Moons + Blooms Series | The New Moon + Nettle: Nourish and Heal

Moons + Blooms Series at Nectar Retreat

Join us for the Moons + Blooms Series, a monthly sanctuary where we align with lunar rhythms and explore Nectar’s featured monthly plant/fungi themes within a supportive community. Escape the rush of daily life and immerse yourself in a sacred practice that merges lunar phases with the unique essence of our chosen plant companion. Each session begins with a grounding herbal libation that nurtures the physical and energetic body. We’ll then practice gentle movements to invite stillness and rejuvenation. As the experience draws to a close, let the medicine of sound healing provide deeper tranquility, alignment, and a renewal of your spirit.

The New Moon + Nettle: Nourish and Heal

Monday, April 8, 2024 from 6:45PM – 9PM

The Dome at Nectar on Bowen, limited parking available

The New Moon, corresponding to rest, beginnings, and intention setting, combined with the strength and protective qualities of Nettle, can support desires related to evaluating and renewing healthy boundaries, healing inner wounds, and living in alignment with the cosmos. Guided by Melanie Keller O’Leary, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Sacred Ceremony Facilitator, learn to sit with the dark of the New Moon and the hardy compassion of the Nettle plant, and venture into a guided movement practice and sound healing that are designed to nourish and plant seeds of transformation and growth.

This event, open to the public and Nectar Experience guests alike, will be offered at the Dome at Nectar, situated on 20 acres of lush forested land on Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island) as the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.

What’s included:

• A non-etheogenic herbal libation containing the earthy yet mild tasting Nettle, and consumed in ceremony. This will be prepared based on Melanie’s training in traditional herbal medicine, and will carry the intended energies of the themed class.
• Guidance and instruction around ritual, shamanic herbal practices, and techniques aimed to help you connect with the New Moon and Nettle.
• A group altar that can hold space for individual offerings that can range from personal intentions written on paper or small tokens symbolizing their desire for calling in a specific energy or outcome.
• Sound healing with crystal and brass bowls as a relaxing, gentle yet powerful way to move and attune energy.
• Guidance on integrating these practices into daily life for continued energetic maintenance and well-being.
• A safe and nurturing physical and spiritual environment; items such as mats to engage in gentle movement, cushions and blankets to stay warm and comfortable, along with ambient lighting to hold space for calm and soul development.

​​What to bring:

• It’s recommended to bring warm sweaters and socks for practice in the geodesic dome. Although heated, it is still a tent and can be cool.
• Journal and pen
• A small token to add to the collective altar, such as flowers, a loving intention written on stationery, or a small, symbolic item that you desire to energetically “charge” at the altar that can be taken home at the end of the program.

Investment: 

• Sliding scale of $68-108
  In keeping with Nectar’s efforts to remain as accessible as realistically possible, the gathering is available at sliding scale to reflect your systemic and economic privilege and capacity, within the range of $68-108. The actual retail value of this retreat is $89. Contributions meeting or surpassing this retail value significantly aid us in expanding accessibility to our facilities for all. 

• Nectar offers a full scholarship for one spot at each gathering. Please email info@nectaryoga.ca to inquire about availability. Proof of financial hardship will not be required.

About Your Facilitator:

Melanie Keller O’Leary is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Earth & Soul Medicine Practitioner, and Sacred Ceremony Facilitator whose journey back to herself inspired her dedication to sharing wisdom and healing. She weaves ancient knowledge with modern techniques, creating a rich tapestry of healing approaches. Melanie’s practice integrates culturally responsive and socially just counselling, person-centered therapy, ecopsychology, somatic practices, ancestral and earth medicine, soul work, dreamwork, ceremony, and sacred craft.

Melanie’s broad spectrum of training encompasses shamanic studies, and intensive exploration into traditional medicine practices. Additionally, her expertise extends to areas vital in fostering societal harmony, including involvement in reconciliation and decolonization initiatives such as Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education. Melanie’s proficiency in women’s medicine and coming of age rituals is evident through her facilitation training for Red Tent circles. For Melanie’s expanded bio, click HERE.

Notes:

• All payments are taken in full, and are non-refundable, though are transferable. 
• As we are serving a ceremonial herbal libation, if you have any concerns about allergies, please contact us before purchasing a ticket.