, catering for us. Felinganol create abundant, nourishing and delicious dishes using primarily the food she’s grown herself on the land at Felinganol.

Expect abundant and nourishing feasts for lunch and dinners made from scratch using sustainable and local ingredients. Herbal teas and filtered water will be provided but coffee and wine will not. Breakfast is provided but self serve (fresh fruit, toast, fresh butter, oat milk, tea, coffee, berries, cereals...)

Please note - if you have allergies/intolerances, please let us know BEFORE arrival, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please note - Our catering does not best suit for keto, AIP, or meat-heavy diets, as we offer an organic plant based menu.

TRAVEL

The cost of travel is not included in the price of the retreat. Please know in advance that there is no easy way to reach the venue via public transport - driving is fairly necessary. If you do not drive you may be able to arrange with other retreat guests to share lifts - but this is not guaranteed. You will receive full address upon booking. 

INVESTMENT

Tree Lodge (three single beds, sharing) - £425 pp

Cabin Ty Haf (two single beds, sharing) - £475 pp

The Hideaway Huts (single bed, private) - £525pp

Cabin Ty Cariad (double bed, private) - £595pp

Camping (bring your own tent) - £295pp

A non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of £250 is required upon booking. Full payment must be made 14 days before arrival. Payment plans and installation payments can be arranged via email.

Contact Molly on molly.chinner@gmail.com for more information.

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR - Molly Anne Chinner

Molly-Anne Chinner is a sound healing artist, vocalist, yogīnī, creatrix and ceremonial musician. 

Passionate about the ancient healing powers of sound, music and voice - Molly finds great joy in weaving her beloved crystal alchemy bowls, guitar, pure and soulful voice and hand-crafted shamanic drum into her uniquely ambient and explorative sound. 

Weaving a touch of her native folk sound with soulful mantra, uplifting crystalline soundscapes, classical instrumentation and dream-like vocals, Molly’s music is intended as a channel of prayer to inspire universal connection and to guide the listener on an inner journey experience to open the heart. 

Molly uniquely combines her ethereal channelled song with a lifelong connection to spirit and the Earth - sharing deeply emotive, otherworldly sounds that guide the listener deeper within the inner landscape and invite connection with source.