Our Declaration of Independence claims we are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But how many of us are truly happy? Most souls pursue material, personal happiness only to discover that while they may achieve their goals, they are not happy.

In this retreat, John Van Auken, the Director of Legacy Education for the Edgar Cayce Foundation, will take you through the knowledge and practices to feed your hungry soul and bring you genuine happiness. In addition to Cayce’s channeled wisdom, John will also bring in modern discoveries that have been found to ensure peace, contentment, and true happiness.

Friday, August 23

• Session 1: Remembering Our Egyptian Initiation
• Session 2: Cayce and the Secret of the Golden Flower

Saturday, August 24

• Session 3: The Story of Our Souls

Wildacres Retreat Information

TIME: Check-in is 4:00–5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024. The retreat begins with the evening meal at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22 and continues through approximately 11:00 a.m. Sunday, August 25, 2024.

LODGING: Single and double occupancy rooms available (very limited number of single occupancy rooms available), 3 nights’ lodging, one set of linens and towels, eight meals, and the planned program. There is no maid service. Please let us know if you need a handicapped accessible room or if you cannot use steps. There are no elevators.

RETREAT CENTER: Please bring your own masks if you wish to use them. 

EV CHARGING INFORMATION: Wildacres does not currently have facilities to recharge guests’ electric vehicles.  The closest location is in Little Switzerland at Books and Beans, which is in the same building as the Switzerland Cafe.  Their number is 828-467-8107.  You may call them for more information.

MEALS: Eight nutritious family style meals will be served, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and diabetic options. Meals are included in the registration fee. Please specify any dietary needs at registration.

ROOMS: All lodge rooms have two beds and a private bath. If you wish to share a room with a spouse/partner, relative or friend please give us your roommate’s name at registration. There are no televisions, clocks, coffee pots or phones in the rooms. WIFI and cellphone access is limited.  Please specify any ADA needs at registration.

CHILDREN: Parents must supervise children 100% of the time. Cribs may be supplied if requested upon registration. If you will be bringing a child, please contact Janeen Dishman for costs and additional information at janeen@myliturgy.com or 828-234-8372.

WHAT TO BRING: Casual clothes;  bring a sweater, jacket, comfortable shoes, and rain gear.

BOOK SALES: A selection of books related to the program will be for sale at the retreat. The money raised will be used to support the Southeast Region of A.R.E. (Cash, Personal Checks, and Credit Cards)

COMMON INTEREST SESSIONS: Common interest sessions led by volunteers will be offered. If you have a special gift, talent, or interest, please consider sharing it with others during a one-hour afternoon session on Friday or Saturday. If you have handouts for your session, please bring enough copies for 50 people. Please submit your topic in advance to Don Fedor at seahorse87@comcast.net. These topics are the views and opinions of the presenter and may not represent those of the A.R.E. organization. Presenters agree to not make defamatory statements or infringe on the rights of others including any copyright laws.

ATTENDEES: please view the Get Ready for Your Visit page on Wildacres.org for helpful details and updates for important changes