“Brigit & The Light of Spring”
Jan 30 – Feb 1, 2026 – (3 Days in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia)
“Brigit & The Light of Spring” – residential & non-residential retreat (20 people maximum) at the Mountain Light Retreat.
Early Bird Cost: $333 residential / $222 non-residential
Retreat Summary: “AWEN: Brigit & The Fair Folk of Ireland” – weekend retreat January 30 – Feb 1, 2026.
In the Celtic tradition, Awen refers to inspiration or divine spark. This weekend retreat aligns with the Celtic Holiday of Imbolc or Candlemas, a moment that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. In Ireland, this time is dedicated to St Brigit, and the more ancient Brighid. Often candles are lit in honor the returning strength of the sun and warmer days. Tea is often traditionally served, and often a feast is prepared. We will take his retreat as a time of renewal.
We will explore Celtic Spirituality using meditation, self-inquiry and visualization techniques. This retreat will be particularly useful to those who wish to develop the “awen” or poetic inspiration. We will focus on discovering which ancestors might act as muses for your work and life. Come with the dreams you wish to manifest. Drawing upon the wisdom of Brighid and St Brigit, we will discover how our ancestral roots help us thrive.
Ayn Cates Sullivan will be leading the group and sharing stories from her forthcoming Fair Folk Oracle deck about the Irish Fey or Sidhe known as the Tuatha de Danann.
John Patrick Sullivan will lead light movement and meditation. He will be a supportive presence for the group, and someone to turn to if the need arises.
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