Body of Fire: a peri/menopause rite of passage
A transformative gathering for anyone navigating the alchemical fires of perimenopause and menopause.
This is the pause our bodies have been demanding: a chance to shed what no longer serves, turn inward like a caterpillar in its chrysalis, and discover what emerges on the other side. Through somatic movement and dance, sensual shibari designed specifically for this threshold, supportive nourishment, and shared experiences, we will reclaim this transition as our birthright — a threshold into our deepest creativity, wisdom, and sovereignty.
We will all arrive with something to share and something to receive; the wisdom we’ve gained thus far, the questions we’re still holding… this gathering is a place for shared sovereignty, collective wisdom, and community. We will all leave changed.
This is a rite of passage, not the rite of passage.
You can come as you are, at any stage in this journey. You can support others as they mark their threshold crossing, and receive support for wherever you are in yours.
This is for anyone who has ever cycled, at any age or stage of the menopause process — from approaching perimenopause to postmenopausal. We gather to forge a new culture of wisdom-keepers.
We extend a special welcome to those entering menopause "early," and those who are far past it but never had the chance to honor their process. No prior experience necessary. Beyond-binary / gender inclusive.
Location
We will gather at Holden House, a private, fluid home for a wide range of artists, healers, thought leaders, scientists, writers, activists, and planet lovers. A place to reconnect — with ourselves, others, and nature. A space for inspired ritual; for invigorating and playful gatherings; for deep, radical rest; and for birthing new ways of being together.
Located 30 minutes outside Montpelier VT, and set on 36 picturesque acres of rolling hills, lush forest, and burbling streams, the gorgeously remodeled main house has been lovingly restored with the intention of creating a deep sense of calm and serenity.
What to Expect
Thursday night: Arrive by 5pm. Dinner. Opening circle.
Friday: Movement + meditation; reflection; connection; optional add-on experiences in sound, self-exploration & portrait photography; Q&A with menopausal health expert; Shibari performance: Finding Pleasure and Art at the Edges of Transformation.
Saturday: Movement accompanied by live musical performance; rest + relaxation; shibari workshop; time to be in nature; optional add-on experiences in sound, self-exploration, and portrait photography; fire ceremony.
Sunday morning: Closing circle. Depart before or after lunch.
Beautiful, nourishing meals and soulful connection throughout.
Intimate gathering for deep connection (limited to 12 women max).
Note: While the Japanese rope art of Shibari is explored as a somatic and meditative practice, this is not a sexuality or sex-related program
Who This is For
Anyone who’s ever had a moon cycle who wants to be in conscious relationship with menopause as a rite of passage.
Anyone beginning perimenopause who wants to meet it with awareness and support.
Anyone in the full intensity of the transition - seeking grounding, connection, and clarity.
Postmenopausal people who want to integrate its wisdom more fully, and support others to do the same.
We honor all gender identities & orientations who are crossing this threshold.
Exchange
This is an offering of the heart, from a growing community organized almost entirely on a volunteer basis. We endeavor to create as rich and nourishing an experience as possible while keeping it accessible. Toward that end we are offering various pricing tiers. These reflect the cost of accommodations, meals, program supplies, and much more.
Early Bird (Shared room, shared bath): $1280 (ends July 17, 2026)
Early Bird (Private room, shared bath): $1480 (ends July 17, 2026)
Early Bird (Private queen suite, private bath ): $1680 (ends July 17, 2026) - only 1 available
Regular shared room, shared bath: $1480
Regular private room, shared bath: $1680
Regular private queen suite, private bath: $1880
All include the following:
3 nights of beautiful, cozy accommodations
3 days of deeply nourishing meals
Profound somatic and other healing sessions with multiple, highly skilled guides
1 90-min group introduction and informational Zoom prior to the retreat (optional)
2 90-min group integration Zooms following the retreat (optional)
Thoughtfully curated welcome gifts
A community of people forging a new culture of peri/menopause
Does not include travel to/from Holden House
Your Guides & Support Team
Melissa Brough, PhD
Independent Licensed Ishtara® Teacher,
Founder of the Energetic Literacy Project
"Body of Fire was the rite of passage I dreamt of but did not have moving through menopause. I came back home feeling profoundly shifted, rich in community, and ready to step into my wisdom years.”
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"Body of Fire was the rite of passage I dreamt of but did not have moving through menopause. I came back home feeling profoundly shifted, rich in community, and ready to step into my wisdom years.” 〰️
Maria “Masha” Freytsis
Somatic Coach, Midwife, Kink Educator
“I highly recommend the Body of Fire retreat to anyone seeking community, ceremony, and safety during one of the most profound and challenging transformations of a woman’s life."
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“I highly recommend the Body of Fire retreat to anyone seeking community, ceremony, and safety during one of the most profound and challenging transformations of a woman’s life." 〰️
Eleanor Kinsey
IFS Practitioner, Hypnotherapist, Founder of Dive Intuit
“I feel buoyed by the energetic support of this network and actually excited to enter this life stage more emotionally and spiritually prepared."
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“I feel buoyed by the energetic support of this network and actually excited to enter this life stage more emotionally and spiritually prepared." 〰️
Special Guest Guides to be announced soon!
More Details
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At Body of Fire we offer somatic practices for feeling better in your body and transmuting discomfort into greater ease and pleasure. We work with moving meditation inspired by the Ishtara® Method, and with rope as a way to explore sensation, inspired by the Japanese form Shibari. These innovative, transformative offerings help so many people arrive more fully in their bodies, on their own terms, and in their own pleasure. We can't wait to share them with you—whether you are new to movement altogether or already have an established practice of your own.
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CAR: Holden House is located approximately 30 minutes from Montpelier, VT. There is ample parking available on site.
AIR: Holden House is 1 hour from the Burlington airport. Rental cars are available on site; taxi or car service is also available and runs approximately $150-200.
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Our program will begin at 5pm on Thursday, September 17th, with dinner to follow. If arriving earlier than 5pm, please note that rooms may not be available for check-in, but the grounds at Holden House are lovely, with many places to rest and relax before the start of the retreat.
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Holden House has a mix of single and double rooms, all simply and beautifully furnished. There are 3 en suite rooms and 5 rooms with shared bathrooms. There are lovely common areas and meals are shared in the dining room off the chef’s kitchen.
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Our nourishing daily meals will always include a vegetarian option, and will source primarily local, organic ingredients, many of which will come from the local farms. If you have any dietary restrictions, just let us know.
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Yes! Just let us know during registration if you’d like to room together and we will make it happen.
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Because of the costs we incur to set up this gathering, the retreat is non-refundable. We encourage you to obtain travel insurance to cover cancellation due to illness or travel delays.