A return to living wisdom
Join us for the first annual Nostos retreat, held from November 15–20, 2026, at Broughton Sanctuary in Yorkshire.
Across five transformative days, a community of curious learners and seekers will come together to explore the meeting point between ancient Western philosophical and wisdom traditions and contemporary depth psychology. This gathering invites participants to consider what it could mean to help bring a living spiritual tradition into being—one that speaks to the realities of our time.
Rather than focusing only on personal change, this retreat aims to restore our sense of place within a dancing, animate cosmos: a world alive with meaning, imagination, and the presence of the divine.
The mythologies and cosmologies of the Western world, especially those found in the writings of Classical philosophers such as Plato, Pythagoras, and Plotinus, offer rich and beautiful ways of seeing reality. They describe a cosmos in which everything is alive, purposeful, and intentional.
These traditions present a world in which each soul chooses to incarnate, expressing a distinct way of being human through relationship and participation. They also hold enduring insights into meaning, imagination, creativity, and contemplation, while offering the basis for an ethical life free from dogma.
During this inaugural retreat, these ideas will be reawakened and reimagined through their connection with Jungian and post-Jungian depth psychology. The intention is to support a practical wisdom for living—mythopoetic, contemplative, and mystical, grounded in nature and the wild beauty of the cosmos.
Within an open and reflective framework, participants will explore practices and concepts that awaken the mythic imagination. These include active imagination, dreamwork, and personal myth-making, all in service of soul-making: discovering a more authentic life path and clarifying a deeper calling.
Ultimately, the retreat is designed to guide guests through awakening and transformation through a blend of philosophy and psychology, creativity and contemplation.
Mornings and early afternoons will be spent with Sharon and other contributors at Avalon Wellbeing Centre, with occasional outdoor sessions. Topics will include sacred geometry, archetypal cosmology, active imagination, dreamwork, virtue ethics, the importance of myth, and the divine feminine within European mystical traditions.
Later in the day, guests may walk the meditation labyrinth, spend quiet time on the land exploring Broughton’s remarkable nature-recovery programme, or unwind in Avalon’s biophilic-designed Pool Suite.
Some evenings will be free, while others will include optional experiences such as sound healing or musical and storytelling gatherings around a roaring fire at the Fire Temple.
Dr. Sharon Blackie is an award-winning author and psychologist with a background in mythology and folklore. Her work focuses on reimagining women’s stories and on the relevance of myths and fairy tales to the personal, cultural, and environmental challenges we face today.
She has written six books of fiction and nonfiction, and her work has appeared in international media outlets. She has also featured in programmes by the BBC, US public radio, and independent filmmakers. Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Honorary Member of the Association of Jungian Analysts. Her publication, The Art of Enchantment, is a Global Top Ten Literature Substack.
The retreat takes place at the 3,000-acre Broughton Sanctuary, just outside Skipton at the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales. Broughton Hall, established in 1097, has been home to the Tempest family for more than 900 years and carries a rich history spanning over a millennium.
The Sanctuary is also home to one of Britain’s most exciting nature recovery projects, shaped by extensive tree planting and rewilding. In 2025, beavers were welcomed to the Sanctuary alongside native cattle and Iron Age pigs.
Avalon, the state-of-the-art wellbeing retreat centre, is at the heart of the Sanctuary. With extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, it is designed to support the inner journey of mind, body, and spirit. During their stay, guests may enjoy the biophilic Pool Suite with its 20-metre pool, steam room, sauna, and hydromassage pool. Beyond the building, the grounds offer meditation labyrinths, wild swimming reservoirs, a cosmic garden, and more.
A wide range of rooms is available, both in Broughton Hall and across 20 Retreat Houses, including converted barns, former coachhouses, and gatehouses.
Tickets range from £1,700 to £3,400 across the Retreat Houses and Broughton Hall. Please note that the images shown are examples only, and all rooms are subject to availability.
This elegant room offers a refined setting for presentations, talks, and intimate gatherings. Designed to feel both polished and welcoming, it creates a professional atmosphere while still maintaining a sense of comfort and ease. The space is well suited to events where clear communication, focused attention, and a memorable environment matter.
With its graceful character and versatile layout, the room provides an ideal backdrop for wellness workshops, panel discussions, creative sessions, and small-scale retreats. Attendees can settle in and stay engaged in a space that feels thoughtfully curated and quietly impressive.
Whether you are hosting an inspiring talk, a presentation, or a more reflective group experience, this room supports a smooth and elevated event flow. Its distinctive atmosphere helps set the tone for meaningful connection, making it a strong choice for gatherings that aim to inform, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
This impressive and comfortable room offers a welcoming place to unwind and enjoy a sense of ease. With its refined atmosphere and inviting character, it creates a soothing setting for quiet moments, relaxed conversation, or simply taking a break from the day’s pace.
Thoughtfully designed to feel both elegant and restful, the space encourages guests to settle in and make themselves at home. Whether you are pausing between activities, meeting with others in a calm environment, or looking for a peaceful corner to recharge, this room provides a pleasant backdrop for a more relaxed stay.
Its blend of comfort and style makes it a natural choice for anyone seeking a calm, memorable setting with a touch of sophistication.
Sharon Blackie
Writer, philosopher, and guide in reflective living, Mark Vernon brings a thoughtful blend of spirituality, psychology, and philosophy to his work. His approach invites people to look at life with curiosity, honesty, and depth, while remaining closely connected to everyday experience. Known for his clear, accessible style and intellectual warmth, he creates space for meaningful dialogue that feels both grounded...
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Sun, Nov 15 – Fri, Nov 20