Event Details

Wisdom of the Orishas

3-Day Non-Residential Men-Only Retreat taught by Philip Ryan Deal in Northampton, MA.

Step away from the noise of everyday life and enter a sacred space dedicated to mind, body, and spirit. This weekend retreat is designed exclusively for gay, bi, and queer men who are seeking a deeper connection to themselves, each other, and to the forces that shape our lives (Orishas). Each day will weave together ritual, meditation, and bodywork to awaken inner vision, release tension, and restore vitality. This weekend includes several lecture style history lessons about the development of creole religions in the Western Hemisphere during slavery. It will briefly touch on the beliefs and practices of Afro-Indigenous religions such as Vodou, Santeria, Orisha, Palo, Rootwork and Espiritismo Cruzado. It will teach the practical application of medicinal and magical herbalism with crystal and astrological correspondences (Ryan’s speciality). Other magical arts will be taught such as how to practice divination, candle magick, and spiritual self defense.

Instructions about how to set up an ancestral altar / shrine and how to start working with your spirit guides will also be covered. This is a clothing optional retreat so there will be nudity. You are free to wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing: T-shirts, boxers, sweatpants, pajamas, or nothing. This retreat is meant to be held in NATURE, and we are actively looking for the right venue to hold it. For now it will be at Ryan’s place. This Men’s Only Retreat provides a safe, comfortable, and respectful atmosphere, ensuring that everyone feels at ease throughout the entire experience. You do Not have to be a Male "Witch" or Pagan to attend. Just be open-minded to the experience.

Place: Ryan's Condo in Northampton, MA
Parking: FREE in designated visitor areas.
Limit: 6 Men
Cost: $300 (for 3 Days, total)
Payment: Payment must made In Advance through Ryan’s website.

https://www.philipryandeal.com/events

This is a Non-Residential Retreat. All portions of the retreat take place at Ryan's home, but No Lodging is Provided. YOU will be responsible for finding & paying for your own local lodging & meals. There are plenty of Local Lodgings in the Northampton, MA area. Contact Ryan for suggestions on lodging locations.

RETREAT SCHEDULE

Friday Night — Opening the Space

  • 6:00–6:30 pm Arrival & Registration

  • 6:30–7:45 pm Opening Circle
    Introductions & intention-setting
    grounding meditation and breathwork

  • 8:00–9:30 pm Evening Attunement
    Gentle Reiki energy attunement + candle ritual

  • 9:30 pm Dismissal for the night

Saturday — Daytime
(Doors open 9:00 AM — first activity begins 10:00 AM)

Morning Block

  • 9:00–10:00 am Arrival, tea coffee, self-check-in, optional journaling

  • 10:00–11:15 am Morning Yoga & Breathwork for Men

  • 11:30–12:15 pm Workshop: Wisdom of the Orishas - Historical Introduction

  • 12:15–1:30 pm Lunch break (off-site)

Afternoon Break

  • 1:30–6:00 pm Integration break (nature walk, rest, or personal sessions)

(Doors remain closed until 6:00 pm.)

Saturday — Evening Ceremony
(Re-arrival not before 6:00 PM)

  • 6:00–6:30 pm Re-arrival & Tea

  • 6:30–8:30 pm Men’s Massage Exchange & Reiki Circle

  • 8:30–8:45 pm Short reset / water break

  • 8:45–9:45 pm Workshop: Wisdom of the Orishas - Foundational Practices

  • 9:45–10:00 pm Closing notes & dismissal

Sunday — Closing Integration
(Doors open 9:00 AM — first activity begins 10:00 AM)

  • 9:00–10:00 am Arrival, light refreshments, optional journaling

  • 10:00–11:30 am Workshop: Wisdom of the Orisha - Magical & Medicinal Herbalism

  • 11:30–12:00 pm Closing Circle
    Group reflection, gratitude ritual, tools for carrying the practice forward

  • 12:00 pm Retreat ends

RYAN's RULES

  1. NO SHOW's will NOT be allowed to attend Future Retreats

  2. You Cannot Leave the Retreat in the Middle of a workshop - except for Emergency.

WHAT TO BRING:

  1. Bottled water or beverages, snacks, towels to sit on.

Do NOT come if you have a fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, loss of sense of smell or taste.

AND:

Ryan's condo building is NOT Handicap-accessible. It's 4 steps UP to the 1st floor lobby; 6 steps down to Ryan's floor. If you need a cane, bring it!

NO Guests Permitted.
NO Smoking / Vaping Allowed
NO pics allowed.
NO nut products, alcohol, drugs, or pets

If you need to Cancel: If you can't make it, contact Ryan or Grant IMMEDIATELY

Address, directions, & phone numbers will be sent to those who have paid in full and RSVP'd.

Blessed Be,

Philip Deal (Host & Instructor), & Grant Sullivan (Co-Host & Assistant)