Reclaim your authentic self through somatic practices and the Celtic story of the Selkie

Over a day you'll experience a journey of self-discovery and healing at this thoughtfully crafted workshop.

The Selkie's Gift

In Celtic folklore, Selkies are magical beings who live as seals in the sea but can shed their skins to become human on land.

Though they may lose their skins and become trapped in human form, they never forget their true nature.

When they reclaim their skins, they return to the sea, whole once more.

Their story speaks to the power of reclaiming our true selves and finding harmony between our inner and outer worlds.

Just as the Selkie carries the power to transform within their skin, you too possess an innate healing wisdom.

This workshop will guide you to explore your own inner Selkie - that intuitive part of yourself that knows what you need to thrive and heal.

Like the Selkie reclaiming their skin, you'll learn to access and trust your body's natural healing abilities, and connect with your inner compassionate wise elder to guide you on your healing journey.

As a child, I dreamed of being a Selkie to escape. Now, I use that same story to guide myself and others back to our bodies.

This Workshop is for YOU if you are…

• Navigating chronic illness or pain

• Seeking relief from anxiety or depression

• Healing from trauma

• Longing to reconnect with your authentic self

• Ready to embrace your inner strength and resilience

• Eager to discover new paths to well-being and joy

• Curious about somatic approaches to healing

• Interested in accessing and nurturing your inner healer

“Ruth delivered a wonderful trauma-informed sound bath for delegates at our organisation’s annual national conference (we work in the violence against women and girls sector). She went above and beyond in providing support before, during and after the sound bath and in ensuring that the experience was as healing and meaningful as possible. We got such great feedback from delegates who took part! Thank you, Ruth!”

— Laura MacKenzie

Your Selkie Journey Includes

• Gentle, trauma-informed movement and yoga practices

• Guided meditations for body connection and emotional healing

• Embodied arts and writing therapy sessions

• Sound healing and vocal toning for deep relaxation and release

• Drum journeying to connect to your ancestors and ancient wisdom

• Empowering group chanting to connect with your inner voice and truths

• Nourishing organic, vegan meals

• Supportive community of women

• Practices to awaken and nurture your inner healer

“Ruth’s therapeutic writing is truly special. It’s so much more than just writing. With meditation, intention setting and sound therapy, she really knows how to help you connect deeply with emotions and body. Ruth creates a safe, empowering space for sharing and her techniques and feedback are just so instrumental in allowing you to express in a way that it’s natural to you. I highly recommend this session to anyone seeking healing and empowerment through writing. Thanks so much!”

— Cleo Rea

Benefits of Our Somatic Healing Approach

Responding to a particpant’s deep share at the end of a workshop

• Effective tools for managing chronic pain and illness

• Techniques to alleviate anxiety and depression

• Strategies for processing and healing from trauma

• Renewed connection with your body and intuition

• Enhanced self-awareness and emotional regulation skills

• Improved self-compassion and body acceptance

• Practical relaxation and stress-reduction techniques for daily life

• A toolkit of creative expressions for ongoing self-discovery

• A supportive network of like-minded women for continued growth

• Rediscovered joy and playfulness in your life

• Increased energy and vitality through mindful practices

• Awakened awareness of your body's innate healing wisdom

• Empowering techniques to actively engage in your healing journey

“The Celtic Wheel ceremonies have been an exciting and beautiful way to connect with nature, the seasons and the past. It is a welcome antidote to the bustle of the everyday, and connects each of us back to a more raw and spiritual core.

Ruth is very welcoming and caring; she is very passionate about the healing benefits of sound and is very skilled in this field. The sound healing has had a profound effect on me and has had a lasting effect physically. The physical effects of chronic anxiety have lessened in a way that I did not expect. I have felt a tangible shift in my shoulders (which were generally over tensed) and in the heavy feeling that was often in my chest.


The guided meditations have sometimes given me powerful insights, sometimes not until after returning home and thinking about them. Attending one of the ceremonies takes me on a journey which helps me realise things about myself - either things that I could prioritise more, or that I am actually achieving - self-love always a top goal.


My feeling afterwards is one of being replenished and having a deeper awareness of myself and my needs.”

— Jane Waddell

Facilitating a shamanic drum journey and ceremony at the Mount Without

Workshop Details

Dates: Saturday 23 November
Time: 10 AM - 4 PM
Venue: Bristol Goddess Temple

Price: £95 (Flexible payment plans available)

Usual Value: This type of comprehensive workshop typically costs £150 per day but I am keeping it at community prices for accessibility.

Food: This workshop also includes meals and snacks

Limited Spaces: To ensure a deeply meaningful experience for all participants, we're keeping the group size small. Early booking is recommended.

This offer comes from a deep desire to make this journey accessible to those ready to embrace change and work on their personal growth.

A nourishing vegan and organic lunch with dessert is included in the cost.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the workshop and I will be happy to answer.

Meet Your Selkie Workshop Facilitator

Ruth Semple
Sound Healer, Celtic Wisdom Keeper, Space Holder, Trauma Survivor

My journey as a healer began in the unlikeliest of places - the archives. As I poured over the stories of medieval women healers during my research degree, little did I know I was unearthing my own calling.

Growing up in conflict-ridden Northern Ireland, I carried the weight of generational and collective trauma, religious and patriarchal abuse, violence and the constant threat of violence. The scars of a divided land.

This manifested as chronic pain, fatigue, addiction, anxiety, and depression - ailments that defied conventional treatments.

My path to healing led me back to my roots. I rediscovered the power of my Celtic heritage, finding solace and strength in the myths, legends, and connection to the land that I once yearned to escape. This journey of reconnection is one of the foundations of my healing practice.

Today, I weave together sound therapy, somatic practices, and Celtic wisdom to guide others on their healing journeys. My approach is deeply informed by my own experiences with chronic pain and trauma, as well as my training in somatic healing modalities.

Through sound baths, drum journeys, guided meditations, and nature-inspired ceremonies, I create sacred spaces for individuals to reconnect with their authentic selves.

FAQS

• Q: I've never tried any of these somatic practices before. Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

  A: Absolutely. This workshop is designed for all levels of experience. I'll guide you through every step, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported throughout the journey.

• Q: How can the Selkie story help with my chronic illness, condition or trauma?

  A: The Selkie story serves as a powerful metaphor for reclaiming our authentic selves. Through this lens, we explore gentle techniques to reconnect with our bodies, release tension, and cultivate self-compassion - all crucial elements in managing chronic pain and healing from trauma. Just as the Selkie reclaims their skin to return to their true form, we'll explore ways to reconnect with your body's innate wisdom and healing potential.

• Q: I'm not very 'spiritual'. Will I still benefit from this workshop?

  A: Definitely. While we draw inspiration from Celtic traditions, our practices are grounded in practical techniques that benefit mind and body. You don't need any specific beliefs to participate or benefit from the workshop.

• Q: I have mobility issues. Can I still participate in the movement practices?

  A: Yes. Our movement practices are adaptable to various abilities. We focus on gentle, trauma-informed movements that can be modified to suit your needs, whether you're standing, seated, or lying down.

• Q: I'm dealing with anxiety. Will I feel comfortable in a group setting?

  A: We create a safe, supportive environment where everyone can participate at their own comfort level. Our small group size and gentle approach help ease anxiety, and you're always welcome to take breaks or step back if needed.

• Q: Will I have to share my personal experiences with the group?

  A: Sharing is always optional. While we create a safe, supportive space for those who wish to share, we respect everyone's boundaries. You're welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable for you.

• Q: How do somatic practices and sound therapy work with trauma and chronic illnesses?

  A: Somatic practices and sound therapy are powerful tools for addressing trauma and chronic pain. They work by:

  1. Regulating the nervous system: These approaches help calm the body's stress response, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

  2. Increasing body awareness: Somatic practices encourage a gentle reconnection with your body, helping you recognize and release tension patterns.

  3. Releasing stored trauma: Through movement, sound, and focused attention, we can access and release trauma held in the body.

  4. Supporting natural healing: The vibrations from sound therapy and the mindful movements of somatic practices can improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

  5. Cultivating resilience: By learning to listen to and work with your body, you develop tools to manage pain and stress more effectively.

  6. Promoting emotional processing: These practices provide safe ways to explore and express emotions related to trauma and chronic pain.

  In our workshop, we combine gentle movements, breathwork, meditation, and sound healing to create a holistic approach to healing. This integrated method allows for a deep, yet gentle exploration of your body's innate wisdom and healing capacity.

• Q: Why do you offer vegan and organic meals as part of the workshop?

  A: The choice of vegan and organic meals aligns with the workshop's core principles of holistic healing and connection to nature. In many nature-based traditions, including Celtic shamanism and goddess traditions, there's a deep reverence for the earth and all living beings. By offering plant-based, organic meals, we're honouring this connection and doing our part to support sustainable, compassionate practices.

  These meals are not only nourishing for our bodies but also for the planet. They represent a mindful approach to eating that complements our work of reconnecting with ourselves and nature. Plus, they're delicious! Even if you're not typically vegan, we believe you'll enjoy these wholesome, flavourful dishes as part of your transformative experience.

• Q: Is there any follow-up support after the workshop?

  A: Yes, I provide resources for continuing your practice at home, including meditations, journal prompts, voice work activities and a list of recommended readings. I also offer optional follow-up sessions for those who want ongoing support.