Equilibrium: A Sacred Autumn Equinox & Aries Full Moon Retreat

Join David and Michelle for a magical weekend at The Light Center Lodge in the vibrant mountains of Western North Carolina. This unique retreat is a multimodality exploration of YOU that blends Evolutionary Astrology, SoulCollage®, movement, nature, and sound alchemy. Immerse in the beauty of nature and your own exquisite collection of stars and sounds.

The Cosmic Seesaw: Equinox Light & The Aries Harvest Moon

The crisp Autumn Equinox breath reminds us of the delicate dance between light and dark. It ushers in Libra season, encouraging us to return to the beauty of our own balance, take stock of our harvest, and ground ourselves deeply.

While our weekend takes place three days after the exact astronomical equinox, a powerful Full Harvest Moon in Aries will be peaking directly during our time together on September 26th. This specific cosmic alignment sets up a profound axis of balance. While the Libra Sun asks us to find harmony in our relationships with others, the fiery Aries Full Moon flashes a light on our relationship with ourselves. It brings a surge of courage, passion, and authenticity, prompting us to ask: How do I stay true to my own needs while maintaining connection with the world around me?

This makes our weekend exceptionally potent for cultivating true, internal equilibrium. It is the perfect celestial backdrop to burn away old people-pleasing habits and ground your raw, authentic power before moving into the quieter, darker half of the year.

As summer fades, a kaleidoscope of colors emerges in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If we take time to notice, we can see our own splendor reflected in nature.

“Through inner work we tap into the Divine to become who we are meant to be - beings of Love and Light.” — The Light Center

Sacred Land & Historical Sanctuary

Come immerse IN YOURSELF while being supported by the rarefied energy present in a secluded spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The sacred land offers:

• A spacious lodge

• Gorgeous hiking paths and refreshing water features

• A walking labyrinth

• A circular light meditation chamber

• A Geodesic Prayer Dome

Since 1979, tens of thousands of people have come to The Light Center from all over the world to experience this place of prayer and meditation dedicated to individual and global growth. There is no better time to harvest your past so that the truest colors of your authenticity can reveal themselves.

Our Evolutionary Journey Together

The dates for this weekend were intentionally selected to align with a potent planetary lineup. Each of us is a sovereign collection of stars and sounds. By understanding how the planets dwell within us, we can direct their energy to create more intentionally within our solar system of body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

• Evolutionary Astrology: Participants will learn the Basics of Evolutionary Astrology including the planets, the signs, and the house system. Using your personal birth information (date, time, location), we will take a deep dive into the planets that influence your personality, daily life, and emotional responses. We will explore how the current transit energy of the Equinox and the wild fire of the Aries Full Moon can help you release what no longer serves, align your body with spirit, and expand your consciousness.

• SoulCollage® Creativity: Using a fun, easy method, participants will create Personal 5x8 SoulCollage® Cards to integrate their astrological insights and access their own inner wisdom. Found images will help discover and give voice to latent aspects of self, including unique inner/outer guides and challengers. This creative process will support soul growth in an intuitive, compassionate way to help move towards service without sacrifice.

Exclusive Event: A Night at the Dome

Overnight retreat participants will have exclusive, after-hours access to enjoy A Night at the Dome.

As the sun descends, a Full Moon in Aries Labyrinth Walk will facilitate an individual journey of releasing fear, receiving passion, and returning to personal equilibrium. Afterward, participants will gather in the sanctuary of the Geodesic Dome.

We will Call In Our Brilliance while basking in the rainbow rays of the Light Chamber. The evening concludes with an epic Star Light Sound Healing Journey featuring gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, and other unique mystical instruments. Nestled into the purple glow of the womb-like prayer center, you will receive transmissions that stir vibrational frequencies and awaken stagnant energy. Surrendering to the soundwaves allows the body, mind, and soul to heal, restore, and receive sudden illumination.

Nurture Your Spirit & Body

Sunday morning begins with an optional Guided Hike to Meditation Rock with Liam, The Light Center Lodgekeeper. Those who prefer may stroll by the pond or ease into the day with quiet reverence.

Throughout the weekend, you are encouraged to follow your own inner guidance—whether that means engaging in planned offerings, exploring the land, creating cards, or simply relaxing.

Meals and snacks will be nourishing, plant-based, and include gluten-free options. The Lodge features eight rooms, each with a private bathroom, and generous communal spaces.

Exchange & Registration

Our pricing is set to balance our ability to provide ongoing, high-quality, soul-enlivening experiences with an accessible price point.

• Early Bird Double Room: $444 total ($222 deposit) 

• Double Room: $555 total After July 31st

• 2 Single Rooms Available: $660 total ($330 deposit)

Reserve your spot now at Star Sounds Website

Our Intentions for the Weekend

• Support the Leo-Aquarius Nodal initiation (Moving from "Me" to "Us") with the energies of the equinox and the Aries Full Moon

• Learn to work with the major 4-Point Activation from this summer (Pluto-Uranus-Neptune and Jupiter)

• Provide space for a full nervous system reset

• Share unique tools and modalities that facilitate greater inner clarity

• Have fun while enjoying the beauty and sacredness of The Light Center

What’s Included

• Nourishing Food: Daily snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Supportive Community: Arrival/opening circle, guided meditations, and energy movement.

• Astrology Tools: Personalized astrology report, astrology basics handouts, partial natal chart report, and a 1-on-1 mini astrology reading.

• SoulCollage®: All supplies and expert guidance to create your personal cards.

• Aries Full Moon Labyrinth Walk

• Exclusive after-hours access to the Geodesic Dome

• Light Chamber Experience

• Star Light Sound Healing Journey

• Guided hike to Meditation Rock

• Sacred Ceremonies: Fire, Water, and Cacao will be used to facilitate personal insights

About Your Guides

• David Heiss is an Evolutionary Astrologer, Sound Alchemist, and Sacred Ceremony Facilitator who specializes in self-discovery. He helps reveal each person’s unique cosmic blueprint using chart readings, sound journeys, and immersive experiences. David blends gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, and other mystical instruments to cultivate conditions for profound healing. Learn more atStar Sounds.

• Michelle is an avid SoulCollage® Creatrix and lifelong educator who knows we are a network of connected humans. She believes we co-create the world we desire when we focus inward and harness the power of a supportive community. She works closely with individuals' High Selves, offering a wide range of tools to facilitate deep self-reflection and access to inner wisdom. Contact Michelle at autumnhair@gmail.com.