29 October to 1 November 2026
Firewoman
Become a caretaker of fire.
A four-day initiation into the ancient art of fire-making, sacred ceremony and the power of women gathering around the hearth.
An invitation from Ella & Katie
Early bird AUD $880Registration closes 20 October
Save your placeAn ancient calling
There is something deeply powerful that happens when a woman learns to make fire.
Not simply to enjoy sitting beside it. Not simply to appreciate its warmth. But to become its caretaker. To understand how to create fire from scratch, straight out of the bones of the Earth. To become a ceremony holder. To tend the hearth.
As women, we carry within our own bodies the capacity to initiate life. Fire carries that same energy. The spark that becomes a flame. The warmth that nourishes a family. The hearth that brings a village together.
When a woman answers the call to become a caretaker of fire, she begins a relationship with something ancient, elemental and deeply connected to her own creative power.
And there is a particular kind of personal power that comes from knowing how to make fire with your own two hands.
From the bones of the Earth
Imagine gathering natural materials from the Earth. Preparing your tools. Learning to create friction with a hand drill or bow drill. Working with patience, presence and intention until the first ember begins to glow. And then nurturing that tiny ember into flame.
It asks you to slow down, listen, feel and work in relationship with the natural world.
Over four days, Ella and Katie will guide you through the practical and ceremonial aspects of fire-making, offering an experience that reaches beyond simply learning a wilderness skill.
There is a sacredness to this process.
The hearth is the heart of the village
Firewoman is not about becoming a solo survivalist in the wild.
It is about community.
For generations, the hearth has been the heart of the family and the village. A place where food is prepared, stories are shared, relationships are nurtured and knowledge is passed from one generation to the next.
We want to bring women together to remember that.
Mothers and daughters. Sisters. Friends. Young women and older women.
Women who feel called to learn how to make fire and carry that knowledge into their families and communities.
Because when a woman becomes a caretaker of fire, she carries something that can be shared, taught and passed on.
And that is a beautiful kind of power.
What you'll learn and experience
Sacred fire and ceremony
Explore the sacred relationship between women and fire, including honouring the four directions and becoming a ceremony holder.
Primitive fire-making
Learn hand-drill and bow-drill techniques, creating fire from natural materials.
Natural materials and practical skills
Learn natural cordage, knife and carving skills, and how to work with materials from the Earth.
Community and connection
Share community dinners, check-in circles and meaningful time together, with group calls before and after the gathering.
Who is Firewoman for?
Firewoman is for women who feel called to become caretakers of fire.
Whether you're coming with your daughter, your mother, your sister, a friend or on your own, you'll be welcomed into a community of women learning and practising together.
We're particularly excited to welcome younger women and create opportunities for knowledge to be shared across generations.
Women of all ages are welcome, with 15 years and above suggested as an ideal age for the practical experience.
You don't need any previous fire-making experience. Just a willingness to learn, participate and enter into a deeper relationship with fire.
Your Firewoman experience
Your experience includes:
- Four days of practical skills and sacred fire practices
- All program materials
- Community dinners and check-in circles
- Pre and post gathering group calls
- Ongoing community connection
Accommodation: Bring your own camping equipment. Accommodation upgrades are available through the retreat centre.
Venue, payment plans and the proposed discount for women booking together are awaiting final confirmation.
Come gather around the fire
There is something extraordinary about a woman who knows how to create fire. Who understands how to tend it. Who can bring that warmth and knowledge back to her family and community.
If you feel the call to become a caretaker of fire, we'd love you to join us.
With love, Ella & Katie
Save your place