Welcome to Mountainsong Expeditions!
Offering programs in Archery, Survival Skills, The Sacred Hunt, and more!
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Wild Sovereignty:
A Community Pilgrimage to Ireland with Sean Donahue and Murphy Robinson In old Irish tradition, sovereignty arose from being wedded to the land, and healing and wisdom flowed from wells fed by wild springs with their source in the Otherworld. With the land and the water and the Oak and the Deer as our primary teachers, we will explore themes of sovereignty, community, reciprocity, and the sacred hunt through ritual, somatic meditations, storytelling, poetry, intuitive archery, and walks through a rare remnant of the Oak forest that once covered much of Ireland. |
2018 Schedule
- Traditional Ax Skills (March 24 in Worcester VT. Women & Transpeople Only, $85.)
- Sacred Hunt Intensive: Ethical Deer Hunting with Bow and Rifle (April 7-9 in Northfield, Minnesota. All Genders, $295 for Sat-Sun or $445 to include a special bonus archery training day on Monday.)
- Wayfinder: Tools & Skills for Navigating the Forest (April 14 in Worcester, VT. All Genders, $85.)
- Running With Artemis: Archery and Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit (Monday afternoons, April 16-May 21 in Worcester, VT. Women & Transpeople Only.)
- The Huntress Intensive: Taking Aim in the Sacred Hunt (April 28-29 in San Luis Obispo, CA. Women & Trans, $295 Early Bird/$325 Regular.)
- Evening Archery Lessons (Thursdays 5:30-7pm, April 26-May 17 in Worcester, VT. All Genders, $30 per lesson.)
- Archery Intensive Weekend (May 12-13 near Amherst, MA. All Genders, $295.)
- Mounted Archery Clinic (May 19-20, 2018 in East Calais, VT. All Genders, $400)
- Wild Sovereignty: A Community Pilgrimage to Ireland. (June 3-9, 2018 in County Galway, Ireland. All Genders $1,750)
- Running With Artemis: Archery and Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit (Monday afternoons, June 18-July 16, 2018 in Worcester, VT. All Genders.)
- Huntress Intensive (July 21-22, 2018 in Worcester, VT. Women & Trans, $295)
- Warrior Mystery Camp (July 26-29, 2018 in Worcester, VT. Women & Trans, sliding scale)
- Huntress Intensive (Aug 4-5, 2018 near Belfast, ME. All Genders, $295)
- Mounted Archery Clinic (August 11-12, 2018 in East Calais, VT. All Genders, $400)
Trip & Class Descriptions:
Wildlife Tracking Class, Level I
Jan 27th, 2018, 10am-5pm in Worcester, VT
Taught by Gary Johnson
Learn the secrets to tracking wildlife through the snow! Advanced tracker Gary Johnson will teach us about animal track patterns, measuring and analyzing tracks, and much more. After learning all the principles, we'll head into the forest to try our new skills. The class includes a hot lunch. Tuition is $85 per person and the class is open to all genders.
Jan 27th, 2018, 10am-5pm in Worcester, VT
Taught by Gary Johnson
Learn the secrets to tracking wildlife through the snow! Advanced tracker Gary Johnson will teach us about animal track patterns, measuring and analyzing tracks, and much more. After learning all the principles, we'll head into the forest to try our new skills. The class includes a hot lunch. Tuition is $85 per person and the class is open to all genders.
The Honorable Tree Harvest: Ax Skills, Reciprocity, and Cultivating a Land-Based Spirituality
February 3-4, 2018, in Belfast, ME
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Steve Byers
How can we be in reciprocal relationship with the plants and trees we harvest? How can we practice consent between humans and wild plants? What does it mean to harvest plants and trees on a colonized continent?
February 3-4, 2018, in Belfast, ME
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Steve Byers
How can we be in reciprocal relationship with the plants and trees we harvest? How can we practice consent between humans and wild plants? What does it mean to harvest plants and trees on a colonized continent?
- Learn more here.
Homestead Chainsaw Skills
February 10-11, 2018, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Joseph Ferris
February 10-11, 2018, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Joseph Ferris
- The chainsaw is an efficient and empowering tool for managing your land & harvesting firewood. In a fun and safe environment, we will: Learn the key physical forces created by a chainsaw, understand safe and unsafe ways to use your tool, review essential personal safety equipment, practice bucking logs into firewood lengths, learn the theory & physics of tree felling cuts, and learn to limb a tree with a chainsaw or ax. Each student will fell a tree by the end of the weekend. Instructors Joseph Ferris and Murphy Robinson are both professional tree fellers. This class is for women and trans folks only. Tuition is $295.
Wildlife Tracking Class: Level II
February 24, 2018, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Gary Johnson
Learn next-level tracking skills! Together we will quickly review the basic principles of tracking: gait, stride and straddle, and common track ID cues. Then we will explore advanced tracking skills such as:
February 24, 2018, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Gary Johnson
Learn next-level tracking skills! Together we will quickly review the basic principles of tracking: gait, stride and straddle, and common track ID cues. Then we will explore advanced tracking skills such as:
- Techniques to determine the age of a track
- Reading pressure releases to determine speed and direction
- Trailing different species over varied terrain
- Practicing animal movements with our bodies
- Identifying non-track sign such as urine, scat, browse, shed hair, markings on trees, dens
Woodswoman Ax Skills
March 24, 2018, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Get your "Lumber Jill" on at this skill-building class, where you will learn traditional ax skills with other adventurous women. Murphy will teach the use and care of a traditional woods(wo)man's ax. We will learn:
Using an ax is all about ergonomics, and we'll teach you how to use this tool so it works with your body, not against it!
This workshop is for women and trans people only. Teenage girls may attend with a parent or guardian present. The cost of this workshop is $85, which includes a simple lunch. You can bring your own ax or use one of ours.
March 24, 2018, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Get your "Lumber Jill" on at this skill-building class, where you will learn traditional ax skills with other adventurous women. Murphy will teach the use and care of a traditional woods(wo)man's ax. We will learn:
- Split firewood
- Clear blow-down trees
- Basic principles of felling small trees with an ax
- How to de-limb a log and cut it to length
- How to sharpen your ax with a file and stone
- How to store your ax
- How to re-handle a broken ax
Using an ax is all about ergonomics, and we'll teach you how to use this tool so it works with your body, not against it!
This workshop is for women and trans people only. Teenage girls may attend with a parent or guardian present. The cost of this workshop is $85, which includes a simple lunch. You can bring your own ax or use one of ours.
Wayfinder: Tools & Skills for Navigating the Forest
April 14, 2017
Location: Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Do you hesitate to explore the forest because of fear you'll get lost? Come learn essential tips and tricks of navigating off-trail through the forest and mountains of New England. We'll cover landforms, songlines, ways of finding North without a compass, map and compass navigation, and briefly discuss affordable GPS apps for your smartphone and the most effective ways to use them. These are essential skills for any hiker, wildcrafter, hunter, and lover of the landscape. This class is open to all genders, costs $85 per person, and includes a yummy lunch.
April 14, 2017
Location: Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Do you hesitate to explore the forest because of fear you'll get lost? Come learn essential tips and tricks of navigating off-trail through the forest and mountains of New England. We'll cover landforms, songlines, ways of finding North without a compass, map and compass navigation, and briefly discuss affordable GPS apps for your smartphone and the most effective ways to use them. These are essential skills for any hiker, wildcrafter, hunter, and lover of the landscape. This class is open to all genders, costs $85 per person, and includes a yummy lunch.
Running With Artemis: Archery & Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit
Spring Session for adults: April 16-May 21th, 2018
Every Monday, 3:30-6pm, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Colleen Kutin
Read all the details HERE.
Spring Session for adults: April 16-May 21th, 2018
Every Monday, 3:30-6pm, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Colleen Kutin
Read all the details HERE.
Evening Archery Lessons
Every Thursday from 5-6:30pm, April 19 and May 3, 10, and 17, 2018
Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
More Information Here.
Every Thursday from 5-6:30pm, April 19 and May 3, 10, and 17, 2018
Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
More Information Here.
The Huntress Intensive: Taking Aim In The Sacred Hunt
April 28-29, 2018 in San Luis Obispo, California
July 21-22, 2018 in Worcester, VT
Do you hear the call of the Sacred Hunt? Whether you want to get healthy wild food for your family, understand the woodland landscape at a new level, or connect with the power of the ancient Huntress archetype, this weekend intensive will teach you what you need to know to become a safe, ethical deer hunter. Many of us weren’t lucky enough to grow up in a family that could teach us these ancestral skills, so this is your opportunity to come learn in a safe, positive, supportive environment. It will be a busy weekend! On Saturday we will review gun safety and practice shooting, learn about the gear you should take with you, and study the woodland landscape for deer sign. Saturday night we will hold a ceremony to honor our deer brothers and sisters, discuss and demonstrate the ritual connection with the deer spirit, and learn about the respect, offerings, and prayers of the Sacred Hunt. On Sunday we will get up early and embark on a mock-hunt. In the afternoon, we will butcher a goat together, learning how to take an animal apart cleanly and dispose of the entrails. You will leave this workshop with new skills, confidence, and connection to the deer spirit. Learn More Here.
(NOTE: the California class will not involve handling or shooting firearms. We will discuss rifle hunting and get hands-on experience with archery equipment instead.)
April 28-29, 2018 in San Luis Obispo, California
July 21-22, 2018 in Worcester, VT
Do you hear the call of the Sacred Hunt? Whether you want to get healthy wild food for your family, understand the woodland landscape at a new level, or connect with the power of the ancient Huntress archetype, this weekend intensive will teach you what you need to know to become a safe, ethical deer hunter. Many of us weren’t lucky enough to grow up in a family that could teach us these ancestral skills, so this is your opportunity to come learn in a safe, positive, supportive environment. It will be a busy weekend! On Saturday we will review gun safety and practice shooting, learn about the gear you should take with you, and study the woodland landscape for deer sign. Saturday night we will hold a ceremony to honor our deer brothers and sisters, discuss and demonstrate the ritual connection with the deer spirit, and learn about the respect, offerings, and prayers of the Sacred Hunt. On Sunday we will get up early and embark on a mock-hunt. In the afternoon, we will butcher a goat together, learning how to take an animal apart cleanly and dispose of the entrails. You will leave this workshop with new skills, confidence, and connection to the deer spirit. Learn More Here.
(NOTE: the California class will not involve handling or shooting firearms. We will discuss rifle hunting and get hands-on experience with archery equipment instead.)
Archery Intensive Weekend
May 12-13, 2018 in Pelham, MA
Taught by Murphy Robinson, Certified Level 2 Archery Instructor
Immerse yourself in the way of the bow: spend a weekend in the mountains exploring the powerful and focused state that archery creates in the human mind. Whether you want to learn archery for personal enjoyment, as a spiritual practice, or to work towards becoming a bow hunter, this two-day course will introduce you to the foundational skills of instinctive archery: Form, Range, and Focus. Read more here.
May 12-13, 2018 in Pelham, MA
Taught by Murphy Robinson, Certified Level 2 Archery Instructor
Immerse yourself in the way of the bow: spend a weekend in the mountains exploring the powerful and focused state that archery creates in the human mind. Whether you want to learn archery for personal enjoyment, as a spiritual practice, or to work towards becoming a bow hunter, this two-day course will introduce you to the foundational skills of instinctive archery: Form, Range, and Focus. Read more here.
Mounted Archery Weekend
May 19-20, 2018 in East Calais, VT
August 11-12, 2018 in East Calais, VT
Taught by Marcy Baer and Murphy Robinson
This weekend is organized by Marcy Baer at Briar Hill Farm. Marcy is an expert horse trainer and a breeder of Norwegian Fjiord Ponies and English Dale Ponies. These strong and steady horses are hardy, intelligent, willing to please, and hard workers. For this clinic, you can bring your own horse or ride one of Marcy's ponies. Marcy's gentle, grounded teaching style and well-trained mounts will help you sink into a deep relationship with your horse, while Murphy's teachings on instinctive archery will let you come into alignment with your bow. By the end of the weekend we will put the two together and you will be shooting from horseback just like an Amazon.
This class is open to all genders, and registration is handled by Marcy at Briar Hill Farm. Here is the Registration Information (if this page isn't updated for the current year, reference the dates above and use the same contact information as last year)
May 19-20, 2018 in East Calais, VT
August 11-12, 2018 in East Calais, VT
Taught by Marcy Baer and Murphy Robinson
This weekend is organized by Marcy Baer at Briar Hill Farm. Marcy is an expert horse trainer and a breeder of Norwegian Fjiord Ponies and English Dale Ponies. These strong and steady horses are hardy, intelligent, willing to please, and hard workers. For this clinic, you can bring your own horse or ride one of Marcy's ponies. Marcy's gentle, grounded teaching style and well-trained mounts will help you sink into a deep relationship with your horse, while Murphy's teachings on instinctive archery will let you come into alignment with your bow. By the end of the weekend we will put the two together and you will be shooting from horseback just like an Amazon.
This class is open to all genders, and registration is handled by Marcy at Briar Hill Farm. Here is the Registration Information (if this page isn't updated for the current year, reference the dates above and use the same contact information as last year)
Wild Sovereignty: A Community Pilgrimage to Ireland
Led by Sean Donahue and Murphy Robinson
June 3-9 in County Galway, Ireland
In old Irish tradition, sovereignty arose from being wedded to the land, and healing and wisdom flowed from wells fed by wild springs with their source in the Otherworld. With the land and the water and the Oak and the Deer as our primary teachers, we will explore themes of sovereignty, community, reciprocity, and the sacred hunt through ritual, somatic meditations, storytelling, poetry, intuitive archery, and walks through a rare remnant of the Oak forest that once covered much of Ireland. Find more information here.
Led by Sean Donahue and Murphy Robinson
June 3-9 in County Galway, Ireland
In old Irish tradition, sovereignty arose from being wedded to the land, and healing and wisdom flowed from wells fed by wild springs with their source in the Otherworld. With the land and the water and the Oak and the Deer as our primary teachers, we will explore themes of sovereignty, community, reciprocity, and the sacred hunt through ritual, somatic meditations, storytelling, poetry, intuitive archery, and walks through a rare remnant of the Oak forest that once covered much of Ireland. Find more information here.
Warrior Mysteries Camp: Empowerment for the Times Ahead
July 26-29, 2018 in Worcester, VT
Tap into a deep well of warrior goddess energy in this gathering of fierce women & trans change-makers. This year we delve into the mysteries of Skadi, the Nordic warrior goddess who speaks truth to power and chooses her own path. Together we will train our bodies and minds:
Embodying warrior skills in the forest will hone our bodies and sharpen our senses. Reclaiming Skadhi’s myth of strength and discernment will stoke the fire of revolution in our hearts. Join us! This camp is offered at a sliding scale of $225-425. Meals and camping space are included.
July 26-29, 2018 in Worcester, VT
Tap into a deep well of warrior goddess energy in this gathering of fierce women & trans change-makers. This year we delve into the mysteries of Skadi, the Nordic warrior goddess who speaks truth to power and chooses her own path. Together we will train our bodies and minds:
- *Practice Instinctive Archery with Murphy Robinson
- *Learn stealth, camouflage, and scout skills with Sophie Theriault
- *Explore movement, strength, sensuality with Moriah Helm
- *Co-create transformational goddess magic with Jude Elf
- *Forge bonds of loving friendship with your fellow warriors
Embodying warrior skills in the forest will hone our bodies and sharpen our senses. Reclaiming Skadhi’s myth of strength and discernment will stoke the fire of revolution in our hearts. Join us! This camp is offered at a sliding scale of $225-425. Meals and camping space are included.
Hide Tanning Workshop
The next hide tanning class will be in October of 2019.
Learn the ancient art of turning fresh animal hides into soft leather. This alchemical process teaches us deep gratitude for our animal allies and the skilled craftspeople who are our ancestors. We will take time throughout the day to give thanks to the animals who have surrendered their skins for our workshop (all wild or lovingly raised). Hannah Rhea is an expert tanner and skilled instructor who will make our learning collaborative and fun. This two-day workshop will give you the knowledge and skills to tan your own hides at home for years to come.
For more info, Click Here.
The next hide tanning class will be in October of 2019.
Learn the ancient art of turning fresh animal hides into soft leather. This alchemical process teaches us deep gratitude for our animal allies and the skilled craftspeople who are our ancestors. We will take time throughout the day to give thanks to the animals who have surrendered their skins for our workshop (all wild or lovingly raised). Hannah Rhea is an expert tanner and skilled instructor who will make our learning collaborative and fun. This two-day workshop will give you the knowledge and skills to tan your own hides at home for years to come.
For more info, Click Here.
Huntress Expedition
Next expedition will be in early December, 2019
Held at Two Pigs Farm in Cleveland, NC
Guided by Murphy Robinson and Chase Reynolds
This is a guided week of the Sacred Hunt at a 70-acre organic farm in North Carolina. All hunting tools are provided (tree stands, rifle, ammunition, butchering supplies, etc), as well as food and lodging for the week. The North Carolina deer herd is badly overpopulated, so you'll have a good chance of shooting a deer (bucks, does, and young deer are all legal quarry there). This year the Expedition is for women only and the price for the week is $840 (transportation to and from North Carolina not included). Normally this program is only open to graduates of the Huntress Intensive weekend or the Way of the Huntress 8-month program. Please contact us if you have other hunting preparation and are interested in joining us for this weeklong hunt.
Next expedition will be in early December, 2019
Held at Two Pigs Farm in Cleveland, NC
Guided by Murphy Robinson and Chase Reynolds
This is a guided week of the Sacred Hunt at a 70-acre organic farm in North Carolina. All hunting tools are provided (tree stands, rifle, ammunition, butchering supplies, etc), as well as food and lodging for the week. The North Carolina deer herd is badly overpopulated, so you'll have a good chance of shooting a deer (bucks, does, and young deer are all legal quarry there). This year the Expedition is for women only and the price for the week is $840 (transportation to and from North Carolina not included). Normally this program is only open to graduates of the Huntress Intensive weekend or the Way of the Huntress 8-month program. Please contact us if you have other hunting preparation and are interested in joining us for this weeklong hunt.
The Way of the Huntress
Eight monthly trainings, culminating in a guided deer hunt
Next series begins in February of 2020
Held in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Are you ready to learn to hunt in a supportive community of women? To learn the technical skills of the hunt while exploring your own spiritual connection to the land? Explore this 8-month program HERE.
Eight monthly trainings, culminating in a guided deer hunt
Next series begins in February of 2020
Held in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Are you ready to learn to hunt in a supportive community of women? To learn the technical skills of the hunt while exploring your own spiritual connection to the land? Explore this 8-month program HERE.