NEW MOON MAGAZINE MARCH 2008

NEW MOON MAGAZINE
MARCH 2008
© The Arthurian School

Hi everyone!

Well here we are, already in the third month of this rather momentous year of 2008. I have just returned from a magical retreat in Peru where we saw the moon eclipse in all its splendour and beauty and I have since then been reeling from the effects of this powerful alignment. As beautiful and awesome the eclipse has been, so intense and demanding have been the effects of it!

I am guided very strongly that we are all being asked to pay closer attention to whatever is happening in and around us, and that there is really no time to waste anymore. Yes time is an illusion and we are now very much in “no time” where everything is manifesting really quickly (see later on how that is connected to the faery realm).

It is as if a dial has been turned up a notch and the earth has been sped up and we are all having to vibrate at a much higher frequency!

What I particularly notice is how quickly I am manifesting something I think about- and very often it has been a negative thought- and yes, a few hours if not minutes later, there it is! It is so important to consciously choose to tune into positive thoughts and outcomes, because that is what will determine what we create for the now and also the future.

THE ECLIPSE

Lying on our backs on huge granite rocks right next to the sound of a roaring river in Aguas Calientes, the little Inca village at the foot of Machu Picchu, we looked at a clear South American star filled sky to see the Moon eclipse in Leo. Previously we had met up with an American visitor from California who offered us his binoculars and to gaze at the Moon through this was just spectacular! The Moon seemed so incredibly silent and the Earth’s shadow relentless in dimming out the light of the Moon that was still shining on the world. As people around us seemed completely oblivious of this huge change, the Earth was asserting herself and there was nothing to stop the process!

Wake up everyone…

The following morning we rose early to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu. The Sun was hidden behind thick mists and it all felt unreal. Illusions and images were everywhere. Then, as we reached the sacred Intihuatana Stone, the sun burst through the clouds. Three times it shone and each time again disappeared. And the ancient guardians of the site said: this is the Sun completion of the Moon eclipse of the night before. Majestically a new day was dawning in Machu Picchu.

Eclipses are completions and new beginnings, and the ancients used to fear it as a time of great upheaval.

Ironically while we were there, the Peruvian people were in upheaval and busy striking in protest about how the authorities now intend to use Machu Picchu for greater material exploitation by involving multinational companies as investors. It is certainly at the moment a time for far reaching decisions to be made about the future of Machu Picchu, and also the heritage of the Peruvian people. And only time will tell what the outcome of this next very important chapter for Machu Picchu will be.

Yet there is a sense of the South Americas waking up, and of it taking its rightful place in the world. It is to be recognised and valued for the phenomenal star given gifts it holds.

I wish you all a very joyful March Moon Month, and keep that divine flame of the Moon feminine energy burning!

With blessings of Love
Elizabeth
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
http://www.arthurianschool.co.uk/

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THE NEW MOON 7th MARCH


The New Moon begins in the sign of Aries this month and the Equinox full moon will be on the 21st March in the sign of Libra.

In the Inca tradition this New Moon is called the Flower Growing Moon and in the Celtic tradition it is called the Alder Moon.

Alder trees are very interesting in that they have large root nodules that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria allow the roots of the Alder tree to grow, rather than to suffocate, in an environment that has stagnant water! The psychic medicine of an Alder tree is therefore to help us with stuck and stagnant emotions, old resentments, hurts and bitterness. It also can help to change plodding, heavy-going struggle and where emotions seem to overwhelm and flood us.

This links in well with the New Moon sign of Aries that is a fire sign and governs action and doing. The coming Moon month is therefore one of taking action and of rekindling our dreams and spirit again. In the Northern Hemisphere you will be celebrating the Spring Equinox and the strengthening power of the Sun that dries up the winter floods, and this is very symbolic of what will also be happening inside of all of us in this new Moon month.

Another interesting fact about the Alder tree is when it is cut, the pale wood takes on a reddish hue, which gave some old woodcutters the eerie feeling that the tree was bleeding like a human being! No wonder that in the days before ambulances and casualty departments, alder leaves were used against gangrene for battle wounds and accidents because it is an anti-inflammatory and helps to stop bleeding.

The Alder tree is known in the Druidic tradition as “The King of the Faeries” and in Midsummer rituals, the red dye of the tree was traditionally used to paint the faces of Sacred Kings.

Did any of you know that the root of the word “faery” comes from the French verb faire that means to do? So faeries literally means do-ers! As Anna Fraser puts it:

” Faeries turn the minerals in the earth and the magic of sun and water
into the jewels of life and they are literally weaving the cloth of life itself”

I believe that faeries are energy-beings whose doing and thinking are not separated and so they have the power to manifest instantly. They have been not been living in the same time-space continuum as us, and as we are starting to merge again with that no time reality in which they live, manifestation is becoming more instant for all of us, and we are able to bridge the huge gap we used to have between our thinking and our doing of things.

The Alder tree therefore is a really good energy to connect with psychically when you want to connect more consciously with the faery realms and to help you master manifesting something instantly this month.

The last really interesting thing about the Alder tree is that the bird associated with it is the Black Raven. The raven is said to carry our soul to the Otherworld that is often described as a misty island that is shielded by Alder groves.

Because of this connection with the Otherworld (that really means a different dimension), the Raven has special psychic abilities and it is known as a bird of deep intuitive perception and magic. The Celtic Goddess called Morrigan is a Raven Goddess. She is the secret side of the Lady of Avalon, the Apple Island (some say this is also Glastonbury in England) which is also the Celtic name for the Otherworld. Many fear Morrigan, but her name give us a reassuring clue: she is not only the dark night, she also lead us safely into the morning dawn.

According to the Celtic tradition, therefore, during this month of the Alder Moon you will have a special opportunity to work with the Raven and to increase your intuitive perception. (See the psychic exercise below).



PSYCHIC EXERCISE WITH THE ARIES NEW MOON

I feel that in the next moon month it is important to use the intuitive awareness of the Raven and take action (the Aries energy) to take better care of ourselves and also our homes.

Part of that is to become more aware of psychic energies that unbalance us and take us back into the feelings of being stuck and angry and full of fear- the stagnant pools of old emotions as symbolised by the period after the recent Moon eclipse.

The Moon can be used to deflect these unbalancing psychic energies- whether they are coming from a person in our environment who has a conscious or unconscious effect on you, or just generally because of all the unsettling changes the world is going through.

PROCESS

Please remember that the following must only be done with a loving intent. Ultimately there is only one energy that can heal and that energy is the Love or Heart vibration.

Sit safely on the floor- not on a chair if you can, or otherwise use a cushion to sit on so that you can be completed grounded and your body is directly in touch with the earth. If you live in a flat upstairs you will need to do this downstairs or in a park or garden outside.

Now call on the Raven to assist you and visualise it flying close to you as a guardian. Thank it for being with you and keeping you safe. Next focus on your third eye (the area between the eyebrows) and visualise a bright silver Moon. When you see it clearly, imagine that you are pulling the Moon and its incredible light and radiance into and then through your third eye- a bit like the proverbial camel that is being threaded through a needle’s eye. Imagine then bringing the Moon through your body and out through the arms so that it manifests into your hands. Now use the Moon with your hands and direct it as a mirror- to deflect any energies around you that do not serve you and you may feel have been affecting you in a negative way. Use it almost as a shield that reflects back the energy that is directed at you by a person or situation or just generally. Ask in your head that this will be done for the Highest Good and to Harm No One, and once you have used the mirror, also imagine that you are sending the person or the situation Love- even if you do not feel this, make the decision in your mind as a strong intention.

Imagine that you are taking back your power by being able to say no and looking after your own wellbeing through the power of self love and taking responsible action.

When you feel that all the energies around you have disappeared and are harmonised, bring yourself slowly back to the room or place where you are sitting, and then feel yourself being rooted like an Alder Tree - strong and able to move yourself forward out of a swamp into new action so that you can manifest your dreams and ideals.

Thank the Alder tree and Moon and allow yourself to rest for a while. You may also want to write down anything that specifically happened or you realised while you were doing the exercise.

Salt is very good for clearing negative psychic energies and it may be an idea to put a glass bowl or container with salt in the centre of each room of your house overnight once you have done the exercise. Rinse the bowl of salt with water and dispose of down the drain the next morning.

You may have to do this a few times if the energy has been very stuck in the house.

You will be amazed at the difference!


MOON PERSONS OF THE MONTH:

MARGUERITE VAN DER MERWE

I would like to introduce you to a truly amazing human being who lives near Pringle Bay in a village called Kleinmond.

Marguerite has lived a life filled with courage and after having to leave Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia), she used her sheer will and positive power of intent to start all over and create a new life in Cape Town, having no resources or money, and only herself.

It feels as if Marguerite is part of a long line of very strong women who have taken on the challenges of life without saying no to any of it!

She has an amazing gift of using words and actions very mindfully and carefully- and so it is no surprise that she writes poetry and also teaches taichi with an interesting combination of the Alexander technique.

She has a deep love for the feminine Goddess energy and will be speaking at the first South African Goddess conference that is due to be held at the end of the month near Cape Town.

She is the author of 'EVE-OLUTION - Enrichment of Feminine Consciousness and Body Awareness', being particularly interested in work with Women and holds regular retreats and workshops to experience awareness, consciousness, skilful means, relaxation, ease and tranquillity in body and mind.

See the website http://www.goddesstemple.co.za/ for more information about Marguerite and also the First International Goddess Conference in South Africa.






A WORKSHOP IN TINTAGEL WITH SAM ROWE AND POLLY ADAMS
I am really pleased to let you know that Sam Rowe and Polly Adams (who are accredited by THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL) will be doing a workshop in Tintagel at the end of this month. Here are the details and please contact them if you would like to attend -
They are a team with very special combination of skills,
and really fantastic and fun facilitators!

Earth Wisdom
Self Development Workshops

Hope and Harmony - Saturday 29th March 2008

The arrival of spring brings with it the promise of new life and the long nights of winter are balanced by bright new days. The earth is waking up again, and everything is growing as one. We can be thankful for our period of inactivity, but it is time to shake off the predictability of winter and re-energise our hopes for the future.

Most of us feel at some point in our lives that we are juggling too many priorities; be it work, family, friends, or in our own personal development. By identifying what is truly important to us, and focusing on the opportunities we want to create, then we develop a long term harmonious environment in which we can blossom.

Through reconnecting with the cycles of nature, we will help you to gain confidence in your own abilities and intuition, using a variety of interesting and fun techniques in a group setting.

If you would like more information about the above workshop, or Earth Wisdom,
please email Sam and Polly at earthwisdom@uk2.net
or speak to Sam on 07855 600 403, or Polly on 01840 770228.
Courses will be held in and around Tintagel. We look forward to hearing from you.

FORTHCOMING WORKSHOPS AND RETREATS OF THE SCHOOL

I will be coming over to the UK on the 27th March to do two retreats and sessions.
Please give me a ring even if you just want to have a chat when I am over there. It will be great to see everyone and catch up on the news.

Also I have been guided to add another retreat in Peru during October and there is some more information about this below.

Please contact me if you are interested, or want some more information
about any of the above at info@arthurianschool.co.uk.


MACHU PICCHU RETREATS 2008

"To visit Machupijchu, you must prepare the soul, sharpen the senses. Forget for some minutes, the small and transcendental problems of our lives, of modern... man..."
Napoleon Polo
Casilla 435 Cuzco Peru


The magic and mystery of Machu Picchu lies very much in its extraordinary beautiful natural surroundings and its sacred connections to the heavens.

It has portals aligned to the stars, and it is no wonder that astrological and astronomical instruments can be found everywhere in the temples of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

In the Temple of the Three Windows of Machu Picchu, for example, there is a stone pointing to the Southern Cross, and the Intihuatana Stone of Machu Picchu is known to be a complex astronomical clock that holds a powerful portal to extraordinary universal cosmic forces.

Going to Peru is always a special experience. One is able to access these cosmic forces so easily, and if this is done during significant planetary alignments such as a full moon or an eclipse, it becomes an even greater and more significant opportunity for extraordinary experiences and personal growth.

Planetary and star alignments create opportunities that are not usually available to us and we can also during these times make meaningful connections with our own personal star heritage.

The year of 2008 has a number of interesting planetary events. We have just had the first and only full moon eclipse of the year (21st February). On May 10 there is an occultation of the famous Beehive Cluster and on June 30 another occultation occurs with the Pleiades star cluster.

On August 1 there is also a total eclipse of the sun that will be mainly visible in Siberia, Canada’s Northwest, Western Mongolia and China.

On the 18th July there is a Holly Full Moon with the Moon sextile Uranus (the planet governing genius) and on the 14th October there is an Ivy Full Moon in Aries with the Sun trine and the Moon sextile Neptune (the planet governing dreams). Trines and sextiles are very favourable and auspicious alignments.

The time leading up to these alignments is always very powerful and there is a tension that builds up that is released during such the actual happening of the cosmic event.

We are able to tune into these energies by becoming still and being more aware of their heavenly impact on us.

During the upcoming retreats in Peru we will be paying special attention to the special alignments mentioned above and will be an exciting opportunity for each participant to find their special connection to Machu Picchu and its amazingly uplifting spiritual energies.

Machu Picchu is such an incredible place that was built with a wisdom and understanding that is far beyond our current thinking. We are only now starting to glimpse some of the meanings of the structures it holds and I believe that we can only truly understand the full impact of Machu Picchu whilst being aligned with the Unconditional Love vibration that is connected to the Universal Heart- and a heavenly energy connecting us to the earth, the sun, the moon and the stars.

THE RETREAT ITINERY

Our retreat will start at Cusco, the capital of the Incas, where we gather at the airport to start our inner spiritual journey.

Next we head for the picturesque village of Pisac in the Sacred Valley. Pisac is famous for its weekly market on a Sunday when local Peruvian people come down from the highlands to share their fresh produce such as trout, tomatoes, rice and potatoes. It is a very memorable event to experience the true and authentic atmosphere of Peru and to become more aware of its special earth energies and extraordinary mountains!

We spend two days here in Pisac to acquaint ourselves more with the land of the ancient Incas. We also have a chance to fully recover from our long journey over and acclimatise to Peru’s high altitudes.

On the Monday we visit the Incan ruins known as Incan Pisac. Pisac, just like the citadel of Machu Picchu, has a Temple of the Sun and an Inithuatana stone, somewhat similar to the ancient European sun clocks.

The angles of the base of Pisac’s Temple of the Sun suggest that it served some astronomical function, but unfortunately Pisac Intihuatana was brutalized and broken by the Spanish invaders. This happened to all these stones except the Machu Picchu Intihuatana, which the conquistadores never found.

The next morning (Tuesday) we board the train to Aguas Calientas, the village closest to Machu Picchu. Travelling through a spectacular landscape filled with ancient ruins and the magnificent Urubamba River, we are able to gaze at the snow capped peaks of the Andes and look at the different vegetation on the way. It is a magnificent journey that lasts about four and a half hours.

In Aguas Calientas we feel the atmosphere of the Amazon jungle and have more time to prepare ourselves for our special encounters with Machu Picchu. With its colourful stalls, filled with fabrics and woven rugs you will be able to explore Aguas Calientas and the Inca tradition of weaving with textiles. And not to mention the many crystals from South America that deserve attention!

The next day (Wednesday) we rise early to greet the sun at the sungate of Machu Picchu. The bus ride up to the top is breathtaking as we zigzag up the mountain in a Machu Picchu bus.

Once at Machu Picchu, we will do a series of earth connections and meditations to help us become more aware of the natural and the cosmic forces of Machu Picchu. The highlight of the day will certainly be when we ascend to the pyramid structure of the Intihuatana Stone where we are able to spend time and do a sacred ceremony to tune into and receive the blessing of its cosmic portals.

The next day (Thursday) we have an opportunity to rest and integrate the magical experiences of the day before. We also are able to be rejuvenated in the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes and its majestic mountains.

On the Friday the participants have the option of returning to Machu Picchu. This time to climb Wyna Picchu, or to visit the Temple of the Moon.

We end our retreat here with a celebratory Peruvian dinner and return train to Cusco the next day (Saturday).

Focus of the retreat:

During the retreat you will be given time to reflect on your ancient connections to Peru and, in particular, the Intihuatana Stone/portal of Machu Picchu.

There will be daily group meditations as well as special fire and water ceremonies to awaken your connection to the Earth and the elements, and to find an inner connection to the true gift of the Sun and Gold of South America- the Love vibration of Machu Picchu!

We will also work with the energies of the particular full moon of the retreat that will make it a deeply powerful and meaningful event.

This is a retreat that will expand your inner and outer boundaries of what is possible in your life, and greatly help to awaken you to your hidden talents and power for the future.

Each participant will (as appropriate) also receive individual sessions from Elizabeth. These are designed to direct and support the outer journey of each particular person, and to help them to connect more easily to their individual spiritual path and the special qualities of Machu Picchu. Elizabeth has an ancient connection to the site, and uses her shamanistic abilities to connect with its spiritual guardians for the group.

The retreats are limited to a maximum number of 7 people to ensure that there is ample opportunity for personal interaction and support. Early booking is therefore advisable.

COST: R11,200 / ₤860 per person
DEPOSIT: R5 600/ ₤400 to secure a place
(NB - various payment options such as paying the amount by instalments are available- please contact Elizabeth for more information)

This includes all accommodation, continental breakfasts and suppers, train and other journeys to and from Cusco, Pisac and Aguas Calientes, buses to and from Machu Picchu, all taxi transportation, entrance fees to Pisac and Machu Picchu sites and retreat fees.

You are responsible for all international airfares (to Lima Peru) and the short domestic flight between Lima and Cusco (a return ticket is in the region of R12 000 / £800). Expect departure taxes at Cusco and Lima of approximately $40 (cash) in total. Tips and drinks are not included. (please contact Elizabeth if you need any assistance with the booking of the flights- or if the pricing is too expensive).

RETREAT DATES:

14-21 June 2008- theme: AWAKENING LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
13-20 July 2008- theme: AWAKENING THE HEART
11-18 October 2008 – theme: AWAKENING CREATIVITY/ART

Note: Machu Picchu is visited by thousands and thousands of people and is particularly full during August which is high season- it is very difficult to connect with the true spiritual energies of Machu Picchu for personal growth when it is full of tourists, and so the retreats are planned in such a way that the group is there on dates and at times when it will be easier to access these energies.

What you need to bring/carry:
n Daypack,
n Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased for a dollar)
n Strong, comfortable footwear
n Sweater and jacket (something warm- it gets cold at high altitude)
n Flashlight and batteries
n Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
n Sun block (sun protection cream)
n Insect repellent
n Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
n Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,
n Camera, plenty of film/digital and spare batteries
n Swimsuit (for visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes )
n Photocopy of your passport page
n Soles and US dollars- some places only accept soles and others only US dollars

QUICK FACTS and TIPS:
· The ruins are open 6AM to 6PM daily; the schedule may vary by half an hour. By law, as of April 2005, they are not open at night.
· Located at the summit of the mountain, they are at an altitude of around 9,000 feet
· The ruins are most full between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
· The shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit via scenic 2,000 foot serpentine road; your shuttle ticket is good for transport up once and down once.
· There are facilitites at the entrance to the ruins (bring your own toilet paper, just in case)
· There is a snack bar just at the entrance to the ruins
· Your entry ticket allows you multiple entries only for the one day validity of the ticket; second day visits will require purchase of another ticket
· There is a small check-room where you can leave bags, etc, for a small fee. Make sure they lock and don't leave anything valuable inside, just to be safe.
· Food and beverages are not allowed in the ruins. Put any bottled water you have inside a day pack or carry bag so that it is not visible when entering the ruins.
· Be prepared for your visit and have a day pack to carry your day gear so you have two hands free to help negotiate and navigate the narrow, steep stairs that take you about the ruins.
· Chew cocoa leaves to avoid altitude sickness and rest if you should feel dizzy. Drinking water with electrolytes is also very helpful. Arnica tablets help the body to correct jet lag and get used to the high altitude.
· Day gear should include rain poncho or jacket and waterproof case for your camera and film; sun and insect protection; a hat with brim or bill; snacks; bottled water.


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II PRINGLE BAY NEW MOON RETREATS

MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF

Pringle Bay is a small picturesque coastal village in the heart of a UNESCO World Nature Reserve, called the Kogelberg Biosphere. Undisturbed by street lights, it is an ideal place to observe the stars and the planets, experience the elements and observe the beautiful different colours of Mother Nature.

The Reserve is renowned for its Indigenous Fynbos Flora, and has more plant species per square meter than anywhere else in the world. It is also part of the world famous whale-watching coast leading to Hermanus.

Set against the slopes of the magnificent Kogelberg Mountains and the famous Hangklip Mountain, Pringle Bay has a pristine white beach with stunning views of Table Mountain and Cape Point across False Bay. It also has a small and uncontaminated Buffels River that flows into the sea.

Because of this very unique nature environment, Pringle Bay is an ideal place for retreats. It offers a space for solitude and for getting in touch with nature, yet is only 55 minutes away from busy Cape Town and its international airport.

The New Moon Retreats at Pringle Bay are specifically offered to help participants utilise the unique nature gifts of Pringle Bay in combination with the special time of the new moon.

Working with the new moon can create tremendous growth and opportunity in our personal lives. During these retreats participants are shown how to get in touch with the energies of the moon and nature by learning to become more aware of their natural psychic abilities and intuition. The moon rules psychic ability and intuition and is therefore a powerful tool that can help us become more aware and move forward in our lives.

The retreats are also a time of reflection and of going within. The participants are helped to do special meditations that combine with the energies of the sea, the beach, the river and the moon and we visit the very special Hangklip beach that has an ancient history of indigenous people living in the area.

Personal sessions are included to guide the process of greater self awareness and inner growth.

The retreats offer a wonderful opportunity for positive change and for nurturing your soul and spirit!

Practicalities:

The retreat lasts for three days.
Participants stay in Pringle Bay in first class accommodation overlooking the sea.
All meals -delicious vegetarian meals specially prepared by someone who also lives in Pringle Bay - are included.

DATES FOR RETREATS DURING 2008:

4, 5 ,6th July 2008
2,3,4th August 2008
28,29,30th November 2008

COST:
R2 400 (all inclusive)

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