Faculty of Astrological Studies

Winter Weekend Astrology Retreat

The Sacred Journey of Life: Exploring Our Astrological Cycles
Friday 31st January – Sunday 2nd February 2025
The Ammerdown Centre, near Bath, Somerset.
With Cat Cox, Lisa Stockley, and Marielle Churaqui

A transformative astrology retreat...

Join us for a transformative winter retreat, The Sacred Journey of Life, where we will explore our unique astrological pathways. Guided by experienced Faculty tutors, this weekend will use astrology as a tool for personal growth, helping you gain insights into your life journey, cycles, and the resources that support you along the way.

During this retreat, we’ll delve into key planetary cycles and astrological waypoints that mark significant phases in life, offering meaning and understanding of the personal and collective journeys we each undertake.

Held in the serene surroundings of the Ammerdown Centre, this weekend offers a unique opportunity to deepen your astrological knowledge while reflecting on your own chart in a small, supportive group setting

What To Expect

A journey of insight and transformation

The Winter Weekend includes a mix of teaching, personal reflection, and creative exercises designed to enhance your understanding of astrology and how it applies to your life.

  • Astrological teachings: sessions on planetary cycles, life stages, and the wisdom embedded within our natal charts.
  • Personal reflection: guided exercises to work directly with your chart, uncovering insights into your life’s sacred journey.
  • Astro-Yoga: optional early-morning yoga sessions led by Faculty Tutor Marielle Churaqui, integrating gentle movement with astrological themes.
  • Community and support: share your journey in a small group of like-minded individuals in an atmosphere of warmth and support.
Venue & Accommodation

A sanctuary for reflection

The Winter Weekend will take place at the beautiful Ammerdown Centre, nestled within a private estate near Bath, Somerset. This peaceful retreat venue offers an idyllic setting for inner reflection and learning, surrounded by formal gardens, parkland, and woods. With comfortable facilities designed to support relaxation and focus, the Ammerdown Centre is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the sacred journey of astrology.

Accommodation options
Guests can enjoy a range of accommodation options, including single, twin, and double en-suite rooms, all with modern amenities. Accessible rooms are also available, and there is ample free parking on-site. The Ammerdown Centre’s tranquil atmosphere provides the perfect environment for connecting deeply with your astrological path in comfort.

Facilities
Ammerdown offers a range of facilities, including Wi-Fi, a cozy lounge, a library, meditation space, chapel, and bar. During your stay, you’ll have access to the serene outdoor spaces for reflection, including well-kept gardens, woodland walks, and peaceful parkland.

Getting there
The Ammerdown Centre is easily accessible:

  • By car: conveniently located off the M4 (Junction 17).
  • By train: a short cab ride from Bath Spa station.
  • By air: the nearest airport is Bristol.

 

For more information, please visit Ammerdown Centre.

Course Outline

Navigating your sacred journey through astrological cycles

This Winter Weekend retreat is thoughtfully structured to guide you through a meaningful exploration of your life’s journey through the lens of astrology. Each session is designed to deepen your understanding of astrological cycles and provide insight into your personal chart. Here’s a detailed schedule of what to expect throughout this relaxing experience.

Friday, 31st January

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Welcome & Drinks
Begin the weekend with a warm welcome, a chance to meet fellow attendees, and settle into the beautiful surroundings of Ammerdown.

7:00 pm
Dinner
Enjoy a delicious meal together with tutors and participants.

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Session 1: Introduction to the Winter Weekend
Tutors: Cat Cox, Lisa Stockley, and Marielle Churaqui
An opening session to introduce the weekend’s themes and intentions. This is an opportunity to connect with others and prepare for the journey ahead.

Saturday, 1st February

7:30 am – 8:15 am
Gentle Astro Yoga (Optional)
Led by Marielle Churaqui
Start the day with a gentle yoga session that integrates astrological themes, helping you connect mind, body, and spirit in a mindful way.

8:15 am – 9:30 am
Breakfast

9:30 am – 11:00 am
Session 2: The Life Journey in the Natal Chart
Tutor: Lisa Stockley
Discover what your natal chart reveals about your life journey, exploring key themes and potentials.

11:00 am – 11:30 am
Tea & Coffee Break

11:30 am – 12:45 pm
Session 3: Your Own Life Journey in Your Natal Chart
Tutors: Cat Cox, Lisa Stockley, and Marielle Churaqui
Reflect on your personal life journey as seen through your chart, with guidance from our experienced tutors in a supportive environment.

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Lunch

2:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Session 4: The Astrological Cycles
Tutors: Cat Cox and Marielle Churaqui
Explore the powerful cycles of the planets and how they mark significant stages of growth and change in our lives.

3:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Tea & Coffee Break

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Session 5: The Astrological Cycles in Your Own Chart
Tutors: Cat Cox, Lisa Stockley, and Marielle Churaqui
Delve into how these cycles unfold in your personal chart, bringing insights into your past, present, and future phases.

6:30 pm
Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Session 6: Group Evening – A Creative Exploration of Your Life Journey
Tutors: Cat Cox, Lisa Stockley, and Marielle Churaqui
A unique evening session using creativity to explore and express your journey. This is a space for deeper introspection and shared insights.

Sunday, 2nd February

7:30 am – 8:15 am
Gentle Astro Yoga (Optional)
Another opportunity for a gentle yoga practice, helping to integrate the weekend’s learnings in a mindful way.

8:15 am – 9:30 am
Breakfast

9:30 am – 11:00 am
Session 7: Weaving the Story of Your Life Journey Using Planetary Cycles
Tutors: Cat Cox, Lisa Stockley, and Marielle Churaqui
Bring together everything you’ve learned as we reflect on the cycles and weave together the story of your unique life path.

11:00 am – 11:30 am
Tea & Coffee Break

11:30 am – 12:45 pm
Session 8: Completion of the Winter Weekend
Tutors: Cat Cox, Lisa Stockley, and Marielle Churaqui
A closing session to consolidate your insights, reflect on your journey, and prepare for the next steps.

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Lunch & Farewell
Conclude the weekend with a shared meal, celebrating the learning and connections made.

This Winter Weekend offers a rare chance to immerse yourself fully in astrological study and personal exploration. Through structured sessions, reflection, and creative expression, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your own chart and the planetary cycles that guide our lives. Join us for a transformative experience that will support you in navigating your life journey with clarity, meaning, and insight.

Tutors

Guiding you on your astrological journey

Our Winter Weekend retreat is led by an inspiring team of deeply knowledgeable and compassionate tutors, each bringing years of astrological expertise and a unique approach to the sacred journey of self-discovery. With a passion for teaching and a dedication to helping students connect with their inner worlds, our tutors create a supportive, enriching space for growth and transformation. Through their guidance, you’ll gain valuable insights into your astrological chart, learning tools and practices that will illuminate your path and deepen your understanding of life’s cycles.

Course requirements

Faculty students

The Winter Weekend 2025 is open to Faculty Diploma Level I students and above who are looking to deepen their chart work.

Non-Faculty students

Non-Faculty students are also welcome, provided they have a solid understanding of natal chart interpretation and transits.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility, please contact the Winter Weekend Organiser, Nicola by emailing her at nicola.perry@astrology.org.uk

Testimonials

Voices from the journey: experiences shared

We’re honoured to have touched the lives of so many passionate astrology students who have joined us for our Winter Weekend retreat. Their stories reflect the transformative, supportive, and enlightening nature of this gathering. Below, you’ll find reflections from past participants who have embraced the journey with us, finding not only knowledge but also deep personal insights and lasting connections. Let their words inspire you as you consider joining us on this sacred path.

"We connected as a tribe of astrology enthusiasts from Greece to California and everywhere in between. The land is beautiful for walks, the food was delicious, and the experience was deeply enriching. I can’t wait to return."
Catriona
Winter weekend attendee
"The winter weekend was a beautiful astrological bubble were people spoke the same language of the stars. The location was in nature which gave a lot of peace and the room to sleep was private and nice. The food was fresh and there were plenty of vegetarian options. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, it truly was a safe space to learn and share. The information shared was interesting and the teachers are super knowledgeable. Every day there was a bit of yoga in the morning and we continued the day with lectures and other activities. I felt like it was a good balance between learning, fun and sharing. Was a wonderful weekend and I recommend it to everyone!”
Maaike
Winter weekend attendee

Registration and fees

Spaces are limited to 17 participants, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Early booking is recommended.

  • Residential fee: £525, includes accommodation, meals, and refreshments from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime.
  • Payment options: You may pay in instalments. The first instalment of £195 is due at booking, the second of £165 by 10th December 2024, and the final £165 by 10th January 2025.
  • Non-Residential option: A limited number of non-residential spots are available. Please contact the Winter Weekend Organiser for details.

Course cancellation and travel insurance

In the unlikely event that the course attracts too few students for us to run it successfully or in the event of adverse weather conditions, the Faculty of Astrological Studies reserves the right to cancel. Course fees paid by the student will be refunded in full if the course is cancelled.

N.B.: The Faculty of Astrological Studies strongly advises that all students obtain travel insurance that will completely reimburse all travel costs as these cannot be covered by the Faculty.