pilgrimage to the Sacred Islands of Gozo & Malta
Wombs ꩜ Waters
Pilgrimage
17-23 March 2025
Welcome, dearest sister.
You are invited to Wombs & Waters, a once-in-a-lifetime 7 day pilgrimage into the womb of the Great Mother held during the Spring Equinox portal in 2025.
We will gather on the lush island of Gozo, nestled in the Mediterranean sea.
Only 11 women will be accepted on this pilgrimage so if you feel a sacred YES, it is crucial to act upon it.
Water is a human’s first home.
We evolved from the waters of Earth’s oceans.
The waters of the Womb are our first landing place.
We are born from the waters of a body.
Menstrual blood, the waters of our uterine lining, is where we settled in after conception.
Water gushes from the uterus during birth.
We are born from the ocean of the Womb of our Mothers.
When we are moved, waters flow from our bodies: tears, sweat, Amrita, sacred arousal, fluid.
Water is home.
Water is LIFE.
Early civilizations embodied this wisdom. There are numerous archeological records that show that both water and building sacred sites close to bodies of water held great significance to our ancestors.
I invite you to travel to the ancient and sacred islands of Gozo and Malta to immerse yourself in the ancient wisdom of WOMBS & WATERS.
this is a journey of deep remembrance.
of tending to our body temples.
and restoring what was lost.
is the Goddess calling you?
The Great Mother is calling her daughters home to the lands that hold the codes of wisdom.
Legend has it that great sages and wise women passed through these lands, and many myths and lore about powerful goddesses and women reveal wisdom stories of the islands.
Mary Magdalene.
Calypso.
Isis.
Sekhmet.
It is believed that ancient inhabitants of the islands used the star Sirius as an anchor point to direct their temples to.
Our wombs and cervixes are our Sirius, our anchor point in the body.
We are meant to be guided by them.
Our wombs are longing for our presence.
Our wombs are longing for our loving touch.
Our wombs are longing for recognition.
Our wombs are longing for unwavering devotion.
Our wombs are longing for rites of passage.
Our wombs are longing for restoration, repair, and remembrance.
Here's the truth
We are the original Feminine Archeologists.
Gently unearthing the Goddess within.
The ancient temples are energy fields of bone-deep remembrance.
And we are meant to go there.
We are meant to be with the waters and the stones that our ancestors honored.
We are meant to stand on the ley lines and allow their energy to pulsate through our Wombs.
Sister, the Goddess is calling you home, into your own body and onto the land.
By remembering the Goddess, you unlock the medicine of what it means to be present in the body.
When you are in your vessel, this is when you come home to all the divine and wild expressions of what it means to ride the rhythms of your body.
The temples show us that the path of the Womb is not linear.
We walk the spiral path of cycles, descending into the darkness and depth of our being, and walking ourselves and each other back to the light - an endless dance.
The Great Mother is whispering you home into the cradle of her ancient lap.
Will you listen to her call?
Come join us.
welcoming you into
Wombs ꩜ Waters
Pilgrimage
A 7 day journey into the womb of the Great Mother.
The 4 pillars we will be focusing on:
Sacred Sites
Temples
Caves
Lay lines
Churches
sisterhood
Connection
Sharing
Community
Togetherness
sanctuary
Ceremony
Water + Earth Rituals
Circle
Prayer + Song
Somatics & senses
Movement
Breath
Touch
Sensory body work
pillars of transformation
A full immersion into the gifts of the Goddess
immerse in the wisdom of ancient temples
Sacred Sites
Many people these days talk about "regulating the nervous system" with plenty of complex, time-consuming tools. What we have forgotten, is that our ancestors built sacred sites to do exactly that. We will be visiting various ancient sacred sites that hold the energy of the Great Mother, where we can just lay in her lap and feel our nervous systems recalibrate - no fluff, no complex science or sequence of practices. Just receiving. We will also bring offerings, songs, prayer and will learn about the stories of the land and the sites.
connect with your soul-sisters
Sisterhood
Many women these days feel disconnected from a community. Feelings of loneliness amongst women are rampant. The truth is that we are community beings. Not only our mental health thrives in a nourishing communitym our HORMONES and CYCLES do too. You will connect with like-minded sisters who have come to the pilgrimage with the same wish as you: remembering our original blueprint of community, connection with the Goddess, remembering ourselves home by communing with each other, the earth and the waters.
Find refuge in a safe and sacred space
Sanctuary
To take on a journey like this, we deserve to be nourished by a true sanctuary overlooking the valley and ocean. A traditional Gozitan farmhouse with a ceremonial ancient cave under the house that we will be using for our circles and rituals.
Deeply land in your body
Somatics & Senses
Many women feel disconnected from their senses, intuition, menstrual cycle and body in general. This pilgrimage aims at stripping away any societal label we have taken on and connect to the Truth of who we are as women. We will engage in simple somatic exercises to awaken our senses: a sensorium, breath work, breast massage, pelvic work and an ancient practice of remembering the sacredness of our menstrual cycle that has transformed many women's lives before you.
How does this sound to your priestess ears?
Imagine this...
- Leaving your life behind for a while and focus on YOU, YOUR BODY, YOUR CYCLE, YOUR FEMININITY and YOUR NEEDS for peace, nervous system regulation and rest.
- Visiting well-preserved ancient temples dedicated to the Goddess that are older (9000BC) than the pyramids in Egypt and all aligned with the Star of Wisdom, Sirius
- Connecting to the energies of Mary Magdalene, Isis, and Calypso
- Feeling the power and energy of numerous ley lines combined with 66 Neolithic temples sites on the islands
- Staying at a beautiful retreat center where we will do rituals in a sacred ceremonial cave (the womb of the Mother) nestled underneath the house
- Communing with the elements - Earth, Fire, Water & Air
- Putting your hands on sacred stones that have been there since the golden times when the Great Mother was honored
- Opening the portals to your endless creative potential - the ancient way
- Awakening your senses & feminine sensuality on a level you have never experienced
- Coming in circle with 11 women who, just like you, crave deep remembrance, womb healing and homecoming to their body, womb, power, wisdom, and intuition
- Bathing and praying in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean sea
You are invited to land into the depth of your bones and remember the sacredness and wisdom of your own body temple through the sacred Womb shaped structures, ley lines, spirals and Sirius star connections of the islands. These structures are an ancient memory of how we once lived in complete communion with the land, each other and the sacred.
Come join this pilgrimage with us and collect wisdom you can bring to your own communities.
Edwina joined a retreat with Iris:
"Iris is such a wonderful guide. She does not only hold a lot of wisdom, she is also an incredible space holder. She helped me connect with my femininity like no one else has ever before. If you ever have the chance to go on retreat with Iris I can only say: do it."
Melissa joined a one-day cycle workshop with Iris:
"I wish I could be in circle with Iris every week! This workshop changed my life. I feel so much more connected with my body. What I did not expect at all is that I would feel much more clarity about my life and what I want to do with my business. Learning from Iris is pure magic. I can't recommend her more!"
Step into the portal and join us on this pilgrimage to the sacred islands
NOT included: flights to and from Malta, your stay when you decide to arrive on the islands earlier, transport from the airport to the retreat center & back, personal expenses, travel insurance, health insurance.
But wait...there is more!
When you join this pilgrimage, you will receive these beautiful gifts:
Gift #1
Welcome gift
In our opening ceremony you will receive a beautiful welcome gift to support you on your pilgrimage.
Gift #2
Connection calls
We will have 2 calls: an introduction call before the retreat and an integration call after. All calls will take place via Zoom.
Gift #3
Sister support
During and after the retreat you will have access to a Telegram group. We will keep this group forever after the pilgrimage.
Plus: EXTRA BONUS FOR THE FIRST APPLICANTS
A unique Maltese Goddess statue for your altar
I have been praying with these little Goddess statues since 2018 and they've brought me magic upon magic and I want you to experience the same.
ENROLL NOW →
Mary sat in circle with Iris:
"My favorite memory of the cycle circle with Iris is that we laughed SO much! My belly hurt from all the laughing. The best feeling ever!"
Paula worked with Iris privately:
"You know that feeling when you feel like you come home? That has been my experience of all sessions. I felt taken seriously, I could let my guard down. And that is a priceless feeling."
This is for you if:
- You are done with online courses and want to have a real-life experience learning about your body and cycle.
- You are in desperate need of nourishment and sisterhood
- Want to embrace your unique gifts and wisdom that are more easily unlocked in real life than through online offerings
- You are curious and open for a mystical and magical journey
- You want to tap into your intuitive and spiritual side that maybe does not get enough attention in your regular life
This is not for you if:
- You just want a chill retreat on the beach
- You are not ready to meet yourself on a deeper level and witness others meet themselves
- You are looking for quick-fix healing and pseudo-spiritual New Age experiences
- You solely can access your spirituality through intoxication with drugs, plant medicine or other substances
- You are hyperfixated on a very tight schedule and have little capacity for mystery + magic to unfold
What you can expect
Your pilgrimage experience:
꩜ A peaceful stay at a beautiful farmhouse nestled in a small town
꩜ Ceremonies in a sacred private cave
꩜ Life-changing, heart-opening experiences at sacred temples where we honor the ancients and remember ourselves home
꩜ Meeting other women in deep respect and sisterhood - building friendships and connections for life
꩜ Being deeply nourished on every level - eating nutritious foods prepared by our private chef
꩜ Invoking pleasure and intuition - awakening your body through somatic practices
꩜ Being held by a web of wise women
꩜ Restoring your reserves - mentally, spiritually, emotionally
꩜ Fueling your floodgates - allowing the safety and sacredness of this pilgrimage to open up your portals of pleasure and creativity
overview of the week during our
Wombs ꩜ Waters
Pilgrimage
Our journey over the 7 days will be looking like this.
The themes we will be focusing on:
17 March - Day 1: Landing + Harmonizing
Today, we arrive and settle into this space that will hold us for the week ahead. The focus will be on grounding ourselves, connecting with one another, and building a sense of harmony within the group. We’ll also take time to establish a clear foundation for the journey, setting personal intentions and becoming present in our bodies.
18 March - Day 2: Womb as the Cosmic Portal
We’ll explore the womb as a powerful center of creativity and intuition, both biologically and symbolically. Through guided meditation, reflection, and practical exercises, we’ll focus on understanding the womb’s role as a space of growth and transformation. This day will help you connect to your body’s natural rhythms and cycles in a tangible and empowering way.
19 March - Day 3: Embodiment as Prophecy
The focus today is on tuning into the body as a source of knowledge and clarity. We’ll explore how the body communicates and how you can learn to trust its signals. This day will emphasize practical tools to listen to and honor what your body is telling you.
20 March - Day 4: Remembering the Ancients
We’ll dive into the wisdom passed down through generations, exploring how ancestral knowledge and traditions can shape and support us today. Activities will include storytelling and practices to help you connect with your heritage and the lessons carried in your lineage. This is about recognizing the value of the past while finding ways to integrate it into your present.
21 March - Day 5: Connecting with the Earth
This day is all about deepening our relationship with the natural world. We’ll explore how the landscape reflects aspects of the human experience and consider the parallels between the rhythms of nature and our own bodies. Activities will include a guided walk to an ancient off-grid temple, connection with water or earth elements, and practices to foster awareness and gratitude for the environment around us.
22 March - Day 6: Reflection and Integration
As we approach the end of the pilgrimage, we’ll take time to reflect on everything we’ve learned and experienced.
23 March - Day 7: Closing and Gratitude
Our final day will focus on closure and expressing gratitude. We’ll gather as a group to share final reflections and offer thanks to the people, experiences, the land and the sacred sites that supported our journey. This will be a time to celebrate the progress made, say meaningful goodbyes, and prepare to step back into everyday life with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
important details for your sacred pilgrimage
Practical information
This will be a mentally, physically, spiritually exhilarating journey.
Note: We are very protective and respectful of the off-grid sacred sites we will visit (some of them are not even in tourist guides and only known by locals!) and we want to keep it that way.
Therefore, the full schedule will be shared only with those who join.
Here's what a day during the pilgrimage looks like:
- 8:15am breakfast
- 9:30am excusion or ceremony
- 1pm lunch
- 2pm free time or afternoon excursion or ceremony
- 7pm dinner
- 8pm evening walk or circle
- 10pm bedtime
Note: times may vary
Claudia joined a retreat with Iris before:
"Where to start?? I have never felt so safe, so seen, and so much in my body. Iris is the real deal."
Louise joined a previous retreat:
"For the first time in my life I felt TRUE connection with other women. Iris leads by example and her leadership is pristine. If you ever have the chance to join her, do it. You will not regret it!"
Are you ready to meet the Goddess and allow for the magic to unfold?
You are so welcome to join us! Please note that we only have space for 11 people. If you feel a YES, apply as soon as possible as we expect to be fully booked in no time.
APPLY NOW →how to start this incredible journey?
Apply for sacred pilgrimage
1. Apply for the pilgrimage
Fill out the application. Take your time for it. We really value the time and energy you put into this application.
2. Application accepted
You will receive an email with info after your application is accepted. Securing your spot happens through payment.
3. Prepare for your pilgrimage
Join our introduction call, consciously pack your priestess suitcase and.. let's begin this journey together!!
The Goddess is waiting, but space is limited to just 11 women.
If you feel the call, trust it and secure your place before the application portal closes.
NOT included: flights to and from Malta, your stay when you decide to arrive on the islands earlier, transport from the airport to the retreat center & back, personal expenses, travel insurance, health insurance.
Walk the path of the Ancients with your guide
Hi, I'm Iris
During this pilgrimage, I am called to be your guide. I am called to come into circle with you and walk the path of the ancients.
This retreat has been a long time coming. It took me a while to embrace my inner priestess and reclaim this spiritual part of me that I have been hiding for years, and lifetimes.
I have been called by the Goddess to organize this retreat 4 times and I have ignored her 3 of those. Two of these times I was actually living on both Malta & Gozo. I have spent many hours at the ancient temples and have had the most profound experiences of my life there.
The 4th time calling upon me, she was crystal clear. I would do the world a disservice by not accepting to organize this pilgrimage.
It must happen. I have no choice and I must listen - even when I cannot rationally explain it.
I have been given the task to gather 11 women from all over the world...
...and meet in Gozo + Malta, totaling a group of 13 women (myself and my angel friend who will hold space with me included). 13. The number of the Goddess.
I have been instructed exactly which places to visit and which rituals to bring to which sacred place. It all came to me like a sacred download.
This is not a commercial retreat.
This is a SACRED PILGRIMAGE to the ancient temples of the Earth to restore + remember the inner sanctum of our Wombs.
This is not for the faint-hearted.
This is for the strong-souled women who walk the path of the Goddess.
I call all Priestesses, Witches and Wise Women who are ready and who hear the call.
Come join me into the deep caves of the Great Mother.
Come remember with me.
i won't be guiding on you on this retreat alone
Meet Elisabet
Elisabet Alfstad is an international speaker and teacher with over 25 years of experience.
She is a priestess of the Sacred Heart and a priestess of the Venusian Magdalene Rose lineage. A dedicated womb healer, Elisabet is devoted to teaching Hieros Gamos—the Sacred Union—and the balance of Divine Feminine and Masculine energies within each one of us.
She also shares knowledge of ancient Egyptian sacred sexuality and the magic of goddess Isis. Her lifelong connection to Ancient Egypt has inspired her to rediscover the art of writing Sacred Scrolls, an ancient practice for manifesting the life of your dreams.
Growing up in Norway, Elisabet developed a profound bond with nature.
As a guardian of sacred lands, she leads tours of ancient sites, reconnecting people with the wisdom of their ancestors. She teaches at the School of the Heart and embodies the Way of the Heart. Combining her unique life experiences with formal training, Elisabet leads with light, compassion, wisdom, intuition and love.
Elisabet and Iris met on a sacred pilgrimage centering around Mary Magdalene in the sacred lands of Languedoc in the south of France. They had an instant connection and knew that WOMBS & WATERS was a collective task they were bound to take on together.
