Are you ready for a relaxing Samhain weekend of sacred storytelling and play?

Samhain (pronounced SOW-in), originated in Celtic Ireland and transformed into what we know of as Halloween today. As before so present, it is a time to bid farewell to the warmth and light of summer and prepare for the darker, more introspective months ahead.

Our intention for the Samhain weekend retreat is to hold space for all to connect with themselves and others through ritual and the mediums of storytelling and play. Stories create magic, and Sam and Marie the Good Witch will be holding space as fellow travelers and magic makers over Samhain weekend, encouraging you to explore, and engage in creative and reflective play through a variety of storytelling mediums, from oral storytelling around the campfire, to written storytelling in the form of journaling prompts and discussions, to visual storytelling in the form of photographic empowerment mini sessions with Sam of Reverence Intimate Portraits for each attendee. 

There will be magic ✨ There will be candy 🍬

Who is this retreat for?

Our retreat is for people of all genders (or lack thereof) who want to recover their spark in community while hanging out in the powerful space known as Mother Lion. It’s for folks who long to play and engage in sacred storytelling that resonates deep within to create more light in seasons of darkness.

✨✨✨

Do you want a little more magic in your life?

Do you want to spend time learning with Marie the Good Witch how to get even more witchy?

Do you want to see your true divine self with a mini empowerment session with Reverence Intimate Portraits?

Do you long for a deeper, more loving connection with yourself and other like-minded people?

✨✨✨

If so, we invite you to come to connect more deeply with yourself and not-yet friends.

💖 You’re so freaking awesome 💖

Meet Your Magic Makers

Marie the Good Witch

Marie the Good Witch (she/her) was launched into this world to create magic. Marie was named after a Benny Goodman song her parents really liked.

Good is really a matter of opinion depending on who you ask, but just ask her Mama. Depending on the day, Marie’s mom might agree with that adjective or suggest her daughter towards more benevolence.

Marie bravely calls herself Witch for two reasons: As a remembrance to those who came before her and a reclamation of the word to transform it from an accusation into an act of power.

Marie the Good Witch believes in the inherent magic within all beings.

Marie can be found anytime (and for a good time) when you click your heels, wiggle your nose, or join her in person for gatherings posted on social media, or for hair transformations at Love + Light Hairdressing.

Sam of Reverence Intimate Portraits

Sam Waldron (she/hers) is a Queer, fat, disabled, and neurodivergent image alchemist, colloquially referred to as a photographer. Recognizing that photography has immense power, Sam uses her powers for good by helping folks embrace their own stories while being seen through a lens of love. Collaboration and trust are the key ingredients Sam uses to make visual art magic with her camera.

Sam owns Reverence Intimate Portraits as well as Dutcher Photography, and co-owns Madison Photography Studios, because two photography businesses weren’t enough.

Sam was named after Samantha from the show Bewitched, and is obsessed with cats, secular witchy shit, shiny things, and death cafes.

You can connect with Sam and her craft via her websites, on social media, or by frequently haunting cool portrait locations in the Madison area like a cryptid.

Our Space for the Weekend:
Mother Lion in Bayview, WI

Beautiful Communal Space

Mother Lion, located in Bayview, WI (a suburb of Milwaukee), is a beautiful communal space that will delight the senses as we relax and reflect over the retreat weekend!

Inspiring Surroundings

The surroundings at Mother Lion are as inspiring as they are beautiful, with lots of little nooks & crannies for self-reflection, as well as space for gathering!

Sauna + Hot Tub

In addition to the gorgeous surroundings, Mother Lion has a private hot tub and sauna for our use over the weekend, so bring a swimsuit and enjoy!

Ticket Options

Commuter Attendee
$479

This ticket option includes all daytime programming from Friday evening on 10/30/26 through Sunday morning on 11/1/26, but does not include overnight lodging. This is a great option for folks who live close to Milwaukee or don’t mind driving in from the surrounding areas, or those who prefer to book their own lodging nearby.

Shared Room Attendee
$629

This ticket option includes all daytime programming as well as 1 twin bed in a shared room. It is recommend that folks booking this option have a friend in mind to share the room with, and that they book at the same time. There is only 1 shared room available, so act fast if you want to attend and room with a friend!

Private Room Attendee
$829

This ticket option includes all daytime programming as well as 1 queen bed in a luxurious private room. This is a perfect option for folks looking to feel pampered and peaceful, and who don’t want to worry about making other accommodation arrangements. There are only 2 private rooms available, so act fast if you’re interested in a private room!

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is this retreat for?

   Our retreat is for people of all genders (or lack thereof) who want to recover their spark in community. It’s for folks who long to play and engage in sacred storytelling that resonates deep within to create more light in seasons of darkness, and want to do that in a sober and magical space.

2. What is the schedule for the weekend?

   The Samhain Sacred Storytelling retreat weekend will begin at 6 PM on the evening of Friday 10/30/26 and go through 10:30 AM the morning of Sunday 11/1/26.

3. What is included in the ticket price?

   While the accommodations included (or not included) depend on which ticket option you choose, all attendees will receive the following:

   • Participation in all ritual offerings from the evening of Friday 10/30/26 through the morning of Sunday 11/1/26 intended to inspire and nourish your entire being:

     • A special 1:1 empowerment photo session with Sam of Reverence Intimate Portraits on Saturday (includes 3 digital image downloads).

     • Intuitive 1:1 guidance with somatic practices with Marie the Good Witch.

     • Use of the on-site private sauna or hot tub during scheduled intermissions (bring a swimsuit and your best mer-person energy)!

     • Offerings of snacks inspired by the season along with non-alcoholic beverages. This is a drug and alcohol free event so it is safe for all to connect together. We will share a communal dinner on Saturday evening.

     • A fun swag bag filled with tricks and treats for your amusement.

4. What is the food situation?

   A variety of snacks & non-alcoholic beverages will be provided throughout the weekend for all attendees, as well as one communal dinner on Saturday evening. Aside from snacks, beverages, and the communal Saturday evening dinner, attendees will be responsible for their own meals, such as dinner before programming starts on Friday evening at 6 PM, breakfasts before programming starts on Saturday & Sunday mornings, and there will be a 1.5 hour lunch break on Saturday afternoon for attendees to explore the Bayview area and get lunch, or folks are welcome pack their own lunches and utilize the fridges available at Mother Lion to store them.

5. What is the parking situation?

   Street parking is available. For attendees who choose a ticket option that includes overnight accommodations, you will want to go to https://city.milwaukee.gov/Parking/ParkingPermits to obtain an overnight permit ($1 per night, or $5 for the week). It is the attendees responsibility to obtain these parking permits ahead of the retreat weekend, however, if you have any questions, please let us know!

6. How accessible is the venue?

   Unfortunately Mother Lion’s is not wheelchair accessible (but I do have several accessible workshops coming up so stay tuned if this is something you’re interested in)! Attendees must be able to navigate 3-5 stairs to get into the house (depending on which door they use), but the inside of the space is all one floor with the exception of one indoor stair to reach the shower and/or claw foot tub in the main bathroom.

7. What is the drug & alcohol policy for the retreat?

   Because we want to create & maintain a safe environment for all to connect & enjoy space together, this retreat is a drug and alcohol free event.

8. What are the ticket options?

   There are 3 tiers of tickets for attendees (pricing below does not include sales tax):

   • Commuter Attendee ($479) - This ticket option includes all daytime programming from Friday evening on 10/30/26 through Sunday morning on 11/1/26, but does not include overnight lodging. This is a great option for folks who live close to Milwaukee or don’t mind driving in from the surrounding areas, or those who prefer to book their own lodging at a local hotel or Air BnB.

   • Shared Room Attendee ($629) - This ticket option includes 1 twin bed in a shared room. It is recommend that folks booking this option have a friend in mind to share the room with, and that they book at the same time. There is only 1 shared room available, so act fast if you want to attend and room with a friend!

   • Private Room Attendee ($829) - This ticket option includes 1 queen bed in a private room. There are only 2 private rooms available, so act fast if you’re interested in a private room!

Have more questions that aren’t covered here?

Email me at sam@reverenceintimateportraits.com!