The Hidden Place

A Day-Long Retreat with The Elderberry & Kat Maier

The visions and dreams you’re stewarding in 2026? Their seeds are being planted right now, in Winter.

And the way you Winter matters.

The medicine of Winter reminds us that frequency precedes form. How well you’re able to carry out your 2026 visions — whether they involve your work, your family, your health — depends on the energy in which they are conceived.

The best way to align with the energy of your visions? Deep rest, nourishment, and slowness (aka, the hallmarks of Winter).

Seeds are germinated in the dark, in the nutrient rich soil, in the quiet. When you allow yourself to embrace the deep, dark, stillness of Winter, you’ll move through the year led by alignment and congruence…instead of urgency and depletion.

This retreat lets you to slip into Winter Dreamtime and feel the frequency that you want to imbue your future actions with.

Embrace the medicine of Winter with:

  • Ceremony

  • A special talk on The Energy of Winter and Working with Imbolc Light with beloved herbalist Kat Maier

  • An exploration of the astrological, tarot, and herbal themes for this winter and spring season with Sydney Batson and Meg Madden

  • A nourishing seasonal lunch (with gluten-free, vegan, and omnivore options)

  • A plant-spirit journey to anchor in your 2026 dreams and visions

This gathering also serves as our second fundraiser event. Your purchase helps us fund our next project: a meaningful rebrand featuring the work of Lara Call Gastinger + updated labels and packaging for our in-house products. Read more about our Fundraiser here.

Sunday, January 25th, we come together at Sacred Plant Traditions in Charlottesville, VA to fully embrace the winter season.

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Ceremony

Bring an item for the altar that represents what you are stepping into this year. We will have an opening and closing ceremony to offer gratitude to the land and all its inhabitants as they help us plant the seeds of our becoming.

Winter Energetics and Working with Imbolc Light with Kat Maier

Renowned herbalist Kat Maier will lead a discussion on the energetics of Winter, Imbolc, entheogens, and how you can make space for what you want to birth in the new year.

Tarot, Astrology, and Herbs for this Season

Sydney and Meg will present the themes for this Winter and Spring season by weaving astrology, tarot, and herbalism. Two special plants will join us throughout the day to help you anchor in your visions for the year.

Plant Journey

You’ll be guided through a plant journey — a somatic exploration of energetic plant medicine. Allow the plants to support you in dreaming your reality into being.

Nourishing Seasonal Lunch

Enjoy herb-inspired fare appropriate for the winter season. Expect gluten-free, vegan, and omnivore options.

The Hidden Place, The Elderberry’s seasonal retreat, is an invitation to mirror the energy of each season and remember that you are a part of nature. We observe each of the distinct seasons that Virginia offers us, along with the astrological weather, to host a day-long retreat that allows you to feel both fully present to your unique experience AND immersed in the larger energies that are moving through the collective and through the earth.

The Winter season is the best time to prioritize rest in the Wheel of the Year, and the way you winter sets up everything you want to birth in 2026.

Just like how the quality of your sleep determines the quality of your day, the way you engage with winter imbues all of your actions throughout the year.

In this busy, productivity-centric world of ours, you need as many opportunities for deep rest as possible. Give yourself that gift at The Hidden Place.

Sunday, January 25th 10am - 4pm

Sacred Plant Traditions, Charlottesville, VA

Exchange: $190

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What Previous Retreat Participants Had to Say:

  • "This was honestly so amazing! It's the most rested and spiritually connected I have felt in years! The food was delicious and I'm so thankful it catered to all different dietary preferences. Thank you for such a wonderful time!"

  • “I’m feeling so empowered, and more connected with plants and with nature.”

  • "I always feel rejuvenated after your retreats :) "

  • “I’m leaving today feeling nourished and whole”

  • “…and lunch was delicious!”

FAQs

  • Where: Sacred Plant Traditions in Charlottesville, VA

    When: Sunday, January 26th 2026 from 10am - 4pm

  • We ask that you join us for the entire day.

    We want to create a container where nourishment and rest can deepen over the course of the day.

    We are not offering half-day passes.

  • Kids 14 - 17 are welcome with a parent or guardian. Both the parent and the teen need to purchase a ticket.

  • You’ll be creating a nest that will be your home base for the day. Bring a cushion, a blanket, warm clothing, and anything you’ll need to make yourself feel cozy.

    Bring a covered vessel for tea. 

    Bring a notebook to capture those little “Aha!” moments

    Optional: something for the altar (you can either leave it or take it back at the end of the day)

  • If you can no longer join us, please email us as soon as you can. We are not offering full refunds for this event. If you cancel by January 21st at 11:59 pm, we will refund you half of your event ticket price. If you cancel on January 20th or later, we are unable to refund you, but you are welcome to give your spot to someone else.

  • Yes, we will provide materials for all of the days activities. You’ll go home with some herbal gifts as well :)

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