Becoming an Elder
A year long initiation into Elderhood
To read my previous piece on what it means to become an Elder - A Becoming
What is an Elder?
An Elder is someone who grows both older and wiser, having learned the lessons from their many struggles. She knows it is her responsibility and duty to share her hard-won wisdom with all those ready to listen and learn.
A true Elder embodies the qualities of the innocent child through curiosity, tenderness, vulnerability, playfulness and joy. As well as the depth of a rich soul through wisdom, humility, resilience, and compassionate detachment, which allows them to be fully present in the world.
An Elder will Love you completely with their whole heart. Sometimes tenderly and sometimes with a splash of ice cold water thrown into your sleepy face. Needs must. They act like a guiding light. Telling those who follow in their footsteps where to avoid unnecessary suffering. They basically show them where the dog shit lies on the path of life.
An Elder brings with them Hope, Beauty and Possibility that there is another way. It is not an overnight transformation but a slow unfolding.
It is a Becoming.
This year-long programme will be facilitated by us two Elders, Donna Lancaster and Gabi Krueger, and will take the form of 10 X 2.5-hour online sessions, 9.30am-12pm (UK times) each month, with focused personal exploration work to be undertaken in between each session. There will be an optional in person completion weekend held in March 2027, to allow the participants to cross the threshold into full Elderhood and to celebrate together (additional cost).
The intention is to provide those ready for this next step, with a robust initiation of their inner process, allowing them to fully embody their innate Elder upon completion. Regardless of your chronological age, this in depth initiation will prepare you to become a much-needed gift for the world.
The Becoming an Elder sessions will include:
Elders in Training - Sunday 8th March 2026
An initial introduction session hosted by both Gabi and Donna to meet your fellow Elders in training. This session will include understanding what it means to become an Elder, and the essential role that Elders play in our society. Also, a Q & A session to allow for any questions to be explored and answered.
Wounds to Wisdom - Saturday 11th April 2026
Transforming your past challenges and struggles into your gifts. Moving beyond the wound lens and victim identity into discovering your true nature.
Life Review & Finishing our Business - Sunday 10th May 2026
A timeline reflection of your life so far. Spending time to complete with significant people and events in your life that are still holding you back.
Letting go & Shedding - Saturday 06th June 2026
A natural continuation of your timeline works through body, mind and spirit exploration. Allowing for transformation through a deep process of letting go and trusting in the seasons and cycles of life.
Inner Ageism - Sunday 05th July 2026
Understanding the impact of ageist beliefs and stories on us personally and within our culture and society. Working with our shadow and projections related to ageism.
Archetypes - Saturday 05th September 2026
Understanding our true nature through a transpersonal lens. Using the Jungian archetypal model to understand the qualities and roles of true Elderhood. Eg. Crone, Hag, Mentor, Witch.
Ancestors - Sunday 11th October 2026
A deep exploration of our positive and negative family themes. Honouring and embracing the gifts of your lineage to allow a profound integration of self.
Death & Dying - Saturday 14th November 2026
Exploring the many ways we must die in a lifetime. For example- our numerous Spiritual deaths and our own and others physical death. Moving from fear to curiosity about death and dying, whilst learning how to befriend death
Roots and Wings - Sunday 13th December 2026
Learning how to remain grounded within an ever-changing world, whilst reaching upwards to connect with Spirit. Learning how to live and integrate a transpersonal experience of life beyond ego.
Service & Soul’s calling - Saturday 9th January 2027
Discovering your Soul’s true calling and tuning in for guidance on ways to Love and serve as an Elder within your community and beyond.
“As you get older, there is no more time to be careful, and no more REASON to be careful... If you're not dead yet, you're not done yet". Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Cost for the year long Initiation into Elderhood
This initiation into Elderhood is suitable for anyone who is walking a Spiritual path, moving from ego led to Soul guided living.
Phase 2.
You might be peri-menopausal or in full or post menopause….or not.
It is for anyone ready to honour their Soul’s calling, and to live life with Love and Truth as their guiding light.
Standard rate - £2,000 for the year long programme
Discounted rate - £1,250 for the year long programme
A £500 non refundable deposit is required on booking to secure your place and we trust that you will pay the rate that is in integrity with what you can afford. Payment in instalments is also an option for those that need it. Please feel free to ask.
We begin together in March as a small collective of people ready to join the Elder Revolution. Come join us!
Email - Hello@donnalancaster.com to book your place.
So looking forward to this. Such an antidote to the patriarchal/Western rhetoric of fear of getting older. The world needs us to be a solid, wise and healed presence and continue to learn and grow into Eldership. Xx
What a beautiful offering. The world needs more elders to spread light and offer wisdom to our world. I am sure it is no coincidence it begins on international women’s day. Being an elder and transitioning into the second half of life where I come home to myself is something I am working towards. I’m not sure I’m far enough along my journey to embark on the training to be an elder yet. I feel I may be more Bambi legged than grounded with the strength and wisdom of an elder.