Samhuinn vierdaagse ~ Voorouders en kracht van het Land – met Stefaan Loncke – 29 oktober tot 1 november 2026

A shamanic and druidic journey into the power of Earth, Water, Air and Fire.

As the gates of Samhuinn draw near and the veils between the worlds grow thin, we turn toward the ancestors and the Land that sustained, shaped and taught them. Over these four days, we are guided by the forces of the Land, its beings and its ancient wisdom. For those who feel called, this introduction may also open the path toward a five-year druidic training.

This retreat is a deep immersion into nature, ritual, trance journeying, ceremony and direct experience. We work with ancient layers of connection: the Winged Ones, the Serpent, the Trees, the Herbs, the Waters, the Mountains, the Stones, the Clouds, the Stars, the Sun and the Moon.

The retreat culminates in the Samhuinn celebration, with an extended ceremony according to the old order.

During these four days, we explore:

• the inspiring force of the Winged Ones and Awen
• the life force of the Serpent and Nwyfre
• selected trees and herbs, and how they may teach, protect and guide us
• the threefold nature of this World and the Other Worlds, and how to enter them through ancient trance journeying techniques
• the caves and the Land, where we connect with Earth, the Tiritatis and the Earth element within ourselves, deepening steadiness, grounding and self-trust
• the Ourthe, where we open to the Water element, the nature of water spirits and the Lady of the Lake, meeting balance, flow and inner alignment
• the hillside of Le Herou, where we reach toward the heavens and the element Air, working with surrender, breath, clarity and trust
• Fire, where we welcome our Wild Nature and embrace our birthright
• the Great Wheel and our own life journey

This gathering is open to all adults. It is suitable both for complete beginners in druidry and shamanism, and for those with experience who wish to deepen their connection with the Land, the Ancestors and the Other Worlds. Come as you are, with your body, your breath, your story, your questions and your willingness to listen.

Accommodation

During the week, you will stay at Chamai, in the Old Presbytery of the small village of Hodister in the Ardennes. The retreat center and house are set in a quiet village surrounded by forests and meadows. Delicious vegetarian meals are included.

You will sleep in a spacious room shared by two or three people. Private rooms are possible for a limited number of registrations and subject to an additional fee. Staying in a tent in the beautiful garden is also an option.

In the mornings, druidic teachings are offered. In the afternoons, there will be an outing or walk to special natural sites nearby, where teachings or ceremonies take place. Places visited include Le Herou, the hermitage chapel and spring of Saint-Thibault, the Ourthe, and the Neolithic caves near Hotton.

Registration & prices

• Standard price: 590 euro
• Supporter Business price, for those who would like an invoice and wish to support someone in financial difficulty: 590 euro + 21%
• Social rate: on request by email and with motivation: 490 euro

Your registration is complete once the registration form has been filled in and your contribution has been transferred to the specified account, with the mention “Samhuinn 2026”. By registering, you commit to taking part in the weekend. If the event must be cancelled by the organizing team, an alternative date will be arranged in consultation with the group. If, for any reason, you are no longer able to attend, the full amount remains due unless you find a replacement participant yourself.

Guidance

Stefaan Loncke was initiated in 1989, received traditional training from 1995 onward, and holds ancient oral teachings as well as lineage and priestly initiations. Since 2013, he has been a member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. Together with his wife Cin, he founded Ahawa, House for Life Enrichment, in 2014, where he shares the ancient shamanic and druidic tradition and offers moon, seasonal, wedding, baptism and funeral ceremonies, along with individual healing and guidance.

Assistance

Sophie Vandenkerchove feels deeply connected to both inner and outer Wild Nature. She trained as a Wilderness Rites of Passage Guide at the School of Lost Borders in California. She has practiced Zen meditation in the Korean tradition for many years and has received several initiations in druidry and local Celtic shamanism. Sophie is happiest in the forest or walking the pilgrim routes in the Ardennes, where she has received some of her deepest insights about life.

Raised in the forests of the Belgian Ardennes, she knew as a child a strong bond with the land of her ancestors. After wandering through wild places in the cities, she returned to the village of her forebears. There she founded Chamai, a retreat center where she leads trainings, Vision Quests and nature weekends.