In a world that often fragments us from our wildness, this journey offers a return and an invitation to reinhabit the cycles of our human nature. Through the teachings of the Four Shields, (as taught through the lineage of School of Lost Borders) you will explore the cyclical, ever-changing terrain of your humanness. A calling out to deep memory that lives within all of us - we are not separate from nature.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This 5-day, 5-night nature-based ceremonial journey is a a communal gathering and solo exploration of the landscape of soul, psyche, and nature. For five days and nights, you will be fully immersed in a nature-based ceremonial container guided by the teachings of the Four Shields of Human Nature. Rooted at a communal basecamp, this journey weaves together group council, self-generated ceremony, and solo exploration on the land. Each day, you will venture alone on a medicine walk with one of the Four Shields, culminating in an optional solo night vigil. After your time with each Shield, you will return to basecamp to be witnessed and mirrored by guides and peers in story council.
Solo Medicine Walks with each of the Four Shields
Optional Solo Night Vigil to meet the quiet, liminal spaces within
Story Council for witnessing, reflection, and mirroring
ROLE OF THE GUIDES
As guides, we are not acting as ceremony leaders, but rather as creators and maintainers of the ceremonial container in which each participant will create their own ceremony. This journey is just as much guided as it is be co-created by each participant and the emergent properties of the group.
LOCATION
We will be gathering in the Pisgah National Forest and will provide the details of our wild camping location upon registration.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Guides will be arriving Thursday May 21. Participants are welcome to arrive as early as Thursday evening after 5:00pm to get settled and set up their camp. The program will officially begin at 8:00am on May 22, 2026. We will close our time together by 5:00pm on May 26, 2026.
FOOD & GEAR
Participants will arrive with what they need to live self-sufficiently on the trail while providing their own food and gear. We will provide a gear list upon registration and we are happy to help with food and gear suggestions (including rentals).
COMMUNITY & CONTAINER
This journey is designed for a small group of no more than 7 participants, creating an intimate community for trust, presence, and shared growth. We will ask for an enthusiastic commitment and a deposit so we can prepare most effectively.
TUITION | DEPOSIT
$444 - $1,000 | Financial Aid Available
$100 deposit to secure space. Cost should not be a barrier to participating in nature-based rites. Financial Aid is always available. Please contact us letting us know what needs to happen for you to be able to say yes.
YOU ARE WELCOME HERE
We welcome all cultural identities as well as all gender identities and expressions to this ceremony.
