Mithraic Journey: Healing Gods & Goddesses Retreat

Mitra Riddiford

with Mira Riddiford, Nicola, Lily & 1 more

7 - 14 Jun 2019

Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre

The Mithraic Journey is based on a series of symbolic, ancient mystery teachings from Roman times, helping people live better, more purposeful lives.

Mithras is one of the oldest known gods, having been contemplated for over 3,500 years, throughout a multitude of continents, by a number of pre-Christian religions. Many of Mithras’s symbols and rituals were eventually adapted into Christianity.

Working with Mithras helps us to release blocked energy, empowering us to develop our psyches and step into our fuller potential as human beings.

On this retreat we will integrate the strengths and qualities of:

Mercury, the god of financial abundance, and remover of obstacles
The mirror-like wisdom of the goddess Prudence
The boundaries and fearlessness of the god Mars
The loving-kindness, tenderness and compassion of Aphrodite
The stability and steadfastness of Jupiter, and the healing energies of the warrior goddess Sekhmet
The friendship and fairness of Mithras
The god Saturn, who represents not having to struggle to survive

And many more gods and goddesses.

Encompassing archetypes, meditations and symbolism from Egyptian, Greek and Roman spirituality as well as Cabalistic, Islamic and Christian times, Western Mysticism is for those who:

have an interest in these symbols and tradition and wish to use them for practical healing in everyday life
are curious about esoteric, pagan and nature-based teachings
are looking for mindfulness practices and mantras that focus on western god and goddess archetypes
are looking to explore a deeper level of psychic awareness and spirituality
have a desire to learn the origins and evolution of ancient western god and goddess archetypes and their manifestation throughout different cultures
are looking to understand and integrate their divine feminine and masculine energies

About the retreat

With 20 years of Buddhist and Western Mystical study and practice with teachers around the world, Mira employs these esoteric teachings of ancient god and goddess archetypes and symbolism to support empowered, healing and mindful meditation practices.

She believes we all possess positive energies and healing powers within us. Her work focuses on identifying, awakening and being able to call forth these healing energies through recognition, symbolism, desired traits, personified energies, and integration.

What can I expect to achieve?

A greater understanding of god and goddess archetypes
The opportunity to unplug from the busyness and demands of everyday life
Reconnection with nature and your body and safe processing of emotions
Deeper meditation and mindfulness practice
A takeaway kit of visual tools, practical mantras and texts to continue healing and strengthening practice
Initiation into the esoteric teachings

What should I bring?

open, curious "beginner’s mind"
genuine interest in western mysticism
willingness to partake in exercises
open heart and inclusive attitude
meditation practice at any level
sense of humour
retreat etiquette (silence outside of class times)

Daily Schedule

7–8 am: Breakfast
9 am: Class
1 pm: Lunch (main meal prepared by cooks)
3 pm: Personal practice time, forest walks, or rest
6 pm: Light supper
7:30 pm: Group meditation

Facilitators

Mira Riddiford

Mira Riddiford is a meditation and mindfulness teacher who runs retreats and series in Australasia. Her online classes have participants joining from North America, Europe, and Asia. With more than 20 years of daily practice, Mira has been trained through retreat work, study and apprenticeship in the Namgyal Rinpoche stream of teachings. She has a close ongoing relationship with the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre and the Auckland Sphere Group. Mira specialises in making teachings on Western Mysteries, Archetypal integration and Non-Duality available to new students.

Nicola

Course Manager assisting Mira on logistics for smooth retreat operations.

Lily

Assists with preparing lunches and light suppers.

Mystery Kitchen Team

Prepares delicious and memorable meals throughout the retreat.

Essential Information

To register for a retreat or programme, participants must complete the online registration form or contact our office directly. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.

All fees are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
Full payment is due at least one week prior to the start date unless otherwise arranged.
We accept payment via bank transfer, credit card, and other specified payment method

Dana is the practice of generosity, a gift freely given with no strings attached. In keeping with ancient wisdom traditions, the facilitators offer their teaching freely, and no fee for their facilitation is included in the course costs. The retreat fee covers accommodation, meals, and course resources, but not compensation for the teachers.

You are warmly invited to offer Dana as a gesture of appreciation and support for the teachings and those who share them. This is an offering from the heart, given according to your means and circumstances. There is no expected amount—Dana is about generosity of spirit rather than a prescribed fee.

Traditionally, Dana is offered at the beginning of the retreat by placing an envelope in the Dana bowl or box. However, there are many ways to express generosity, and if you'd like to explore other forms of Dana, please feel free to ask.

If cost is a barrier to your participation, Wangapeka has a Sangha Support Fund available, and you are welcome to apply for assistance to attend. If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to participate, please contact the course manager to discuss possible options.

If cost is a barrier to your participation we encourage you to consider applying for sangha support. Funds have been donated to Wangapeka to offer support for people who want to attend retreats and are unable to afford it. Sangha Support is for accommodation costs only and up to a maximum of 50% of those costs. More info can be found on our costs page. To apply contact the Wangapeka Office Caretaker [email protected].

Please remember to bring sufficient cash to cover your dana to the teacher (if you are attending a group retreat).

Bedding (pillow, pillowcase & 2 blankets are provided)
Towel
Personal items, toiletries, medication
Alarm clock
Torch (with spare batteries)
Easy slip-on shoes as all shoes are left outside buildings
Raincoat and/or umbrella

Winter

Hot-water bottle
Extra bedding
Warm clothing

Summer

Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Sun hat
Swimming gear

Be in reasonably sound physical health — Retreat days involve sitting, walking, and communal chores, so a baseline of physical wellbeing helps you participate fully and avoid strain.
Be in reasonably stable mental and emotional health — Intensive silence and self-reflection can surface difficult emotions, so retreat is best entered from a settled rather than a fragile state.
Disclose any medical or mental-health conditions in advance — Letting the course manager know beforehand allows us to support you appropriately and ensures the retreat setting is right for you.
Bring and manage your own medication — Having an adequate supply of any prescribed medication, and a plan for taking it, keeps you well without relying on facilities we cannot guarantee on-site.
Ease off stimulants before you arrive — Gradually reducing caffeine, nicotine, and sugar in the days beforehand softens the withdrawal and restlessness that can otherwise dominate your first days.
Wind down work and digital commitments — Tying up loose ends and stepping back from devices before arrival lets you arrive present, rather than mentally still at your desk.
Arrange your affairs at home — Sorting childcare, pets, bills, and responsibilities in advance frees you from nagging distractions and the pull to break your retreat.
Come rested rather than depleted — Arriving already exhausted makes it harder to settle, so try to catch up on sleep and avoid arriving straight from a demanding period.
Set a gentle, realistic intention — Holding a soft sense of why you're coming, without rigid expectations, gives your practice direction while leaving room for whatever actually unfolds.
Prepare for silence and simplicity — Knowing in advance that much of the retreat is quiet, unentertained, and routine helps you meet the stillness with curiosity rather than resistance.
Be willing to work with discomfort — Physical aches, boredom, and restlessness are a normal part of retreat, and a readiness to sit with them is itself part of the practice.
Approach it with openness and humility — Coming ready to follow the schedule, receive guidance, and let go of being "in charge" allows the retreat structure to do its supportive work.
Plan a soft re-entry into daily life — Leaving a clear day or two before returning to work and full commitments lets you carry the retreat's calm back gently, rather than jolting straight into busyness and losing its benefit.

The Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre is located about an hour and a half drive SW of Nelson, New Zealand. Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps it, overlooks the beautiful Wangapeka River.

If you require transport advice or assistance or, please let us know when you register.

During your stay at the Centre you are invited to abide by five precepts of skilful living:

to refrain from harming others
to refrain from stealing
to refrain from sensual misconduct
to refrain from unskillful speech
to refrain from taking substances that cloud the mind and hide the openness of the heart

We understand that sometimes plans change, and we are happy to offer a refund for cancellations made at least 30 days before the start date.

If a person cancels within the month before the course starts:

The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for another retreat within 6 months
Fees paid are fully refunded if cancellation is at least a week before the course starts

If a person cancels within the week before the course starts:

The deposit is non-refundable
If cancellation is due to illness, all fees paid are fully refundable on request
If cancellation is for any other reason, 50% of fees paid are refundable on request

If a person leaves the course for reasons beyond their control (e.g., illness, death in the family) during a retreat:

The deposit is non-refundable
50% of the balance of any fees paid for the missed days are refundable on request
If a person leaves the course for any other reason, no refunds will be provided

In the rare event that Wangapeka cancels a course:

All deposits and fees paid will be fully refunded, or
Participants may choose to transfer their payment to another course within 12 months

Stories about this event

Whenua Land

The retreat takes place on the beautiful Wangapeka whenua nestled in stunning native forests with expansive views down the Wangapeka valley. The land itself provides a healing sanctuary surrounded by mature trees and offering the perfect environment for reflection and reconnection with nature.

Kai Food

All meals are included in this retreat to support the your well-being and focus. Our kitchen team prepares nourishing vegetarian food to sustain and delight you throughout your stay. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated and self-catering is also possible if you prefer to bring and prepare your own food.

Whare Wānanga Teaching Space

This teaching room is beautifully crafted and has been used for a wide variety of teaching for over 20 years. It has a wooden parquet floor and a pot belly stove to keep away winter chills. Set amongst beautiful mature trees, it offers a charming view looking down the Wangapeka valley, creating an inspiring environment for movement and meditation practices.

Whare kai Main Hall

The original building at Wangapeka, the Main Hall serves as the heart of community life with its combined living and dining room, library, and welcoming wood burner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are freely available here throughout your stay. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy interior or step out onto the porch to enjoy the expansive views, this space invites connection and contemplation. The hall also houses the kitchen, bathroom facilities, and laundry for your convenience.