Recap: Birth of Venus Retreat in Scotland 2025

A Return to the Feminine, a Rebirth of Self

There are some experiences that feel less like a retreat and more like a remembering. The Birth of Venus Retreat at Birkhill Castle in Scotland was exactly that. Over five days, we gathered on ancient land to explore the many faces of the feminine, reconnect with our elemental nature, and step into a shared field of wisdom, devotion, sensuality, and sisterhood. What unfolded was nothing short of transformative.

Day One: The Temple of Ourselves

We began by entering the temple within. In the wild gardens and moss paths of Birkhill, we asked the question that guided the entire week: what would the world look like if the way of the feminine were honored, revered, and regarded as our greatest teacher?

The answers would unfold throughout our week and beyond. Yet, under the towering ancestry of trees and the open Scottish sky, we glimpsed into the raw and untamed power of the feminine. The end of our first day set the tone: community, connection, and the courage to return to our inner temple. Together we began weaving a living tapestry of reciprocity and presence, each woman a vital thread in the emerging field for the days to come.

Day Two: The Sacred Fire of Vesta

Our second day was devoted to Vesta, keeper of the sacred flame. In mythology she is the hearth, the center, the steady pulse of devotion. Psychologically she teaches concentration, solitude, integrity. Emotionally she reminds us to honor cycles of retreat and conservation of energy.

We asked one another: what flame do you tend that keeps your world alive?

Our Fire Keepers, those with fire placements in their charts, stepped forward and showed us the unique offering they carry. Around the hearth through beating drum and Samantha Mixan’s fire dancing, we uncovered what devotion feels like in the body, where our energy wants to be directed, and what must be released so the inner flame can burn clean and true.

Day Three: Venus, Water, and the Art of Flow

Our third day belonged to Venus and the waters of our charts. Water teaches flow, empathy, vulnerability, affection, and the courage to feel deeply. It teaches us that emotion is not a burden but a bridge.

In our Venus Temple, guided by Urban Goddess Amanda, we channeled Aphrodite through ritual, dance, sensual touch, aroma, taste, and anointing. We cultivated safety, trust, and softness as we honored the lover archetype within each woman.

This was a day of beauty and embodiment, of remembering that pleasure is holy and the feminine thrives when she is allowed to move with fluidity.

Days Four and Five
Earth, Air, and the Culture We Are Creating

The final days brought us back to body and breath. We connected with the earth through horseback riding, hiking, and time with the land. We connected with air, the realm of ideas, intellect, and community through exploring how our air signs shape the culture we create in relationships, groups, and the wider world.

Together we painted our personal crests using our birth charts and watercolors as a symbolic expression of the village we were building.

A new feminine is rising and we are rising with her.

Words often fall short of the magnitude of this experience. What we created together was not a retreat but a rising. A living feminine culture. A space where witches, priestesses, healers, leaders, mothers, artists, and visionaries stood side by side and remembered the worlds they carry within them.

We laughed endlessly. We cried and released. We anointed and danced. We held and were held. We witnessed one another in truth and tenderness.

The Birth of Venus Retreat reminded us that femininity is not a static ideal but a living spectrum. Sensual and fierce. Tender and powerful. Mysterious and grounded. The goddess wears many faces and each one was honored here.

To every woman who joined us, thank you for bringing your magic.

An outstanding thank you to: Alexandra Moncreiffe and her grounding presence and luminous co hosting. Clarissa’s kitchen alchemy and seasonal nourishment. Amanda’s Young’s Venusian magic. Lily Moncreiffe’s crystalline frequencies. Samantha Mixan’s elemental dance rituals. Thank you to the team at Birkhill Castle for holding such timeless beauty for us.

For those who feel called to step into this field next year, we would be honored to welcome you. Dates for the next Birth of Venus Retreat are currently TBD, and you can join the waitlist to be the first to receive details when they are released. This experience fills quickly each year, and our community grows more powerful with every woman who enters it.

TESTIMONIALS

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“Whether it’s a personal reading, taking an astrology class, or spending time on a retreat with Rebecca Gordon, you will be forever transformed and see your life through a different lens. Rebecca is a gifted and highly engaging teacher who guides you through understanding astrology with grace and ease. That understanding in turn leads to greater compassion for yourself and others. Rebecca is also a wonderful connector and I’m grateful for such beautiful friendships and inspiring students I have met through studying with Rebecca Gordon over the years.”

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“After having read Rebecca Gordon’s book, Your Body and the Stars, I knew it was important to go deeper into studying how the zodiac sign influences health. This class isn’t just for those interested in medical practice, it’s suitable for everyone who also want to be more attuned to their bodies. We were treated to fun and informative sessions on going through our natal charts and watching out for potential health issues, as well as identifying some alignments that could affect the health.”

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“I thoroughly enjoyed the Astrology of Relationships class. Rebecca is a gifted astrologer with a creative and unique voice. She introduced me to new techniques and added layers to my understanding of synastry. Her distinctive take on the waltz between the sun and moon in relationships provided a fresh new perspective for my understanding of aspects in relationships. There is a Facebook group to connect with your fellow students. I love that all her classes are live and interactive.”

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Specialising In Medical Astrology I loved her Health and Wellness course, there was so much information which gave me a deeper understanding of how to bring in the ecosystem.
I would highly recommend this class even if you are not an Astrologer you will still benefit from this class.”

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— MORGAN R, MEDICAL RESEARCHER

“I met Rebecca years ago at a workshop she was teaching. I was immediately drawn to the lightness and life that she brings to the ancient art of astrology - she makes it so accessible and fun, without sacrificing any of its depth and life-changing potential. It’s been such a joy to be in her astrology school. I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of myself, and seen how we are all “wired” really differently, based on studies of natal charts. This has helped me to be much more patient and understanding with my friends and family ;) And, the class really feels like a true spiritual community: supportive, intimate and inspiring. I will miss our weekly gatherings!”

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