Mason Epstein-Cohen

Mason is a wizard when he knows the world as a wick on the wind waiting to be lit. Being 23, he’ll be both an initiate on this pilgrimage and a facilitator.

Mason tells stories revealing profound whisperings of reality, passed down from our deep-time ancestors, these stories are meant to support all human kin through the rite of passage that is life and its many stages.

He lives in service to the web of life upon Earth.

Through myth, story, and imagination, through song, dance, and poetry, through ceremony, ritual, and sacred spaces, Mason finds his gifts to offer community and brotherhood that support the way, one foot in front of the other.

Matthew Harkins

MovNatLevel 2 Trainer 200HrYogaInstructor Wilderness First Responder

I’m a simple man that gets lit up by moving in nature. Climbing, running, vaulting, swimming, etc. Any tarzan games, and it’s a yes from me!

I’m looking to bring youthful curiosity to this pilgrimage. By questioning life, learning deeply from others, and sensorially experiencing the little things. A quality that I believe can change the world. By returning to our kind selves.

For the four days, I hope we as men can drop into a mindset of having no agenda or inhibitions. Releasing any weight that no longer needs to be carried.

I’ll be offering Natural Movement skills. In the form of tree climbing, vaulting/parkour, & ground movement. As well as nervous system regulation practices based in mindful movement. I’m also equipped in the Wilderness First Responder realm, so feel free to send it over some logs and I’ll fix you up if needed.

Mitchell

“What’s alive for me is this great dance of life, love, the baby… I feel I am relying on what’s inside me and the dedication of everyone.

In my dedicated times I always show up in a big way. I am an in-person person. I show up best when I’m submerged and immersed.”

Pilgrimage roles include: tending the sacred fire, leading the Dance Meditation Technique, and Bardic Circle. Lead tarpologist.

Josh Pouliot; Resident Director: The Hive Farm

Hi gentlemen, my name is Josh and I am honored to be a part of holding the container for this first pilgrimage. I am married with a 10 month old son. I live at and help manage an international community space called The Hive Farm. We have hosted many ceremonies over the years, giving me experience with both challenging and rewarding spaces, and with many different medicines and modalities.

For the past few years I have helped to create and host a monthly mens circle. We get together for about 4 hours a month- which is not nearly enough time. We have wanted to dive deeper and have ample space & time to really grow in our brotherhood and also expand into better men out in the woods. I will do my best to bring balance to the container, and to stretch boundaries while also helping men feel held during our 4 days together and beyond.

I intend on helping to make this time fun and challenging, spiritual and powerful, touching and adventurous! 

I had an excellent father growing up, which is super fortunate and something that seems rare for many dear friends of mine. I lead from a heart space that I love to share with abundance. Looking forward to our time together- cheers!

Nicholas Thorndike

Nick is an extreme, adventure loving, rabbit hole diving, builder of whimsical dreams, and a fresh new Dad. After a profound awakening to the deeper magic of our reality, he moved back to his family land and became the founder of Sacred Nectar Sanctuary. A 290 acre plot of undeniable beauty in Sandwich, NH. A place to connect with nature and share our gifts to create “the better world our hearts know is possible.” He runs a campground and can be found outside almost any time building and tending to the land.

 His desire to build meaningful community is fulfilled through his passion of up-cycle building and local consumption to minimize our footprint as a more sustainable human. This path has led his journey on a synchronistic destiny which manifested the Forest and Village and Men’s Pilgrimage community of light warriors to this land of new. Here we will begin to discover what it means to be human on a more harmonious path in line with the knowing of nature.

Nick will be here as a steward of the land with confidence in the wild to provide a space of our own unfolding. As well as a participant to the magic, Nick is a brother awaiting for us all to step into the unknown and leave the forest as greater men than the ones who entered.

Jerry Riverstone 

I am a mentor and guide for individuals and groups, supporting people who want to explore their inner landscapes and deepen their relationships with Nature and Mystery. My experiences include working as a geographer with native people on land rights issues in Latin America, helping organize a pilgrimage along the full length of Hudson River, leading inner development groups for men and teenage boys, and training in eidetic imaging, somatic psychedelic integration, and rewilding the psyche.

I’ve been pining for something like a pilgrimage for a few years now, being out on foot with fellow travelers: unplugged, curious, cocreative, open to surprises, and open to grace, where the journey is the destination. Heading up a mountain or down a river in this spirit can bring unique opportunities and gifts for each one of us, and for our communities.

Some questions I am leaning into these days are: How do we plant seeds now for future cultures that live in sacred relationship with the animate Earth and the specific places we inhabit? How can we continually awaken to the Miracle we are part of, while also getting real about our Predicament? What kinds of practices and shared experiences can activate a deep sense of vitality and evolutionary purpose? How can we craft new visions of manhood, including how we show up in the world, and what we choose to prioritize?

On the Pilgrimage I’ll be offering practices that weave threads of dreamwork, ceremony, group connection, wanders, and soulful engagement with certain trees, stones, birds, and flowing water.

Brian Azarian

Human.

You will be asked to agree to these items during registration, and uphold them during the Pilgrimage:

• I agree to stay for the duration of the Pilgrimage. Arrival is between 11 am and noon on Thursday August 1. Departure is between 5:00-6:30 pm on Sunday August 4, unless I opt to stay for the extended program. If I don’t show up I forfeit my payment, unless prior arrangements are made for an emergency situation.
• I agree to pay the program cost upon registration. Sliding Scale: $111-333
• I agree that this is an unplugged event. This is an unplugged event, meaning no cel phones, recording devices, mp3 players with speakers, etc…
• I agree to not bring or arrive under the influence of mind-altering substances.
• I agree to uphold a positive relational space. I agree to mutual respect, confidentiality, and not giving unsolicited advice.
• I agree that I am in adequate physical condition. I understand that the Pilgrimage includes carrying a pack for an extended distance. This includes carrying a backpacking pack with all camping and food supplies for up to three walks of up to one mile each, on and off trail. It also includes a day hike with a day pack for approximately 9.5 miles, with a 3000’+ elevation gain, and 3000’+ descent back to base camp.

Safety and liability

• I acknowledge the risks of backcountry hiking and camping. I understand that I will be in a remote location, and while limited first aid supplies may be available, I will proceed at my own risk (as on any backpacking trip).
• I agree to take responsibility for my own safety and well-being. This event includes off-trail activities, including sitting or laying on the ground. I’m aware of the hazards of tick-borne diseases, and agree to take responsibility for my own safety and well-being.

Gear/Equipment/Food

• I agree to provide all camping gear and equipment that I will need for the duration of the Pilgrimage.
• I agree to bring all food I will need for the duration of the Pilgrimage, with the exception of Thursday night dinner, which will be provided. No refrigeration or coolers will be provided, so non-perishable foods are recommended.

I understand that I am encouraged to bring a portable water filtration device for backcountry situations. Drinking water will be available through a limited number of shared filtration devices.