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African Tradition Grief Ritual for Women and Men SEPTEMBER 11, 12, 13 2026
Soul Path Retreats ~ www.soulspath.ca
2685 Shirley Rd, Blackstock, ON

September 11, 12, 13 2026

Commences Friday at 3 pm and concludes on Sunday 4 pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm on Friday

TIME FOR ARRIVAL ON THE SITE IS AT 2 PM TO ORGANIZE YOUR SLEEPING SPACE

3PM WE START PREPARATIONS - PLEASE BE ON TIME

This is a 3 day transformational, soul-invigorating ritual designed to break through our cultural barriers and provide a supportive, safe place to release and clear our grief – grief about all the losses we have endured including: the loss of loved ones, the loss of dreams, the loss of identity, loss of connection with our ancestors, the elements and our planet.
 
This ritual is based on the ancient wisdom of the Dagara tradition of Burkina Faso, West Africa, brought to the West by Malidoma Some. It offers participants a unique and full experience  to release and heal old pains and emotions such as grief, fear, anger, confusion, sadness, indifference, shame and guilt. It’s not uncommon for these emotions to manifest as physical ailments (i.e. back pain) or illnesses as they stay stored in the unconscious through time and generations.

 In this sacred ritual we go through phases of: connecting to our pain, addressing our pain to our ancestors, deep catharsis,  acceptance, forgiveness and joy.
 
Addressing and releasing our losses and grief enables us to clear our bodies and psyche to find meaningful and joyful ways to continue on our journey and serve the planet in the times ahead.

There will be live drumming and chanting/singing all through the ritual.

Facilitated By Elder Heloisa Porto and Assistants Jodie Lindley and Dawn Snider

ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RITUAL: PLEASE CONTACT JODIE OR DAWN

Jodie - jodie.lindley@gmail.com or 647-287-7745
Dawn - Dawn@tangledinwebs.com or 416-909-0732

ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCOMMODATION, FOOD OR PAYMENTS:

Contact Souls Path directly at - (905) 452-2012 or email info@soulspath.ca

For more information about our Elder: Heloisa da Silva Porto

**FOR FEE AND PAYMENT INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE BELOW ...

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ABOUT THE PLACE & FEE INFORMATION
Soul Path Retreats is located on 58 acres of natural beauty within an hour N/E of Toronto, and is a wellness haven offering a place for inner peace and personal growth. There are many beautiful places to walk and rest. Accomodations are cabins on the property, but do NOT have electricity or running water. There are bathroom and shower facilities on the property, a short walk from the cabins. If you are camping, you need to bring all your camping and sleeping gear, for sun and rain. All meals and snacks are provided on site. Visit the website at www.soulspath.ca to see the facilities.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION:

In the spirit of the communal nature of this ritual, sleeping cabins are shared accommodation, of up to 3 or 4 people per room. Linens, pillows and towels are supplied, but if you want extra comforts, please bring them.

There are also camping options, but it requires you bringing all your gear with you.

If you want to share a room with a certain guest(s) please let us know upon registration (under the "other concerns you need us to know" space below). 

Private rooms are unfortunately not available, however couples or groups can request a shared space ... but if you want to guarantee your own private space as a single person, please consider the camping option. Unfortunately this will not alter the fees for the event.

FEE & PAYMENT INFORMATION:

Early registration Fee UNTIL JULY 31
Cabin = $950
Tent = $935

After Early registration: AUGUST 1ST ONWARDS
Cabin - $1050
Tent - $1035

TO REGISTER & PAY CLICK THIS LINK

FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 4, 2026



IMPORTANT NOTICE
THE RITUAL WILL BE CANCELLED IN CASE OF A FIRE BAN AND YOU WILL HAVE A FULL REFUND

TIME FOR ARRIVAL ON THE SITE IS 2 PM

Upon arrival you will be asked to sign a waiver of responsibility. An agreement to follow the guidelines of the place and the ritual.

Thank you!
WHAT TO BRING
The ritual is done if it is sunny or rainy. It is a sacred and unique time and opportunity so weather does not stop our intention:

- clothes for all temperatures - Night time can be cooler. We do the ritual at night too.
- towel and wash cloth if needed (one towel provided)
- hat and sunscreen
- rain gear
- blanket for outside
- biodegradable soap and hygiene toiletry
- **Mosquito and tick repellent 
- flash light 2 with extra batteries
- ***water bottle refill
-  pen and journal
- if camping: all your camping and sleeping gear 

FOR THE RITUAL
- Picture of your ancestors (your loved ones that had passed) - NO LIVING PEOPLE IN THE PICTURES 
- Pictures should be protected in plastic ... can also be a symbol of your ancestors
- Candles in glass container on the colors red, white and blue (1 of each)
- Large pieces of fabric - red , blue and white for shrines. You can take these back home
- Flowers for ancestors
- other objects of your ancestors * optional
- special libation liked by your ancestors * optional
- Fruits, grains, tobacco or other offering for your ancestors * optional
FULL NAME *
DATE OF BIRTH *
PLACE OF BIRTH *
ADDRESS *
TELEPHONE NUMBER *
EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME & PHONE NUMBER *
WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATION WITH THIS RITUAL? *
MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL CONDITIONS THAT MIGHT BE RELEVANT TO THIS RITUAL *
MEDICATIONS *
ANY ALLERGIES ( FOOD OR OTHERWISE) *
ACCOMMODATION CHOICE *
OTHER CONCERNS YOU NEED US TO KNOW *
CONSENT *
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