The Way of Love
Magdalene Women's Retreat
21-28 June 2025
‘I am the first and the last, I am she who is honored and she who is scorned.
I am the whore and the holy woman, I am the wife and the virgin’
― from 'The Thunder: Perfect Mind' - Nag Hammadi Scrolls
It was the 21st of June 2021 and the church bells in the village of Rennes-les-Bains rang for 12 o’clock.
I had sat down on a stone chair in the forest that emanated a magical and wise energy, the sort of wisdom that only ancient stones can have, and so when I sat down, I decided to close my eyes and meditate.
In the stillness, I started seeing a circle of women in red robes in my mind’s eye. They circled as sisters around me and one of them walked up to me with a crown made of roses. She walked towards me, looking at me with power and kindness as she put the crown on my head. Then she took a sword and like a knight’s initiation, she laid it upon both my shoulders one after the other.
She did not share any audible words, yet by the feelings I had I understood that this was a remembering. It was an initiation I had experienced many lives ago, one that was alive in my soul until this very moment. It reminded me of the sacredness of all of my being. It helped me embrace all that comes with being human, whilst honouring my eternal essence at the same time. In the years that followed, my experience unraveled further into a deeper opening of my heart and a realization that Mary Magdalene and Yeshua have walked the Way of Love before me and that they are here to guide me.
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This is a warm invitation to dive into the Way of Love: a path of remembering your essence, in the mystical French Pyrenees from June 21-28, 2025.
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The Way of Love
'The Way of Love' is a spiritual path walked by Yeshua (Jesus) and Mary Magdalene, and embodies the principles of unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness. Their stories and teachings are an invite us to inner transformation and the embodiment of love in everyday life. The Way of Love originates in early Christian thought, yet it transcends traditional religious boundaries to embrace a more holistic understanding of spirituality and human connection.
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According to local legends, after the resurrection Mary Magdalene fled Judea and arrived at the shores of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer together with several of her (spiritual) family members. She then journeyed onwards to the Pyrenees which hold many stories of her visiting and baptizing the local people.
Her narrative challenges traditional views of women in scripture, emphasizing personal spiritual authority and the quest for divine knowledge. The Gospel of Mary highlights her role as a teacher and leader, illustrating that becoming fully human involves recognizing one's strengths, questioning societal norms, and embracing inner wisdom, ultimately suggesting that true spirituality is intertwined with human experiences and emotions.
The Cathars, a religious group that emerged in the 12th century, held beliefs that diverged significantly from the Catholic Church, including the idea of a dualistic universe. Some traditions suggest a connection between Mary Magdalene and the Cathar beliefs, positing that she traveled to France and was revered as a divine feminine figure. This association has fueled modern speculation and interest in the potential historical and spiritual significance of Mary Magdalene within the context of the regions of the Pyrenees, where Cathar castles and communities flourished..
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The ancient wisdom held in the valleys and mountains of Aude and Ariege is tangible until today, with many sacred sites in the area that are full of magic. During the Way of Love Retreat we will visit many of these sacred sites, guided by the stories and teachings of Mary Magdalene and those of the Earth herself.
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Cathar Country in the Pyrenees
On each full day of the retreat we will be working with a different color rose, to anchor its teachings and vibration into our body. On Friday we will journey with The Pink Rose, which teaches about forgiveness and compassion. The Pink Rose is here to help us learn to love ourselves and each other better. She invites us to soften and find inner peace, helping us to ground and feel safe and secure in the temple of our body. On this day we will visit the Chalice Well to connect with the fluidity of the spring water and the soft enchantment of the Chalice Well gardens. In the afternoon we will hold a nourishing Pink Rose ceremony with movement, sound & sharing.
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Saturday will be The Red Rose day, connecting us with our embodied feminine essence expressed through our sensuality, passion and creativity. The Red Rose stands for who we truly are. Like the energy of Mary Magdalene, she reminds us of the power of the womb as a creator of life and of the courage in our heart to express and live our truth. On this day we will visit the Glastonbury Abbey where we will connect with the powerful energy of the Lady Chapel on the land where the remains of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are said to be buried. In the evening we will hold a Red Rose ceremony with a womb blessing ritual and Ecstatic Dance, embodying our truth through intuitive movement.
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On Sunday we will work with the White Rose in connection with the energy of Mother Mary. The White Rose is all about innocence and clarity, illuminating what is hidden in the shadows so it can be transformed. It is the Rose that guides us back to the purity of our hearts time and again, reminding us of our simultaneous divine ànd human nature. On Sunday we will walk up the Glastonbury Tor to connect with this sacred hill that holds powerful frequencies of clarity. Later in the day we will visit the White Spring for a White Rose baptism in the sacred waters of the spring, clearing anything that does not serve us any longer so we can continue our path renewed.
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Daily schedule
​08:00 - 09:00 Breakfast
09:30 – 13:30: Way of Love Morning: outdoor visit to a sacred site*
14:00 – 17:00: Lunch ~ Rest ~ Free Time
17:00 – 19.00: Way of Love Afternoon: onsite integration workshop
(e.g. writing, yin yoga, sound journey)
19.00: Dinner
20.30 – 22.00: Dance ~ Singing Circle ~ Fire Evening ~ Free Time​
*On some days we will take lunch with us and only return to the Domaine around 5pm,
in which case there will be no afternoon program
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Accommodation
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We will be staying in the beautiful Domaine de Mournac in the Aude region of the French Pyrenees. Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, Domaine de Mournac is a place of deep peace and natural beauty. The Domaine consists of a fully renovated farmhouse with a large dining and living room, a terrace with stunning mountain view, a large garden with swimming pool and spacious bedrooms in rustic style. Mealtimes will be enjoyed in the dining room or outside on the terrace when the weather allows. Our indoor activities will be centered in The Activity Room, a luminous space with many windows and a wooden floor, with plenty of room to move, meditate and create. In the garden and by the swimming pool you can find many peaceful corners to sit down and read a book or simply enjoy the view. Domaine de Mournac offers different shared rooms with an ensuite bathroom, all with their own special twist. There are different accommodation options, you can either choose to stay in a shared room with 2-3 other women or in a private bell tent in the garden.
Retreat Team
Jeska Onderwater
Jeska Onderwater is an artist, singer-songwriter, yoga teacher, creative workshop & ceremony leader. Fascinated by the beauty of the natural world, the magic of creative expression and the mysterious journey of life she creates her offerings from and for the heart.
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In 2020 she started receiving dreams about Roses and Mary Magdalene which lead her on a pilgrimage through England, France & Scotland. Her journey brought her to magical power places and meetings with soulmates amongst which her life partner. It inspired her to start writing a book, create new songs as well as include the magic of the Rose Path in her offerings.
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Jeska has been sharing her music and creative guidance in yoga classes, festivals, retreats, workshops, concerts & ceremonies all over Europe for the last 10 years. In deep attunement with the whispers of the Earth and those of her own heart she creates safe, loving spaces for deep remembering and creativity to flow through.
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Caroline Frederix
Caroline has always been fascinated by good food.
From her childhood home she inherited an interest in baking traditional sweet pies and other good stuff from the oven. In her mums kitchen, delicious, healthy and responsible eating came naturally. Food from the garden, local and seasonal products, fresh and home-made.
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Caroline still enjoys baking and cooking and has been able to gain a lot of inspiration during her worldwide travels. From a RAW chef course in Australia, getting inspired by the Ayurvedic cuisine in India to working on food truck festivals throughout Belgium: food is her passion. As Caroline gained more experience, she also began to find the healthy aspect of food increasingly important and this is where her focus is now. She chooses to cook vegetarian or vegan, working with organic, local and seasonal products as much as possible.
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More info via: https://njamaste.one/
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What other women say:
about retreats with Jeska
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Having Jeska's guidance was reassuring and relaxing. She speaks Iona's language, she was her spokesperson, knowing exactly when and where to go, sharing knowledge in a humble way. She and her team took care of every detail, and they were all very open to adapt. The programme was diverse and full of sensorial activities that deeply touched our souls, with time to fully experience the "nothingness', to be heard and to feel welcome. I am very thankful and happy to have said yes!
~ Carla Borges (Brazil) on the Iona Women's Retreat 2023
It was the retreat of my life till now. So much sacredness in a weeks time, I mean... I'm happy to be aliiiiive! Thank You all so much for making it possible to experience all that. It definitely started working some magic, I feel so much stronger and connected. I am proud of all of us. It's definitely one dream came true for me.
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~ Iringó (Hungary) on the Iona Women's Retreat 2023
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It felt like I was in a whole new world. A different dimension. I was really tuned out of my daily life. It was magical to be with a beautiful group of women. Slowing down in nature, the ceremonies, connecting with the women, myself and my holy spirit! It was a beautiful experience! Everything was so aligned! I'm feeling more clear in my body and mind. More space for new things and adventures. Feeling really soft to myself. I got rid of blockages inside and feel more clearly the direction in where I want or have to go.
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~ Arielle (The Netherlands) on the Iona Women's Retreat 2023
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Investment
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Option 1: 1777 euro (4 spots available)
bed in a twin shared ensuite room with mountain view
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Option 2: 1666 euro (6 spots available )
bed in a triple shared ensuite room with mountain view
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Option 3: 1555 euro (2 spots available)
bed in a smaller twin shared room with garden view
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Option 4: 1444 euro (2 spots available)
bed in a private luxurious bell tent in the garden​
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Deposit to reserve your spot: 444 EUR
Balance due by the 1st of June 2025
Payment plans available upon request
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Cancellation policy
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If you cancel before the 1st of May, you will receive a 90% refund
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If you cancel between the 1st of May and the 1st of June, you will receive a 50% refund
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After June 1st, we're unable to give any refunds, but you can transfer your spot to a friend
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What's included?
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7 nights accommodation at the serene Domaine de Mournac
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Three delicious vegetarian meals a day by Caroline
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Unlimited Tea served throughout the day
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Full Retreat program with Jeska
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The Way of Love retreat program*:
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Visit to the mystical Magdalene village of Rennes-le-Chateau
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Visit to sacred water sites in the area: Les Fontaines des Amours, La Source Madeleine, Hot Springs
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Local legends, Storytelling & Meditations
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Visit to the Throne of Isis & Forest of Wise Stones
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Hike & Visit Gorge de Galamus Cave Chapel
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Ceremonial day hike up Bugarach Mountain
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Visit to Montsegur Cathar Castle
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Trip to the Esperaza Sunday market with local artisans & food
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Intuitive Dance, Singing Circle & Sound Journey​
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Relaxing Yin Yoga with Live Music
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And a whole lot of magic & nourishment!
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*Note that the program may be changed or adapted
depending on the weather as well as intuitive guidance during the week
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What's not included?
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Travel to and from Domaine de Mournac
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Additional snacks or meals in local restaurants
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Any other expenses outside of the retreat program
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Optional 1:1 massage sessions
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How to get to Domaine de Mournac?
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By train/plane/taxi:
Flying into or traveling from Carcassonne airport or train station is most convenient as it is closest to the Domaine. Dependant on the amount of people arriving at Carcassonne we will arrange a group taxi from the airport which costs between 50-15 euros per person for a 45 minute drive. Flying into Toulouse is another option, you will then have to take a taxi ride of 1,5 hours which will cost between 120-55 euros a person, prices are dependant on how many participants will travel at the same time. Once you register, Jeska will ask you for your travel details and organize the group taxis from both airports where needed. Another option is to travel by bus from Carcassonne station to Couiza/Montazels, from where we can arrange someone to pick you up.
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By car:
Domaine de Mournac, 11190 Antugnac, France
You can park at the parking of the Domaine for free. Once you sign up, you can indicate whether you're coming by car and let us know if you wish to make yourself available to be one of the drivers to the sacred sites.
Fuel costs for these trips (between 10 minutes and 1 hour) will be discounted from your retreat investment.
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Questions?
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Feel free to contact me directly for any questions or to schedule a call if you're wondering whether this retreat is for you. I'm happy to connect with you!
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Mail: jeska.onderwater@gmail.com
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Follow me on Instagram for more sharings on the retreat via stories & posts or sign up to my monthly newsletter here
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With love,
Jeska