“Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion.”
Lorraine Anderson, Writer
Welcome.
Every Friends of the Forest offering is created as a sacred space around the energy and intention of the natural world. Everyone we work with is an experienced, ethical professional who has met our high standards in providing the best services for your well-being.
We hope you join us in developing a nourishing sensitive presence in nature, active listening, conscious observation, and in weaving connection between our Earth & Body and our Soul & Soil.
Meet our Wonderful Team
(Click on the title of any of the below offerings for registration information.)
We are honored to guide you on this journey of developing a deeper, sustainable self-care practice by finding peace in nature. A practice that doesn’t require force or pushing, but rather, the gentle art of soft living. Please note that nothing and no one is tying you to anything. The point is for you to connect with the more-than-human world in your own way, on your own terms. There is no rush, no destination, just the invitation to slow down, breathe, and let nature’s rhythm guide you.
If any of our offerings make your days a little bit better, wonderful! If they set you on a new path, bring you new friends, and make you healthier and happier, even better. But above all, we invite you to receive this journey in its own softness—just as nature offers her beauty and magic without haste or expectation. Allow yourself the space to bloom, to rest, and to feel the deep connection that surrounds you. You are a part of it all, just as you are.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR ALL EVENTS
Due to the limited number of tickets for our in-person events, you may cancel your ticket for a full refund, less the ticketing booking fee, up to 48 hours before the event. Refunds will not be provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the event.
Please note that some workshops operate under a "No Refund" policy, as materials are procured well in advance. Refunds are not available for classes packaged as a series, special events, excursions, or select workshops.
Refunds will not be provided for absences (no shows) on the scheduled day of the class/workshop.
If we need to cancel the event for any reason, we will offer you an alternative date. If a suitable date cannot be arranged, you will receive a refund, minus the non-refundable ticketing fees charged by Humanitix, our ticketing provider.
Refunds will be processed to the same credit card used for your ticket purchase on Humanitix. Please allow one to two weeks for the refund to be completed by your payment provider.
When you register for an event, you agree to these terms.
If you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else. Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your support in creating a magical experience for all participants.
Become a Part of the Wildflower Women Community on Patreon
Patreon is a virtual platform that empowers creators to connect directly with their communities, offering exclusive content and experiences in exchange for monthly support. For our community, Patreon is a sacred gathering space where we dive into deeper spiritual practices, foster a connection with nature, and nurture personal growth. As a member, you’ll unlock access to monthly rituals, guided meditations, exclusive workshops, and a supportive sisterhood of like-minded women. It’s a space to nourish your soul, celebrate the cycles of nature, and embark on transformative journeys in harmony with other women.
Join us today for just $5.00 a month and take the first step toward a more intentional and connected life.
SoulCollage®Workshop- Awaken Your Inner Oracle: Creativity, Intuition, and Revelation for the New Year (SOLD OUT/Wait List)
We invite you to join us for a special three-hour workshop that will awaken your inner artist, deepen your intuition, and help you reconnect to your soul’s essence through the transformative practice of SoulCollage®. This workshop is not just about making art—it’s about using creativity as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and connection. In the company of women, we’ll explore how to honor both our light and shadow, and how to tap into the wisdom that lies just beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
Weave & Flow: Create Your Own Infinity Cowl Workshop
This January, step into a nurturing space where creativity, connection, and self-care come together. Join us for a three-hour weaving workshop designed not just to teach you a craft, but to offer you a chance to nourish yourself through creativity, reflection, and community.
In this calming, hands-on class, you'll create your own infinity cowl from start to finish, choosing from a variety of soft, natural yarns. The class is welcoming to everyone—whether you're new to weaving or simply seeking a peaceful escape. But it's more than just a class—it's a chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and tap into the power of creation.
Finding the Peace of Presence Among Horses (SOLD OUT/Wait list)
This experience is designed as a sanctuary for women who find the holiday season to be a time of heightened stress, loneliness, and emotional overwhelm. Amidst the pressures and expectations that often accompany this time of year, it can be challenging to find peace and reconnect with what truly matters. In the calming presence of horses and the serene embrace of nature, this gathering offers a much-needed refuge where you can release the burdens you carry, find comfort, and restore your sense of balance.
Here, you'll be gently guided through practices that help you unwind, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover a sense of inner calm. Whether you are feeling the weight of loneliness, the stress of holiday demands, or the grief that often surfaces during this season, this experience provides a sacred space where you can breathe, reflect, and heal in the company of compassionate, understanding companions—both human and equine.
Women of the Sun Connecting with the Wheel of the Year (For Women in Southern Climates) ONLINE
Join a sacred year-long online journey designed for women who live in places with only one season. Connect deeply with the Wheel of the Year, honoring timeless rhythms and spiritual cycles, even in the constant warmth of tropical climates. Embrace the sacred flow of life beyond seasonal changes.
Into the Quiet: Winter Shadow Work for Self-Discovery (SOLD OUT/Wait list)
Join our winter shadow work workshop for women, a sacred journey of self-discovery and healing. Embrace the season’s introspective energy to explore your inner world, reconnect with your authentic self, and transform through compassionate reflection and guided practices.
Imbolc Celebration: Embracing the Wheel of the Year in Warm Climates (ONLINE)
This online class is designed for women living in tropical, warm climates, where the cycles of nature may not follow the familiar seasonal shifts of colder regions. As we celebrate Imbolc, the festival of light, renewal, and the first stirrings of spring, we'll explore how this moment on the Wheel of the Year can be embraced in a way that feels true to your environment and way of life.
The Sacred Wheel: A Year of Connecting with Earth’s Rhythms (ONLINE) FOUR SPACES REMAINING
Join a year-long online journey for women to honor the sacred rhythms of nature through seasonal rituals, mindful practices, and Earth-based wisdom. Connect deeply with the Wheel of the Year, nurturing your spiritual growth, transformation, and sisterhood.
Walking the Wheel of the Year: All Eight Forest Bathing Walks (In Person)
Join a year-long Walking the Wheel of the Year journey for women, guided by Kathleen Lowe. Explore the Wheel of the Year through mindful walks, Celtic-inspired rituals, somatic healing, and seasonal practices. Deepen your connection to nature, honor the cycles of the Earth, and cultivate a supportive community of like-minded women. This transformative series aligns with the changing seasons, inviting growth, reflection, and renewal.
Imbolc Forest Bathing Walk: A Celebration of the Return of Light (SOLD OUT/Wait list)
Join us for the Imbolc Forest Bathing Walk, a soulful celebration of renewal, transformation, and the return of light. Immerse yourself in nature, honor the goddess Brigid, and connect with a sacred circle of women. Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection to the cycles of nature.
Feldenkrais® Flow: Awaken Your Body & Spine with the Roller
In this workshop, we’ll explore how the roller can be a gentle yet powerful tool for connecting mind and body. The roller is not about forcing improvement—it’s about creating space for self-exploration and tuning into your body’s natural rhythms. This class is all about discovery, fun, and bringing more ease into your body and life. Perfect for women seeking to deepen their connection to their own physical well-being.
Exploring the Divine Feminine Through Dreamwork: A Three-Part Series (ONLINE)
Join us for a deeply transformative 3-part online series as we explore the mystical world of dreams and the Divine Feminine energy within us all. This series will empower you to reconnect with your intuition, unlock the wisdom of your dreams, and foster healing and self-awareness. Whether you’re new to dreamwork or already exploring your dreams, this series is designed to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Goddess Dream Circle: Embracing Connection, Reflection, and Renewal
Join our Goddess Dream Circle this February for a sacred space of connection, reflection, and transformation. Explore the wisdom of your dreams, deepen your spiritual practice, and bond with like-minded women in a nurturing, confidential environment. Guided by Anne Vivian, this circle invites you to awaken your inner Dreamer.
Nourish Your Soul Through Food for the Soul (SOLD OUT/Wait list)
As we step into the depths of winter, a season that invites us to slow down, gather close, and reflect, I want to personally invite you to a special gathering—a day to nourish not only your body, but your soul.
Join us on January 4th, 2025, for a truly transformative experience, designed for women like you—who are seeking to reconnect with themselves, with food, and with one another in the warm embrace of winter. This isn't just another workshop. It’s a chance for us to come together in a sacred, communal space, where we can share stories, savor nourishing food, and experience the quiet magic that happens when we truly slow down and make time for ourselves.
Sacred Trees of the Celtic Wheel: An Online Journey of Healing, Wisdom, and Renewal (ONE Space Remaining)
Are you ready to deepen your connection with the sacred rhythms of nature and be part of a supportive community of women?
You are invited to our Sacred Trees of the Celtic Wheel—a year-long, immersive experience where we’ll explore the spiritual wisdom, mythology, and healing properties of the sacred trees of the Celtic Tree Calendar. This is a deeply transformative journey that will help you reconnect with nature, align with the cycles of the seasons, and empower you to live with more clarity, balance, and purpose.
Finding the Peace of Presence Among Horses During the Holidays (SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST)
This experience is designed as a sanctuary for women who find the holiday season to be a time of heightened stress, loneliness, and emotional overwhelm. Amidst the pressures and expectations that often accompany this time of year, it can be challenging to find peace and reconnect with what truly matters. In the calming presence of horses and the serene embrace of nature, this gathering offers a much-needed refuge where you can release the burdens you carry, find comfort, and restore your sense of balance.
Here, you'll be gently guided through practices that help you unwind, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover a sense of inner calm. Whether you are feeling the weight of loneliness, the stress of holiday demands, or the grief that often surfaces during this season, this experience provides a sacred space where you can breathe, reflect, and heal in the company of compassionate, understanding companions—both human and equine.
Embrace the Magic of Yule: A Celebration of Community and Light (SOLD OUT/Wait List)
Join us for a special day designed for women to honor Yule on December 21st, the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year. This sacred time invites us to celebrate the return of light and warmth after the long, dark nights of winter, marking a turning point in the Wheel of the Year. Enjoy a nature walk, craft a personalized Yule log, and connect with like-minded women in a serene 60-acre setting.
Creating Your Meditation Toolkit (SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST)
This workshop is designed to help you start the new year with intention and clarity by creating your own meditation toolkit. Explore various meditation styles, including focused breath meditation, mantra meditation, and walking meditation, to find what resonates with you. Engage in personalized chakra and energy work, and develop a holistic plan for sustained mindfulness and inner peace.
Rebloom Initiative: Adjusting to Life After Cancer
If you're a woman in your 40s who has transitioned into survivorship after completing cancer treatment, we invite you to be a part of our next Rebloom Initiative© program on Saturday, December 7 ,2024.
The Rebloom Initiative© offers a nurturing space where women can renew their bodies, heal emotionally, and forge deep connections with others who share similar journeys. Our nature-based workshops and retreats are designed to empower you as you navigate this new phase of life.
New Moon Restorative Yoga in Nature: Working with the Element of Water/Flow (SOLD OUT)
Embark on a transformative journey with a series of four guided restorative yoga sessions held on the new moon, enhanced by the practice of seasonal mindfulness journaling, hosted on the tranquil grounds of a private farm in East Haddam by yogi Kirstina Giliberto. This distinctive experience offers a serene escape to relax at the end of the day and connect with your inner wisdom.
Feldenkrais® Method through Awareness Through Movement® Workshop (ONE SPACE AVAILABLE)
As the busy holiday season approaches, join us for a soothing workshop designed just for women, where we’ll explore the Feldenkrais® Method through Awareness Through Movement® workshop. This gentle practice is akin to Tai Chi or yoga, emphasizing slow, mindful movements that promote strength, flexibility, and a harmonious connection between body and mind.
A Virtual Women's Circle to Explore the Mysteries of the Elder Tree, Creative Writing, and Plant Wisdom
Join a virtual gathering of like-minded women to explore the magic of the Elder Tree and ignite your creative writing. From the comfort of your home, connect with nature, tap into your creativity, and be inspired by the ancient wisdom of plants. This welcoming 1.5-hour session offers a blend of plant meditation, creative writing prompts, and a supportive community to help you unlock your creative potential.
November Forest Bathing Walk: A Women’s Journey of Gratitude and Reflection (SOLD OUT/Wait list)
Join us for a nurturing forest bathing experience designed for women this November. Embrace the season of gratitude and reflection as you connect with nature and a supportive community.
Enjoy a tranquil walk, engage in mindful journaling, and create a beautiful gratitude mandala, culminating in a serene tea ceremony. Rediscover the beauty of slowing down and honoring the gifts of the season.
Finding the Peace of Presence Among Horses (SOLD OUT/Wait List)
This unique experience offers an escape from the chaos of everyday life into a tranquil sanctuary where quiet reflection is encouraged. Through journaling prompts, time spent with horses at liberty, and relaxation techniques in the presence of horses, participants can explore their senses in this sacred environment. With grounding meditations at its core, this experience provides an opportunity for women to connect with themselves while surrounded by the beauty and sacredness of all of Mother Nature.
Poetry Walk: Guarding the Gateways with Elder (THREE TICKETS LEFT)
In this enchanting session, we will delve into the folklore, mythology, and symbolism linked to Elder or Sambucus spp. is a tree that symbolizes transformation, the underworld, renewal, hope, betrayal, blood, fire, and ceremonial magic. We will engage deeply with this tree connecting on a spiritual level to channel the imagery, words, and messages it imparts, serving as a muse for our poetry.
Gather & Create: Crafting Baskets and Wreaths from Invasive Vines (SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST)
Join us for a day of creativity, connection, and reflection as we celebrate the season's beauty together. Building on the success of last year's Wild Wreath Making workshop, we invite you to join us for a full day filled with creativity, connection, and reflection. Celebrate the season's beauty with us as you craft both a vine basket and a wreath using invasive vines cleared from our farm. By utilizing materials from our land, we not only create beautiful artwork but also contribute to preserving our local ecosystem.
Celebrating the Wheel of the Year: Samhain, Embracing the Cycles of Death and Rebirth (SOLD OUT/Wait list)
Step into the mystical embrace of Samhain, a time-honored Celtic festival marking the journey into darkness and the promise of renewal. This sacred gathering invites you to explore ancient traditions and connect with the profound wisdom of the seasons.
An Enchanting Evening: Practical Magic Movie Night Under the Stars (SOLD OUT/WAITLIST)
We are thrilled to invite you to our first-ever outdoor movie night experience. As we gather together in our peaceful forest setting, surrounded by twinkling lights and the comforting sounds of nature, we'll transport ourselves into a world of magic and wonder.
Based on the popular novel by Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic is a story about two sisters who come from a long line of witches but struggle to find their place in the modern world. Through love, sisterhood, and a little bit of magic, they learn to embrace their unique powers and overcome any obstacle that comes their way.
But this event is not just about watching a movie under the stars; it's about immersing yourself in the enchantment and joy that comes with embracing nature and community.
Women Shining: Aligning Your Mind, Body, Spirit Connection (SOLD OUT)
Do you often find yourself asking, “Where are the places in my life where I don’t feel aligned with the best of who I am? Where am I off?” Do you feel out of sync in your mind and body? Explore the reasons behind your disconnection, learn to realign your mind, body, and spirit, and create a holistic personal plan for enhanced well-being. Expect a safe and sacred space, engaging chakra and energy work, and supportive community discussions.
Sacred Harmony: A Journey through QiGong, Meditation, and Nature (SOLD OUT/Wait List)
Our workshop, "Sacred Harmony: A Journey through QiGong, Meditation, and Nature," offers more than just a class—it's a holistic pathway to health and well-being, designed specifically for women. During this workshop, you'll explore the transformative benefits of QiGong and Tai Chi amidst the tranquility of nature. Engage in gentle movements with detailed explanations and demonstrations, allowing you to fully embrace and integrate these practices. Whether you're seeking healing wisdom, improved health, balance, or the chance to experience profound relaxation and rejuvenation while reconnecting with your body, this workshop is tailored to meet your unique needs. Women of all ages interested in QiGong and Tai Chi are welcome. Active participation and questions are encouraged, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident as you explore these movements.
Handcrafted Whisk Brooms: Weaving Magic (SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST)
Discover the ancient craft of broom-making with Brenda Vynalek, a skilled artist and weaver. Learn to create your own traditional woven whisk besom, also known as a witch's broom, using natural materials and simple hand tools. This hands-on experience will guide you through the step-by-step process of crafting a hand-held whisk broom, decorated with dried flowers and other meaningful items.
Join us to explore the magickal traditions of besoms, their protective and grounding properties, and their role in folk magick. Leading up to Samhain, the ancient Celtic New Year celebration, you'll learn how brooms are used to sweep away old energies and bring in positive vibrations for the new year.
Handcrafted Whisk Brooms: Weaving Magic (SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST)
Discover the ancient craft of broom-making with Brenda Vynalek, a skilled artist and weaver. Learn to create your own traditional woven whisk besom, also known as a witch's broom, using natural materials and simple hand tools. This hands-on experience will guide you through the step-by-step process of crafting a hand-held whisk broom, decorated with dried flowers and other meaningful items.
Join us to explore the magickal traditions of besoms, their protective and grounding properties, and their role in folk magick. Leading up to Samhain, the ancient Celtic New Year celebration, you'll learn how brooms are used to sweep away old energies and bring in positive vibrations for the new year.
New Moon Restorative Yoga in Nature: Working with the Element of Earth/Root (Sold Out/Wait List)
Embark on a transformative journey with a series of four guided restorative yoga sessions held on the new moon, enhanced by the practice of seasonal mindfulness journaling, hosted on the tranquil grounds of a private farm in East Haddam by yogi Kirstina Giliberto. This distinctive experience offers a serene escape to relax at the end of the day and connect with your inner wisdom.
Finding the Peace of Presence Among Horses (SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST)
This unique experience offers an escape from the chaos of everyday life into a tranquil sanctuary where quiet reflection is encouraged. Through journaling prompts, time spent with horses at liberty, and relaxation techniques in the presence of horses, participants can explore their senses in this sacred environment. With grounding meditations at its core, this experience provides an opportunity for women to connect with themselves while surrounded by the beauty and sacredness of all of Mother Nature.
Celestial Sisters: A Six-Month Sacred Online Journaling Journey (SOLD OUT)
Unlock the wisdom within and cultivate a deeper bond with your intuition with Celestial Sisters, our monthly online intuitive journaling group for women. Dive into your inner world, uncover hidden strengths, and embrace opportunities for growth. Through this transformative journey, you'll deepen your connection with your Divine Self, learning to embody your Higher Self in everyday life while gaining clearer insights into your spiritual path.
Women Shining: Leading From Love, Heart-Centered Leadership Workshop (SOLD OUT)
In this transformative workshop, we’ll explore how to lead from a place of balance, love, abundance, and wholeness, helping you avoid burnout and exhaustion while making a meaningful impact. You possess a deep calling to change the world, recognizing that this journey requires personal healing and transformation. It’s time to claim your voice, confidence, and wisdom as a leader, releasing fears that have held you back from reaching the next level.
Mabon Community Brunch & Women’s Goddess Gathering
September's autumn equinox marks the balanced transition into fall, a season celebrated by witches as Mabon, the second harvest festival. This time of equilibrium between day and night, known as the "season of the witch," honors life's cycles of abundance and reflection on mortality. Mabon, akin to Pagan Thanksgiving, emphasizes gratitude for Mother Earth's gifts and the fruitful harvest. Join our Women's Goddess Gathering to weave rituals and set intentions aligned with this season's energy, reflecting on the Wheel of the Year's perpetual changes and sharing in community through a potluck brunch. Celebrate Mabon with us as we embrace the spirit of connection and transformation.
Creating Your Herbal Medicine Chest: Fall Remedies |Water Element (SOLD OUT/Wait List)
Root and Mushroom Medicines, Final Harvest, Embracing Food as Medicine, Supporting Cardiovascular & Kidney Health
Fall is a time to celebrate the harvest season, integrating medicinal herbs and remedies into our kitchens, and turning our attention to roots. With most flowers having bloomed and faded, the energy and medicine of plants retreat into their roots, preparing for the colder, darker months ahead. This natural cycle invites us to prepare root-based medicines, indulge in medicinal mushrooms, and establish herbal rituals that ground us in our bodies and homes.
Women’s Basket Weaving Workshop (SOLD OUT)
Experience a day of tranquility and creativity as you join our weaving circle to craft gathering baskets—an ancient art that offers deep meditation and a genuine escape from technology. Join us on September 15th for a workshop that celebrates female creativity amidst the calming embrace of nature. Enjoy lunch, refreshments, and all materials provided for a memorable day of connection, creation, and relaxation.
Rebloom Initiative: Adjusting to Life After Cancer (FILLED)
If you're a woman in your 40s who has transitioned into survivorship after completing cancer treatment, we invite you to be a part of our next Rebloom Initiative© program on Saturday, September 14th.
The Rebloom Initiative© offers a nurturing space where women can renew their bodies, heal emotionally, and forge deep connections with others who share similar journeys. Our nature-based workshops and retreats are designed to empower you as you navigate this new phase of life.
Celebrating the Wheel of the Year: Mabon, Reflecting on the Interplay of Light and Dark (SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST)
Join us in delving into the rich history and profound significance of Mabon, as we honor this balanced and contemplative holiday amidst the natural world. In celebrating this point of perfect equilibrium, we also embrace the essential values of gratitude, release, and the deepening of our connections. Mabon invites us, whether through age-old traditions or the crafting of new rituals, to synchronize with the natural rhythms and the perpetual cycle of life.
Late Summer Whale Watch Trip: Embrace the Mystery and Magic of Whales (SOLD OUT)
Join us for an extraordinary adventure in Plymouth, Mass—a late summer whale watch trip. We will embark together on a magical journey to encounter these gentle, soulful giants. Expert naturalists will lead us on a four-hour expedition, promising both enlightenment and excitement.
Enjoy hassle-free transportation from Essex, Ct, All inclusive including your boat ticket, tea, a morning snack, an evening snack, and a surprise gift.
Finding the Peace of Presence Among Horses (SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST)
Imagine immersing yourself in a serene sanctuary, where the rhythm of everyday life fades away amidst the freedom of open fields, where a herd of horses roams freely alongside you. This unique journey invites you to escape the chaos and embrace tranquility. Through guided forest bathing, journaling prompts, and relaxation techniques in the presence of these majestic creatures, you're encouraged to explore your senses and reconnect with yourself in the sacred embrace of Mother Nature.