“BRIGIT & The Secrets of Mary of the Gael”
Jan 30 – Feb 1, 2026 – (3 Days in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia)
“BRIGIT & The Secrets of Mary of the Gael” – residential & non-residential retreat (20 people maximum) at the Mountain Light Retreat.
Early Bird Cost: $333 residential / $222 non-residential
Retreat Summary: “BRIGIT & The Secrets of Mary of the Gael” – weekend retreat January 30 – Feb 1, 2026.
The Brigit retreat is for open-minded seekers who wish to explore the weave between the Pagan Brigid, Saint Brigit, Mary of the Gael and Mary Magdalene’s Teachings of the Rose. Known as the fiery arrow, we will discuss Brigid in Irish legend, St Brigit of Kildare, as well as the folklore of Provence and the secret way of the Rose. The retreat will be largely experiential unearthing the ways we can weave the past and future into the present moment and the feminine back into our psyches. Introducing the concept of inquiry as a path to awakening, we will invite in the ancient yet ever present guidance of Sophia. We may speak of mystical dragons and how they support spiritual evolution. Loving the land invites in wholeness and wellbeing, especially when we become conscious of the pulse of the Earth. The energies of the Blue Ridge Mountains support a restoration of our True Nature. This period of time, known in the Celtic world as the three days of Imbolc, and in Christianity as St Brigit’s Day, welcome in spring and the renewal of body and soul. We will celebrate with poetry and ritual.
This is an advanced course, and it is recommended that you speak to Debra Scott or Dr Sullivan (grailheroine@gmail.com) before signing up for the retreat to make sure it is an energetic match. The retreat is designed to both challenge and delight the soul.
All are welcome.
Retreat Leader: About Ayn Cates Sullivan, Ph.D.
Ayn Cates Sullivan attended Hollins University and went on to earn a MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University, a Masters in Spiritual Psychology (USM), as well as a doctorate degree in Anglo-Irish Literature from King’s College London. She combined these degrees to create her “Awen” workshops, which help people develop poetic, creative, intuitive and mystical skillsets. Ayn Cates Sullivan makes an annual pilgrimage to Britain, where she often meets with her mentor, author Caitlín Matthews.
Dr Sullivan has written twenty-four books and has won over sixty literary awards. She spent decades researching Celtic Mythology, resulting in a popular series of books called Legends of the Grail. In September 2025, her new Celtic Elemental Tarot will be published by Findhorn Press/ Inner Traditions, followed by the Fair Folk Oracle in 2026.
Stories only stay alive when they are told to each generation. For this reason, Ayn loves to share the ancient wisdom of Celtic Spirituality. Having lived in New York City, London, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Ayn Cates Sullivan has returned home to Virginia. She lives with her husband and many animals in Albemarle County, Virginia.
About the Mountain Light Retreats
These retreats will take place in rural Virginia, near Charlottesville, at the Mountain Light Retreat, at the gateway to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah National Park.
Contact Deborah Scott for more information or to book the retreat: debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com
Address: Mountain Light Retreat
6656 Mountain Light Place, Crozet, VA