The earth’s landscape is not only a source for artistic inspiration; it is also an abundant source for art supplies. This natural source has a morphic capacity to connect us to our ancestors and our innate human capacities.

The insights and connections which inspire and underly the proposed Retreat have evolved naturally and Kate trusts that they will serve participants in their understanding of themselves, others, and of our relationship with life in all its forms.

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PARTICIPANTS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY IN ACTION                            

The Retreat is residential in nature and will take place at the Slieve Aughty, ECO Retreat Centre (Kylebrack West H62DX77) at the foot of the Slieve Aughty mountains in rural Ireland over a six-day period from 27th of April until the 3rd of May 2025.

The accommodation is full board.

The food is organic with a vegan option. All rooms are sharing with limited single options.

Participants will be supported and encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the programme which is designed to challenge them to interact with nature, horses and creativity (no previous experience is necessary). They will need to bring all-weather clothing and footwear as outdoor activities will be included (see checklist) regardless of weather conditions.

The Programme is aimed at mediums and aspiring mediums who wish to hone the depth of their understanding of themselves, their unfolding psychic abilities, intuition and the soul journey. Space will be provided for personal reflection and sharing.

The Approach will be immersive with emphasis on deep enquiry. Group discussion and illustrative exercises designed to emphasise the nature and extent of the power of the unconscious will be a feature. Participants will be supported to explore the emphasis placed on the significance of the self in the human experience.

 

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE CHALLENGED TO QUESTION

The Nature of the Self – in this regard particular emphasis will be placed on the psychological self and those things in life to which we give significance

Human Conditioning – in this regard participants will be asked to focus on those areas of their personal growth which have been informed by the mores and prescripts of society

 

PARTICIPANTS WILL CONSIDER RELATIONSHIP WITH

Nature, Animals and Silence – in this regard the retreat will take place in beautiful natural surroundings. Space for silent time will be provided during daily early morning short distance walk to traditional roundhouse by the river

Mediumship – in this regard participants will be supported to investigate their own relationship with Spirit and hone their capacities

Themselves – in this regard participants will be asked to explore the nature of their intrapersonal relationships 

The Issues arising in daily Life – in this regard topics such as society, freedom responsibility, conflict, and meditation will be addressed through deep enquiry

 

The Facilitators: (Minister Bill Thomson and Kate Hayes)

Bill has been a Spiritualist for over 40 years and has worked as a medium and healer for more than 30 years.

Bill is nationally and internationally renowned for his platform demonstrations in mediumship, healing and trance. He mentors mediums through courses and seminars and in spiritual assessment work.

Kate describes herself as a highly sensitive intuitive individual with a deep connection to nature and animals. Her earliest valued connections are with horses.                                                                                              

She is Autistic, has an honours degree in fine art, has trained and qualified with Dick McHugh (S.J.) in Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy (NLP) and Gestalt Therapy, Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks in Intelligent Horsemanship, Academy for Coaching with Horses in Colarado (Kathy Pike), and has studied EAL (Equine Assisted Learning) with EAGALA and ELISTA Ireland. She has formally studied mediumship at the Arthur Findlay College under the mentorship of Bill and is a member of the Spiritualist National Union. She was awarded its special endeavour award in 2019. Kate connects with nature, animals and the anima mundi through her spirit art.  

“I think it is essential sometimes to go on retreat, to stop everything that you have been doing, to stop your beliefs and experiences completely, and look at them anew, not keep on repeating like a machine whether you believe or do not believe. You would then let fresh air into your mind. That means that you must be insecure, must you not? If you can do so, you would be open to the mysteries of nature and to things that are whispering about us, which you would not otherwise reach; you would reach the God that is waiting to come, the truth that cannot be invited but comes itself” -Jiddu Krishnamurti

 

PLEASE NOTE:

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) – is supervised interaction with horses (not riding) to promote personal growth and development. Such interaction does not include riding. Horses are non-verbal highly intuitive animals with herd instincts who mirror human emotions which can offer insights into human behaviour. They are highly intuitive and non-judgemental. Participants will be required to take part (either directly or as observers) in exercises with horses designed to encourage congruence (honesty and openness) in relationship.

Mediumistic Art will feature. No previous experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Participants will learn how to make unusual brushes and drawing tools from foraged materials. Using simple tools, they will make black and brown inks and other tannins which will be used to create aura graphs and other spirit art.

Evidential Mediumship, Trance Mediumship, Healing and Spirit Art in all their aspects will be explored.  

Food is home cooked in the centre kitchen and is certified organic and mainly home grown.

Travel to Dublin airport. Thereafter by Bus or train to Ballinasloe. 14.40 train from Dublin

Hueston station arriving at 16.20. Pick up will be provided at Ballinasloe on late afternoon on

Sunday the 27th of April 2025 (exact times etc to be notified later).

Depart for train/bus to Ballinasloe for Dublin Airport or onward destination Saturday the 3rd

of May after breakfast. Options from 09.00 transport to Ballinasloe (details later).

Weather and clothing the weather in Ireland at the time should be mild but may be wet.

Participants should bring raincoats, walking boots/shoes and warm clothing for outdoor

activities.

Morning meditation: Walk to river for morning meditation at traditional Round House. Horse, Drumming and an Open fire will feature.

 

Accommodation: Rooms are on-suite large spacious rooms. There is no TV in the rooms and communal coffee and tea is available on the landing.           Decor is of natural material, there is free WIFI in public areas, Towels, Hair Dryer, Shampoo & Body Wash, and Safe Box are provided.                           Accommodation will be provided on a first come first served basis with reference to choice and need.

 

Cost:

two persons sharing (main block) at a cost of €1200 per person.

three persons sharing (main block) at a cost of €1150 per person (limited).

four persons sharing (main block) at a cost of €1100 per person (limited).

single outside cottage with separate rooms ensuite €1250 per person. (message first).

single outside cottage ensuite for one €1300 (message first).

 

Booking: 

A non-refundable (other than in exceptional circumstances) deposit of €250 is required to secure a place. (click link below to pay deposit)

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A maximum of 20 persons is anticipated.

PLEASE NOTE The full course balance will be required on or before 17th of March 2025.

If you have questions you can email me through the  Contact Page on this website