September 25-28, 2026
Sierra Foothills, California
For women who feel called to share music as medicine, ritual, and transformation.
Whether you're already DJing or just beginning your journey behind the decks, Sonic Ceremony Retreat is an invitation to deepen your relationship with music, develop your confidence as a DJ, and connect with a community of women who are devoted to authentic expression through sound.
Over four days and three nights in nature, we'll gather in sisterhood to explore the art of DJing, ritual facilitation, embodiment, and sonic storytelling.
Together we'll remember that sharing music is more than a technical skill.
It's an act of leadership.
An act of devotion.
A ceremony.
THE INVITATION
This retreat is for women who are ready to:
✨ Develop confidence behind the decks
✨ Learn how to craft meaningful musical journeys
✨ Explore DJing as a path of self-expression
✨ Deepen their relationship with creativity and intuition
✨ Connect with like-hearted women on the sonic path
✨ Discover their unique voice as a DJ and facilitator
Join us Sept 25-28, 2026
In the Sierra Foothills along the Yuba River
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
DJ Training & Sonic Leadership
Ritual DJ Workshop with Ruby Chase
Explore DJing as an embodied practice of storytelling, intention, and energetic leadership.
Ecstatic Dance Journey Creation
Learn how to create transformational dance floor experiences through music selection, flow, and emotional arc.
DJ Archetype Activation
Discover your unique style, strengths, and sonic medicine as a DJ.
Music Discovery & Curation
Expand your library and refine your ability to craft meaningful musical journeys.
Ritual & Embodiment
Opening Cacao Ceremony
With Heather Christie & Arula
Sound Healing Journey
A deeply restorative sonic immersion.
Embodied Movement Practices w/ Ting
Connect with your body as an instrument of intuition and expression.
Sensual Feminine River Time
Unstructured time to rest, connect, play, and receive inspiration from nature.
Evening Rituals & Sisterhood Circles
Space for reflection, connection, and integration.
WHO THIS RETREAT IS FOR
This retreat is perfect for:
• Women who are curious about learning to DJ
• Sonic Ceremony students and graduates
• Emerging DJs seeking confidence and mentorship
• Ecstatic Dance DJs wanting deeper community
• Musicians, facilitators, and creatives who want to expand their relationship with sound
No advanced experience is required.
A love of music and a willingness to explore is enough.
Teachers
Ting Ting Guan
Arula
Ruby Chase
Heather Christie
The Space
We will be gathering in the Sierra Foothills along the Yuba River
Friday, Sept 25th - Monday, Sept 28th on beautiful private land nestled in the forest
Lodging
Tier 1: Sonic Priestess:
Scenic private room with queen bed ($2200) ~ limited
Save option: share a queen bed with a sister, save 30% (each pay $1200)
Tier 2: Sensual Nymph:
Shared yurt sleeping accommodation option in the Black Oak Bunkhouse ($950)
Includes a short forest walk to this space
Tier 3: Forest Fairy:
Bring your own tent and camp on one of the 7 camping terraces throughout the property ($700)
Includes a short forest walk to some of these spaces
*Payment Plans available for all options*
Limited space.
Group size is limited to 20 women!
Our StoryArula and Heather have been hosting retreats and courses together since 2022. Their mission is to align together to create the deepest support possible for women in music and sonic expression.
Amenities
Exclusive group use of:
The Crystal Spa (Hot Tub, Sauna, Outdoor Soaking Tubs, Outdoor Showers, and Changing Room)
Indoor Strawbale Bath House: 2 private Deep Soaking Tubs and Rain Showers
Regenerative Organic Gardens and Trails Winding Through the Forest and Creek Area
The Madrone Hieron + the The Star Deck for Yoga, Dance, Ritual, + personal practice
Nourishment
You will receive (5) organic, local meals + drinks, tonics, snacks and treats prepared with love by Jenny Griffith & her team
*Vegan and Gluten Free options will be available, as well as meat options. We will work with any dietary restrictions you might have. Please let us know*
Sample Schedule
*Subject to shift
Friday Sept 25th
3 pm arrive
5:30 pm opening dinner
7 pm Cacao, opening ceremony, soundhealing
Saturday Sept 26th
7:30 - 9 breakfast/tea ceremonies
9-12 workshops (2)
12:30-3 lunch / rest
3-5 workshops (1)
5:30-6:30 embodiment sessions / free time
6:30-8 dinner
8-10 Community Ecstatic Dance ritual
Sunday Sept 27th
7:30 - 9 breakfast/tea ceremonies
9-12:30 workshops (2)
12:30-3 lunch / rest
3-5 workshops (1)
5:30-6:30 embodiment sessions / free time
6:30-8 dinner OUT ON THE TOWN
8-11 pm Elixart Moonbabe Show
Monday Sept 28th
8-9 Final embodiment class
10-12 Brunch + closing circle
12-1 Pack and depart
What Women Have Said…
I had an amazing time at the Empowered Expression retreat. Heather and Arula led a beautiful gathering in the beautiful Nevada City mountains where we were able to use our voices freely, express ourselves with no judgement, and feel open to the elements. I felt enchanted by how it felt so good to be out in nature, with other women, singing and dancing, and being a woman fully. Thank you for holding such beautiful space for us to have connections with the earth, with ourselves, and with each other. Deep friendships were formed and I will never forget my time here. I am excited to go again!
- Tia Marie
"Heather and Arula's retreat was a warm feminine invitation into the magic of music. It felt like a safe and connected container to explore this craft, and doing this in a beautiful location added to the inspiration."
- Lena Belle
“Attending the retreat marked a huge shift in my artistic expression and commitment to myself.
Heather and Arula bring their unique flavors to the program, and it was wonderful to be around the creative energy of other like minded creative women (and the food was delicious!)
I highly recommend this retreat - Heather and Arula are amazing coaches who demonstrate high skill levels and patience with their mentees.”
— Serena Malkani
Getting there
The Sonic Ceremony retreat is about 1 hour 30 minute drive from the Sacramento airport, and about a 2.5 hour drive from the Bay Area. It is located just under 30 min from the towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley. We recommend carpooling or sharing rental cars, and will support you in finding that!
RESERVE YOUR SPACE
Spots are limited!
