Womb of the Land - Coming Home - Le Retour

About this event

🌹 Womb of the Land 🌲
Coming Home – Le Retour

*A retreat in the magical Cathar region of Southern France*
**23–28 August 2026**

In the Languedoc region of France, we enter a wild and mysterious landscape infused with memory.

A land where water whispers, where stones carry stories, where trees breathe a living intelligence.

A region that resonates with Mary Magdalene, the Cathars, the Druids, the Basques, and even older layers of wisdom.

## Ancient Religion, Living Cosmology

In this land, we can still hear the echo of a time when the Earth was not considered a backdrop to life, but a living and speaking field of intelligence.

Water, stones, and trees were seen as carriers of consciousness and gateways to the unseen.

Mountains and trees served as portals between worlds. Springs and caves offered access to communion with the Great Mother. Trees created a bridge between Heaven and Earth.

The relationship between nature and cosmos formed the foundation of a holistic experience of reality.

## Three Gateways into One Living Field

During this retreat, we consciously re-enter a relationship with nature and cosmos.

More specifically, we enter into dialogue with three ancient intelligences: **Trees, Water, and Stones**.

Through them, we step into a living network, a collective consciousness in which humanity and Earth continuously influence one another.

We learn to listen rather than merely observe.

To feel rather than think.

To remember rather than analyse.

## The Land as Initiation

We journey through places that each open their own unique frequency.

### Rennes-les-Bains

Thermal waters, lush forests, the Fontaine des Amours, the Source de Madeleine, and the Chair of Isis. Places that cleanse, soften, and open.

### Pic de Bugarach

A mountain surrounded by legends, with its reversed geology and ancient knowledge. At its feet lie enchanted forests and a magical lake.

### Labyrinthe Vert de Nébias

A natural labyrinth of stone and moss. A fairy-tale landscape inviting slowness, reflection, and inner orientation.

### Montségur

A powerful Cathar site that continues to inspire people to this day. A mountain where truth and memory remain tangible.

## Two Gateways, One Field

This retreat is held by **Aelyn Van Diest** and **Mieke Anthuenis**.

### Aelyn Van Diest

https://www.landvaneya.com

Aelyn is a forest anthropologist and tree lightworker. She reads and channels the energy and messages of trees, stones, and water, allowing nature itself to become a guide.

Drawing from her background in ecology, anthropology, and forest management, she weaves scientific understanding together with the direct experience of the soul of nature.

### Mieke Anthuenis

https://www.redtaratree.org

Mieke is a healer and priestess who opens the inward path.

Through the wisdom of ancient traditions and feminine spirituality. Through the deep insights offered by body and emotions. Through presence in the here and now. Through the womb and hara as centres of perception, remembrance, and creation.

From their feminine intelligence and their profound connection with nature, Aelyn and Mieke offer a transformative and deeply enriching experience of coming home to yourself, to the landscape, and to the greater whole.

## Practice in the Field

For six days, immerse yourself in:

* Deep interactions with trees, water, and stones
* Reconnection with the womb and hara as centres of wisdom and power
* Walks, embodied practices, and sensory attunement
* Inner journeys and guided meditations
* Nature-based rituals
* Teachings on ancient feminine wisdom

## What May Unfold

* A refined sensitivity
* A deeper connection with yourself and the Earth
* An ancient remembrance beginning to move through you

Expect less a collection of knowledge and more a wisdom awakening from within.

## Who Is This Retreat For?

This retreat welcomes both women and men, in every season of life.

## Language

The retreat will be held in **Dutch** and/or **English**, depending on the participants.

## Investment

**Early Bird (until 1 June 2026): €1,899**
**Full Price: €1,999**

Your place is secured upon payment of the full amount or a deposit of **€500**.

The remaining balance is due no later than **1 August 2026**.

## What Is Included?

The price includes:

* 5 nights in a comfortable shared twin room at Domaine de Marseille, Albières, France (including access to the swimming pool)
* All meals (vegetarian and prepared with local ingredients)
* Transfers to and from Carcassonne Airport on 23 August and 28 August
* The complete retreat programme facilitated by Mieke and Aelyn

### Not Included

* Flights or travel expenses to Carcassonne
* Personal travel insurance (mandatory)

## More Information & Registration

For more information or to register, please contact:

**Mieke Anthuenis**
[redtaratree@gmail.com](mailto:redtaratree@gmail.com)

**Aelyn Van Diest**
[aelynvandiest@gmail.com](mailto:aelynvandiest@gmail.com)

## Cancellation Policy

The deposit is non-refundable.

In consultation with the organisers, another participant may be proposed to take your place.

If you have paid the full amount:

* Cancellation before **1 June 2026**: refund of the registration fee minus the deposit
* Cancellation before **1 July 2026**: 50% refund of the registration fee
* Cancellation after **1 July 2026**: no refund

Should the organisers be forced to cancel the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances, all participant payments will be fully refunded.

## Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required for participation in this retreat. 🌹🌲