Key Burns inherited a piece of land from her mother, now known as 3 Roots Center, that she’s turning into a nature reserve. She wants to make it a sanctuary and “a place where people can reconnect with the earth,” according to her co-host Jackie Helton. Burns and Helton collaborate on many events held at the property, often centering around the seasons. This Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, they’ll highlight the midpoint between the winter and spring equinox with a retreat called “Imbolc: A Healing Gathering.” The meditation center is located at 1750 County Line Rd. in Cameron, NC.
Burns, an associate clinical therapist, and Helton, a Reiki practitioner, have shaped the event around famous eco philosopher Joanna Macy’s “Work That Reconnects.” According to Joanna Macy’s website, Work That Reconnects is “a form of group work designed to foster the desire and ability to take part in the healing of our world.” Before Macy’s passing in 2025, she mentored Burns, and Burns continues to integrate her insights at 3 Roots Center.
Helton said they regularly host events modeled after Joanna Macy’s works, along with themes such as the equinox, and Irish, Scottish and European culture. This time of year, Helton says people are “dealing with a lot of grief.” The event encourages them to “Go inward and look for spiritual transformation.” She says people are starting to look for these kinds of events more and she and Burns hope to guide attendees towards resilience and meaningful change.
Historically, Helton says Imbolc honored the fact that native Irish, Scottish and European people were nearing the end of winter. During the winter, whole families, and often animals, would live together to survive the cold. Imbolc celebrations were a time to bring the animals back outside, spring clean, and say, “We know this coldness is over soon.” Helton described Imbolc as a time of rebirth, renewal, clearing and purification.
Day 1 includes starting the labyrinth walk, truth mandala, and recognition of the Celtic goddess and Catholic saint, Brigid. It will likely end with a moon ceremony. Day 2 includes relational movement, which Helton described as a mix of yoga and relaxation, a fire ceremony, more mandala work and a goodbye ceremony.
The mandala spiral starts with gratitude and moves to honoring the pain of the world and allowing grief and pain to be felt and expressed, according to Helton.
“It’s very slow-moving, very deep work, and people get emotional,” Helton explained.
The event cost is $133, but Helton said no one is turned away for lack of funds and they offer work packages on the farm. These packages allow attendees to participate for free if they complete designated work at 3 Roots Center prior to the event. Camping is also available for those who want to stay overnight between the two days. Helton described the camping accommodations as “primitive.”
“The air of this is really self-healing within the community,” Helton shared, adding that the event is not for the faint of heart. “It’s an invitation. If you come and you’re unsure if you want to participate, you don’t have to. Come with an open mind. Come to the first day and see what you think.”
For more information and to register, visit https://www.threerootscenter.org/

(Photo: The Mandala at 3 Roots Center is a spiral that starts with gratitude and moves to honoring the pain of the world. Photo courtesy of Jackie Helton)