The Altar of Words. Storytelling and Ritual as an opening to the Sacred
The Altar of Words. Storytelling and Ritual as an opening to the Sacred
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The Inuit definition of 'storyteller' is 'one who creates space in which wisdom reveals herself'. In a world that rushes past meaning, how can we create such space?
When the current of grace starts to flow through us, we naturally speak with more truth, act with more compassion, and listen with greater reverence. In such a space, a story becomes healing, silence becomes prayer, and community becomes a living ceremony.
The course is taught in English. You can use Norwegian for exercises and storytelling
During the weekend you will experience
- an immersion in the enchantment and depths of storytelling
- sacred space to rest and recharge
- a magical weave of images, sensing, deep listening and kindness
- morning movement meditation
- workshops in storytelling and ritual
- a chance of inner healing through story meditation
- your voice free to speak, sound and sing
- delicious meals made with love
- conscious community and new friends
- massage (if booked in advance at extra cost)
- night time fairy tales and comfortable beds
- the peace and quiet of nature
- sauna and cold river splash, bonfire
First, we slow down—listening deeply and rooting ourselves in presence. Grounded in breath, body, and the earth beneath us, we begin to attend more fully: to ourselves, to one another, and to the subtle threads that connect all things.
This retreat invites you into the ancient art and sacred practice of storytelling—not just as performance, but as a way of creating meaning and connection. Through listening, discussion, and shared practice, we co-create a ritual space where stories live and speak.
In this space, we begin to discover how storytelling can serve our communities and how we, as tellers, can become vessels for transformation.
What You Will Learn
The Nature of Different Story Forms
Understand the distinctions between:
Traditional folktales and myths
Personal narrative and lived experience
Sacred texts and ceremonial language
How to Choose and Shape Your Offering
Clarify the kind of storytelling resources you want to create—whether it’s:
A curated story collection
A one-time ritual or event
Courses, seasonal ceremonies, rites of passage, or informal family moments
Storytelling as Healing
Learn how to work with stories in ways that bring insight, connection, and healing to others.
Holding Sacred Space Through Story
Develop your presence and capacity to be a grounded, trustworthy anchor in ritual or ceremonial storytelling.
Becoming a Ritual Storyteller
Explore approaches to storytelling specifically for use in sacred or transformative settings
A Simple Meditation Practice
Learn a foundational inner practice to support your clarity, intuition, and grounding as a storyteller.
You’ll leave with:
Practical tools, creative inspiration, and a rich collection of stories to nourish your path
This is for you if...
- You feel a longing to begin—or deepen—your path as a storyteller of depth and meaning-
- You speak, teach, create, or perform—and want to root your work in the power and presence of story
- You sense that stories, when held in sacred space, can carry medicine, wisdom, and transformation
- You are drawn to storytelling as a tool for healing, awakening, and societal renewal
- You lead circles, rituals, retreats, or creative gatherings and want to bring story in with more soul and intention
- You feel story calling you—as an art, a practice, and a bridge between the visible and the unseen
Angela Halvorsen Bogo is a storyteller with over 35 years of experience in oral tradition, sacred play, and transformational ritual. Apprenticed to Master Scottish Traveller Duncan Williamson, she carries a deep lineage of folk tales and wisdom stories. Her work invites story as medicine—where listening becomes ceremony, and the tale becomes a guide. Angela weaves ancient narratives with spiritual practice to open spaces of healing, presence, and the in-between. She performs and teaches internationally as a storyteller, clown and singer. She is also the Director of the Festival of the Fool and a coach for creatives. Angela is also a chef with a vegetarian / vegan repertoire of dishes from England, Scotland, Italy and Norway.
Hurdal Gjestegård is a peaceful retreat center just an hour from Oslo—yet it feels far from the noise of daily life. Set in a restored 19th-century log home with cozy interiors, a log fire, and serene gardens, it offers space for stillness and connection. The building has large and bright bedrooms that are shared with other guests, maximum 2-3 in each room. If you need a single room, it can be arranged for an additional fee of 900 NOK; limited number only.
Surrounded by nature, it’s a place to rest, reflect, and feel at home. We look forward to welcoming you into a safe and nourishing environment for a beautiful weekend.
The calming effect of nature
Hurdal offers beautiful nature all year round. In the breaks you can also take a walk around the neighborhood and visit the eco-village. There are nice swimming opportunities 400 meters away at the lake.
Dining experience
During the weekend, nutritious, vegetarian and vegan food will be served. Everything is made from scratch. You will be served delicious cakes and vegan dishes made with love.
Saturday evening includes the possibility of a sauna in the neighbour's beautiful home-built sauna. Its is right next to the river, Gjødingelva, only 200 metres away. The water is fresh and delicious and it will be a perfect refreshing dip after the sauna.
Daily program:
Friday:
- 15 - 17 Arrival
- 17 - 18 Welcome Dinner
-18 - 19 Opening Ritual
-19 - 20:30 Storytelling Ritual
Saturday:
-8 - 9 Morning movement meditation to bring you into the here and now
-9:30 Breakfast
-10 - 13 Workshop
-1:00 PM Lunch
-14 - 17 Workshop
-17 - 18 Storytelling Relaxation Journey
-18:30 Dinner
-19:30 - 2200 Storytelling Ceilidh Ritual, and campfire plus (optional ) sauna/river swim
Sunday:
-8 - 9 Morning movement meditation and story
-9:30 Breakfast
-10 - 13 Workshop
-12 - 13 Meditation,
-13:00 Lunch
-14 - 15 Sharing and healing blessing. Departures!
For the deepest experience of rest, stillness and connection with the content and the community, you are encouraged to keep your cell phone turned off. You are welcome to share Angela's phone number (90 03 39 64) with friends and family, so they can reach you if necessary.
Massage If you would like a massage, this can also be arranged at extra cost. Please contact Angela for booking.
PRICE
Full price for the entire retreat is kr. 3,970. This includes two nights in a shared bedroom, two dinners, two lunches and two breakfasts, workshops, materials, sauna, storytelling ritual and storytelling ceilidh as well as healing blessing from Angela. Coffee, tea and fruit and nuts are served throughout the weekend. Special price for full time students. kr. 3,370
The non-residential price is kr. 2,470. This includes two dinners, two lunches and two breakfasts, workshops, materials, sauna, storytelling ritual and storytelling ceilidh as well as healing blessing from Angela. Coffee, tea and fruit and nuts are served throughout the weekend.Special price for full time students. kr. 2,170
Teachers: 30% discount. Please email angela.bogo@gmail.com
*all purchases are final, non-refundable.
Included after the weekend
- join Angela's online community gatherings every month free of charge
- The Altar of Words course and coaching early access.
Hurdal Guesthouse
If you have any questions or other inquiries, please contact Angela via email: angela.bogo@gmail.com
Angela's Newsletter
If you would like to stay in touch Sign up at the bottom:here
Location
Hurdal Gjestegård, 2090