After the Rains

As a relative newcomer to plant medicine, I was a bit nervous of what to expect from this weekend, however something about After the Rains just felt right, and so I trusted my intuition and stepped right in. I am so happy that I did. From the start, I was able to exchange with Ollie and Carla, who were both reassuring, answering my questions openly and honestly, so I felt entirely supported and safe. I found the Nectara course preparation gifted with my purchase extremely helpful in aiding my understanding of what would happen, and with the information given in the pre-retreat video call and the 1:1 on the day, I felt individually seen and heard despite the group setting, and was prepared and excited for what was to come. I spent just a little over 48 hours in the company of eight truly remarkable people, and yet when we parted company it felt like we had known each other for far longer. Ollie and Carla skillfully and gently guided us through the weekend, subtly building our trust and connection with each other; helping us to feel safe enough to be open and vulnerable, and holding us all with compassion and care throughout the entire weekend. The beautiful peaceful setting in nature is a balm to the soul in itself, the rooms are very comfortably appointed, and the house and grounds were perfect to bring us together but also allow us time alone if we wished. Carla and Ollie provided us with delicious wholesome home-cooked meals to nurture and sustain us. The combination of breathwork, yoga, magical time in the forest, chanting, and sound therapy was a fabulous aid to relaxation and leaving behind the stresses of the day-to-day, in order to focus entirely on ourselves in the here and now. I loved the respect shown to nature, with the Equinox timing of the retreat which also happened to fall on the night of the new moon. The medicine was treated with a quiet and sincere respect, and I really appreciated the Ceremonial approach to the more formal aspects of preparation, the Ceremony itself and integration the following morning. During the actual Ceremony, I felt entirely safe and supported, at times having the quiet presence of either Ollie or Carla, and at times journeying alone through my subconscious, allowing me to release suppressed emotions, and open up new ways of being, accompanied by the rhythms, voices and music created by Ollie with Carla. I have never before felt so much love and acceptance in a room, and especially from a group of people who had been strangers, but will now forever be written into the story of my spiritual path through this life. I have emerged feeling calmer and less reactive, more positive, less stressed and anxious, and feeling blessed and grateful to have had such an amazing experience. I cannot recommend After the Rains highly enough - it has changed my life. Book right now!

Oliver and Carla were wonderful guides on this deeply spiritual journey. Oliver has this grounded sage like presence and Carla balances with free-flowing joyful flowing energy. They are both deeply caring and kind and held space for everyone.

The space was beautiful, I had all the comforts I needed and felt connected to nature with the mountains and woods surrounding us.

It was a deeply profound and intense experience and I couldn't have asked for better guides.

Oliver was very caring and ensured I felt safe and comfortable for what turned out to be an amazing experience

I had a one to one ceremony with Oliver in July in Alpens, a pretty village in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. I was a bit apprehensive beforehand about the ‘rituals’ that might be involved - I'm not keen on rituals, and Oliver readily obliged, so only lighting and blowing out a candle was done. He also agreed to use a playlist of my choice, supplemented by his own music - but looking back I wish I’d chosen to have only Oliver’s music! He’s very kind and attentive, and made the whole experience not at all scary. He’s also been very helpful in my post-ceremony integration phase. Many thanks. Oliver!

I took part in a one to one ceremony with Oliver in mid July. It was my first experience of this kind after years of intrigue. I had some apprehension in the build up to the ceremony but this quickly dissolved and gave way to a beautiful experience amid the perfect setting of Alpens and in the company of a great guide, Oliver. I am beyond grateful to Oliver for facilitating this experience and for his kindness throughout.
I would have no hesitation about coming back again in the future!