Recalling Fire presents Outland: Crossing into forest myth

Dream the last days of summer under canvas and branches.
Meet ancient, wild characters.
Maybe, in the twilight, meet yourself.

12pm Saturday 9th – 2pm Sunday 10th September.

Set in a secluded woodland in the heart of Cornwall, you are invited to a unique overnight experience of fire, ritual and traditional practices protecting the oral tradition. Our storytellers and guides will help us to remember old ways through myths, ancient folklore, community and our own bodies. Find out more about Recalling Fire's approach here.

What a beautiful evening. Thank you for the nourishment. I was moved to laugh and cry. I leave feeling more whole than when I arrived.

Participant, Myth Winter

Who is this for?

Maybe you've never experienced the sheer energy of oral storytelling in community with other adults.

Maybe, in the busy and distracted day-to-day, you're looking for sacred space.

Maybe your deep intuition is feeling called to something reverential.

Mesmeric, deeply moving and uplifting for a tired soul.
Those moments of stillness and reflection are still viscerally with me now.
Anona Dawson, Dorset Wildlife Trust

What can you expect?

'Crepuscular' is the word used for animals most active at dusk and dawn. You could call them 'creatures of twilight'. At Recalling Fire events, the invitation is for your soul to become such a creature. A quietness comes down. Like hare on moonlit snow. Calm, but vigilant. Hushed.

Expect our time to begin and end with softness. In-between, we'll share food and moments of quiet reflection among the trees. When the stories move we will, all of us, go down. Doors will begin to open.

Highlights:

• Arrive 12pm Saturday, leave 2pm Sunday.
• Community meals: all food, drink and snacks provided (vegan).
  
• Ancient stories from Recalling Fire's storytellers.
• Blessings and words of place from the custodians of the land.
• Guided nature-connection and Zen Buddhist inspired practices.
• Free time to explore forest tracks in a secluded valley.

Undeniably connected to our history and the land, oral storytelling gives us the first threads of what it is to be indigenous to these islands. This experience might seem rare and unusual to us in the modern west, but community storytelling has been practiced in this way in cultures around the world for the vast majority of human history.

This event gives you the opportunity to reconnect with our ancient heritage... the oral tradition.

I feel soothed to my bones.
Participant, Mossy Crow

When, where?

Retallack Woodlands, 12pm Saturday 9th – 2pm Sunday 10th September.

Arrive in good time to find a spot among the trees. Pitch your tent. Knock your phone off. Prepare to quieten the busy thoughts and daily worries.

Hosted and catered for by the custodians of Retallack Woodland:

A place that is naturally spectacular. Somewhere with a life-affirming spirit that sparks every sense. A place where stories are told and made. A secret corner of Cornwall to run free and be happy in. Find out more here: https://www.retallackwoodlands.co.uk/home

What do I need to bring?

All amenities, food and drink (vegan) will be provided.

Our kitchen and dining area is covered – and we will share fire, food and warming drinks – but you will be grateful for something to wrap up in to stay warm and dry.

Please bring any equipment you need to be comfortable overnight.

A full kit list will be provided to you. At a minimum:

• Tent, bivvy bag or hammock
• Sleeping mat, sleeping bag or blankets
• Torch
• Mug
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm jumper
• Spare socks

The Exchange

We offer you:

• Camping in a secluded forest
• Food and drink
• Access to ancient wisdom and soul-work of the oral tradition
• Sacred space held by experienced guides
• Nature-connection and Zen Buddhist inspired practices
• A community of like-minded souls
• Insights and shifting perspectives which will resound throughout the rest of your life

In return, we ask:

• Ticket price (see below)
• That you come fully to the experience, keeping phones off and hearts open
• That you share when you feel able: facilitated moments of community sharing are essential to this work
• That you take the stories home and share with your own community, thereby nourishing the oral tradition

Tickets

We believe money should never be an obstacle and our community has proven that it needn't be. Our ticket structure allows abundance to be shared among stratified social groups.

You are invited to pay as you are able:

• Lower-priced: See below*.
• Standard: £65pp
• Abundance: £80pp (this extra contribution caters for those without financial means).
• Supporter: £100pp (this extra contribution allows us to continue exploring and developing the Recalling Fire offering).

*A limited selection of lower-priced tickets are available for those without financial means. If you are in need of this assistance please know you are welcome, no questions asked. Contact the team for more: https://www.recallingfire.com/contact

Who's holding this?

The sessions are held by oral storytellers Sam Crosby and Alys Harwood whose paths crossed at Martin Shaw'sThe Westcountry School of Myth on Dartmoor and wilderness guide Alex Tighe. They are supported by the wider hosting team.

Find out more about the team here: www.recallingfire.com/about

What's the big idea?

Recalling Fire is the storyteller's reminder to pay attention to the fire we were all born with: wonder for life.

Gather in the words of our forebears and reconnect with our storied lands. Invite darkness. Travel beyond this era's boundaries of hard rationale and 'always summer', 'always on'. Follow your deep, animal intuition to be still. Share fire. Meet others.

Maybe, in the twilight, meet yourself.

To find out more about Recalling Fire, go to www.recallingfire.com

FAQ

How long does it last?

Welcome and arrival from 12pm Saturday. Community opening gathering begins promptly at 2pm. Please arrive in time to set your camp before the gathering begins.

The closing ceremony will end at 2pm on Sunday.

What if it rains?

This event is taking place outdoors, we'll update weather closer to the time. Please bring a waterproof jacket, there's bound to be at least an accent of Cornish weather on the evening.

Will I like it?

There's only one way to find out... As adults, it's a rare thing to hear 'Once upon a time' directed at you. Unless you've sat in community with a storyteller before, it's likely this time will feel a little unusual to you. The irony is, it's one of the oldest creative practices we know.

What kind of stories are they?

The event will be a mix of shorter stories leading into longer myth. Tales of initiation, family, love and loss from the oral tradition all around the world.

Is it suitable for children?

As things stand, our events are for adults only (18+).

We are holding questions around the benefits and suitability of children being present around adult themes – betrayal, death, fear – and will welcome any thoughts to develop this line of enquiry.

Anything else?

If you have any further questions or comments, be in touch at www.recallingfire.com/contact