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WE LOVE YOU MOTHER, WE ARE YOUR CHILDREN (OF THE EARTH)

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MACHU PICCHU

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

PERU 2010 SACRED HEART AWAKENING JOURNEYS

SACRED EARTH RETREATS
For the love of the Earth- building a New Future.
MACHU PICCHU
PERU
2010 COSMIC HEART AWAKENING JOURNEYS:
Learning how to communicate with Cosmic Nature.
15-26 JUNE 2010
(the Empress- Tarot)
and
24 AUGUST – 4 SEPTEMBER 2010
(the Magician- Tarot)
With grateful thanks for helping to bring more light, wisdom and purpose into our journeys. Experiencing Peru with you has been an amazing experience. ANNIE P from South Africa (October 2008)
The authenticity, depth of experience and unexpected personal evolution
I experienced was value beyond money or words.
And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for facilitating it all and giving me
courage to break through to new and blissful territory – HELEN C from the UK (August 2009)

The Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu PERU holds some of the most feminine and important energies for our planet. It has a simplicity and gentleness of the Heart that one cannot truly understand - until one has been there.

This amazing feeling of peace and connection to the Cosmic Heart comes from an ancient heritage born in Peru where the indigenous people have always understood and communicated with the more subtle energies of Mother Nature. Being in tune with these cosmic energies of Pachamama - as they affectionately call her - they have always treated the Earth as a living energetic being that creates life for them and their children.

But even more than that. Peru has the wonder of Machu Picchu.

Many are intrigued about why so many people are drawn to visit the lost city of Machu Picchu at this time in our world.

Built as a place that is literally “above the clouds,” it is said that its purpose was to commune with the gods from above, a sacred place where humans and the cosmic gods of Nature could safely meet without any interference.

The concept of building a city of the size and magnitude of Machu Picchu even now seems ridiculous. Yet this was done painstakingly and with the most incredible amount of patience and aptitude. The people of Machu Picchu knew what they were doing- they had a master plan that was so brilliantly conceived that we now need to find the same to build and create our own safe and sustainable world for the future!

When you look at Machu Picchu, its ultimate genius is that of working with the hazards of water. High up on the top of a mountain, dealing safely with the force of the elements and most importantly rain, had to be a priority. And so structures were conceived and taken from ancient civilisations of the past that made sure that there was incredible security in the face of heavy cloud bursts, earth quakes, torrential rain- for this was after all a place of the Gods and with it came the raw elemental forces of nature! And so even today you will never see a puddle of water at Machu Picchu- it has incredible drainage, and a system of conducting water that ensures that these channels of water still function and create safety with water to this day. Stones were built in an inherent pyramid structure using bedrock and so the entire city is still standing in very much the way it was built - after hundreds and hundreds of years in the most daunting of locations.

In a modern world where the focus and a more cosmic awareness of water is becoming so very important: its preservation for the future and also the real risk of floodings that have been happening all over the world; small islands disappearing into the sea and landmasses shrinking at an alarming rate that is not often enough spoken about even in the media: Machu Picchu holds a vital key to our future.

And this unique ability to work with water at Machu Picchu extends to elsewhere in the Sacred Valley below. Everywhere you look there is water! Waterfalls cascading down from the pure white snow on the magestic Andes Mountains, the gentle hum of the waters of the mighty Urubamba River that winds its way through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, the ancient INCA waterways that are still functional and used by the local people on their farms and in the small villages – it does not matter - wherever you look there is water!

And with the water comes the most beautiful natural landscape, magestic peaks of mountains and fields filled with fresh produce and a busy cultivation of the land.

Many follow the INCA trail along the Valley leading to Machu Picchu to soak up this wholeness in the landscape - making with each step a mindful exchange with cosmic nature that only knows one law – the law of always both giving and receiving to create perfect balance and harmony between human and nature.

Come with me to the land of the INCAS! And do you know, the history of this area of MACHU PICCHU goes much further back than that. There are elements of cosmic star connections to Atlantis, ancient Egypt and even the Maya to explore.

This is the place to experience a higher communication with nature than you have ever known before. This is a place where you can link into a cosmic knowledge of the Earth that can help you to also build a safe and secure future in our world- by truly understanding what was achieved here so very long ago.

All you need to do, is open your heart and come to listen to the VOICE OF PACHAMAMA! She will teach you how to live in harmony by linking into that higher cosmic consciousness of Love for Nature - so reverently remembered in Peru. And with that you can spread the light of this LOVE and its true understanding to a world that is so much in need for it now. And build a new future!

We will be visiting the traditional villages and ancient nature temples and ruins of the area of the Sacred Valley of MACHU PICCHU to help you open your heart more to yourself and the world. After the retreat journey, you will also have an opportunity to experience the sacred plant medicines of Peru in a San Pedro or Ayahuaska ceremony.

“Many have come to Peru not quite knowing why, but all have returned knowing that it was meant to be - something that transformed their lives and old ideas and limitations to a new freedom and power – and having a deep knowing that it is possible to once again have a living relationship with the Earth.”

Elizabeth
SACRED EARTH RETREATS
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
tel (0027) -28 273 8277
cel (0027) -783716343

Suggested Pre- itinerary

13 June/22 August (Sunday)
Fly to Peru and overnight in Lima (capital of Peru that is on the Pacific Ocean)

14 June/23 August (Monday)
Fly the short distance (45 mins) between Lima and Cusco (the INCA capital that is inland and where the retreat starts the next day)
Day of resting because of high altitude and jet lag (many time changes)!
Overnight in Cusco

SCHEDULED PROGRAMME FOR COSMIC HEART JOURNEY

Day One (Tuesday)
15 June /24 August (Tuesday)

First meeting of the group and meditation to open your Cosmic Heart connection
*Sacred visit to Santo Dominingo monastery that was built over Koricancha temple, the most important Temple of the Sun of the Inca
*Gentle walk through the old city of Cusco
Resting to further acclimatise to altitude and prepare for next day early journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo

Overnight in Cusco

Day Two (Wednesday)
16 June/25 August

Early Breakfast
Transfer for train to MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO (doing the picturesque train journey through the mountains leading to Machu Picchu Pueblo, the little village just below MACHU PICCHU where you can see the landscape changing from cultivated land to Cloud Forest with its tropical plants and waterfalls- this is the area along which the INCA trail goes)
Free day to explore MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO and its colourful markets
*Group meeting and important preparation for visit to MACHU PICCHU, citadel above the clouds!

Overnight MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO

Day Three (Thursday)
17 June/26 August

Early morning start (4am!) to be first in line to catch the first bus to MACHU PICCHU
*Greeting the sunrise at MACHU PICCHU! Special ceremony at the TEMPLE OF THE SUN
*Special ceremony at the INTIHUATANA STONE (a cosmic portal) to help you open your cosmic connection to the Earth
Exploring the city of MACHU PICCHU with its amazing awareness of nature and architecture- a life changing experience!

Overnight MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO

Day Four (Friday)
18 June/27 August

Early morning meditation (optional)
Breakfast
*Visit to hot springs (Aguas Calientes)
*Day of integration (group meeting to discuss and work with experiences)

(OPTIONAL: For those who are energetic and want to experience something similar to the INCA TRAIL, you can return to MACHU PICCHU to climb HUAYNA PICCHU PEAK and you will then need an extra approx $56- it is well worth the climb with magnificent views of the city of MACHU PICCHU and the surrounding valleys and mountains from the top of HUAYNA PICCHU PEAK –it takes 2-3 hours of quite steep climbing on steps up the mountain which is very similar to some of the climbs on the Inca trail but more spectacular 360 degree views)

Overnight MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO

Day Five (Saturday)
19 June/28 August

Early Breakfast
Transfer back by train to OLLANTAYTAMBO (a very beautiful rural village with spectacular Inca ruins)
Check into hostal where we will be staying.
Free day to explore OLLANTAYTAMBO
*Optional visit to charity for women and children

Overnight OLLANTAYTAMBO

Day Six (Sunday)
20 June/29 August

Early morning meditation (optional)
Breakfast
*Visiting spectacular OLLANTAYTAMBO INCA RUINS AND TEMPLES
*Group meeting to discuss and integrate experiences

Overnight in OLLANTAYTAMBO

Day Seven (Monday)
21 June/30 August

Early morning meditation (optional)
Breakfast
*Visiting the amazing circles of MORAY (a place that is very connected to the Stars/Cosmos and where it is said experimentation with plants took place)
*Doing Cosmic Heart meditation ceremony

Transfer to PISAC (another small traditional Inca village where we will be staying for the next few days)
Overnight PISAC

Day Eight (Tuesday)
22 June/31 August

Early morning meditation (optional)
Breakfast
*Cosmic Heart Workshop (exploring how to communicate with cosmic nature - the way it was done by the Incas and their more ancient ancestors- the Lemurians and Atlanteans – also working with crystals!)

Overnight in PISAC

Day Nine (Wednesday)
23rd June/1 September

Early morning meditation (optional)
Breakfast
*Nature trail to visit PISAC RUINS (the most powerful and interesting ruins after Machu Picchu)- approx 2 hours
Taxi down /hiking back for those who still feel energetic!
*Group meeting to share and integrate experiences

Overnight in PISAC

Day Ten (Thursday)
24th June/2nd September

Early morning meditation (optional)
Breakfast
*Visiting and exploring the wonder of the waterways at TAMPUMACHAY
* this is also the day of WINTER EQUINOX and the INTI RAYMI FESTIVAL celebrated each year by the descendants of the INCA and if you are happy to face the crowds we visit Cusco after our time at TAMPUMACHAY to look at the processions! A special time to be in Peru! (Note: the entrance ticket for the whole day is in the region of $100 if you feel like spending the whole day there -JUNE TRIP)

“On the day of the festival, the enactors gather in Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) in Cusco wearing traditional Inca dress - an array of feathers, embroidered capes and hat and the Inca in his golden headdress and arm cuffs. Carrying rainbow flags, bombo drums, sampoƱa panpipes and quena flutes, with the emperor on his throne, the procession moves to Auqaypata (Plaza Mayor) then uphill to Sacsayhuaman. An elaborate display of ritualistic dance and chanting takes place, culminating in the Inca's final call, before the folkloric music begins.” http://events.frommers.com

Day Eleven (Friday)
25th June/3rd September

Early morning meditation (optional)
Breakfast
*Group Workshop to end SACRED HEART JOURNEY
*Inca despacho ceremony with shaman to bless all the participants after the Sacred Heart Journey

Overnight in PISAC

Suggested post itinerary:

26th June/4th September (Saturday)
SAN PEDRO/AYAHUASKA SACRED PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY (Optional)

Overnight PISAC

27th June/5th September (Sunday)
Breakfast
Visiting the PISAC MARKET (the most famous market in Peru that happens on a Sunday when the mountain people come down to trade their food and produce). Traditional carpets and colourful fabrics and crystals and other Peruvian wares are also for sale. Something quite extraordinary!

Overnight in PISAC

28th June/6th September (Monday)
Breakfast
Transfer by bus back to Cusco
Last day of sight seeing Cusco

Overnight CUSCO

29th June/7th September (Tuesday)

fly from Cusco back to Lima (capital of Peru) to catch connecting flights

Notes:

What makes this journey so special?

Please note this is not a tourist journey. Most tour operators do two or more sites and villages in a day which leaves very little time than just to have a walk around and take some photographs. On this trip you will see the most important sites and areas related to the Machu Picchu Sacred Valley, but you will more importantly also be able to be quiet and experience the special atmosphere of each place at times that are most beneficial. You can only feel the profound effect of a sacred place when you are able to go within, be still and become more than an ordinary tourist. Such an experience can have a life changing effect on you.

Preparation is done before we visit a site so that you are able to energetically tune into the site with a positive intention and it is not uncommon for participants to have past life memories surface that help to awaken them spiritually.

After each visit to a sacred place, we will have the opportunity to share our experiences as a group and also work with integrating these gifts we receive from the special places we visit so as to make it a spiritual journey in the true sense of the word.

We will also be learning how to work with our awareness of the cosmic unseen forces of nature and so be able to tune into the energy worlds of Peru that the South American shamans are so famous for!

For those of you who are interested, we will also be visiting a charity for homeless and abused women and children while we are in Peru. Participants are encouraged to go with an intention to enjoy the trip, but also contribute something to the Earth, Peru, the local people and the animals. This is part of living from the Heart!

Please note that nothing on the scheduled programme is compulsory- it there to help and assist you to have a spiritual experience of Peru, but it is up to you as to how and when you want to join in. Having said that, I would encourage you to do take part in as much as you can, because very often it is by taking yourself out of your comfort zone that magic happens!

What is so special about the trips in 2010?
The dates chosen above are given to me under guidance to make sure that the trip will happen at the most auspicious and spiritually awakening times of that year and be most beneficial for the group and the planet. The two trips scheduled for 2010 have these special features:

June trip:
Our trip starts with the new moon (12th June) and we will end the retreat by the time of the full moon (26th June). It is also during the very important earth festival of Winter Solstice in Peru (24th June). This day is celebrated as the Inti Raymi festival held each year at the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman in the Inca capital city of CUSCO- celebrated by the people of the Inca as the Festival of the Sun in honour of the God of the Sun and symbolizes the eternal consecration of marriage between the Sun and human beings. Under the Inca empire the festival lasted 9 days attracting people from all over the Inca Empire and it is now the second largest festival in Latin America with an expected 200 000 people congregating in Cusco!

August trip:
August is known as the best time to go to Peru because of the weather (it has summer rainfall so in August one is assured that it does not rain and although it is cool at night, the days are sunny and warm). During this time of our trip we will have a full moon (24th August) at the beginning of our trip and a new moon on 8th September (new beginnings) as we return from Peru.

Why should I not do the INCA TRAIL instead?

The INCA trail is very famous and with reason because of Peru’s beautiful nature! But you need to think about it carefully and find out what exactly is your intention to travel. If you are an avid and very enthusiastic walker who enjoys nature but really don’t want to experience much more than the scenic part of Peru, then I would definitely say doing the Trail is for you. Make sure you are very fit, especially if you don’t live at high altitude. Peru takes a different fitness because of the high mountains you climb on the trail and also if it is in winter it is freezing in the tents offered on the trails.

The train journey we take to Machu Picchu Pueblo follows the path of the Inca trail along the Urubamba river so you will have definitely see some of the amazing views of the trail on our journey there.

Very importantly, the INCA trail packages only take you a short visit to Machu Picchu – normally a morning/afternoon and by the time you get there you are exhausted and not often in the mood for climbing a lot of steps and exploring! The trail is therefore not going to give anything but a rushed and tourist experience (with the usual tour guide) of Machu Picchu - a missed opportunity to be at one of the most famous Sacred Sites in the world.

I am interested in ancient civilisations and nature and so the retreat trip is structured to give you both- to experience and get the benefit of tuning into nature on a different level as those ancient civilisations did through meditation and ceremony, and still see and walk a lot in nature. You can also do additional hiking on the trip if you want to- the retreat caters for people with ages from 30-70 and so ,for example, if we go and see one of the ruins in the area, you have an option of hiking down a trail instead of catching the bus back to where we are staying. And you are able to climb the famous Huyna Picchu peak at Machu Picchu if you feel up to it.

Most people see themselves as beyond camping and therefore the trip is planned with the luxury of a clean and warm bed!

The prices of the Trail (usually 3-5 days) vary but many have found that when they add on all the extras of accommodation, transport and meals etc outside the trail, it is not really such a cheap option as they originally thought. But see what works for you!

What do I need to know about food?
All breakfasts are included in the retreat. It is normally a simple continental breakfast with fresh fruit juice, fruit, bread and coffee/tea. Occasionally it also has some added extras such as cheese, cereal etc.

Lunch and supper are not included in the overall costing of the retreat. This is to keep the cost of the trip flexible and make it easy for each person individually to decide what they would like to eat and also how much they want to spend on food. For some people it is a priority, whereas others they would prefer to have more simple meals and spend their money on buying souveniers etc. So instead of prepaying for meals you may not like or want to have, you have the choice and you will be given ample suggestions as to where to find good local food on our visit. Most of the food in the Sacred Valley is fresh and grown locally with fantastic salads and products such as quinoa soup etc. You can also try the local meat varieties such as Alpacha. There are a range of types of food available (from fast food to traditional) and also in terms of budget. - so from experience over the years with groups, making your own choice is best and keeps it simple and enjoyable! You are able to experiment with the type of restaurants and even if on occasion don’t feel like eating out in a restaurant,, some of the accommodation offer facilities for preparing your own meal from fresh produce in the local markets. This can be an interesting, authentic and enjoyable aspect of your visit to Peru.

Budget on about $10-20 as an average cost per day for meals and eating out.

Currencies
The local currency in Peru is SOLES and there are about 2.8 SOLES to 1 US DOLLAR.

What is the accommodation like?
The Sacred Valley is not an area where you will find 5 star luxury hotels easily and as the SACRED EARTH RETREATS are planned to make it affordable to most people on a budget (without having to do camping or backpacking!), the rooms are simple but still enjoyable and in tune with the general atmosphere of Peru. Most accommodation establishments that call themselves hotels or hostals are really simple hotels that provide fair and basic accommodation. The accommodation chosen on this trip is clean, has an interesting and scenic aspect to it and also hot water- not a given even in some of the more expensive hostals! Be prepared to have your basic needs met, but nothing luxurious. Accommodation in Peru countryside vary quite a lot and so it is important to know through experience which ones offer what they say on the internet!

How do we travel?
We travel as a group together in an air conditioned micro bus for most of the way. It is only possible to go to Machu Picchu Pueblo (the village just below Machu Picchu) by train and so we will be catching a train on our way there.

Entrance fees
There are different options regarding the type of tickets that are available depending on what you want to do in Peru, but all entrance tickets are included in the price of the trip so you don’t need to worry about which ones are best suited to your needs and are the most economical.

What do I need to know about weather?
June and August are winter months, and it can be cool in the evenings. We will not be camping so you don’t need to worry about very warm clothes and also there will be no rain because it is the dry season especially in August. When packing it is best to bring layers that you can put on and take off. You will be given more information about what to pack etc closer to the trip.

Machu Picchu is high altitude but part of the Cloud forest, so the weather is mild, but you will need sun hats and sunscreen for the Inca Sun!

Do I have to worry about altitude sickness?

It is an important aspect to think about and to do some preparation for before the trip.

If you have a history of strokes or very high blood pressure you will not be able to take the high altitude pills that you can take if you are in fact not able to cope with the altitude when you are in Peru. There are certain simple procedures that can be followed to help you adjust and it is advisable for you to arrive a day or two before the retreat starts, to make sure that you are rested and over any side effects of having to adjust to the high altitude of Peru. Cusco the main capital is the highest altitude you will be at and since that is at the beginning of the trip, it is important to rest the day you arrive and if possible even sleep! Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco so once you have adjusted to the altitude in Cusco you will be fine for the rest of the trip.

Altitude sickness is unpredictable and although it will be good for you to become fit and trim before the trip, it does not necessarily mean you will not be affected. Often it affects younger and more fit persons more than if you are older and not so fit!

On some level the altitude is symbolic of ascending also in your body and so at the end of the trip you will find that not only are you emotionally and mentally a lot sharper, your body will also be more efficient because it has learnt to use oxygen more efficiently. In all the years that I have taken groups to Peru (over three years now at least 2/3 times per year) I have not had anyone who has had serious complications, although often I have made sure that people stay in bed the first day they arrive and just sleep because of the first symptoms they have of altitude sickness.

Also, many people complain about having stomach upsets in Peru because of the different conditions with water. It is recommended that you only drink bottled water and there are other measures that you can take to make sure you get over any complaint quickly. Very often it is a way for the body to detox, but it need not ruin your trip and also when you are with a group you have the comfort of knowing that you are supported and that if you need any medical attention is easy to find for you.

What is the Ayahuaska/San pedro ceremony with a Peruvian Shaman?
Some of you may have read about these on the internet, and there are many different accounts of the working of these sacred healing plants that have been used by the Peruvian and South American shamans for thousands of years.

It is a completely safe experience and I only use a very skilled and trustworthy shaman that works from the Heart and is able to lead the ceremony for the group. I have done these ceremonies many times and cannot begin to explain the positive benefits it has had in my life. However, one has to be ready for the experience and so it is done at the end of our trip when you will have had a lot of time to prepare energetically for a shamanic journey with the plant.

Please let me know if you need more information about this and you don’t need to decide before the trip if you want to do the ceremony. You can decide when we are in Peru and you will have an opportunity to discuss any questions and concerns with the shaman.

International and local flights
In order to get to Cusco (the ancient capital of the INCAS where the trip starts) you need to first fly to the international airport of Peru in LIMA(the capital) and then you catch a short flight of about 45 minutes to CUSCO inland. Most flights between LIMA and CUSCO leave very early morning(from about 4am!) until about mid afternoon. Then there are no more flights available, so you need to check how your international flight connects from LIMA. If you fly, for example, from South Africa, you can catch a flight with MALAYSIAN airlines( it flies via Johannesburg and then Cape Town)- or SAA from Johannesburg- to BUENOS AIRES and then there is a connecting flight from BUENOS AIRES to LIMA. That arrives late at night in Lima so it will be necessary to stay over in Lima one night and catch a domestic flight from Lima to Cusco the next morning. Likewise if you fly back, the international flight from Lima to Buenos Aires leaves in the morning so you need to be in Lima the night before because you will not be able to fly from Cusco in time to catch that international flight from Lima to Buenos Aires.

For those of you who fly from the UK or elsewhere in Europe or the Middle East, it is advisable to fly via Madrid and if via New York please give yourself a lot of time for the connection from New York to Lima. New York has a reputation for huge delays through customs.

Ok so if I am interested in going to Peru with the group, how much is this all going to cost?

COST OF SCHEDULED PROGRAMME:

US DOLLARS: $1180
STERLING POUND: £785
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND: R9844