Beltane Retreat – A Shamanistic May Celebration
Spring Magic through Dance
Wednesday-Saturday, April 30–May 3, 2025
Frantsila Farm, Finland
Facilitators: Katariina Elonkehrä and Helena Karhu
Step into the magic of spring with a retreat that combines shamanism, dance, and nature connection.
Beltane has traditionally been a time in our folklore to celebrate the awakening of spring, the beginning of a new season of fertility, and renewal in the light of the spring sun. The air fills with the fragrances of blooming flowers, fairies awaken from their winter slumber, and a special lightness and magic infuses the atmosphere.
On this retreat, inspired by shamanism and dance, we will awaken and enliven our bodies with spring dances around the Beltane bonfire. We will dance, sing, and rejoice in the radiant light! Helena will guide us in the magical preparation of the bonfire, which we will build together.
As part of the retreat, we will create nature spirit masks from natural materials. Wearing these masks, we will engage in practices to experientially explore shamanic transformation and our respect for nature. The masks will guide us toward surrendering to wild freedom in dance, and finally, they will be burned in the Beltane bonfire.
We will awaken the spring and creative energy within us. From the cradle of creativity in our hips, we will let our movements flow, rediscovering our inner spark, inspiration, passion, vitality, and the boundless richness of existence. We will marvel at the wonder of dance!
We will open the treasure chest of somatic wisdom, coming into deeper connection with ourselves, each other, nature, and the universe.
This growing sensitivity also calls for protection and care. Together, we will prepare spring protection rituals and ensure a space where you feel safe within yourself and in harmony with the awakening nature. We will gather spring branches from the forest, symbolizing new life and protection.
Beltane heralds the start of a magical journey toward Midsummer. Both of these ceremonial milestones are marked by bonfires. Let the dances begin!
Dance and Shamanism
What could be more liberating for a human being than dance? When you give yourself permission to dance freely, without choreography or style constraints, moving as if you were a part of the wild nature to the rhythm of music or drums, you unleash something profound. In this retreat, we will dance our inner nature and take this movement into the external wilderness. Together, we will explore embodiment through the language of dance.
Shamanism is often seen as a technique for entering a trance state. Trance means ecstasy—an experience of happiness born from connection and freedom. In this retreat, you can safely and consciously explore the states of trance and ecstasy in a guided circle.
Katariina Elonkehrä will lead us toward ecstatic movement through gentle yet powerful body-centered practices that gradually guide us toward our wild inner nature. Experiencing this inner wildness through dance can help release physical, emotional, and mental tension, alleviate stress or anxiety, combat fatigue, uplift joy and inspiration, and unlock creativity and intuition—helping foster a sustainable and happy way of life.
Katariina inspires and encourages authentic movement with her loving and permissive guidance, passionate expression, and captivating music selections full of raw emotion.
Together, we will dance with all of nature and take our movements outdoors into the vibrant spring landscape.
This retreat is open to everyone interested—no prior experience in dance or shamanism is required. Join us boldly and joyfully!
Facilitators
Katariina Elonkehrä
A passionate dancer from Oulu, Katariina cherishes her roots in Lapland and Northern Finland, as well as her deep connection to nature. She is a body therapist, dance-movement therapy practitioner, healer, and mother of two born through empowering home births. Her journey has taken her from diverse environmental studies (University of Helsinki and Aalto University) to grassroots work in body awareness, dance-movement therapy, and facilitating inner transformation. Currently based in the Tampere region, Katariina offers support to women and mothers, guiding them on the miraculous journey of creation and birth.
More about Katariina's work: www.gaiariina.fi
Helena Karhu
Helena is a North Karelian guide rooted in nature, Nordic wisdom traditions, and animistic spirituality. She facilitates courses and retreats inspired by Northern shamanistic traditions, as well as mindfulness, silence, and Tibetan Buddhist practices. Helena is the founder of Karhun Talo (Bear’s House), dedicated to reconnecting people with nature as a source of awareness, wellness, and community. She is also the chairperson of the Pielinen Tietäjäkeskus association.
More about Helena's work: www.karhuntalo.com
Retreat Venue
Frantsila Farm, located in Hämeenkyrö, offers year-round restorative getaways and educational courses. Participants can explore organic herb fields and gardens, take part in herbal and forest walks, and experience the enchanting Finnish landscape. Accommodation includes vegetarian meals and optional holistic treatments like herbal and aromatherapy sessions.
More information: www.frantsilantila.com, info@frantsilantila.com
How to get there? You can easily reach Frantsila either by Helsinki (about 2 hrs) or from Tampere (45 min). The bus goes to Hämeenkyrö from both towns. We will also coordinate car pools, to get conveniently to the retreat resort from the towns.
Price and Registration
Early Bird Price (by February 22, 2025): €290 incl. the retreat program and guidance, and 25,5% VAT.
Regular Price (after February 22, 2025): €350 incl. the retreat program and guidance, and 25,5% VAT.
Accommodation with full board:
Shared room (3–5 people, bring your own linens): €321/person
Twin room (2 people, linens & sauna towel provided): €369/person
Single room (1 person, linens & sauna towel provided): €444/person
Register here: info@karhuntalo.com
Please read the booking and cancellation conditions here: https://www.karhuntalo.com/booking-and-cancellation-conditions
