Local Retreat Center Celebrates one Year of Bringing the Community Together

The Awen Retreat Center in Jefferson, NY will celebrate its one year anniversary of offering donation-based community celebrations on March 24, 2024. 

“I’m so gratified that we’ve been able to bring the community together to celebrate these seasonal events for a year now and that with every new gathering, new people join our community. It truly is magical,” says Beth Mowry, the center’s founder. 

Druidry is a central theme at The Awen Center. Druidry is a non-dogmatic spiritual path that has as its roots a love of nature, creativity and knowledge. Druidry is a path that is open to everyone, regardless of religion and compliments many religious practices. It is a modern path with its roots in the ancient practices of the Celtic parts of the world. 

Every six weeks or so folks at The Awen Center to celebrate and mark The Wheel of the Year. These community celebrations involve a potluck meal, a Druid ritual celebrating the season and various crafts and activities fitting to the season. The next gathering is scheduled for March 24th at 1:00 to mark the spring equinox. 

Mary Van Valkenberg, Hobart, says: 

The Awen Center and its founder Beth Mowry are a luscious gift to our community. I couldn't be happier to have this new place nearby me devoted to peace, serenity and nature. The ceremonies honoring our earth draw the gentlest, kindest neighbors together in a spirit of mutual well-wishing and support, people of all ages and different backgrounds. I have attended a half dozen ceremonies by now including solstice, labyrinth and women's circles and have felt nourished by each one. While based in the nature traditions of Druidry and Celtic lore, the practice welcomes people of all loving belief systems without any kind of dogma. It's always fun and beautifully human. I can't wait for the forest walks this summer. 

In addition to the seasonal gatherings, The Awen Center offers Full Moon Labyrinth Walks at their onsite, community-built labyrinth. Mowry is also a certified Forest Therapy Guide and leads Forest Therapy Experiences onsite which are guided, meditative walks. 

This summer, The Awen Center is hosting its first weekend events: Midsummer Magic celebrating the Summer Solstice, a Forest Therapy Weekend, a Divination Weekend and an Introduction to Druidry Weekend.