Embodying Change | Yi Jing + Qi Gong Retreat

12-14 June 2026, Bonhays Retreat Centre, Dorset, UK

I often say that the Yi Jing (I Ching) is like a true friend that has already reached enlightenment on your behalf - giving potent, honest advice on almost everything from the nature of your path, relationships, health and key decisions in life. Knowing how to develop this relationship with respect and understanding, is the key to further unlocking the wisdom of this living classic.

In this long weekend retreat we will be exploring the yarrow divination methods, powerful teachings of this ancient book, as well as the Yi Jing Qi Gong, all in the beautiful setting of Bonhays Meditation Centre in West Dorset

The Yi Jing or Book of Change is the seminal text on the nature of experience, and as a divination tool a powerful guide to life. This is amongst the oldest of humanity’s books, and yet it continues to speak to the present day with acute insight and profound understanding. It is as Jung says, the only book with a living soul.

  • I was given a copy of Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching as a teenager. I've worked off and on, in a very basic way, ever since. It always seemed full of mystery and wisdom, and somehow remained impenetrable. Ryan's classes have opened up a box of delights. I found his teaching style clear and accessible. His depth of knowledge inspirational.

    Chris Walker

  • Ryan's Yi Jing course is exceptional. It offers a strong foundation for the beginner and would enhance and broaden the understanding of those who are already well familiar with the practice.

    Judith Hooper

  • Ryan really helps us to find the true nature of ancient Chinese symbols, balancing theory, practice and material, while staying open-minded about how to interpret, and build understanding in application.

    Aurelie

Retreat Elements

  • Yi JIng Qi Gong

    Each of the Trigrams, the energetic “building blocks” of the Yi Jing, has an associated Qi Gong form that evokes the relevant qualities within the body.

    Getting a felt sense of the energetics in this way teaches us the language of change in a somatic, rather than intellectual way.

    These forms are taught by Damo Mitchell of the Internal Arts Academy, and I am grateful for his permission to pass them on.

  • Meditation

    The three trainings for a divination practice are study, Qi Gong practice and meditation. In this way practitioners internalise a system of symbols, embody them through practice and digest them through meditation.

    We will gather for guided sitting practices, and the training room will remain available for solo practice throughout the weekend..

  • Yarrow Divination

    Learning to use the Yarrow stalks is an essential component of proper Yi Jing divination.

    Methods such as the coin method do not account for the asymmetry written into Yi Jing numerology and therefore their readings are not entirely accurate.

    Yarrow divination is also a more embodied and meditative process that enhances the quality of the divination.

  • Ritual

    The accompanying rituals around divination are a key part of the process, that not only honour the tradition but also allow the diviner into the correct energetic state to draw in the wisdom of the Yi Jing.

    The ritual aspects ensure that the teachings are approached with the respect that in turn reinforces the accuracy and usefulness of the readings

  • Interpretation

    You will learn how to inquire of, interpret and comply with the teachings of the Yi Jing. Forming a relationship with the book in this way allows the teachings to deepen, and also for their relevance and clarity to become more acute.

    Part of this will include navigating the various translations available.

    Mainly, we will work through examples together so that you leave with the confidence to approach the Yi Jing in any number of situations.

  • Theory

    Much has been written about the Yi Jing over the centuries and added into the text. Much of this theory has actually been reverse engineered and yet is often considered to be foundational and essential to understanding the text.

    This is not so, and yet a familiarity with the theory and the ensuing ontology is helpful in navigating the given interpretations.

    You will receive a workbook that breaks down the more complex theory into easily digestible and relatable principles.

  • Ryan has a talent for creating clear, concise course material with the depth required for a robust understanding of ancient philosophies. Additionally, his teaching manner is calm, patient and respectful. Highly recommended!

    Angela Bradshaw

  • Ryan is a sensitive, intuitive, gentle and insightful teacher. He is dedicated to presenting the I Ching in a very direct way where the person doing the divination can connect and tap to that wisdom that has always been there but maybe covered or inaccessible. What I liked the most was realizing that the I Ching was not that huge book and body of knowledge I had to sit down to study (although it can be, if you want) but a much more approachable system that you can connect with more simply and intuitively.

    Participant

  • Ryan has a very deep understanding of his subject. Esoteric yet accessible.

    Helen Hunt

Programme

  • Friday 12 June

    15:00 - 16:00 Arrival

    16:00 - 19:00 Course introduction and Qi Gong

    19:00- 20:30 Dinner

  • Saturday 13 June

    07:00 - 08:30 Guided Meditation

    08:30 - 10:00 Breakfast

    10:00 - 13:00 Training

    13:00 - 14:00 Lunch

    14:00 - 15:30 Free Time (swim, walk, practice)

    15:30 - 18:30 Training

    18:30 - 20:00 Dinner

    20:00 - 21:00 Training

  • Sunday 14 June

    07:00 - 08:30 Guided Meditation

    08:30 - 10:00 Breakfast

    10:00 - 13:00 Training

    13:00 - 14:00 Lunch

    14:00 - 16:00 Training + Q & A

    16:00 - 17:00 Departure

Venue

  • Retreat Centre

    Bonhays meditation Centre is an eco-retreat built around a quiet courtyard, tucked into rolling West Dorset countryside. It has many beautiful features - cosy straw bale buildings, a wild orchard, a heated indoor pool, simple rooms. The Wild Jurassic coast is walkable or a short drive.

    There are shared spaces for eating and companionship, and plenty of tucked-away corners for rest or solitude.

  • Food

    Evie, the resident chef at Bonhays, sources organic ingredients locally and produces wonderful, hearty, healthy food. All the food is vegetarian.

    Meals are provided Friday evening through to Sunday lunchtime inclusive

  • Accommodation

    Single, shared twin or double rooms are available. Bathrooms, shower and toilet facilities are shared.

    There may be a number of other options available including a secluded shepherds hut and cottage..

    Camping with your own tent or camper van is also an option.

This retreat could be for you if -

You've always felt drawn to the Yi Jing but found it complicated, opaque, or hard to relate to. You might have dipped in and out over the years, sensed its depth, but never quite found the door in.

You wish to move beyond the intellectual / theory-heavy— to feel the teachings in the body through Qi Gong, and to develop a living, breathing relationship with the text rather than simply studying it.

You already work with the Yi Jing and want to deepen your relationship., and share in a community of practice.

You are facing challenging life-decisions and looking for a supportive and reliable guide.

No prior experience of Qi Gong or the Yi Jing is needed.

Booking + Prices

Booking options are shown opposite. Please note that a non refundable £150 deposit is due on booking, with the rest due 6 weeks before travel. Once you have booked please fill in the form below with your preferred option.

There are two cost-only scholarships available, please apply here.

Single room with meals: £550

Shared room with meals: £500

Non resident with meals: £410

Non resident without meals: £350

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