Question 1

What is The 9th Ray?

Accepted Answer

The 9th Ray is a luxury transformation retreat that combines ancient wisdom traditions with modern therapeutic approaches. We host small-group experiences at our private 85-acre sanctuary in Ojai, California and partner locations in Kauai, Hawaii — designed for visionary creators ready for deep, lasting change.

Question 2

Who are your retreats designed for?

Accepted Answer

Our retreats are for accomplished individuals ready to invest in deep self-discovery — founders, creatives, executives, healers, and leaders navigating an inflection point. Every guest is carefully vetted through our SANCTUM application to ensure the group holds the right container for meaningful transformation.

Question 3

How is The 9th Ray different from other retreats?

Accepted Answer

Three things set us apart: intimacy (small groups of 8–14 guests), integrated care (licensed facilitators, on-site medical support, and structured integration coaching), and regenerative philosophy (our ranch is a working regenerative ecosystem, not a sterile spa). Each retreat is scored, personalized, and supported through the full arc — arrival to integration.

Question 4

Where do the retreats take place?

Accepted Answer

Our primary sanctuary sits on 85 regenerative acres in Ojai, California, surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest. We also host select retreats on the North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii. Both locations offer private accommodations, ceremony spaces, and access to wild nature.

Question 5

Who leads the retreats?

Accepted Answer

Every retreat is led by a curated team of licensed facilitators, somatic practitioners, and wisdom-tradition holders — each chosen for lineage, training, and demonstrated integrity. You can meet our guides on the Our Team page before applying.

Question 6

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applications are completed through our SANCTUM portal — an eight-section reflective process that takes most applicants 45–90 minutes. You can save your progress and return at any time. Once submitted, our review team responds within 3 business days.

Question 7

Can anyone apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though admission is selective. We review every application against readiness, fit with the current cohort, and our ability to support you well. If now is not the right time, we will say so honestly and often suggest a path forward.

Question 8

How long does the application and booking process take?

Accepted Answer

Most journeys follow a 2–4 week arc: application review (within 3 business days), a consultation call with a member of our team, a 48-hour decision window to secure your place, and booking. Urgent timelines can sometimes be accommodated — let us know in your application.

Question 9

What is the investment?

Accepted Answer

Investment varies by program length and season, ranging from weekend intensives to 10-day deep dives. All retreat pricing is inclusive (accommodations, meals, facilitation, ceremony materials, integration support). Exact figures are shared during your consultation so we can match you to the right program.

Question 10

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Deposits secure your place and are non-refundable. Full balances paid more than 60 days before arrival are refundable minus the deposit; between 30 and 60 days, 50% is refundable; within 30 days, balances are non-refundable but transferable to a future retreat with a medical or emergency exception. Complete terms are in your booking agreement.

Question 11

How long are retreats?

Accepted Answer

We offer experiences ranging from 3-day weekend intensives to 10-day deep dives. Most first-time guests choose a 5–7 day retreat, which allows enough time for the body to settle, the work to deepen, and integration to begin before returning home.

Question 12

What does a typical day look like?

Accepted Answer

Days begin gently — morning movement or meditation, unhurried breakfast, followed by the day's core session (breathwork, somatic work, ceremony, or facilitated dialogue). Afternoons hold space for rest, nature immersion, or bodywork. Evenings close with integration circles, sound journeys, or quiet reflection.

Question 13

What is included in the retreat price?

Accepted Answer

All accommodations, chef-prepared meals using regeneratively grown ingredients, facilitation, ceremony materials, bodywork sessions, integration sessions, and access to the full property. Flights and transfers are arranged separately; we provide detailed travel guidance after booking.

Question 14

Do I need prior experience with meditation, breathwork, or ceremony?

Accepted Answer

No prior experience is necessary. Our team meets you exactly where you are. Experienced practitioners find room to deepen; newcomers find careful scaffolding, clear instruction, and a team that holds you through first encounters with the work.

Question 15

Are there medical considerations I should know about?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every guest completes a confidential medical intake so our on-site clinicians can review medications, conditions, and contraindications before arrival. Certain medications (notably SSRIs, MAOIs, and some heart medications) may require adjustment or preclude specific practices. Our medical team coordinates directly and confidentially with your prescribing providers when needed.

Question 16

What is integration support, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Integration is the practice of weaving retreat insights into everyday life — relationships, work, body, and habits. Without it, even profound experiences fade. We view the 90 days after your retreat as the most important phase of the journey, and we structure our support accordingly.

Question 17

What integration resources do I get after the retreat?

Accepted Answer

Every alumnus receives: a 1:1 integration call within the first two weeks, a 90-day guided integration curriculum (journaling, habit tracking, weekly practice), access to our private alumni community, and invitations to quarterly alumni gatherings — virtual and in-person.

Question 18

Is there a community I can join?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All alumni receive access to our private member community — small cohort circles, peer integration groups, facilitator office hours, and an archive of teachings. It is intentionally intimate, moderated, and drama-free.

Question 19

Can I return for another retreat?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — and many do. Returning alumni receive priority access to new programs, alumni-only retreats, and dedicated pricing. We also host deepening programs (intensive cohorts, mentor-led journeys) available only to those who have attended before.

Question 20

How do I stay in touch with my cohort and facilitators?

Accepted Answer

Each retreat ends with a cohort handoff — shared contact, a private group channel, and a 30-day integration thread guided by your facilitator. Many cohorts continue meeting monthly long after the retreat ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The 9th Ray