EDEN'S CAVE
T H E G A T H E R I N G:
RETURN TO SOURCE
“A human being has so many skins inside, covering the depths of the heart. We know so many things, but we don't know ourselves! Why, thirty or forty skins or hides, as thick and hard as an ox's or bear's, cover the soul. Go into your own ground and learn to know yourself there.” Meister Eckhart
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Return to Source is a profound awakening of self in landscape. Held within the framework of a working community, each participant becomes the source of their own research. Through evolving interactions with landscape and other, participants move through a journey of self-excavation, slowly peeling back layers to arrive at a place of truth and freedom.
Each day, the group journey deeper into the forest landscape, embarking on a quest to encounter their unique imaginative and expressive universe through site-responsive study, meditation, and embodied encounters. The noise of modern-day living slowly quietens and a space of profound listening opens to hear the music of soul and the boundless and essential source of one's creative life.
Return to Source seeks to quieten the noise of modern-life to the point where we can listen in a different way, hear the voices of our own heart and deep purpose. It seeks to open the possibility for new ways of being where creativity, imagination and expression are at the centre of our lives. Return to Source is a journey toward and that centre, a quest into the labyrinth of self to encounter one’s life-affirming essence.
“A space to encounter worlds; worlds within myself, the natural world, the mythic and interpersonal worlds.”
- Charles S
“Gathering amongst trees, through portals and timelines - I can travel back to myself authentically.”
- Hannah M
“An unearthing, re-awakening, re-activation of my inner being. ”
- Freddie E
“Landing, awakening and discovering to a new level of myself. A connection to the forest in me and to the stream of life.”
- Johannes H
T H E S E T - U P
The Gathering residencies take place at Aercwel Mill, a small and unique centre for artists in the Forest of Dean. The site is surrounded by woodland, and participants live on site close to the earth with accommodation options ranging from tents, bell-tents, caravan or shepherds hut.
Crucial to The Gathering Residencies is how the community come together at the end of each day, sharing meals, practices, and have the opportunity to critically reflect individually and collectively upon discoveries and personal revelations.
Since 2022, Aercwel Mill has been in development and works are ongoing. You will find all the facilities you need, but the infrastructure is still being developed and the current amenities are both simple and communal. The site is also home to two young children under 4. This, we feel, is part of the power of what we are seeking to do here – so we invite you to intertwine creative visioning, practice-as-research and training voyages with family, community and evolving tribe.
CORE TEAM
HENRY MCGRATH
Henry is a film-maker, actor, performance artist and educator devoted to empowering artists realise their unique creative vision. As Co-Artistic Leader of Eden's Cave, he has been developing approaches to embodied practice, communal gatherings, live performances, and experimental film with local and international artists. As well as drawing from his experience of rigorous laboratory theatre practice, his work is becoming more deeply informed by his relationship with the forest environment in which he lives, pursuing a devoted investigation of how creative projects, training and new forms of expression emerge between self and organic sites.
ELEANOR BUCHAN
Eleanor’s passion and work is the alchemy of communal gathering - how we live, share, reflect and commiunicate within the structures of a village. Eleanor is a storyteller, theatre- maker, facilitator and educator whose work drives towards mythic imagination, community gathering, and the roots of ritual. As Co- Artistic Leader of Eden’s Cave, she has been developing rites of passage work, placemaking practice, and modes of gathering at a time of global crisis.
MARIS MEOS
Maris is a gifted creative producer with a talent for inspiring exceptional levels of detail. She cares deeply about the particpants experience, how each person is held and finds ways to empower the work of the educator. Maris has dedicated her life to promoting positive change through education and the creative arts. She has spearheaded large-scale projects in non- formal education, creative arts and community development. As Creative Producer for Eden’s Cave, she blends her vision with an excellent eye for detail, crafting captivating experiences that leave a lasting impression on all who engage with her work.
N E X T C O U R S E
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14th-21st J U L Y 2 0 2 3
£190-£250
£150 - Workshop Fee
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£50 - Furnished bell-tent
£25 - Furnished tent
£15 - Your tent and equipment
(First come first served basis)
You are also welcome to organise your own accommodation in the area.
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£50 - Food
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Note: Participants should be willing to be filmed as part of a trailer for future Earth Movement LAB opportunities.
Please don't let finances be a barrier to participation. If these figures pose a challenge for you, please contact us to enquire about bursary work-exchange places.
L I M I T E D P L A C E S
To apply for a place, please answer the following question:
What is drawing you to 'Earth Movement LAB' at this time?​
Send max 300 words or 3 minute video to:
