Our Vision
Drawing from earth-centered traditions and the field of Ecopsychology, our intention is to re-kindle the connection between the human psyche and the "other than human," natural world.
What is EcoPsychology and why is it important?
For the majority of our species history we lived as integral beings in our larger ecology, equally subject to its laws and seasons. Since the dawning of the industrial age there has grown an increasing disconnect between humans and their ecology. Where there used to be one world, in which we were as much a part of as the redwoods or dragonflies, there's now two - the world of human, and nature. The result being that we often feel disconnected from the larger world around us. This isolation is not natural. We find with this separation we've lost integral components of our own psyche and spirit. Ecopsychology is a practice of healing, or wholing this fragmentation and reclaiming one's birth rite as an indigenous being in the larger collective.
When we live an integral relationship with nature, we're initiated into natural psycho-spiritual maturity (childhood, adulthood, eldership). This is different from maturation in a cultural context (marriage, divorce, graduation, career advancement). The difference between these paradigms is that the first is cyclical and the latter is linear. The benefit of a cyclical, wholistic paradigm is that it supports our interdependent sense of belonging, and independent sense of our gifts, purpose, and strengths.
From This Experience You Will
Learn to courageously embrace changes in your own life
Have the opportunity to go through your own soul-initiation in the form of a vision fast
Connect with nature as a reflection of your own psychology and divinity
Receive greater clarity and insight from your own inner-knowingness
Learn from and connect with others in a meaningful way
Reconnect with your mission and purpose
Find strength in vulnerability
Cultivate a deeper connection to your body’s intelligence
Learn about your own personal mythos and its connection to the Anima Mundi
What’s included?
Forest Council is a 5 month journey that includes:
4 Dayquests (10am-6pm once a month)
1 Overnight camping trip and Fire Ceremony
1 Vision Fast Ceremony
During our outings expect to spend a full day or more outdoors, walking up to several miles a day, time in circle and time on solo.
• Through this experience I felt improvements mentally, physically and spiritually. I found I was happier and looked forward to every outing. This was a diverse group of people who built a common bond through the love and appreciation of nature. This would not have happened without the dedication, skill and commitment of these skilled facilitators. I cannot thank them enough for this experience in my life. •
-Heather
Dates, Themes and Locations
May 24th - East Shield - Bald Hills
June 14th - South Shield - Bull Creek
July 19th - West Shield - Prairie Creek
August 8-9 - North Shield - Titlow Hill
August 29th-September 1st - Vision Fast - Lost Coast
September 27th - Integration - Arcata Community Forest
FAQs
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We recommend that you feel comfortable walking anywhere between 2-4 miles in one day with a lunch break in between. We try our best to accommodate all body types and fitness levels.
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A vision fast is a pan-cultural rite of passage that helps usher the initiate across the threshold of change and into a new version of themselves through ritualistic fasting in nature.
The three requirements are that the initiate goes without food, company or shelter (man made structures) for a pre-determined period of time, in this case 24 hrs.
The time is yours: to pray, dream, walk, sleep, grieve, sing, listen, remember.
We will be nearby, holding a safe base camp should you need to come back at any point.
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While rite of passages are pan-cultural experiences, we honor the tradition of the vision quest as passed down through Hyemeyohsts Storm and the School of Lost Borders.
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Each daylong and overnight prior to the vision fast is intended to prepare the individual for their fast through solo time in nature with guided prompts.
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You don’t need any special outdoor experience to join us. We guide you in preparing — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Your body and spirit already know how to be in nature. We’re just helping you remember.
You will also receive a practical gear guide to know what to bring with you.
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After the solo, we gather around the fire in Council.
This is where you’ll share your story and be witnessed with reverence and love.
We help you integrate the teachings and gifts you received so you can carry them into your life beyond the forest.
Meet the Facilitators
Christophe Haskell is a mentor and wilderness guide. His passion is the re-wilding of the human psyche. He does this by weaving depth psychology, mindfulness practices and energy work into his guiding. He has been leading young men in rites of passage journeys since 2018. He holds an MA in East-West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, has trained as a guide with Wilderness Reflections and practices Daoist Light Qi Gong.
Stefanie Burnham has been working with clients both 1:1 and in group workshops through an integrative approach combining Evolutionary Astrology, Akashic Record channeling, and Earth-based wisdom. She created Ceremonial Mentorship, an online 1:1 space where individuals can distill their life experiences into wisdom, clarify their mythopoetic identity, and embody their spiritual gifts. Stefanie has been co-guiding intentional walks in nature with Christophe since 2023. She has an MA in East-West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a specialization in Eco-resilience and Transformative Leadership.
Christophe and Stefanie met in 2017 during their graduate studies and participated in a Wilderness Rites of Passage together. Not only did their bond form through this, it sparked the vision of them carrying out this work together because of how much it nurtured their lives. They are now in the midst of one of the most sacred and important passages of their own - becoming parents to Ariyon Sequoia-Kai in 2024. He will also be joining as “guide” during our journey together.
Payment Exchange
Forest Council is a living, breathing container — a circle tended with love, labor, and devotion.
We honor the sacred exchange it takes to hold this space for you.
Payment plans and a few partial scholarships are available — because we believe this work belongs to all who feel the call.
Participation Options
$100
Drop in Rate
Drop in for a single day-quest.
$400
Vision Fast
Join us for a long weekend- 3 days and 3 nights on the land and embark on a 1 day vision fast.
$700
Full Program
Join us for the entirety of our journey this summer- access to 4 day-quests, fire ceremony, vision fast and integration.
Scholarship Spots: Scholarships spots are available for those who would not otherwise be able to attend. Please let us know if this is is the case for you.
Payment plans are available — because we know that committing to soul work is sometimes a stretch, and sometimes the stretch is part of the passage.
The Earth is Calling. Are You Ready to Answer?We welcome you to apply below.
After receiving your application, we (Christophe and Stefanie) will connect personally with you to make sure we are a right fit for each other.
A Note Before You Begin:
This application is not about "proving" anything.
It is an invitation to speak from your heart, to share your readiness, and to help us tend the circle wisely.
Your honesty, vulnerability, and presence are welcome here.