The Way of the Priestess
A 3-Day Retreat into Ritual Dance & Prayer
Do you long to experience movement not just as art, but as medicine and prayer?
Do you feel there is a deeper, wiser, more powerful version of yourself ready to be embodied?
Are you drawn to ritual, mythology, intuition, or communion with the unseen – even if you don’t yet know why?
Do you long to be witnessed as your most authentic self in a community of women from many walks of life?
Do you hear the call of the priestess path?
This 3-day retreat is an invitation into the work we do in Quimera—a mystery school of ordained priestesses in the lineage of Isis. Whether you’re drawn to the priestess archetype, ritual dance, ceremonial performance, or simply a deeper relationship with your own inner wisdom, this weekend is your invitation to experience The Way of the Priestess.
(optional informational meeting about joining Quimera Sunday 2-3pm)
Location: Isis Oasis Sanctuary in Geyserville, CA
Step into the temple, Step into Yourself
Say yes, and everything might begin to shift in the most magical way.
Having heard the call of the priestess, we gather for a 3-day retreat that offers a glimpse into walking through life in the ancient ways. We call in healing through the medicine of movement. We call in wisdom that allows us to live rich, full lives as our most authentic and balanced selves.
Here, we re-connect.
Here, we remember.
Perhaps just meeting one another…perhaps finally reconnecting after a lifetime or more of separation. Together, we enter the temple space as both sanctuary and stage.
This retreat is for those who feel called to move with intention, pray through dance, and be surrounded by women seeking deeper connection and deeper alignment with their values.
Some participants come because they long to return home to themselves after years of caretaking or burnout. Others are seeking somatic healing, meaningful community, or a more authentic relationship with themselves. Some come simply because they miss dancing. If something inside you is saying yes, we invite you to discover what it means to walk the Priestess Path.
You are not broken. You do not need to be fixed. This is a healing space where you fully belong.
Let this retreat be a recall—a return to your body, to your power, and to your Self.
Join us August 7-9 for a weekend of transformation, deep ritual, and initiation into the mystery of movement as a spiritual path. No prior spiritual experience is needed.
Women join for many reasons:
To reconnect with creativity. To spend time reconnecting with themselves. To find meaningful community. To move through a life transition. To deepen their relationship with dance. To explore ritual and spirituality.
All of You is welcome here.
What you’ll experience:
Daily Rituals – Receive traditional temple blessings from the priestesses of Quimera, including smoke cleansing, essential oil anointing, and guided journeywork.
Ritual Dance – Learn a form of dance that blends ceremony with movement, that opens gateways to the invisible realms of our humanity. - 🙏 Dance as Devotion: Prayerformance Ceremony – The retreat opens with a ritual dance concert offered by priestesses of Quimera, where movement becomes prayer and each gesture becomes an offering. During the retreat you will learn this movement form and have the opportunity to perform in a collective dance offering.
An Introduction to the Priestess Path – This retreat offers a glimpse into living life in the ancient ways of the priestess. Inspired in part by the mythology of Isis and other archetypal wisdom traditions, we use ritual dance, embodiment practices, and creative exploration as tools for deeper self-awareness and connection. For those who would like to learn more about the priestess path and the broader Quimera community, there will be an optional gathering after the retreat to share information and answer questions.
Sisterhood & Circle – Connect with the people drawn to movement, healing, creativity, and ritual. The magic is not just in the work we do, it’s the connections we make.
Nourishing Catered Meals – All meals lovingly crafted with fresh, vibrant, plant-forward ingredients designed to support movement, rest, and reflection. Meat & vegetarian options available; catered to all your dietary needs.
Lodging Included – Accommodations for the weekend are offered in a uniquely Egyptian-themed lodge designed to support your rest and integration. The property features a saltwater pool, hot tub, and an on-site animal sanctuary. Dorm-style lodging is included, with both shared and private room options available.
Space is limited
we warmly invite you to claim your spot if you feel called
Step 1. Fill out the application
Step 2. Have a direct conversation with Naia or Anandha
Step 3. If accepted, complete your registration and prepare for the event
This retreat is for you if you…
Want to deepen your connection with your intuition, inner wisdom, and unique creative voice.
Are curious about ritual, symbolism, mythology, or the deeper dimensions of human experience.
Feel called to explore dance as a pathway for transformation, healing, and maybe even magic.
Crave sisterhood and connection with others walking with intention & integrity.
Are a beginner or seasoned dancer seeking a more soulful, spiritual relationship with movement.
Are curious about ritual dance as a spiritual path, performing internationally, or becoming certified to teach this form.
Are interested in joining a community of dancing priestesses and want to experience what this means (interest is not required to join for this retreat, an optional info session on initiation will be held at the end of the retreat).
You do not need to…
You do not need to be young, fit, flexible, or an experienced dancer to participate.
You do not need to identify as a “priestess”.
You do not need to share a specific religion or spiritual belief system.
You do not need to already understand ritual or ceremony.
You do not need to look, dress, move, or speak a certain way to belong here.
We value authenticity more than performance or spiritual fluency.
Women of all ages, body types, life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and levels of dance experience are welcome.
You belong here even if you are unfamiliar with this world.
Location: The Isis Oasis Sanctuary and Temple of Isis
The Isis Oasis Sanctuary in Geyserville, CA is a magical retreat center, animal sanctuary, and devoted temple to the Goddess Isis. It is situated on the ancestral lands of the Pomo and Wappo people, features a 600-year old heritage fir tree at the center of the property, and was formerly a Bahai’i spiritual center. It was even owned by John Muir’s granddaughter before being purchased by Lady Loreon Vigné in 1978, who established the Isis Oasis as a place of sanctuary and worship.
Lodging and catered meals are included!
Join us in a transformational weekend sharing the medicine of movement,
even if you do not feel called to the priestess path.
Retreat Cost & Lodging Options
Retreats of this nature usually start at $1,000 for a 3-day immersion.
Our goal is to make this work accessible to all who wish to attend.
This retreat is designed to be both accessible and nourishing, offering a range of accommodations to support your comfort and budget. All pricing includes full participation in the retreat.
Base Retreat Cost: $495
Includes:
5 delicious catered meals + 2 nourishing snack platters
Lodging in a large, dorm-style shared room
Access to all workshops and temple offerings
Full use of the saltwater pool, hot tub, and property amenities
Optional visits to the on-site animal sanctuary, a place of joy and connection
Post-retreat integration support
Upgrade your stay (Optional)
Note: Private rooms are available. However, living in the dorm as a group with everyone gathering, sharing space, and dreaming together is in alignment with the ways of the priestesses of ancient times. It is a satisfying experience to be intimately part of the community as you live, eat, dance and participate in ritual and ceremony together for these three days.
We recognize that in post-covid times, people may desire more space; thus, shared and private rooms are available.
For those seeking a more private or themed experience, we offer upgrades in our beautifully curated Egyptian Goddess Rooms:
Note: Shared rooms include one queen bed and one twin bed. If you choose this option, you will be selecting which of the two beds you prefer (not sharing a queen bed with someone else).
Shared Room – Twin Bed:
$495 base + $80 upgrade
(Room shared with one other woman – twin bed in a room with one queen and one twin bed)
Shared Room – Queen Bed:
$495 base + $140 upgrade
(Room shared with one other woman – queen bed in a room with one queen and one twin bed)
Private Room – Queen Bed:
$495 base + $240 upgrade
(Private room with a queen bed in an Egyptian Goddess-themed sanctuary)
All bathrooms are communal and thoughtfully maintained for your comfort.
Payment plans and limited scholarships may be available upon request. Please complete the Intention Form linked below and contact Naia if you have need of scholarship (818) 585-9076.
Register by July 20 for the Early Bird Discount! Prices increase by $50 after July 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
While this retreat is rooted in the priestess tradition, we welcome women (cis and trans) and nonbinary people who feel called to this work. We welcome people of all ages, body types, cultural backgrounds, spiritual traditions, and levels of dance experience. Women come to this work from many different cultures, professions, belief systems, and life experiences. You are welcome exactly as you are.
Interest in becoming a priestess is not needed to participate in this retreat. However, for those who are interested, we will hold a meeting after the retreat at 2:00pm on Sunday.
No previous dance experience is required. What matters most is a genuine willingness to show up, participate fully, and step beyond your usual comfort zone.
While a retreat of this nature typically costs upwards of $1,000, we try to keep our costs very low, to make our work more accessible. So…
The total cost for the 3 day retreat is $495. There are optional upgrades for shared or private rooms.
*Payments may be refunded up to 7 days before the start of the event but will be fully non-refundable after August 1, 2026.
We are committed to making this retreat accessible to those with financial need, especially individuals from underrepresented or historically marginalized communities. Scholarships are limited, and we offer both full and partial assistance based on need, impact, and alignment with our mission.
*If you are in need of a scholarship or have limited funding, please contact Naia via text/phone at (818)585-9076 to discuss.
Because we will be creating a ceremonial container together, we ask that you are able to attend for the FULL retreat (arriving Friday August 7 at 3:00pm; departure Sunday August 9 at 2:00pm with option to stay to 3pm for informational session about the yearlong training.)
Please account for these times when planning. It is disruptive to the intentional spaces we create to have people enter or exit the container outside scheduled times. We thank you in advance for supporting the ceremonial space.
The closest airport is Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa. Other airports include: Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Approximate driving distances to Geyserville are 18 miles from Santa Rosa, 90 miles from Oakland, and 98 miles from SFO.
Yes! Food restrictions or requests, including vegan, vegetarian, allergies, and other dietary needs can be shared in the application form.
Rev. Anandha Ray, MA, MA, DTR
Reverend Priestess Anandha Ray founded Quimera Ritual Dance and the Iseum of Quimera after a lifetime of dedication to dance. Upon retiring from the professional world of dance, Anandha pursued her interest in dance as healing ritual and ceremony. She attended indigenous dance ceremonies, and began exploring various ways in which dance can be healing. She discovered the pathway to becoming a Priestess of Isis and the connection of the ancient dancing Priestesses of Isis, and, as the Goddess would direct, Quimera was born.
In her career in professional dance, she directed Moving Arts Dance, an internationally touring dance company, receiving standing ovations in sold out theaters internationally. She was a Cultural Ambassador with the US Embassy on tours sponsored by the Embassy and UNESCO. Currently she directs two projects, Absoluta (with former dancers of Dance Theater of Harlem) and Quimera Ritual Dance (ordained Priestesses of Isis), on tours to promote dance as a means to bridge the gap between people, between cultures, and promoting interpersonal transformation. An award winning choreographer, she directed university programs, founded a studio theater, directed annual festivals and community programs. She has two MA degrees in Dance, one a double major in Choreography and Kinesiology, one in Dance/Movement Therapy. She has been honored for her lifetime achievements in dance by the US Senate, CA Assembly, CA Women’s Hall of Fame, Las Vegas DAFFY Award (Dance as an Art Form), among others. Critically acclaimed, an award winning choreographer, she has received 5-star reviews on international tours and has been selected as the “favorite work”, “most breath-taking choreography”, “highlight of the show”, and “standout performance” in reviews over the last ten years.
For more information, visit anandharay.com
Meet Your Guides
Reverend Priestess Naia Riley is a legally ordained Priestess of Isis with over a decade of experience leading rituals and workshops. She empowers people to discover their inner voice and heal themselves on a cellular level through therapeutic movement, trauma healing techniques, and ceremony facilitation. Naia is an esteemed international teacher and performance artist, utilizing dance as a transformative ritual to guide individuals on their path towards deep healing. Additionally, she serves as a nutrition therapist, providing trauma-informed care to assist people in overcoming disordered eating and fostering a healthy connection with their bodies.
Naia has trained extensively in the field of trauma recovery and supported the development of an intensive outpatient program for people recovering from PTSD – The Luminous Healing Center. Naia weaves her own stories of recovery and healing into her teachings, receiving rave reviews from clients praising her approach that combines empathy and humor with evidence-based knowledge. As a Priestess and Ceremonialist, she has trained for 9 years in teaching Quimera Method, a ritual dance technique and performance art form that promotes healing through the medicine of movement. Naia utilizes these methods in her ceremonial workshops, as well as in her day job to help people heal from trauma and eating disorders.
Reverend Priestess Melinda Teutschel believes movement is a powerful doorway into healing, connection, and transformation. For more than 20 years, she has guided others through dance and somatic movement as pathways to deeper health and well-being. Her work is grounded in the belief that our bodies hold wisdom, and that when we learn to listen, move with awareness, and reconnect with ourselves, profound change becomes possible. Melinda brings together her experience as a Registered Somatic Movement Educator/Therapist (RSMET), Pilates and Yoga Instructor, Yoga Tune-Up® Instructor, Moving For Life Instructor, Franklin Method Educator (Level I), Certified Massage Therapist, Somatic Educator, and Holistic Life Coach.
Melinda is especially passionate about supporting people navigating recovery from illness, injury, trauma, childbirth, or surgery. Through an integration of dance, Pilates, yoga, body-mind fitness, massage, and embodied awareness practices, she helps clients rebuild trust in their bodies and rediscover strength, resilience, and possibility. Her intention is not to “fix” anyone, but to create a safe and supportive space where people can make empowered, intelligent choices about their movement, health, and lives. She is continually inspired by the courage of those she works with and honored to walk alongside them on their healing journeys. Learn more at TheSmartBody.net.
Reverend Priestess Alexandra Gamai Gregory is an Ordained Priestess of the Iseum of Quimera, intuitive healer, movement facilitator, and ceremonialist devoted to conscious embodiment and the sacred intelligence of the body. Her work has been shaped by a lifelong exploration of the human experience, our relationship with the divine, and the wisdom that lives beneath language. Through her own journey of grief, healing, and transformation, she has developed a deep trust in the body’s capacity to guide us through life’s challenges with resilience, presence, and grace.
Drawing from Intuition Medicine®, the Quimera Method, ritual, movement, and embodied spiritual practice, Gamai supports others in cultivating deeper self-awareness, intuition, and connection with life. She believes that healing begins when we learn to meet our experience with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment. Inspired by the archetypal wisdom of Isis, Hekate, and Aphrodite, she creates spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, their inner knowing, and the natural rhythms of transformation. It is her deepest joy to support others in discovering the resilience, beauty, and wisdom that emerge when we learn to listen deeply to ourselves and the world around us.
Reverend Priestess Eden Rumelt is an Embodiment Coach, Ordained Priestess, a Ceremonialist, and a Ritual Performing Artist. Eden holds the vision of women (and all people) accessing embodied empowerment as well as tapping into their inner-source of eternal love. She has a passion for helping people live with more wellness, confidence, and joy.
A legally Ordained Reverend Priestess of the Iseum of Quimera (a branch of the Temple of Isis), she is also a professional massage therapist, and has been on the spiritual & transformational path since 1998. Eden has worked closely with Rev. Priestess Anandha Ray since 2015, as a performer in Quimera Ritual Dance and also assisting her in teaching classes, workshops, and retreats. She also maintains her own private practice, Embody Your Essence, offering spiritual mentoring, embodiment coaching, and priestess training.
Cristie Kiley is a legally ordained Reverend Priestess of Isis, artist, dancer, embodiment guide, somatic practitioner, community builder, and founder of Cristie Kiley Artistry. As a professional photographer and videographer, she helps others be seen, step into their power, and embody their authentic expression. Deeply devoted to the Priestess Path, she is passionate about guiding individuals through movement, self-expression, and embodied awareness as gateways to healing, empowerment, and self-discovery.
Cristie has dedicated over four years to the ancient art of bellydance and is a professional prayerformance artist. She has spent years assisting in sacred medicine ceremonies and studying how to respectfully carry and preserve Indigenous and Earth-based wisdom traditions. Drawing from her experience with the Quimera Method, ceremony, embodiment practices, feminine wisdom teachings, and dance, Cristie creates spaces where healing, personal transformation, and spiritual awakening can unfold naturally.
Her work bridges artistry, ritual, and embodied spirituality, inviting others into deeper connection with themselves, their innate divinity, and the living wisdom of the Earth.
Schedule
Join us for a transformational experience in these three days of ritual dance experiences.
Please note that the schedule below may be subject to change. This is to give you an idea of how each day will look.
ARRIVAL
3:00 pm
Arrive at Isis Oasis at 3:00 pm — come early to orient and relax. Select your bed in the Lodge Dormitory and set up your space to feel comfortable. Relax by the pool, journal and set intentions, explore the animal sanctuary, connect with other participants — whatever you need to do to prepare yourself for the weekend.
5:00 pm
The Priestesses of Quimera welcome you for a catered dinner and introduction to the Way of the Priestess, where everyone gets to know one other over the sharing of a meal.
6:30 pm
The gateway opens! Gather at the large Temple to be smudged, anointed, and blessed. Then you will witness an informal Dance Concert, featuring ritual performances by members of Quimera Ritual Dance.
~8:00 pm
After the performance, we will do an opening ritual and a Waking Dreams journey to prepare you for sleep.
DIVE-IN:
Workshops and Performance
8:30 am
All meals are designed and approved by Rev. Priestess Naia Riley, who is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist! Breakfast is served from 8:30 -9:30. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated.
9:45 am
Arrive in the Temple for a special ceremony under the Grandmother Tree and introduction to the Lion’s Gate Portal.
11:00 am
Then the movement portion of the day will begin with Intuitive Technique, a form Anandha created that provides the opportunity to deepen your understanding of dance in a way that propels your abilities in dance in just one class. All levels of dancer are welcome.
Noon
We will enter the small Temple for Noonrite, a ritual of the Temple of Isis that allows us to re-center our day to focus on becoming the best version of our self.
12:30 pm
Lunch provided then rest: Hot tub, Journal, Get to know each other
2:00 pm
After your meal break please arrive early to be prepared to begin at 2:00 for a special ceremony called Shapeshifting.
3:00 pm
Following this class, there will be an introduction to the ritual dance form called Movement Landscapes, allowing you to understand how dance becomes a healing modality for both the dancer and those who witness. We will gather to learn a Movement Landscape that can be performed that evening in a private concert for each other.
6:00 pm
Dinner and a break to prepare for Ritual Performance…
You will perform for each other!
QUIMERA PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Bring something white to wear that you can dance in, paint your nails gold, wear only metallic jewelry, secure your hair out of your face, bring white eyeliner to be initiated with a Quimera line, a spiritual marking to prepare one for performance. If you do not have gold nail polish or white eyeliner, some can be provided for you.
7:30 pm
Ceremonial opening for performance and The Ritual Ceremonial Performance begins!
Everyone is invited to perform: The dance(s) you have learned that day and, if desired, a channeled performance in-the-moment (no preparation required).
~9:00 pm
Evening snack platter and free time
8:30 am
Join us in the Pavilion for a lovely and relaxed catered breakfast.
9:45 am
Intuitive Technique
11:00 am
Check-In Ceremony
11:45 am
Special Quimera Ritual – We invite you to join us under the Grandmother Tree for a sacred ritual that is integral to the community of Quimera.
12:15 pm
Join us for a delicious gourmet Lunch in the Pavilion
1:00 pm
Closure Ceremony
2:00 pm
Official Retreat End – You are welcome to join for an optional informational gathering about the yearlong Priestess Training.
After you are checked out and the retreat has ended, you are free to explore the grounds of the beautiful Isis Oasis.
Ready to Join Us?
Contact Naia to request an informational zoom or phone call at (818) 585-9076.
You can also fill out the intention form (linked below), then a teacher will contact you to set up a call and send you the ticket registration link.
Join us in Remembering the Ancient Ways.
In ancient Egypt, the priestesses of Isis were known as the dancing priestesses who served the Goddess of Magic and Healing.
Through rhythmic movement, singing, and rattling the sistrum (a sacred percussion instrument), they performed daily temple rituals, invoked the protection of Isis, and enacted the myths of rebirth.
What does it mean to be a Priestess of quimera?
Quimera priestesses are legally ordained
and lead ritual dance as one of their ceremonial offerings.
Becoming a priestess of Quimera is a dedication
to becoming the best version of yourself.
It can change everything about your life, if you let it.
Are you interested in learning a form of ritual dance that allows you to tune in to invisible realms of our humanity? And if you wish, to become certified to teach it?
Do you want to perform rituals in community and internationally?
Do you hear the call to join a community of diverse women who support each other in reaching their full potential?
We invite you to join us for an introduction to our community, where we heal through movement, dance from the depth of our souls, channel the human experience, and can go through an initiation to learn how to lead these rituals for others.
The Iseum of Quimera is a lineage where we study and become priestesses of Isis, drawing upon the journeys of ancient Egyptian priestesses. It is also a community that uses dance-as-healing and ritual performance, as well as a training in self-discovery through wisdom teachings and lasting personal transformation.
Interest in becoming a priestess is not needed to participate in this retreat. However, for those who are interested, we will hold a meeting after the retreat at 2:00 on Sunday.
Becoming a priestess isn’t just a step—it’s a doorway.
Walk through it, and everything might transform.
Welcome to the temple
