About
Join us once more in the tranquil beauty of New York’s Hudson Valley for a deeply immersive retreat centered on the Gold of the Philosophers. This special gathering is a rare invitation to explore the wisdom, rituals, and transformative practices of the Western Mysteries—guided by experienced teachers and devoted practitioners of the Hermetic and Alchemical tradition.

In the Hermetic-Alchemical tradition, consciousness unfolds in ascending gradations: sublunar, lunar, and solar. One who has truly awakened—through self-knowledge, inner refinement, and wisdom—enters the realm of solar consciousness; the radiant Gold of the Philosophers. Just as the sun rises above the turning world, so too does this state of being grant a luminous vantage: a meta-vision that sees through illusion, beholds the self with clarity, and perceives the world and reality as one harmonious whole. This golden consciousness carries within it the seed of each person’s divine potential. Through its awakening, we come to recognize and embody the hidden capacities that lie dormant within us. Only in the light of this awakened state can the higher alchemical work truly take root and flower.

At this retreat, you will be guided through both foundational and advanced practices for awakening solar consciousness, led by seasoned practitioners of Alchemy and Theurgy. Through transformative rites, sacred ceremonies, and living traditions, you’ll engage with higher states of being—opening the way to deep inner alchemy and spiritual ascent.
Location
Mulder Chapel
62 Warwick Center Rd, Warwick, NY 10990
Date & Time
October 24-26, 2025 
Instructors
damien Echols
Damien Wayne Echols is an American writer, ceremonial magician, and former visual artist, best known as a member of the West Memphis Three. Echols has authored several bestselling books on the subjects of ceremonial magic and theurgy. He has been featured in multiple books, documentaries, and podcasts about his spiritual works and the West Memphis Three case. He currently serves as the founder and lead instructor in the Magnum Opus School of High Magick.
Katarina Falkenberg
Katarina Falkenberg is CEO of the Alchemical Academy and has studied and practised alchemy for 30 years. She is an alchemical therapist and author with a background in theatre. Her alchemical novels The Alchemist’s Red Longing, (which was awarded the Paracelsus Prize) and The Red Angel reveal the profound mysteries of the secret doctrine. Katarina is also a Gnostic priest, knight and high priestess in the Temple of Sophia.
Tommy Westlund
Tommy Westlund is chairman of the board of the Alchemical Academy and has studied and practised alchemy and esotericism since 1990. He is a psychosynthesis therapist, apostolic Gnostic bishop, and a knight and adept in the Western initiatic traditions. Tommy is an Order chief in the Rosicrucian tradition and lectures internationally on the alchemical, hermetic and Freemasonic wisdom traditions.
Location
Set amidst the rolling hills and serene woodlands of Warwick, New York, Mulder Chapel offers a peaceful sanctuary for our retreat. With its quiet charm and contemplative atmosphere, this beautiful venue invites stillness, presence, and inner renewal. Steeped in natural beauty and spiritual resonance, it provides an ideal setting for deep reflection, meaningful connection, and transformative inner work.
Livestream
For those who can't attend the event in person, we will be offering a livestream ticketing option as well. Simply choose the livestream ticket when registering for the event and join us virtually. All classes, rituals, lectures and practices will be streamed live. Following the event, everyone who registered will receive a link to the recording of the entire retreat. 

Note: At this year's retreat, each person registered will receive a personalized, private livestream link. These links are not shareable, will be password protected and limited to one person (device) each.
Schedule
Friday, 10/24

4:00pm – Arrival/Registration

5:00pm – Introductions (and official Magia Divina book release)

6:00pm – Opening ritual

7:30pm – Dinner

Saturday, 10/25

11:00 – The Theory of the Philosophers’ Gold & The Ritual of the Seven Seals

1:00 – Lunch

2:00 – The Golden Consciousness part 1: Creation, Paradise & Free Will in theory and practice

4:00 – Break

4:30 – The Presence of Gold

6:30 – Dinner

Sunday, 10/26

11:00 – Ascension through the 10 heavens

12:30 – Lunch

1:30 – The Union of Opposites

3:30 – The Golden Consciousness part 2: Reintegration and the Divine Matrix – theory and practice with the Philosopher’s Stone

5:30 – Break 15 min

5:45 – Q&A

6:30 – Closing Ritual

7:30 – Dinner

8:15 – Depart
What's Included
- In-person participation in all classes, rituals, lectures and exercises

- Meals provided (3 dinners and 2 lunches)

- Access to a video recording of the event
What's Not Included
- Lodgings/Accommodations

- Airport transfers

- Transportation
Magnum Opus Retreats 
We look forward to hosting you!
For any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
All sales are final

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