with Christopher Penczak and the Temple of Witchcraft
Friday, 29th September – Saturday, 7th October, 2023
As it were a warrior on the mountain shore,
As a star over sparklings,
As a great sea over little pools,
As a smith’s smithy coal
Being quenched at the river side ;
So would seem the men and women of the world beside him,
In figure, in shape, in form, and in visage.
— “The Knight of the Red Shield”
Popular Tales of the West Highlands by J. F. Campbell Volume II
Join the Temple of Witchcraft and Christopher Penczak on a spiritual journey of empowerment and wonder as we travel the way of the Scottish warriors and seers in the rugged landscape of the ancients. Staying for eight-nights/nine-days in a beautiful country house in the Glen of Roslin, we will immerse ourselves in the old ways of Scotland, the history, the culture, the music, language and magick. Deeply associated with the lore of the faery races, the native Picts, the traditions of Witchcraft, and the myths of Arthur and Merlin, we will be looking at this journey through the lens of the Sacred Warrior who holds the Sword of Truth upon the quest of self-discovery.
While basing ourselves just outside of Edinburgh, included in the price is a three-night/four-day tour of the Highlands, Isle of Skye, and Kilnmartin. On this tour we will visit historic sites from faery lore including Fairy Knowe Hill and Dunvegan Castle. The famous Reverend Robert Kirk, author of the Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fairies and Fauns, was said to be drawn into Faery upon the Fairy Knowe Hill in Aberfoyle. And Dunvegan Castle is where we will see the fairy flag, a gift from the faeries to Clan MacLeod directly from the realms of the hidden ones. This flag is said to possess magickal powers to heal, protect, increase fertility and increase the clans’ warriors.
Eilean Donan Castle
In the Highlands, meet with the Three Sisters of Glencoe, Faith, Hope and Charity, cross the wild and windswept Rannoch Moor, and drive alongside the shores of Loch Lochy, the Lake of the Dark Goddess. Next stop, Loch Ness, known for its resident “monster” Nessie, but less known for its associations with the equally infamous Aleister Crowley and the magickal traditions of Thelema, whose spiritual “currents” are said to be flow from this place. We will stay for one night in Fort Augustus, before journeying across to the Isle of Skye, with views of Ben Nevis and via thirteenth century Eilean Donan Castle, the most iconic and photographed castle in Scotland and the setting for many movies including Highlander and The Wicker Man.
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
With two overnight stays on the Isle of Skye, we will visit The Old Man of Storr, hear stories of the Red and Black Witch of Cuillin, and perhaps find time to wash our faces in the Waters of Eternal Youth. The Isle of Skye is associated with the Scottish warrior teacher Scáthach, tutor of the great Irish warrior Cú Chulainn.
Onwards, we will take the ferry from Skye to Mallaig, climbing aboard the Jacobite Steam Train for our journey to Fort William. Described as the greatest train journey in the world, we will cross the twenty-one arches of the Glenfinnan viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter movies, before heading to Oban, the last overnight stop of our tour.
Glen Coe
From Oban to Kilnmartin, we will explore an area with one of the richest concentrations of prehistoric and ancient monuments in Scotland, including rock carvings, standing stones and burial cairns, before returning to our base in Roslin Glen, Edinburgh.
Local visits will include Rosslyn Chapel, where the esoteric imagery and hidden symbolism in this Christian chapel is a treasure for all who seek the mysteries; Edinburgh Castle, home of the Stone of Destiny (the Coronation Stone); and Arthur’s Seat, believed by some to be a potential site for a historic Camelot, where the knights of the round table would gather between their quests.
Classes & Rituals
During the course of this retreat, there will be classes, rituals and meditations lead by Christopher Penczak and we will commune with the spirits of the place, and see what truths and stories they might share with us, the legends of the lands and its people. Many sites are honored by both Christian and Pagan spiritualities, as the two have been entwined in this Celtic land.
Together we’ll be drawing from The Way of the Blade, one of our four sacred site pilgrimages of the Temple of Witchcraft, working with the blessings of air, the warriors and sacred kings who hold the deepest truth of the lands. We’ll look to where history and myth merge and diverge, and in particular look to the lessons of the land, as well as the starry night sky, for the Round Table was often a mystical allegory for the heavens. Drawing from our local guides knowledge of the landscape, we will seek out places not always found by tourists, as well as the more popular sites, and dive deeper into the mysteries of the land as we are led by the spirits.
Personal Time
In addition to our spiritual work, there will also be some free-time for exploring Edinburgh independently, where you can enjoy the colorful shops, bars and cafes, take an historic walking tour, or perhaps treat yourself to dinner at the famous Witchery Restaurant on Royal Mile.
Pricing & Logistics
The total price for the retreat is $3,000. A non-refundable deposit of $500 will secure your place. Full payment is due no later than June 30th 2023.
Included: All retreat accommodation, breakfast every morning, the four-day tour, and entrance into Rosslyn Chapel and Edinburgh Castle. Also, lunch and dinner while resident at our base-house in Roslin Glen, as well as all classes, rituals and meditations lead by Christopher Penczak.
Not included: Flights, transport to and from the accommodation on arrival/departure days, lunch and dinner for the four days of the tour, plus any optional extras such as dinner at The Witchery, as you explore Edinburgh independently.
Please send all payments by check or money order, payable to The Temple of Witchcraft, to:
The Temple of Witchcraft
Attn. Scotland 2020 Retreat
49 North Policy Street,
Salem, NH 03079, USA
Please ensure your payment includes your name and contact details, phone number, email address and ‘Scotland 2023 Retreat’
If you would like to discuss alternative methods of payment, or the possibility of a payment plan, please email Jocelyn at [email protected].
Places are extremely limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
For all general enquiries, please email [email protected].
This is a spiritual retreat sponsored by The Temple of Witchcraft is a 501c3e Religious Non-Profit.