As the wheel of the year turns and we cross the threshold into the darker half of the year, we gather in circle to listen deeply — to ourselves, to each other, and to the living land beneath our feet.

Ancestral Voices is a nourishing and immersive weekend of intuitive, improvised and embodied singing. Together we will explore the voice as a pathway to connection, remembrance, expression and renewal.

Around the hearth fire, in the landscape, and in shared song, we will reconnect with the ancient human instinct to sing together — not for performance or perfection, but for belonging.

This weekend invites us to slow down and enter a more instinctive way of singing. Through vocal improvisation, simple harmonies, listening practices, movement and ritual, we create space for the unseen threads that connect us: to ancestry, to memory, to the seasons, and to the more-than-human world.

As we sing, we welcome the presence of supportive ancestors, compassionate guides, spirit animals and the wisdom of the land itself. We listen for what wishes to emerge through the collective voice.

No previous experience in improvisation is needed. You do not need to think of yourself as “a singer”, you only need curiosity, openness and a willingness to explore.

During the weekend we may explore:

• Intuitive and improvised vocal practices
• Group harmony and spontaneous song creation
• Voice and movement explorations
• Connection with landscape and seasonal energies
• Hearth singing and evening fire circles
• Vocal sounding for grounding, release and renewal
• Deep listening and community connection
• Ritual and creative practices inspired by the approach of Samhain

This will be a gentle and welcoming space where all voices are valued. There is no pressure to perform, and plenty of room for quiet reflection as well as joyful expression.

As the nights draw in, we gather what we need for the coming season: warmth, courage, connection, community, and song.

Come as you are. Bring your voice, your stories, your silence, your longing. Let the land sing through you.

Spaces are limited to 12 for this retreat, so that we can journey deeply together and have spaciousness in the accommodation and communal areas. Early booking is highly recommended as this retreat will likely fill up quickly. You can pay a £50 deposit to secure your place with final payment due one month before.

Pricing Structure (sliding scale)

• £185 / £200 – base rate
• £205 / £220 – Shared twin room or camping
• £245 / £260 – Private room

We will self-cater as a community in food pods with the well-equipped kitchen. Special diets can usually be easily accommodated or you can bring your own food.

Venue

Anybody’s Barn is set in a peaceful, rural setting and is a registered charity. We will have access to a private woodland, a workshop space, an art room and all communal areas including toilets, showers, 5 basic bedrooms and a well equipped kitchen/dining area. There are lots of local walks, woodland paths and views across several counties. There is a small area for camping. The woodland is visited by foxes, badgers, muntjacs, rabbits and many special of wild birds. Please note that Anybody’s Barn has the rustic charm of a converted barn in a rural place and there are a few low ceilings. For more information and photos of Anybody’s Barn you can visit https://www.anybodysbarn.co.uk/gallery/

What participants said about the last retreat at Anybody’s Barn:

• “This retreat was pure elemental alchemy, perfectly held in a skilful and beautiful balance between support and freedom. Ruana you are a rare treasure and these spaces are absolute treats, in all ways. Unforgettable and invaluable. Thank you.”
• “This weekend was a magical symbiosis of improvised song! I felt like a particle in the collective consciousness, individual but interwoven by sounds and voice. The way that Ruana holds space is like no one else – the perfect balance of holding and sharing her skills, knowledge & passion for singing. Magic!”

Reserve your place: 

For a booking form and further details, contact Ruana: ickle_miss@yahoo.com or 07973 499585