There are moments in life when the stories that once guided us no longer fit.

The roles we have carried, the expectations we have inherited, and the identities we have worn begin to loosen their hold. We find ourselves standing at a threshold, sensing that something deeper is calling us forward.

Through the Gates is a women's weekend retreat designed to support this sacred passage.

Guided by the ancient myth of Inanna's descent, we will journey through the symbolic seven gates, exploring what we are ready to release and what is waiting to emerge. Like Inanna from the Sumarian myth, we will practice laying down the burdens, beliefs, and narratives that no longer serve us, trusting that beneath them lies something essential and true.

Held in the beauty of nature and the warmth of community, this retreat offers a spacious container for reflection, renewal, and transformation.

Together we will ask:

• What am I ready to release?

• What old story is asking to be laid down?

• What remains when everything unnecessary falls away?

• What wisdom is waiting to emerge?

This retreat is especially for women navigating the profound transitions of life, women who are longing to live with greater authenticity, freedom, purpose, and self-compassion.

Throughout our weekend together, we will explore:

• The myth of Inanna and the Seven Gates as a map for transformation and symbolic reflection

• Dream tending

• Life review as a path to healing and meaning-making

• Self-forgiveness practices

• Ritual, chanting, journaling, and contemplative practices

• Reconnecting with the wisdom of the body, the Earth, and the soul

• The gifts of the underworld as a sacred initiation

Surrounded by the beauty of the natural world and supported by a circle of women, we will honor what is ending, welcome what is emerging, and remember the wisdom that has always lived within us.

Come descend through the gates.
Come meet what is essential.
Come remember the woman you have always been.

Your Guides: Judith Breier and Shell Hines

Judith brings decades of wisdom and compassion to her work as a certified Life Legacy trainer and facilitator and a certified Sage-ing Leader specializing in conscious aging. She is also trained as an End-of-Life Doula and ordained as a Kohenet, weaving spiritual depth and reverence into every circle she holds. Through her workshops and listening sessions, Judith helps women reclaim the aging process as an empowering, sacred passage toward fulfillment and completion. Her roots draw from Buddhism, eco-feminist Judaism, and indigenous-pagan practices, along with the rich soil of depth psychology, storytelling, and ritual.

Alongside her, Shell Hines brings her radiant presence as a Wholistic Practitioner, Shiatsu Therapist, Energy Conductress, and Sacred Music Healer. With 30 years of experience guiding others to their authentic connection of Self, Shell offers drum making, sacred journey & ceremonial work with vibrant support for transmuting old patterns into renewed vitality. She leads with joy, playfulness, and the FIRE of excitement, lighting up community spaces with deep wisdom, laughter, and light. 

Retreat Details

• August 28-30, 2026

• Salamander Hollow, Western Massachusetts

• $555 All-Inclusive, $275 deposit by July 28th; Partial Scholarships Available — please inquire.

• Includes two nights of accommodations, nourishing meals, retreat materials, and all workshop sessions.

• Space is limited to 12 women.