NEW MOON MAGAZINE
MARCH 2009
© The Arthurian School
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Hi everyone!
TRUTH
Truth is spread on its own merits. Truth does not have to be rammed down our throats with constant repetition. Truth will reverberate through our consciousness, and the truth will instinctively be known to be true.
We are all multi-dimensional beings that have been taught to
focus only on a third dimensional or surface reality.
The old dominators of this reality encouraged us to deny our true existence
by control and fear.
FEAR brings us out of our natural loving state which makes us easily CONTROLLABLE.
We have ABILITIES within all of us that such dominators do NOT want us to nurture because if we did, the grip on us would collapse.
It is the love for one another that FEAR wants to destroy.
If we unconditionally love one another then we cannot be MANIPULATED to fight and even kill one another.
To deny our inner light is to deny our true evolution.
Evolution is not just physical.
FOLLOW YOUR OWN INTUITION
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE!
In a time of incredible turmoil and change we are experiencing the Mayan predictions that the world as we know it will crumble and fall. Watching and experiencing awesome displays of the elements with fires in the Southern Hemisphere and flooding and freezing temperatures in the North, we are seeing the first level of yet another Earth cleansing.
This is not easy for us as humans to integrate. What we have come to believe is only love and light, certainly has a darker side. The energies that are emerging and coming into our planet (that I clairvoyantly see as huge waves coming through the North Pole, the incoming vortex for our Earth) are forces to be reckoned with. Consciousness and awareness is everything.
These waves of energy has no morality or agendas connected to them- they are pure energy with a very high and raised vibration and how they will affect us and planet Earth is largely due to how we will be harnessing and directing the energies. They could either be the most incredible blessing, or the most incredible destruction. The choice is ours.
There may be many that say this is due to come to an end. My intuition tells me otherwise. They are here to stay and we had better get used to it.
Some people are saying to me that they feel they are literally going out of their minds. Nothing seems to make sense any more, and they just feel either depressed, or totally overwhelmed.
This is not just a matter of speaking! It is literally true! We cannot live within our rational minds anymore. There is just too much information and too much change. All we now can do is to live from the inner point of knowing that does not come from any external source but is our intuition. Only then we are able to flow with all the changes and even start to have a feeling of being connected to what is happening.
Change is happening really fast. If you could see the energies you would be amazed! This is a time when many will be left behind. So if you feel that you can take a break, think again! Just look at the financial world and structures that are continuing to fall apart and break down. Nothing that we have been taught is so-called safe, is safe anymore.
AND SO what is being anchored onto the planet now, is the benevolent father energy- not the abusive, exploitive, domineering old energy of father that is punishing and to be feared, but the true energy of the loving and responsible father.
Much has been written about King Arthur and the Round Table. I have had the privilege of living in the Tintagel Cornwall where the legend was born and Arthur physically incarnated.
I truly believe that the legend is in fact a very evolved star consciousness that comes from Sirius, and that it holds the keys to finding peace and new workable structures (father energy) in our world.
The Round Table is about equality, working together and has as it underlying principle, Love.
Arthur, the King, brought peace to a war torn Island, and united people so that they could prosper and grow.
He represented the male energy that is in balance- that protects the feminine and is infinitely benign.
Even structures such as our governments and financial worlds must learn to transform into something that is about what is good for the community. Surely that is what it is all about?
It is about us, the people and who should benefit and be protected. It is about a loving father that we can trust and look up to for guidance in times of need.
Robert Mugabe to me exemplifies the perfect example of the old destructive “father” energy that we have all in some way encountered in our lives.
And so he is to be thanked for making this conscious for all of us. But now surely it is time for it all to go?
Go into your heart and find the oppressor there. Who has and is still there oppressing you to be silent, not to stand up for yourself, who negates and looks down on what you believe, in what you want to do? Tell that energy that you have learnt enough about it now- claim back your power and ask Arthur -the new King- to plant a seed of consciousness into your heart that can blossom and grow. Pray for the people of Zimbabwe that has taken on the burden of repression to show us the folly of a world that has gone mad. Hold them in your heart and help them to once again believe in themselves and become strong.
It is really a beautiful world.
We have just forgotten it.
With blessings of Love
Elizabeth
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
THE MOON CYCLE OF MARCH
called the Alder Moon, the Wind Tossed Moon, the Death Moon in the
Celtic tradition
The new moon started on the 25th February in the sign of Pisces and the full moon will be on the 10th March in the sign of Virgo.
It is interesting that the new moon started in the sign of Pisces governed by the planet Neptune also known as Poseidon. The legendary Atlantis according to the philosopher Plato started when the God Poseidon (later named so by the Romans after the Greeks) created different islands and I have always felt that the Atlantic sea has an important connection to Atlantis.
The energies of this moon month also feel to me very much like “waves” and so the images of the sea and anything connected to the sea are really important. It is helping us to integrate the incoming energies of this month and you could use this very effectively to help you get more in tune with what is going on at the moment.
What the planets are doing
Venus still features strongly in the sky, but is slipping gradually into the sunset, as it comes round the Earth’s side of the sun. What is interesting to watch is that in the Northern Hemisphere around the 23rd March, Venus can be seen in both the evening and the morning skies - Venus will be seen left of the setting sun, and in the morning it will also be seen left of the coming sunrise. A great blessing to all in the Northern Hemisphere at this time.
NB THE INCOMING WAVE OF 8TH MARCH !
On the 8th March, the planet Saturn will be opposite the sun and at its closest to Earth this year, just under 70 light minutes away. If you watch through binoculars or a telescope, you will find that the rings of Saturn are very hard to see, because they have turned edge on.
This opposition between Saturn and the sun is according to my inner knowing one of the most important events being set into motion this year.
I see this as a huge incoming wave of energy that will reach the planet with an amazing force and sweep away any old structures that are still obstructing the Heart. Saturn is the planet of structure, father energy and responsibility and the Sun for me represents Soul. And so any energy that is not in alignment with the responsible father working from a Soul level is going to be tested. Likewise structures that have been oppressive or ego based will fall- on both a personal and planetary level.
But at the same time there will also be an unrivalled opportunity to start living through what I call our “soul ego”- an ego that is evolved enough to express the heart.
With this wave comes huge opportunities of co-creating new possibilities, once again not only on a personal but also on a planetary level of change.
IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO SET YOUR PERSONAL INTENTION FOR THIS DAY, SO THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE AND INTEGRATE THE ENERGIES ACCORDINGLY. ALSO TRY TO BE MORE INWARD AND QUIET ON THAT DAY, IT WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THE BENEFITS BOTH FOR YOU AND THE PLANET. IT WILL ALSO MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOUR BODY. (ps. If you only read this magazine after the 8th March, you will still be able to tune into the energies, they will be strong for quite a few days after the event.)
I don’t know if some of you know David Ashworth in the UK who works with the power of Essences (see his website http://www.essenceofevolution.co.uk).
A lot of the information that he is bringing through really resonates with what I am receiving and he is able to express it so well!
Here are some extracts of what his guides are saying about this next wave that is coming in (my underlining):
“A time of urgent preparation. Yet, your energies might still feel low, but nevertheless, you must put your plans for the year in place now. When that wave hits, it will pick up every atom of your thoughts, emotions, feelings, desires, dreams, needs and wants and it will carry those images into the future.
You must be in alignment with what you want. Imagine it like a golfer about to drive a ball down the fairway. If his club hits the ball square on, right in the centre, the energy transfer from the club to the ball steers it straight ahead. But, if his aim is slightly off centre, then the ball rockets away in the wrong direction. When the energy of this wave hits you, you better be in line, or it will knock your plans right off course.
This is why we were advising you …. to ensure that you spend time on grounding and being in nature, for it is the Earth Mother who has been helping in the preparation for this next acceleration phase. She is the one who will hold you strongly so that the incoming wave does not pull out your roots.
This next period of uplifting energy beginning in March is pregnant with possibility. You can literally write your own future. We would encourage you to take some time out to plan. To think where you really want to be by the end of this year, for if you are not in alignment when the energy hits, it will knock you off course and you will then have to use a great deal of energy to get back on course, and this will lose you a lot of time, energy and momentum. It will leave you behind by months. And time is something that we have precious little of as we step towards 2012.
Raise Your AwarenessOne most important thing to learn at this point is that this next wave will carry a vibration so much finer than ever before that you will have to attune very carefully to perceive it. It is not difficult, it just takes a little patience and conviction. Ask the Universe for help and guidance to understand what is happening. The Universe will see your true intent and help you.”
The opportunities to ascend are all around you, but we say to you now, in all sincerity for your ascension, that it will not happen without you making an effort and taking part. You have the keys to your own salvation and nobody can take you through those gates if you don’t want to go. You cannot be a passenger and ascend.
The path of all those who pass through the fire of evolution must walk through the consciousness of the heart chakra first. It is only through this chakra that all life and higher vision can be seen to be understood. Without the ‘quickening’ or speeding up of this part of the Being, then no real evolution takes place, only an illusory one.
Therefore, look around yourselves for what ‘feels’ right for your own evolution, take action and follow that path that is presenting itself at any one time, indulging in anything which will uplift you, then take time to ‘feel’ how the universe guides and assists you. You will always know what uplifts you as your heart will become lighter and you will truly feel the shift.Blessings. Peace be with you.The Guides “
MOON MEDITATION/CEREMONY FOR MARCH
Allow yourself to become still, preferably somewhere in nature, or if you are inside, with a view of the Moon.
Bring the shining Moon into your third eye and visualise it connecting down to your Heart so that it also starts to pulsate with your regular heart beat. Imagine linking through your third eye, your own heart beat to the very light heart beat of the Moon. Feel how the Moon’s heart beat is purifying your third eye so that you can more clearly “see” and “know” with your intuition.
Now feel your feet being grounded firmly in the Earth. Feel yourself being drawn to also feel and experience the heart beat of the Earth. Start to see her oceans and visualise the heart beat of the Earth and the oceans connecting with you and supporting you.
Stay here for a while, allowing your energy and the heart energies of the Moon and the oceans of the Earth to stabilise inside of you.
Now imagine that you are facing a wave in the sea. The wave is still far away from you, and you have enough time to look at it and feel safe. Gently imagine that the divas of the oceans start swimming towards you in front of the wave- as if they are embracing you and preparing you for the wave. As you feel their warm embrace you suddenly realise that you have merged with the wave without even knowing it. It was such a gentle and easy process.
Feel yourself basking in the water, not afraid of it at all- it feels so benevolent and you are able to drift on top of it- effortless and easy. Feel the lightness in your body and the feelings of optimism and joy that are flooding in.
There is a sense of elation and letting go. You are safe in your body and life is speeding forward as you are gently lifted onto the sand. As you stand up you look up at the Moon and feel revived and new- as if a part of you have woken up that has been sleeping before!
Archangel Michael affirmations for protection, abundance and peace
I am a great Louise Hay fan and totally believe in the power of affirmations.
Here are some affirmations channelled by Ronna Herman with Archangel Michael that may assist you with the financial turmoil at the moment:
“Blessed Ones, encapsulate every person evolving on Earth in your invincible Circle of White Lightning, the Ring Pass.
Not of God's First Cause of Perfection, prevent anything that is not of the Light from interfering with our service to the Light and our Divine Mission to Love ALL Life free.Archangel Michael, permanently station one of your Mighty Angels of Power and Protection within the aura of every person on Earth. Direct these Angels to use their Swords of Blue Flame to instantly... CUT US FREE! ( 3X ) CUT US FREE! ( 3X ) CUT US FREE! ( 3X ) from every line of force that would strive to prevent the Immaculate Concept of our Divine Plan from being fulfilled. Free us instantly from any blocks or resistance from our own lower consciousness that might try to impede the God Victorious accomplishment of our heartfelt service to Humanity and the Light...CUT US FREE! ( 3X ) CUT US FREE! ( 3X ) CUT US FREE! ( 3X ) from every line of force that connects us with imperfection of any kind, and send your powerful Blue Flame to dissolve each line of force to its end. Place your Cross of Blue Flame in front of us, in back of us, on either side of us, above and below us and...SEAL! SEAL! SEAL! every person in your Cross of Blue Flame and your Ring Pass Not of God's First Cause of Perfection now and forever!We so decree it, and accept it done, through the Power of God, I AM.And so it is. Affirmation for Abundance and Eternal Peace:I AM ETERNALLY FINANCIALLY FREE! I AM invoking the Golden Light of God's Abundance and Eternal Peace on behalf of myself and every Lightworker who is involved with establishing the patterns of perfection for the New Earth in the physical plane.I KNOW, through every fiber of my Being, that my Father-Mother God and the Company of Heaven are accepting my money as a gift of Love being given to God in appreciation for my gift of Life. I expect and accept that my money is blessing all Life and increasing a thousand times a thousandfold on its return to me and to those who are selflessly assisting Beloved Mother Earth.I know this is transpiring with the highest good of all concerned, right here and right now. Moment by moment and day by day, everything I need to fulfill my Divine Plan is available to me through God's Infinite Abundance and Eternal Peace. The Universal Laws ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE and KNOCK AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED are manifesting in my life, now and forever. I revel in the buoyancy and elation of my newfound freedom and God's Abundance. The Company of Heaven rejoices with me as I reclaim my Divine Birthright and accept my Eternal Peace and the God Supply of ALL Good Things.Through all levels of Divine Consciousness I now Decree:I AM! I AM! I AM!The eternally sustained manifestation of God's infinite supply of money and every good thing I require to assist me in my service to the Light, NOW made manifest and sustained by Holy Grace.I AM! I AM! I AM!The eternally sustained manifestation of God's infinite supply of money and every good thing I require to assist me in my service to the Light, NOW made manifest and sustained by Holy Grace. I AM! I AM! I AM!The eternally sustained manifestation of God's infinite supply of money and every good thing I require to assist me in my service to the Light, NOW made manifest and sustained by Holy Grace. In deep love and appreciation for my glorious gift of Life, I consecrate my Heart and Soul to be the Open Door for the patterns of perfection from the Causal Body of God until the New Earth is manifest, and all Life evolving here is wholly Ascended and FREE.It is done! And so it is!Beloved I AM, Beloved I AM, Beloved I AM.
MOON PERSON OF THE MONTH
I would like to introduce you to a really beautiful person, Michaela O’Driscoll.
My first and very lasting! memory of Michaela is how I was taken into unbelievable space of bliss when I attended one of her Singing Bowl “baths” at her home in Glastonbury in the UK. Words cannot describe the incredible effect of Michaela’s singing bowls! It felt like angels that had touched my whole being and that I had changed in ways that I could not even begin to understand.
Michaela has been involved in some incredible work of the heart and I love the extract about the Dalai Lama that she has on her website www.crystalbowls.net:
Deepening TRUST
In the words of the Dalai Lama, “Never give up, No matter what is going on, Never give up Develop the heart, Too much energy in your country is spent developing the mind instead of the heart. Be compassionate, Not just to your friends, But to every one, Be compassionate, Work for peace In your heart and in the world, Work for peace. And I say again, Never give up, No matter what is happening, No matter what is going on around you.
At the end of one of his talks, someone from the audience asked the Dalai Lama:
“why didn’t you fight back against the Chinese?” The Dalai Lama looked down, swung his feet just a bit, then looked back up and said with a gentle smile: “well, war is obsolete you know”. Then, after a few moments, his face grave, he said:
“of course the mind can rationalize fighting back, but the heart would never understand. Then you would be divided in yourself, the heart and the mind, and the war would be inside you”.
Michaela is a healing sound practitioner with over 25 years experience in the mind body spirit healing field. Her work bridges orthodox and complimentary therapies having had years of experience in both worlds. She has practiced as a homeopath since 1988 and as a mental health practitioner she worked with homeless people on the streets of London. She has also supported people in overcoming dependencies on prescribed and street drugs as well as alcohol and she also facilitates people through their healing process with anger release work.
What is particularly interesting about her work, is that she also uses ritual having travelled widely and has spent much time in Bali and Indonesia, where she learnt much about the importance of ceremony, honouring ourselves, our ancestors, our community and our environment.
And the great news for us in South Africa is that she will be coming over in April to spend a few months here Africa!
Amongst many of the things planned, she will be doing a Sound and Earth Festival with me in Pringle Bay and I would really encourage those of you who are able to join us and to come and meet her!
It is truly a great privilege to have her here with us and so please make the most of this opportunity to experience something quite unique from the land of Avalon and Glastonbury.
THE MOON AND THE ENVIRONMENT
World Water Day 22nd MARCH
Very appropriately this falls on an Aquarius moon day (we are moving into the new more enlightened age of Aquarius at the moment) and there is also a sextile ( a very favourable alignment or placement) between the Moon and Venus, the planet of love and peace on the 22nd March.
Also with this new moon cycle starting in the sign of Pisces, a water sign, it is very appropriate for us all to consider the wonder of water and your absolute reliance on it for the future.
The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.
Theme 2009: Transboundary water
In 2009, the focus of World Water Day on March 22 will be on transboundary waters: sharing water, sharing opportunities:
The world’s 263 transboundary lake and river basins include the territory of 145 countries and cover nearly half of the Earth’s land surface. Great reservoirs of freshwater also move silently below our borders in underground aquifers.
With every country seeking to satisfy its water needs from limited water resources, some foresee a future filled with conflict. But history shows that cooperation, not conflict, is the most common response to transboundary water management issues.
We share the responsibility for managing the world’s transboundary waters for current and future generations.
http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday
CODEX Criminalizing Natural Health, Vitamins, and Herbs
I do not believe in dooms day prophets, but recently a client, Tara drew my attention to this and I also very recently received an email from another client that was written by Norma Milanovich, whom some of you may know does very valuable earth work and is also the author of AND THE LIGHT SHALL SET YOU FREE. This is what Norma said and I strongly also ask you to see what your inner guidance is on this:
“Please take 40 minutes and watch Dr. Rima Laibow's video on Codex Alimentarius. It just might be the most important video that you will view this year. I send this to you because I have been one of hundreds who have worked for the past 3 years keeping this OUT of the United States. To date, I am proud to say that we have been successful. I am always amazed, however, at how many do not even know of this yet. I travel the world all the time, and I see how the Third World countries are organizing against it, yet our own people here in the US and Canada aren't even aware that it exists. What's wrong with this picture? http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5266884912495233634&ei=cHf7SI34CI6qrgLk7dHsDg&q=codex+alimentarius
After viewing it, and if your inner guidance agrees, I urge you to PLEASE join her, support her, and HELP. Even a small donation can assist their organization. Simultaneously, start thinking about yourself, your family members, and friends and make plans, in the Light of God, to effectively move with Grace and determination to arrange perfection around. Hold the Light and focus it now on this area, send your prayers, and show the world what we can do. Love and Light, Norma J. Milanovich”
UPCOMING SACRED EARTH RETREATS
I will be going to Peru at the beginning of April and after my return on the 17th of April there will be a workshop by my friend Shu-fang Wang, a wonderful meditation teacher as well as a Sound and Earth Festival and workshop with Michaela O’Driscoll.
Please email me for more details and I will also be sending out some more information on these events to my South African mailing list.
For others that are interested in Egypt, Berto Voigt and Tamar Bezuidenhout and I are planning an INNER ALCHEMY JOURNEY Retreat in November, visiting some of the temples and pyramids of Egypt. Contact me or them (essence@solaraura.co.za) for more details and it will also be available in the next edition of the New Moon Magazine:
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
The magazine’s stated intention is to be for the Highest Good of All, and to harm no one.
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
______________________________________________________________________
Friday, March 6, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
NEW MOON MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2009
NEW MOON MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2009
© The Arthurian School
Before printing this, please consider the environment!
Note: This magazine is intended for the awakening and sharing of information, so please feel free to pass it on, or if you want to be removed from the circulation list, just send an email reply to info@arthurianschool.com with the word “unsubscribe” in the heading.
Hi everyone!
Those of you who have noticed the beautiful spectacle this month of the planet Venus growing ever brighter and brighter in our western night sky, will have also have been aware of the increasingly strong influence it is having on us here on planet Earth.
Venus is the planet of love and beauty and is growing stronger and stronger to remind us of that potential for love and beauty that also lies within us. As we have been seeing in the world the inevitable truth of our creations of the past - and our own dark side with the potential for cruelty and inhumanity with structures of war, oppression and financial greed, so we are also being made aware of our equally strong ability and potential to create freedom, justice and peace.
And so this moon month we are being increasingly reminded of the positive potential we have to create. And this month the increased influence of Venus is helping us to make it more of a reality.
Linked to this is the new moon that started in the sign of Aquarius, the sign of the new era of thousands of years that we are entering at the moment- an era where there will be equality, brother and sisterhood, and a universal perspective instead of only the perspective of our own personal world.
We are still benefiting from the positive impact of the recent a sun eclipse and soon will be celebrating the completion of this positive process of change on the 9th February when the full moon will be in Leo, also the sign of the Sun.
And so this lunar month is full of significant events- one of the most significant perhaps being the upcoming alignment that is happening on Valentines Day, the 14th of February.
On the 14th February there is what the astrologers call a planetary alignment that brings with it the possibility for a quantum leap breakthrough in some situations that have up to now seemed impossible to change.
A planetary alignment happens when a number of planets are in positions with one another to from a unique relationship and this has a strong influence on the Earth and also on us as a consciousness.
In a rare astrological concentration that brings together a number of planets on the 14th of February- perfectly timed by the Universe to fall on the day that traditionally celebrates love and is dedicated to St Valentine, the patron saint of love! - the Moon will be in the sign of Libra in the seventh house that is governed by Venus- thereby even further intensifying the positive influence that Venus is having at the moment.
And during this event, the planets Jupiter and Mars will be aligned in the sign of Aquarius in the twelfth house of spiritual transformation.
Some of you may remember the words of a song about the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius, in the late seventies that went:
When the Moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars.
Then love will rule the planets
and peace will steer the stars
On the 14th of February this song will almost prove prophetic because this exact alignment will be happening in our sky!
It is a celestial event that will truly celebrate the dawning of the Age of Aquarius for the planet and each one of us.
The alignment happens at 7.25 GMT on 14th February and continues for 18 minutes. Many people around the world will be joining in to add their own intention for love and peace as part of a global wave of change and if you are interested, you can read more about this initiative on the website of Jude Currivan www.judecurrivan.com (thanks to Alexis and Jill Dennis who both sent information to me).
And so with the unique opportunities of positive change that are being given to us in this moon month, what are you choosing to create?
We are truly standing at the DOOR OF CREATION.
Something that has been fascinating me and that I would like to share with you in connection with our ability to create, is a new perspective that has been emerging about the Moon:
What is the true nature of our relationship with the Moon? Why is it so important for us to be connected to her?
Not only is the Moon the closest planet to the Earth, but some of you in the UK may have watched the recent Channel 4 series Catastrophe showing the Earth’s early history of natural disasters. In that series a theory was given that the Moon had been created from part of our Earth! According to this theory, chunks of our Earth broke off in a collision with another planet named Theia and as these chunks of the Earth and Theia continued to orbit together after the collision, they eventually rolled together to form the Moon.
So the possibility exists that the Moon is even on a physical level intimately connected to us – in fact, it is part of our very nature!
It is part of the Earth as much as we are part of the Earth when we incarnate into our physical bodies. As we are created from dust, so the Moon also finds her origin from the Earth.
No wonder we are so much affected by the Moon! AND the importance of the Moon is growing as we move forward into the future, because it governs our emotional nature and plays a crucial part in the role of any future creation.
As the teachings say, we can only create or attract something if we are able to emotionally feel it with intensity. And so the Moon is intimately involved in every process of creation because it is the Moon that governs our emotions. This is so beautifully illustrated with seeds. It is the Moon that awakens these seeds deep within the Earth, because the Sun cannot yet reach them. If the Moon had not been there to start the process, it would not be possible for the Sun to complete the process. The Moon is a source of reflected light that sets energy in motion.
We therefore need to become more conscious of the Moon’s part in the way we create in our lives forward. What has been largely an unconscious process, now has to become conscious and we are able to harness the power of the Moon to co-create and manifest things that at one time seemed absolutely impossible.
Knowledge is power!
And now it is time that we start to co- create from an energy of love.
In this magazine you will find some more information about workshops offered in March in South Africa on the Sacred Andean tradition. The teachings of this tradition have at their very core the essence of love. As Carol George (an initiate of this tradition and one of the facilitators of the workshops and also born in the sign of Libra that is governed by Venus - the planet of love!) describes the tradition:
“According to the Ancient Wisdom Keepers of the Andes, this Sacred Tradition dates back more than 14,000 years. These oral teachings were passed on by the Inkas, to their direct descendents, the Q'ero indians who live in the Andes of Peru today. Because they lived at great heights, the Spanish were unable to influence their teachings, because of their inaccessibility.
These teachings remained undiluted and the elders say that the time is now, for this information to be made available to the West.
This simple and beautiful way of being, is best described, as opening your heart to the perfection, beauty and power of the natural elements and living with gratitude and honour in all that you are. This system of "ayni" or reciprocation is evident in nature all the time. It is not the western concept of energy exchange but rather the natural flow and balance that exists in all things. At its core, it is the act of giving and the honour that exists within this act, as the sole motivator for the giver. A gives to B motivated purely by the love of giving. This law teaches that what is given, is an energy and cannot be kept, so B is obliged to give to another who may have need, at any time. This law is practised by nature, for example, a tree provides fruit for the insects, birds and us. It then receives sunshine and water in order to continue this natural harmony and flow.
The key principle of this tradition is - LOVE -( Munay) - and the ceremony and ritual that is done to show this is the very gentle and powerful - DESPACHO. This is done for communities or individuals by the shaman as a gift or giveaway for all we are grateful for. The contents of the despacho will contain our prayers and dreams and will either be buried or burned as an offering to 'Ille Ticsi Wiracocha' - the Divine Creator.
This is a journey to the soul of nature and with the assistance of the spirit world we explore the energetic exchange of working co-creatively with living energy. We are re - harmonising ourselves and Mother Earth by doing this.
I initiated into this beautiful tradition in 2003 in Peru and South Africa and have been facilitating FULL MOON DESPACHO'S, blessings and earth work. It brings me great joy to assist in bringing us back to simply - love.” Carol George
You may be privileged to attend a workshop on this tradition, you may be able to journey to Peru, or you may simply pick up a book on the magic of the Andes, or watch a program on television about it- it doesn’t matter- you have the ability to be part of it through your vision and your intention to create from the perspective of working co-creatively with love.
Use this opportunity to become one of the new creators in our world- working purely from the heart and listening to that inner voice of the soul that wants us to find all that we desire in harmony with our star heritage and the whisperings of our Earth.
Take some action, make it happen for you this month, reach for the deepest dreams from the soul, because with Venus smiling on you, there is nothing that cannot be set in motion and become true! Invest in your own future, forget about the world, the so-called bad news, live your own dream- you are a co-creator, you have an imagination-
Learn to live through the imagination.
I leave you with a lovely little poem written for IMBOLC, one of the four great Celtic festivals that was celebrated on the 4th February when the awakening of the land and the growing power of the Sun is celebrated in the Northern hemisphere.
Representing a festival of fertility and growing light, IIMBOLC brings tidings of rebirth: look at what you want to achieve during the year and seek the child of the new year.
The lady knits a blanket of white.She travels across the land.
The kiss she gives is one of love,and longing;her hopes and dreams all buried underground
but living, waiting. Incubating.
Oh! How she misses her lover,yet here she is dancing, for joy,for the son who’s yet to come.
Scarves celebrate her gypsy homecoming,fires fire flecks of hot orange, like sand.
(from THE SPICY CAULDRON)
With blessings of Love
Elizabeth
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
THE MOON CYCLE OF FEBRUARY
called the Ash Moon, the White Waking Moon, the Snow Moon, the Staying Home and Storing Moon in the Celtic tradition
The new moon started on the 27th January in the sign of Aquarius and the full moon will be on the 9th February in the sign of Leo.
The day of the new moon was also the Memorial Day of the Holocaust that claimed the lives of so many Jews. Imbolc is celebrated at the beginning of February, some use the 1st as the day of celebration, although according to others the exact date is according to when the sun is at 15 degrees Aquarius (this year falling on the 4th February).
Imbolc is often celebrated by lighting candles and dancing, holding hands round a standing stone, or some other sacred site.
What the planets are doing
There is a good view of Mercury in the morning sky in the southern hemisphere for about 2 weeks before 13 February and about a month after. On 28 and 29 January Mercury and Mars were side by side above the dawn, with Mars being slightly brighter of the two. On the morning of the 18th February it is again Mars and but this time Jupiter that are side by side with Jupiter being the brighter of the two and to the north of the red planet Mars. Mercury will be above the pair and as the moon month comes to an end on the 23rd of February, Mercury moves back in towards the dawn to encounter Mars and Jupiter. On the morning of 23rd February there is a lovely spectacle of the waning crescent moon among the Jupiter-Mars-Mercury cluster that will then be low down in the east just before sunrise.
Saturn is growing ever brighter in the southern parts of the constellation of Leo and on 9th February there is a penumbral eclipse of the moon, visible only as a dimming of the Moon’s northern edge. At approximately 14h00-15h20 UT, the partial shadow will be dark enough to be noticeable and the moon eclipse will be best seen from (and have the strongest influence over) Asia, the Pacific and western parts of North America.
MOON CEREMONIES FOR FEBRUARY
Creation boards
Many of you who have read the Secret and other similar books may be familiar with the concept of a vision/creation board. It works with the concept that you will attract what you focus on and the creation/vision board helps you to focus particularly on what you want.
First it is important for you to create a void of what you want: choose something that you wish for in your physical reality, but also make sure that it goes deeper than surface- focus on something that is purely for you as an individual, but also in some way will help you to make a positive contribution to the world. For example, I do a creation board for every trip I do to Peru and although my personal reasons such as experiencing adventure is strong, I also always focus on the fact that I want to create it for something bigger than my own personal desires: to spread the love of Peru and share an opportunity I was fortunate to have and that has changed my life in ways that I cannot even begin to describe.
So work on what you want to set in motion this month with the Moon – sow the seed and ask the Moon to help you with germinating this seed in this moon month of February, knowing that the energies of this time of February with its powerful alignments and positive influence of the planet Venus will support any dream for your life that is connected with bringing more love into your own life and the world.
Once you have set the intention, it is now time to give it energy, attention and focus. And that is where the creation/vision board comes in: here are some suggestions and ideas I have used. You can also do some research yourself- there is a huge amount of information on the Internet:
The basics
The mechanics of creating a vision board couldn’t be easier: get a piece of poster board, glue, magazines and scissors and cut and paste to your heart’s content. If you are really motivated, go to the scrap booking section of your local art store and get some fancy stickers, coloured paper or other creative materials.
Some suggestions to “super-charge” your vision board:
- Create the “anti-vision board,” either literally by creating a board with images that is the opposite to what you want and make your stomach turn, or just by thinking about all the things that you don’t want in your life. When you know what you don’t want, it helps to strengthen and clarify even further what you do want.
- If you only use the magazines lying around your house, you may miss images that represent a future you haven’t yet imagined. Instead, go to a bookstore that has a really great magazine selection and play a Hot-Warm-Cold game:
1. Get as calm as you can by relaxing, breathing deeply and imaging an extremely positive experience in your life.
2. Stand in front of the magazine rack and squint your eyes so you can’t read the words but you can see the outlines of the images.
3. Grab any magazines that jump out at you, regardless if they make sense to your rational mind.
4. Go sit somewhere comfortable and leaf through the images. Leave out those magazines that truly don’t resonate with your body.
5. Feel, don’t think your way through the exercise.Our rational minds imagine our futures in neat, organized steps. So it is very tempting to search for images by thinking things like: “What is the logical next step in my career?’ or what is most affordable?”
6. Observe your process of making the vision board; it can clue you into the way you operate in life. So if you take too much time looking for the “ideal images,” you may find that perfectionism gets in your way. If you never make time to complete the exercise, you may find that you spend so much time taking care of everyone else’s needs that you neglect your own.
While doing these things, watch out for these 5 DON’Ts:
Don’t be seduced by the marketing.If you flip through one magazine for too long, you will get pulled into the advertising trance of the images and words. Tune into how the images are making you feel: anxious, jealous, joyful, trapped? Pick out the images that make your body feel great - like the way favourite food tastes when you are hungry.
Don’t stick with what’s possible.If you have a big pile of images that don’t seem to go together, don’t worry about it! Just accept that all of them mean something to your soul and true self.
Don’t look at the images in a conventional way.Turn the magazines upside down and look at the images as designs instead of literal pictures. Notice how your body reacts. Many people will lean towards images that feel right, and lean away from those that feel wrong. Others notice a very “open” feeling in their head or chest towards attractive images and muscle tension when viewing repelling ones. As you gaze at these images. your mind may try to identify their literal form.
Don’t fall for clichésOnly include images if you are magnetically attracted to them. Don’t put anything on your board that doesn’t feel extremely inspiring and appealing.
Don’t settle for second best. If you get a strong feeling about something but can only find a picture that makes you feel half excited, leave the space blank!
Once the board is created, how to get the most of it:
Don’t cling to it. Put it where you can see it, and think “this is a picture that makes me happy.”
Don’t get frustrated that you don’t have it yet. As much as you can, detach from outcomes. FOCUS AND WRITE DOWN EVERY- EVEN IF IT IS SMALL- SINCHRONICITY THAT MAY BE HAPPENING IN CONNECTION WITH WHAT YOU WANT. THIS ALLOWS YOU TO COME CLOSER AND CLOSER TO WHAT YOU WANT. YOU THEN PUT POSITIVE ENERGY INTO THE PROCESS AND ALSO START TO REMOVE THE DOUBT THAT YOU HAVE ON A SUBCONSCIOUS LEVEL AS TO WHETHER YOU WILL REALLY BE ABLE TO CREATE YOUR VISION OR DREAM.
Even take a picture of it so you can look at it outside of its physical location. You could store it on your cell phone or mobile and look at it while you are waiting in line at the green grocer! Or you can save it as a screensaver on your computer at work. This is not so you can become obsessed by the images, but rather to have a pleasant glimpse into the beautiful and positive futures that awaits you and you have created already.
Working with the Earth
For those of you who don’t like working with creation boards and prefer to simply be connected to the Earth, use a suggestion of my friend Sharon Abbott in the UK:
Make a beautiful wish by writing it down on a special piece of paper.
Now give thanks that it has already been granted.
Then bury it at the full moon with a tiny crystal (one that you have cleansed and chosen specifically for this purpose) for the elemental devas and faeries of the land.
Try to bury it with the roots of a tree, you will know where- just follow your intuition.
Say a prayer with your wish and give thanks for your life and the beauty of this Earth.
Walk away and don’t look back - forget all about it and know it will come to pass.
Bury it deep - not a foot or anything, you don’t need a shovel - four five inches will be fine.
Imagine the moonlight bathing your wish every night for the rest of the moon month to help awaken the energies.
Be open to receive your creation.
MOON PERSON OF THE MONTH
I would like to introduce you to my very special neighbour in Pringle Bay, Dr Thelma Van Der Merwe. Thelma has had a distinguished career in nursing and has taught many nursing students. She also spent several years working in the Middle East. But what I love about her is her zest for life and her optimism, loyalty and strength as a person. Her husband died from a heart attack leaving her with two young children, but it has never allowed her to give up, or not take on the incredible challenge of becoming a self fulfilled and realised person.
Here is a poem that Thelma used in one of her nursing presentations. I feel that it describes the inspiration she and the nursing profession bring to us as a world:
Live A Life That Matters
Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end.
It won’t matter whether you are beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter are not how many people you knew, but how many feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.
What will matter are not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter, a circumstances, but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters
Author Unknown
UPCOMING SACRED EARTH RETREATS PERU
For those of you who are drawn to experience the wonderful teachings and love of the magical land of Peru, I will going with a group in April (1- 15 April). Let me know and I will send you more information about the trip. (The all-inclusive cost of the trip (including international and internal airfares) is around R25 000/ £1800).
And for those who are particularly interested in the sacred medicine of Peru called Ayahuaska, there will also be an opportunity to take part in a sacred ceremony with a Shaman after the retreat:
Peruvian Ayahuaska Sacred Ceremonies
“I sat on my mat and waited for the unknown, consciously relaxing my senses and releasing my physical tension. Soon the jungle noises rang in my ears like wind chimes, tinkling bells. In my mind’s eye, flecks of colour and shapes danced to this strange music I was hearing. My hands began to tingle and my head to spin. I took a deep breath and reminded myself to surrender and trust. Immediately an inner dialogue started that lasted for the duration of my amazing journey.
The voices I heard were my own levels of consciousness as well as wisdom guides, messengers, and loudest of all, God Herself. All were communicating with me, simultaneously. I was disoriented in my body and all my senses, yet capable of discerning and understanding all the messages at once. Nothing was normal. Many voices were talking me through what was happening, so I wouldn’t be afraid. I didn’t like being physically out of control, but the voices were so reassuring that I moved beyond fear like falling from a shooting star, and fell right into the loving arms of God. I heard her voice so clearly and felt her presence so close as to be connected, with nothing separating us. Then I felt nauseous…..
The effects of the Ayahuasca were becoming milder. My senses were feeling more familiar. I knew that normalcy would return soon. The voices were quieting down. But I was also losing that crystal clear connection with God. She was still with me but the veil between us was becoming more opaque.
All the inner knowing I possessed in my place of origin was slipping away from me.
In its place was a profound love. Love so deep and wide, I simply floated in it. I felt so grateful. I felt grateful for love and life itself. I felt grateful for the insights I had been given, the visions I’d seen and for the indelible connections I’d made. I felt grateful for moving beyond fear and trusting in the amazing possibilities that lie on the other side of it.
‘Know that if you choose this, everything else in your life will change.’
And it did.”
Extract from Diane Dunn in her book ‘CUSCO The Gateway to Inner Wisdom’ © 2006
The SHAMANS of South America and Peru
South America and more particularly Peru is a place for shamanistic experiences. There the tradition has never really disappeared and so it is a place of great and many opportunities to work with the other worlds and dimensions.
By consciously choosing to go into the experience of Ayahuaska with an intention of sacredness and healing, it is an incredibly empowering and positive experience that will help you to let go of fear, and bring the most positive change into your life.
INCA WORKSHOPS IN SOUTH AFRICA
A workshop in the Ancient Andean Tradition:
JOHANNESBURG 13-16 MARCH 2009
CAPE TOWN 27-30 MARCH 2009
Kurag Akulleq (Masters) in the Andean Tradition will visit South Africa to share this ancient tradition and show us a way of being and living that takes us back to our true selves.
1st Level and 2nd Level initiations will be done by two very experienced and revered Shamans of Peru.
Please contact Carol George for more information: mob 083 353 5317 or graydon@kingsley.co.za
Diana Cooper’s Retreat in Peru (June 2009)
For more information see www.worldviewz.net
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
This magazine’ss intention is to be for the highest good of all, and to harm no one.
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
______________________________________________________________________
FEBRUARY 2009
© The Arthurian School
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Hi everyone!
Those of you who have noticed the beautiful spectacle this month of the planet Venus growing ever brighter and brighter in our western night sky, will have also have been aware of the increasingly strong influence it is having on us here on planet Earth.
Venus is the planet of love and beauty and is growing stronger and stronger to remind us of that potential for love and beauty that also lies within us. As we have been seeing in the world the inevitable truth of our creations of the past - and our own dark side with the potential for cruelty and inhumanity with structures of war, oppression and financial greed, so we are also being made aware of our equally strong ability and potential to create freedom, justice and peace.
And so this moon month we are being increasingly reminded of the positive potential we have to create. And this month the increased influence of Venus is helping us to make it more of a reality.
Linked to this is the new moon that started in the sign of Aquarius, the sign of the new era of thousands of years that we are entering at the moment- an era where there will be equality, brother and sisterhood, and a universal perspective instead of only the perspective of our own personal world.
We are still benefiting from the positive impact of the recent a sun eclipse and soon will be celebrating the completion of this positive process of change on the 9th February when the full moon will be in Leo, also the sign of the Sun.
And so this lunar month is full of significant events- one of the most significant perhaps being the upcoming alignment that is happening on Valentines Day, the 14th of February.
On the 14th February there is what the astrologers call a planetary alignment that brings with it the possibility for a quantum leap breakthrough in some situations that have up to now seemed impossible to change.
A planetary alignment happens when a number of planets are in positions with one another to from a unique relationship and this has a strong influence on the Earth and also on us as a consciousness.
In a rare astrological concentration that brings together a number of planets on the 14th of February- perfectly timed by the Universe to fall on the day that traditionally celebrates love and is dedicated to St Valentine, the patron saint of love! - the Moon will be in the sign of Libra in the seventh house that is governed by Venus- thereby even further intensifying the positive influence that Venus is having at the moment.
And during this event, the planets Jupiter and Mars will be aligned in the sign of Aquarius in the twelfth house of spiritual transformation.
Some of you may remember the words of a song about the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius, in the late seventies that went:
When the Moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars.
Then love will rule the planets
and peace will steer the stars
On the 14th of February this song will almost prove prophetic because this exact alignment will be happening in our sky!
It is a celestial event that will truly celebrate the dawning of the Age of Aquarius for the planet and each one of us.
The alignment happens at 7.25 GMT on 14th February and continues for 18 minutes. Many people around the world will be joining in to add their own intention for love and peace as part of a global wave of change and if you are interested, you can read more about this initiative on the website of Jude Currivan www.judecurrivan.com (thanks to Alexis and Jill Dennis who both sent information to me).
And so with the unique opportunities of positive change that are being given to us in this moon month, what are you choosing to create?
We are truly standing at the DOOR OF CREATION.
Something that has been fascinating me and that I would like to share with you in connection with our ability to create, is a new perspective that has been emerging about the Moon:
What is the true nature of our relationship with the Moon? Why is it so important for us to be connected to her?
Not only is the Moon the closest planet to the Earth, but some of you in the UK may have watched the recent Channel 4 series Catastrophe showing the Earth’s early history of natural disasters. In that series a theory was given that the Moon had been created from part of our Earth! According to this theory, chunks of our Earth broke off in a collision with another planet named Theia and as these chunks of the Earth and Theia continued to orbit together after the collision, they eventually rolled together to form the Moon.
So the possibility exists that the Moon is even on a physical level intimately connected to us – in fact, it is part of our very nature!
It is part of the Earth as much as we are part of the Earth when we incarnate into our physical bodies. As we are created from dust, so the Moon also finds her origin from the Earth.
No wonder we are so much affected by the Moon! AND the importance of the Moon is growing as we move forward into the future, because it governs our emotional nature and plays a crucial part in the role of any future creation.
As the teachings say, we can only create or attract something if we are able to emotionally feel it with intensity. And so the Moon is intimately involved in every process of creation because it is the Moon that governs our emotions. This is so beautifully illustrated with seeds. It is the Moon that awakens these seeds deep within the Earth, because the Sun cannot yet reach them. If the Moon had not been there to start the process, it would not be possible for the Sun to complete the process. The Moon is a source of reflected light that sets energy in motion.
We therefore need to become more conscious of the Moon’s part in the way we create in our lives forward. What has been largely an unconscious process, now has to become conscious and we are able to harness the power of the Moon to co-create and manifest things that at one time seemed absolutely impossible.
Knowledge is power!
And now it is time that we start to co- create from an energy of love.
In this magazine you will find some more information about workshops offered in March in South Africa on the Sacred Andean tradition. The teachings of this tradition have at their very core the essence of love. As Carol George (an initiate of this tradition and one of the facilitators of the workshops and also born in the sign of Libra that is governed by Venus - the planet of love!) describes the tradition:
“According to the Ancient Wisdom Keepers of the Andes, this Sacred Tradition dates back more than 14,000 years. These oral teachings were passed on by the Inkas, to their direct descendents, the Q'ero indians who live in the Andes of Peru today. Because they lived at great heights, the Spanish were unable to influence their teachings, because of their inaccessibility.
These teachings remained undiluted and the elders say that the time is now, for this information to be made available to the West.
This simple and beautiful way of being, is best described, as opening your heart to the perfection, beauty and power of the natural elements and living with gratitude and honour in all that you are. This system of "ayni" or reciprocation is evident in nature all the time. It is not the western concept of energy exchange but rather the natural flow and balance that exists in all things. At its core, it is the act of giving and the honour that exists within this act, as the sole motivator for the giver. A gives to B motivated purely by the love of giving. This law teaches that what is given, is an energy and cannot be kept, so B is obliged to give to another who may have need, at any time. This law is practised by nature, for example, a tree provides fruit for the insects, birds and us. It then receives sunshine and water in order to continue this natural harmony and flow.
The key principle of this tradition is - LOVE -( Munay) - and the ceremony and ritual that is done to show this is the very gentle and powerful - DESPACHO. This is done for communities or individuals by the shaman as a gift or giveaway for all we are grateful for. The contents of the despacho will contain our prayers and dreams and will either be buried or burned as an offering to 'Ille Ticsi Wiracocha' - the Divine Creator.
This is a journey to the soul of nature and with the assistance of the spirit world we explore the energetic exchange of working co-creatively with living energy. We are re - harmonising ourselves and Mother Earth by doing this.
I initiated into this beautiful tradition in 2003 in Peru and South Africa and have been facilitating FULL MOON DESPACHO'S, blessings and earth work. It brings me great joy to assist in bringing us back to simply - love.” Carol George
You may be privileged to attend a workshop on this tradition, you may be able to journey to Peru, or you may simply pick up a book on the magic of the Andes, or watch a program on television about it- it doesn’t matter- you have the ability to be part of it through your vision and your intention to create from the perspective of working co-creatively with love.
Use this opportunity to become one of the new creators in our world- working purely from the heart and listening to that inner voice of the soul that wants us to find all that we desire in harmony with our star heritage and the whisperings of our Earth.
Take some action, make it happen for you this month, reach for the deepest dreams from the soul, because with Venus smiling on you, there is nothing that cannot be set in motion and become true! Invest in your own future, forget about the world, the so-called bad news, live your own dream- you are a co-creator, you have an imagination-
Learn to live through the imagination.
I leave you with a lovely little poem written for IMBOLC, one of the four great Celtic festivals that was celebrated on the 4th February when the awakening of the land and the growing power of the Sun is celebrated in the Northern hemisphere.
Representing a festival of fertility and growing light, IIMBOLC brings tidings of rebirth: look at what you want to achieve during the year and seek the child of the new year.
The lady knits a blanket of white.She travels across the land.
The kiss she gives is one of love,and longing;her hopes and dreams all buried underground
but living, waiting. Incubating.
Oh! How she misses her lover,yet here she is dancing, for joy,for the son who’s yet to come.
Scarves celebrate her gypsy homecoming,fires fire flecks of hot orange, like sand.
(from THE SPICY CAULDRON)
With blessings of Love
Elizabeth
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
THE MOON CYCLE OF FEBRUARY
called the Ash Moon, the White Waking Moon, the Snow Moon, the Staying Home and Storing Moon in the Celtic tradition
The new moon started on the 27th January in the sign of Aquarius and the full moon will be on the 9th February in the sign of Leo.
The day of the new moon was also the Memorial Day of the Holocaust that claimed the lives of so many Jews. Imbolc is celebrated at the beginning of February, some use the 1st as the day of celebration, although according to others the exact date is according to when the sun is at 15 degrees Aquarius (this year falling on the 4th February).
Imbolc is often celebrated by lighting candles and dancing, holding hands round a standing stone, or some other sacred site.
What the planets are doing
There is a good view of Mercury in the morning sky in the southern hemisphere for about 2 weeks before 13 February and about a month after. On 28 and 29 January Mercury and Mars were side by side above the dawn, with Mars being slightly brighter of the two. On the morning of the 18th February it is again Mars and but this time Jupiter that are side by side with Jupiter being the brighter of the two and to the north of the red planet Mars. Mercury will be above the pair and as the moon month comes to an end on the 23rd of February, Mercury moves back in towards the dawn to encounter Mars and Jupiter. On the morning of 23rd February there is a lovely spectacle of the waning crescent moon among the Jupiter-Mars-Mercury cluster that will then be low down in the east just before sunrise.
Saturn is growing ever brighter in the southern parts of the constellation of Leo and on 9th February there is a penumbral eclipse of the moon, visible only as a dimming of the Moon’s northern edge. At approximately 14h00-15h20 UT, the partial shadow will be dark enough to be noticeable and the moon eclipse will be best seen from (and have the strongest influence over) Asia, the Pacific and western parts of North America.
MOON CEREMONIES FOR FEBRUARY
Creation boards
Many of you who have read the Secret and other similar books may be familiar with the concept of a vision/creation board. It works with the concept that you will attract what you focus on and the creation/vision board helps you to focus particularly on what you want.
First it is important for you to create a void of what you want: choose something that you wish for in your physical reality, but also make sure that it goes deeper than surface- focus on something that is purely for you as an individual, but also in some way will help you to make a positive contribution to the world. For example, I do a creation board for every trip I do to Peru and although my personal reasons such as experiencing adventure is strong, I also always focus on the fact that I want to create it for something bigger than my own personal desires: to spread the love of Peru and share an opportunity I was fortunate to have and that has changed my life in ways that I cannot even begin to describe.
So work on what you want to set in motion this month with the Moon – sow the seed and ask the Moon to help you with germinating this seed in this moon month of February, knowing that the energies of this time of February with its powerful alignments and positive influence of the planet Venus will support any dream for your life that is connected with bringing more love into your own life and the world.
Once you have set the intention, it is now time to give it energy, attention and focus. And that is where the creation/vision board comes in: here are some suggestions and ideas I have used. You can also do some research yourself- there is a huge amount of information on the Internet:
The basics
The mechanics of creating a vision board couldn’t be easier: get a piece of poster board, glue, magazines and scissors and cut and paste to your heart’s content. If you are really motivated, go to the scrap booking section of your local art store and get some fancy stickers, coloured paper or other creative materials.
Some suggestions to “super-charge” your vision board:
- Create the “anti-vision board,” either literally by creating a board with images that is the opposite to what you want and make your stomach turn, or just by thinking about all the things that you don’t want in your life. When you know what you don’t want, it helps to strengthen and clarify even further what you do want.
- If you only use the magazines lying around your house, you may miss images that represent a future you haven’t yet imagined. Instead, go to a bookstore that has a really great magazine selection and play a Hot-Warm-Cold game:
1. Get as calm as you can by relaxing, breathing deeply and imaging an extremely positive experience in your life.
2. Stand in front of the magazine rack and squint your eyes so you can’t read the words but you can see the outlines of the images.
3. Grab any magazines that jump out at you, regardless if they make sense to your rational mind.
4. Go sit somewhere comfortable and leaf through the images. Leave out those magazines that truly don’t resonate with your body.
5. Feel, don’t think your way through the exercise.Our rational minds imagine our futures in neat, organized steps. So it is very tempting to search for images by thinking things like: “What is the logical next step in my career?’ or what is most affordable?”
6. Observe your process of making the vision board; it can clue you into the way you operate in life. So if you take too much time looking for the “ideal images,” you may find that perfectionism gets in your way. If you never make time to complete the exercise, you may find that you spend so much time taking care of everyone else’s needs that you neglect your own.
While doing these things, watch out for these 5 DON’Ts:
Don’t be seduced by the marketing.If you flip through one magazine for too long, you will get pulled into the advertising trance of the images and words. Tune into how the images are making you feel: anxious, jealous, joyful, trapped? Pick out the images that make your body feel great - like the way favourite food tastes when you are hungry.
Don’t stick with what’s possible.If you have a big pile of images that don’t seem to go together, don’t worry about it! Just accept that all of them mean something to your soul and true self.
Don’t look at the images in a conventional way.Turn the magazines upside down and look at the images as designs instead of literal pictures. Notice how your body reacts. Many people will lean towards images that feel right, and lean away from those that feel wrong. Others notice a very “open” feeling in their head or chest towards attractive images and muscle tension when viewing repelling ones. As you gaze at these images. your mind may try to identify their literal form.
Don’t fall for clichésOnly include images if you are magnetically attracted to them. Don’t put anything on your board that doesn’t feel extremely inspiring and appealing.
Don’t settle for second best. If you get a strong feeling about something but can only find a picture that makes you feel half excited, leave the space blank!
Once the board is created, how to get the most of it:
Don’t cling to it. Put it where you can see it, and think “this is a picture that makes me happy.”
Don’t get frustrated that you don’t have it yet. As much as you can, detach from outcomes. FOCUS AND WRITE DOWN EVERY- EVEN IF IT IS SMALL- SINCHRONICITY THAT MAY BE HAPPENING IN CONNECTION WITH WHAT YOU WANT. THIS ALLOWS YOU TO COME CLOSER AND CLOSER TO WHAT YOU WANT. YOU THEN PUT POSITIVE ENERGY INTO THE PROCESS AND ALSO START TO REMOVE THE DOUBT THAT YOU HAVE ON A SUBCONSCIOUS LEVEL AS TO WHETHER YOU WILL REALLY BE ABLE TO CREATE YOUR VISION OR DREAM.
Even take a picture of it so you can look at it outside of its physical location. You could store it on your cell phone or mobile and look at it while you are waiting in line at the green grocer! Or you can save it as a screensaver on your computer at work. This is not so you can become obsessed by the images, but rather to have a pleasant glimpse into the beautiful and positive futures that awaits you and you have created already.
Working with the Earth
For those of you who don’t like working with creation boards and prefer to simply be connected to the Earth, use a suggestion of my friend Sharon Abbott in the UK:
Make a beautiful wish by writing it down on a special piece of paper.
Now give thanks that it has already been granted.
Then bury it at the full moon with a tiny crystal (one that you have cleansed and chosen specifically for this purpose) for the elemental devas and faeries of the land.
Try to bury it with the roots of a tree, you will know where- just follow your intuition.
Say a prayer with your wish and give thanks for your life and the beauty of this Earth.
Walk away and don’t look back - forget all about it and know it will come to pass.
Bury it deep - not a foot or anything, you don’t need a shovel - four five inches will be fine.
Imagine the moonlight bathing your wish every night for the rest of the moon month to help awaken the energies.
Be open to receive your creation.
MOON PERSON OF THE MONTH
I would like to introduce you to my very special neighbour in Pringle Bay, Dr Thelma Van Der Merwe. Thelma has had a distinguished career in nursing and has taught many nursing students. She also spent several years working in the Middle East. But what I love about her is her zest for life and her optimism, loyalty and strength as a person. Her husband died from a heart attack leaving her with two young children, but it has never allowed her to give up, or not take on the incredible challenge of becoming a self fulfilled and realised person.
Here is a poem that Thelma used in one of her nursing presentations. I feel that it describes the inspiration she and the nursing profession bring to us as a world:
Live A Life That Matters
Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end.
It won’t matter whether you are beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter are not how many people you knew, but how many feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.
What will matter are not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter, a circumstances, but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters
Author Unknown
UPCOMING SACRED EARTH RETREATS PERU
For those of you who are drawn to experience the wonderful teachings and love of the magical land of Peru, I will going with a group in April (1- 15 April). Let me know and I will send you more information about the trip. (The all-inclusive cost of the trip (including international and internal airfares) is around R25 000/ £1800).
And for those who are particularly interested in the sacred medicine of Peru called Ayahuaska, there will also be an opportunity to take part in a sacred ceremony with a Shaman after the retreat:
Peruvian Ayahuaska Sacred Ceremonies
“I sat on my mat and waited for the unknown, consciously relaxing my senses and releasing my physical tension. Soon the jungle noises rang in my ears like wind chimes, tinkling bells. In my mind’s eye, flecks of colour and shapes danced to this strange music I was hearing. My hands began to tingle and my head to spin. I took a deep breath and reminded myself to surrender and trust. Immediately an inner dialogue started that lasted for the duration of my amazing journey.
The voices I heard were my own levels of consciousness as well as wisdom guides, messengers, and loudest of all, God Herself. All were communicating with me, simultaneously. I was disoriented in my body and all my senses, yet capable of discerning and understanding all the messages at once. Nothing was normal. Many voices were talking me through what was happening, so I wouldn’t be afraid. I didn’t like being physically out of control, but the voices were so reassuring that I moved beyond fear like falling from a shooting star, and fell right into the loving arms of God. I heard her voice so clearly and felt her presence so close as to be connected, with nothing separating us. Then I felt nauseous…..
The effects of the Ayahuasca were becoming milder. My senses were feeling more familiar. I knew that normalcy would return soon. The voices were quieting down. But I was also losing that crystal clear connection with God. She was still with me but the veil between us was becoming more opaque.
All the inner knowing I possessed in my place of origin was slipping away from me.
In its place was a profound love. Love so deep and wide, I simply floated in it. I felt so grateful. I felt grateful for love and life itself. I felt grateful for the insights I had been given, the visions I’d seen and for the indelible connections I’d made. I felt grateful for moving beyond fear and trusting in the amazing possibilities that lie on the other side of it.
‘Know that if you choose this, everything else in your life will change.’
And it did.”
Extract from Diane Dunn in her book ‘CUSCO The Gateway to Inner Wisdom’ © 2006
The SHAMANS of South America and Peru
South America and more particularly Peru is a place for shamanistic experiences. There the tradition has never really disappeared and so it is a place of great and many opportunities to work with the other worlds and dimensions.
By consciously choosing to go into the experience of Ayahuaska with an intention of sacredness and healing, it is an incredibly empowering and positive experience that will help you to let go of fear, and bring the most positive change into your life.
INCA WORKSHOPS IN SOUTH AFRICA
A workshop in the Ancient Andean Tradition:
JOHANNESBURG 13-16 MARCH 2009
CAPE TOWN 27-30 MARCH 2009
Kurag Akulleq (Masters) in the Andean Tradition will visit South Africa to share this ancient tradition and show us a way of being and living that takes us back to our true selves.
1st Level and 2nd Level initiations will be done by two very experienced and revered Shamans of Peru.
Please contact Carol George for more information: mob 083 353 5317 or graydon@kingsley.co.za
Diana Cooper’s Retreat in Peru (June 2009)
For more information see www.worldviewz.net
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
This magazine’ss intention is to be for the highest good of all, and to harm no one.
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
______________________________________________________________________
Friday, January 9, 2009
JANUARY 2009 NEW MOON MAGAZINE
NEW MOON MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2009
© The Arthurian School
Note: This magazine is intended to share information, so please feel free to pass it on, or if you want to be removed from the circulation list, just send an email reply to info@arthurianschool.com with the word “unsubscribe” in the heading.
Hi everyone (with apologies for this rather late edition of the magazine)!
With the new year of 2009 upon us, it is like a clean new slate that we can write on. What will it be for this year?
Is this a year of financial hardship and lack, war, pain and devastation, or is this a year to celebrate? Is this a year where we are still slaves to our limited perception of who we are and what we can be, or a year where we are truly free?
It is a choice that is open to each one of us- we are the creators of our own reality and even though it seems to be outside of us- it is not- it is inside of us...
The new moon for this solar year has started in the sign of Capricorn- Saturn, the true task master of responsibility. This is where we are asked to look at our – “respond- ability”- how we choose and are able to respond to what is happening to us and the world around us. And how wonderful if we could respond to whatever negative is around us by choosing to value each day and to create, give and love!
Muse
Inspire me
Allow me to create a work of art
Reveal to me the depths of my soul
Let me discover a story long forgotten
Let me delve into the depths
To find the power of my courage
The intensity of my passion
The greatness of my love
Show me how strong I am
Reveal to me the secrets
Of my unlimited joy
And when I am revitalised by my forgotten gifts
Let beauty spring from within me
May the most magnificent work of art unfold
A story of the deepest love
The most profound beauty
May this be the story of an untamed spirit
Of a life where every moment is sacred
Because within it is contained
The potential for every experience in the universe
May this story be filled with imagination and magic
May it be a celebration of freedom
And the miracle of experience
May it be a tribute to the force of Creation
May I never forget what is wild within me
Oh God
Let me write my life in this way
As a celebration of beauty and a work of art
- MIA from Stellenbosch
With the full moon in Cancer we are also being asked to look at where we are not taking care of ourselves. That is the essence of responsibility- to be firstly responsible for our own well being and ourselves. Only then can we truly take care of the Earth and others.
This moon cycle is a great opportunity to lay a sound foundation for the rest of the year to come. Pay attention by taking the time to focus on what you want to create for this year and for your future, and also the future of this planet. 2012 is only 3 years away!
My prayer for you for this new year of 2009 can only be said in the beautiful words of Mother Theresa- one of the truest examples of nurturing and caring I know:
Saint Theresa's Prayer May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, Dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
(with thanks to Alette Ohnemus who passed this prayer on)
With blessings of Love
Elizabeth
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
THE MOON CYCLE OF JANUARY
called the Rowan Moon, the Quickening Moon, the Ice Moon in the Celtic tradition
The new moon started on the 28th December in the sign of Capricorn and the full moon will be on 10th January in the sign of Cancer.
The 12th January is known as a traditional day of return to work as the start of the English agricultural year and it sometimes celebrated with a plough being dragged through the village. 19th January is Martin Luther King Day in the USA and on the night before St Agnes day (21st January) it is said you are able to dream deeply and trul!
The lunar new year celebrated by the Chinese starts on 26th January and is celebrated with sumptuous vegetarian meals, fireworks, drums and cymbals from sunset on the evening. They spring-clean the house in advance, whitewash the walls and lacquer the doors red. On the door posts and inside the house, strips of red paper with messages of long life, health, wealth and happiness are hung and friends are visited with children being given small amounts of money wrapped in red paper. This particular new year is the year of the Earth Ox and so the focus is very much on the Earth. It can be said that the obstinacy and single mindedness of the ox might just help us to build a survivable and sustainable future!
What the planets are doing
You will have noticed the very bright evening star, Venus, as you can still see Jupiter and Mercury disappearing further and further into the sunset. On the evening of the 31st December, there was a lovely spectacle in the early evening sky. ON that night Mercury and Jupiter made their closest pass, with Mercury just over a degree south of its giant line of vision companion Jupiter. There is an annular eclipse of the sun at Dark Moon on 26th January which will be visible from the Cocos Islands and parts of Indonesia. The partial eclipse can be seen from parts of Southern Africa and South and East Asia and Australia.
MOON MEDITATION FOR THE BEGINNING OF 2009
Meditation
Allow yourself to relax and start to focus on your breath- in and out………….. in and out……………., in and out…………….. Allow yourself to let go any cares or worries or tension, and just allow the breath to take you deeper and deeper into the body. Feel yourself sinking deeper and deeper into a blissful state of nothingness. Just completely let go.
Feel that as you are sinking deeper and deeper, you are becoming more and more relaxed in your body. Focus on your third eye between the eyebrows and then start to relax your whole body even more, telling it that it is safe for you to completely let go.
Now imagine that you see a beautiful full moon in front of you. It is dark outside and there is a feeling of richness in the huge expansive and velvety night sky. See how the moon has a golden yellow colour as it appears and hangs in the night sky. Feel its vibration and how you are drawing it ever closer to you through your third eye.
Feel the unique connection you have with the moon and greet it in your mind- welcome it, because it has come to guide you gently into the new year.
Now see how behind the moon there is another, and then another, and then yet another full moon. As you count, there are 13 moons in total and they all are connected with a beautiful silver thread that is hanging in the sky. See how they all are working together to create a magnificent and illuminating time for the 13 moon months of the year we call 2009.
Now go even deeper and ask the moons to reveal themselves to you one by one. Just observe anything that you may see, or anything that may come into your mind. It is giving you some important conscious information about the year and the moon months to come that you need to know personally.
Stay with this for a while and when you are ready, imagine that you are welcoming and drawing all of the 13 moons into your Heart.
Now see yourself with the moons in your heart, standing somewhere that is beautiful on the Earth. Imagine that you are becoming aware of her Heart Beat. Feel how the two of you are also uniting on your journey forward in this year.
Now start to breath more slowly- in…, out…, in…, out…, in…, out…. Continue to do this for a while, and as you are doing it, feel how your body is being revitalised by the Earth. Feel her love and support for you and how she is nurturing your soul. Feel the peacefulness inside and a knowing that is beyond any conscious understanding.
When you are ready to return, you can open your eyes, bringing the gift of the meditation back with you and into your life and future. You may want to write down anything you received during the meditation, or simply rest. Drink some water once you feel more present and connected.
MOON PERSON OF THE MONTH
I would like to introduce you to a very special and interesting person called Dawn who I came to know while living in Cornwall UK. I have great admiration for her talents practised through Wicca which in my quite limited knowledge is very much about living in harmony with nature and the Earth. Paganism is not so well known in countries such as South Africa and there is also often much misunderstanding about it with the term “witch” almost being a scary name to use, but as she explains below, in ancient times it merely meant the wise woman of the village. I thought it will be interesting for her to tell us more about it herself (and you may also want to look at her website Herbmoon):
When asked to write a piece about myself and Pagan Witchcraft I thought Oh my Goddess where do I start paganism is such a vast subject to try and cover.
Who am I…just an ordinary person who loves Mother Nature and all that she gives us, I live in Cornwall and own an on-line metaphysical store.
I’m known to many as Herbmoon a traditional witch of several years that follows the Celtic tradition.
Many people, both young and old have asked me over the years how I became a witch. how did I know I was a Witch? and how they become one?
In matters of spirituality the answer to any question is within you, all you have to really do is look, listen and learn, many paths are open to you and I firmly believe there is no "One right path".
There is only, the path that is right for you.
The basis of being a pagan is a love of Nature, and a commitment to live in harmony with the Earth and Her creatures.
Druids believed as do I that all things have a spirit from the largest animal to the smallest insect, rivers, lakes, stream and mighty oceans, Trees & plants, stones & rocks all have a spirit, they are born from mother nature, her to us.
The term pagan houses many, it’s an umbrella name under which you will find many traditions, Wicca, Druidism, Shamanism, Neo-Paganism and Eclectic Paganism to name just a few. Some Pagans are Witches, some are not.
Many Pagan groups do not practice Witchcraft.
Wiccans are a type of Pagan Witch, there are also Dianic Witches, Green Witches, Solitary Witches, Hedge Witches, Eclectic Witch and the Traditional Witch…The Wise Women of the village.
As a pagan we try to live in harmony with the earth and her rhythms as each season changes into another celebrating the pagan festivals of the wheel of the year. The circles of sowing and reaping, the passage from winter to spring then to Summer and Autumn Paganism celebrate what is natural.
Birth Life and Death are a pattern of which all are a part.
We are just folk who have a different religion, a Nature Religion that teaches us to honour all life. Pagans honour their Goddesses and Gods with the same faith that non-pagans have in their own religions.
The first deities humans worshipped were Goddesses. A Goddess is the female creator and life giving forces of the Universe and much more.
Some Pagan faiths, like Hinduism and Eclectic Paganism have many Gods and Goddesses. Some Pagan Traditions like Taoism have no Gods or Goddesses. Some popular deities Artemis-Diana, Inanna, the Green Man, Isis, Brigid, Rhiannon, Apollo, Kore, and Demeter.
As a religion Pagans do a ritual which is anything that focuses your spiritual energy. A church service is a ritual, so is a wedding, or a funeral, or a Hopi Sun Dance. Humans have created rituals since the beginning of time. A Ritual is the way humans express their connection with divinity and each other.
There are many kinds of Pagan Ritual, personal rituals you do by yourself, full moon rituals which can be done by you or with a group. There are blessing rituals for a new home, or for children, or for healing, or cleansing. There are protection ritual, and banishing rituals, to name a few.
Your Grandmother may have placed a horseshoe over the door, this is a popular form of simple protection ritual that is rooted in Pagan tradition. Or throwing salt over your shoulder if it is spilled, so as not to attract bad luck.
Many Pagan Rituals begin by honouring the Earth and the 4 directions, as well as the elements the directions represent, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. A circle is cast and blessed with water, smoke, salt and light in honour of these elements. Rituals often include singing, chanting, dancing, drumming, poetry and hymns to the Goddess or Gods. Some Rituals are very complex and are almost like a play, other rituals are very simple and flow with the energy of the person/people taking part.
I have been a solitary witch for many years now and paganism to me isn’t just my religion it’s my way of life. The very word Witch is a powerful one it conjures up all sorts of images of weathered old hags with warts, boiling up brews and chanting spells and talking to the moon. Some fear her, some laugh saying there is no such thing.
Many moons ago your witch was simply the wise women of the village. She was an advisor, Healer, Midwife, she predicted future events, and village folk turned to her in times of trouble and need. She gained her knowledge from all that was around her, nature was her teacher, herbs, plants and tress were her source of healing.
Today’s witch does much the same and whereas other religions will go to a building such as a church the witch goes to the woods for nature is her church.
Today’s Witches are people who have made a positive choice to follow a path of individual spiritual growth that is in harmony with the Earth upon which we live. Most witches have become aware of a spiritual void in their lives, and have discovered, in Paganism, a religion of respect &, tolerance. which allows them to be themselves, it also encourages social and environmental responsibility which for the world we live in and the earth we walk upon isn’t a bad thing.
Of cause there is much more to paganism and being a Witch than what I have stated here, we still have to look at the moon and feel her pull of energy and power, there are spells to learn, spirits to guide us but for the time being I’ll leave you with this.
What is a Witch? She watches and sees never missing a thing, she doesn't just hear, she listens as well, She senses the feelings stirring within. She loves and she cares and wipes away the tears, She heals and nurtures, teaches and guides. Never belittling to those that know less. Her life she will give to continuous learning, never tiring at what our mother has to teach. She'll watch the year turning in wonder and awe, and feel the rhythm of the earth beneath her feet. Each living thing scared, she treats with respect. Her magic she weaves from her heart and soul, never taking without giving and used only for good. She reaps what she sows, a wonder to many, for she is patient and tolerant of those that don't know.
~Herbmoon~
UPCOMING SACRED EARTH RETREATS
SACRED EARTH JOURNEYS AND RETREATS OF THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL PRINGLE BAY
For the love of the Earth – Helping you, helping the Earth
PERU
2009 The year of Celebration
2-12 APRIL 2009 (THE STAR)
13-23 AUGUST 2009 (THE PRIESTESS)
There is much to see and do in the incredibly diverse land of Peru.
Whether it is to open your heart and unknown senses to the mystical wonders of Peru; or to explore its rich cultural heritages; to delight in its colourful and captivating craft and art markets; or to become more attuned to its people with their nature based life style - Peru has something to give to everyone.
Peru vibrates deep within the Soul, and irrespective of how you describe that in words, it is a place where you can experience an adventure that is an incredible privilege and unforgettable gift from the Earth.
The Earth in the Sacred Valley of the Andes Mountains with the great Urubamba River is filled with a quality that can only be described as paradise. Nowhere on Earth is there such a feeling of incredible Love that has not yet been disturbed by the turmoil of humanity with its pettiness, hate, greed and insatiable hunger.
When the Spanish invasion ruptured Peru, one place was saved by the Earth herself: Machu Picchu – completely covered and shielded by the jungle- it remained safe and unknown to the warring conquistadors.
Going to Peru is quite an unique experience- it is an inner and outer journey with many wonderful colours. No money can ever reflect the value you give to yourself when making this journey. It is something that will change you and your life forever. And you will awaken an even deeper connection to the Earth - touched by something that is beyond description: the ancient heritage of a place on this Earth that was loved beyond measure.
I sincerely hope that you will be able to join me on one of the two retreats to Peru planned for 2009!
Visiting Peru with the Arthurian School is guaranteed to help you open your heart, and lead you to the Authentic Spiritual, Traditional, Cultural and Mystical wonders of the Peruvian Andes.
I look forward to being with you.
Elizabeth Bardin
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
Come with us...Explore the World. Explore your Self. Love and respect
the Earth.
ITINERARY
Please note: The journeys have both been chosen because of the positions of the moon and the planets during those times to make them the most powerful and auspicious journeys for you to experience in Peru during 2009.
MAGICAL JOURNEY TO MACHU PICCHU
Ten-night program
The Arthurian School invites you to step out of yourself and enter a mystical journey to the ancient land of Peru. Each day after a relaxed buffet breakfast, you will visit a different ancient Inca site in the Sacred Valley. You will be invited to experience the ancient qualities of these sites (sometimes in silence) and time will also be set aside for your own personal exploration of the site and some hiking. In addition, you will be able to stay in rural Peruvians villages and observe the unique cultures of the local people of the Sacred Valley who still live very much in a traditional way with their colourful crafts and markets.
You will not have to worry about any logistics or the stress of being left to do much of the exploring and decisions of what you should see on your own. Instead you can simply relax, enjoy and use the time available to the fullest. Each hotel and hostel where we stay is, wherever possible, chosen for its special location, simplicity and atmosphere and is recommended for its ample hot water and cleanliness- not always a given in Peru! The Arthurian School has been leading Sacred Earth journeys to Peru for the last two years and believes that there is no other program like this at present being offered in terms of uniqueness, quality, diversity and value for money. Moreover, no other itinerary provides such a specialised hands on trip where you can have a non- commercialised tourist experience, but still have the benefits of being with an organised and stress free structured program itinerary.
It also offers an ideal opportunity to spend a sufficient period of time at the area of Machu Picchu and its beautiful environment in the cloud forest. Although doing the Inca Trail can be very rewarding, it is only accommodates camping and is relatively physically demanding with camps shared by many other participants on the trail. Usually only a few hours are reserved after the trail to spend at Machu Picchu which really should be the highlight of the trip! You also miss out on staying in some of the most interesting villages on the way to Machu Picchu.
And so the trip is structured to offer the best of both worlds: an opportunity to visit places where the descendents of the Inca still live in rural villages and also some proper time to really get in touch with the ancient heritage of the Machu Picchu area. And you will still have the opportunity to do some magnificent hiking in the area. It is in our experience one of the most flexible journeys available at this time, taking into account the needs of each individual group and also each person – participants are given freedom to experience the journey in whatever way suits them best - all that is required is a genuine love and respect for the Earth!
Elizabeth who leads the progam is an experienced travel facilitator and has worked with sacred earth sites for over 8 years. Every participant to these journeys has remained enthusiastic and genuinely thrilled with the unique opportunity of experiencing Peru in this way. Please contact the School if you would like to have more feedback from recent journeys that took place in February, July and October 2008.
The School guarantees that in this program there is something for everyone. You will be inspired by:
- Places of serenity, peace and exquisite beauty
- Authentic earth site meditations and healing ceremonies (optional)
- Magnificent Andean peaks and Sacred Valley scenery
- Mysterious ancient cities and temples including Machu Picchu
- Vibrant and colourful markets and Quechua people in their rural villages
- Andean culture and cosmology.
- Hiking at ancient sites
- Massages and healing hot water baths (optional)
- Interesting museums and other places of interest
Day One (Wednesday)
Departure from home country for Cusco City via Lima. Cusco is only a short flight over the mountains from Lima, the Peruvian capital situated on the Pacific coast.
Day Two (Thursday)
The program begins in Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Arthurian School will meet you in the morning at the airport in Cusco and take you to a comfortable hotel conveniently situated near the historic Plaza de Armas. Rest for a few hours and acclimatise to the 11,000 ft altitude before the program officially begins. At 1pm The Arthurian School invites you to a welcome lunch, followed by a group orientation meeting and introduction to this special program. Afternoon walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Cusco to see fascinating Inca stonework en route to the Plaza De Armas, the Cathedral and Koricancha Museum, the holiest site during Inca times. Explore the remarkable technological wonders of this remarkable culture. Supper at recommended restaurant café and early night to rest, or enjoy a walk through the San Blas artists’ district, a quaint area filled with artisan and art shops, or stop in at one of the lively restaurants or coffee shops. (Lunch included)
Day Three (Friday)
After a buffet breakfast in the hotel, early bus to the sacred site at Saksaywaman overlooking the city of Cusco. Impressive stonework and structures weighing hundreds of tons will leave you in awe. How did the ancestors build those structures without the use of the wheel and steel implements? Here we do a simple ceremony to honour and tap into the sacred energies of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Return to Cusco for lunch on your own and to do some further sightseeing and exploring of the museums or shops around the main square. Or if you still feel affected by the altitude, you may just wish to relax in one of the many cafes that line the streets of this fascinating Inca Captial. Group meets back at the hotel for late afternoon departure to the market town Pisaq in the Sacred Valley. We leave Cusco and travel over the mountains down into the Urubamba Valley. Orientation at hostel in Pisaq and dinner at recommended restaurant. (Breakfast included)
Day Four (Saturday)
After a buffet breakfast at the hostel, we visit the ruins overlooking Pisaq with impressive Inca terraces. After Machu Picchu these ruins are rated to be the most spectacular. You have the option to walk up about 2000 ft from the village to the ruins in the mountains above, or catch a taxi to the main ruins. We return in the afternoon for a rest and some free time to explore the village of Pisaq. After an early supper at a recommended restaurant you are invited to join in a traditional Quero meditation with the four elements guided by Diane Dunn who has lived in Peru for many years. (Breakfast included)
Day Five (Sunday)
After a relaxed buffet breakfast at the hostel, we have a very special opportunity to see and experience the traditional Sunday market of Pisaq. Known as the most authentic and colourful of all the Inca markets in the Sacred Valley, you will be able to see the traditionally-dressed mountain people coming to barter and sell their produce cultivated in the high mountains. Be prepared- this market offers the best opportunity to buy woven goods, jewellery, colourful wall hangings and hand-painted beadwork and also wonderful photographic opportunities! Watch the lively activities of the market and also take time to explore the countryside hiking, or simply being in nature. Others may wish to use the time to rest or write in their travel journals. Dinner at recommended restaurant. (Breakfast included)
Day Six (Monday)
One of the highlights of the trip. Special day with visit to Moray terraces and Salineras. After breakfast, your day will begin with a visit to the mysterious concentric terraces found near the small village of Moray. The Incas were well known for their effective government, the impressive architecture and, especially, their agricultural skills. Even today, the terraces used by the Incas can still be seen everywhere in Peru and experiments have shown that using the ancient agricultural techniques can be more effective than modern day agriculture. Apart from the peculiar shape of the terraces at Moray, another major sight is the beautiful landscape: the Earth has a special ochre tone here and the Andes provide a glorious view and backdrop for the fields. The theory most often heard is that the three circles at Moray were used as a sort of agricultural laboratory by the Incas, but there are also other explanations such as religious use. It definitely has a mystical quality, especially late afternoon, when shadows begin to fill the amphitheatre- like terraces. Few people make it here as it is not part of the normal tour programs and it is therefore a fantastic place to visit. Interesting flora.
Optional short trip to Salineras, 500 year old salt pans built by the Incas to gather salt. Hot water flows out of a spring in the side of the mountain and the mineral rich water is diverted through miles of little channels and to hundreds of pans created on the mountainside for evaporation. These pans are still used today to create salt licks for cows.
Return to hostel in Pisaq and after dinner, early night in preparation for journey the next day (Breakfast included).
Day Seven (Tuesday)
Early start after breakfast with a drive through the Sacred Valley to the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo. After settling in at our hostal, we have an opportunity to visit its ruins with wonderful stonework and sun temple. Preparation for Machu Picchu and time to relax or explore the village and its markets. Traditional menu dinner at well known Hearts Café. (Breakfast included)
Day Eight (Wednesday)
Spectacular train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the lively village situated below the nearby Machu Picchu ruins. Along the way there are stunning views of snow-capped Veronica peak (5860m) and the beautiful cloud forest full of orchids, ferns flowers and hanging moss. The scenery on the way will blow you away! After check into your hostal, you have the day free to wander through the colourful town of Aguas Calientes, visit the shaman shops and general market for gifts, clothes and crystals and to have lunch along the river. Soak up the energies of the cloud forest and the mighty Urubamba river before an early dinner and retiring for the night so as to prepare for an early start the next day to visit Machu Picchu! (Breakfast included)
Day Nine (Thursday)
Rising at 4.30 am, we catch the first bus to Machu Picchu to see the early morning sunrise, or if you feel energetic and would like to walk up to the ruins it will take you approximately two and half hours. We arrive at sunrise at Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun, where through a rectangular doorway we experience a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After taking a short path down, it is time for us to explore and discover the real secrets of the Incas and pre- Incas. Known as the historical Inca centre of spiritual and political power, you are invited to take part in sacred ceremony honouring the Earth. Later on in the morning there is time to do your own exploration of the ancient site as a pilgrim. You will also be assisted in deciding which areas you might wish to further explore or hike.
Meet back at the hostal at 6pm. Weather permitting, the group is invited to participate in an outdoor Earth healing ceremony with the Full Moon. After the ceremony, we have a celebratory delicious dinner in one of the finest restaurants in Aguas Calientes. (Breakfast included)
Day Ten (Friday)
A day of mindfulness. After Machu Picchu, participants are welcome to unwind and integrate their experiences. Massages are available to pamper the body and you are invited to join in a morning visit to the thermal hot springs of Aguas Calientes. The energetic and those not afraid of heights who want to climb Huayna Picchu, Young Mountain, that overlook the site and has a spectacular view of Machu Picchu, may leave on the 5.30 am bus (have ready approx $40 to re-enter the ruins and $12 for a return bus trip). The climb to the top takes up to two hours and care must be taken, especially if the steps are wet. Others can at their option take a hike to a nearby waterfall, or visit the local Machu Picchu museum (entrance approx. $15). Dinner at recommended restaurant (Breakfast included)
Day Eleven (Saturday)
After breakfast, train journey back from Machu Picchu and then on to Cusco where we spend overnight. Farewell dinner celebration at Sams Café in Cusco. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day Twelve (Sunday)
Program begins and ends in Cusco on Sunday morning with breakfast included.
Further alternatives after close of Sacred Earth Journey and Retreat on Sunday morning:
1. Early morning return flight from Cusco to Lima airport and connecting flight home. If you are planning to depart Lima today (Sunday), we suggest that you do not book to depart until at least after 2 pm (14h00 hrs). With some exceptions, most overseas flights out of Lima tend to leave in the evening.
2. Return flight from Cusco to Lima and stay in Lima for 2 days to explore its many interesting Gold and Archeological museums and then to take flight back to home country. (The School can recommend hotel to stay and day tours)
3. Two more days in Cusco to explore on your own and catch flight back to home country via Lima. (The School can make some recommendations).
4. Ayahuaska ceremony in the Sacred Valley (see APPENDIX below and ask School for more information on this sacred healing plant ceremony)
5. Amazon 3 day excursion (ask School for more information- cost approx. $330 for return flight Lima- Puerto Maldonado and approx $400 for excursion)
The order within the above itinerary may vary slightly to suit the needs of the group and is subject to change in extraordinary circumstances and when so guided. The weather in the Andes is unpredictable and may cause delays or cancellation of flights or activities. Changes in flights and train schedule are common in Peru. The School has only had slight adjustments to its activities due to local rail strikes and some minor weather conditions. However, it cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen events in Peru or elsewhere that may disrupt this program. It strongly suggests that all participants take out travel/health insurance to protect your travel investment.
PRICE:
$1 040 inclusive (approx R10 400 depending on exchange rate on date of payment)
add
internal flight to/from Cusco (approx) $300 return
add
international flight to/from Lima
Cost includes all programs and meals as indicated in this itinerary. All Peruvian quality accommodation, transport (taxi, bus, train), entrance tickets to sites, guided tours, meditations and ceremonies.
Not included:
International return flights to Cusco via Lima (international flight to/from Lima and then short internal flight to/from Cusco)
Airport departure taxes- each participant must keep aside a total of approx. $42 ($30 for one international departure from Lima and $6 each for two domestic departures to and from Cusco). Please note these are not included in your booked air tickets.
Individual airport transfers in Lima (if necessary)
Second day entrance/bus ticket into Machu Picchu to climb Huayna Picchu (approx $56)
Please allow for between $5 - $15 for lunches and dinners not included in the itinerary (note: because of the different requirements of participants in regard to meals, it is preferable to leave each participant free to chose their own lunch and dinner menus according to personal budget and therefore they are not included in the overall price).
Individual tipping- tipping is entirely up to the group’s discretion. A voluntary collection for a tipping kitty will be held at the beginning of the program, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the program.
Souvenir shopping
Flights
Please co-ordinate your flight times with the School.
Air Malaysia offers a convenient flight from Cape Town to Buenos Aires and then there are flights with LAN PERU or TACA airlines to Lima, the capital of Peru. It is often cheaper to book these flights separately on the internet. The Air Malaysia flight leaves Cape Town mid morning and arrives in Buenos Aires at about 3.30pm Argentinian time (about a 4 hour flight but gaining time) and the connecting flight to Lima is another 4/5 hours arriving in Lima late evening. So usually necessary to sleep over in Lima before catching an early morning flight to Cusco- unless you are happy to stay in the airport overnight!
If you are travelling from the Middle East, Europe or the UK, you may fly via Madrid or New York depending on your preference and best pricing.
There are many internal morning flights of LAN PERU or TACA between Lima and Cusco, but it is a popular route and so booking is recommended. The flight from Lima to Cusco can be relatively expensive if booked on the internet (normally it should be in the region of $150 each way and if you are unable to find this as a reasonable price, the School can assist you to make these reservations via a local Peruvian travel agent who will charge a small commission).
Additional information
Please check the requirements of your country for visas. No visas are required for Peru if you hold a South African passport, but you do need a yellow fever injection certificate to show on your return to South Africa (easy to have and painless!). There is no malaria in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu but if you plan to also do a trip to the Amazon it is recommended that you take homeopathic malaria tablets.
Additional detailed tour information, including suggested packing and reading lists will be made available to you on registration.
The School also invites you to help the children of Peru by bringing any books in Spanish that relate to their nature-based life style, quality art and school supplies and second hand clothing for children.
All costs are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change.
We require a 20% non-refundable deposit to secure all reservations with full payment due 30 days prior to departure. Please note that the group is kept relatively small and so early booking is recommended to reserve a place in this special program. There are discounts available for block bookings of 2 people or more.
It is the School’s commitment to do its very best to make this a journey of a lifetime!
APPENDIX Ayahuaska Sacred Ceremony Option
“I sat on my mat and waited for the unknown, consciously relaxing my senses and releasing my physical tension. Soon the jungle noises rang in my ears like wind chimes, tinkling bells. In my mind’s eye, flecks of colour and shapes danced to this strange music I was hearing. My hands began to tingle and my head to spin. I took a deep breath and reminded myself to surrender and trust. Immediately an inner dialogue started that lasted for the duration of my amazing journey.
The voices I heard were my own levels of consciousness as well as wisdom guides, messengers, and loudest of all, God Herself. All were communicating with me, simultaneously. I was disoriented in my body and all my senses, yet capable of discerning and understanding all the messages at once. Nothing was normal. Many voices were talking me through what was happening, so I wouldn’t be afraid. I didn’t like being physically out of control, but the voices were so reassuring that I moved beyond fear like falling from a shooting star, and fell right into the loving arms of God. I heard her voice so clearly and felt her presence so close as to be connected, with nothing separating us. Then I felt nauseous…..
The effects of the Ayahuasca were becoming milder. My senses were feeling more familiar. I knew that normalcy would return soon. The voices were quieting down. But I was also losing that crystal clear connection with God. She was still with me but the veil between us was becoming more opaque.
All the inner knowing I possessed in my place of origin was slipping away from me.
In its place was a profound love. Love so deep and wide, I simply floated in it. I felt so grateful. I felt grateful for love and life itself. I felt grateful for the insights I had been given, the visions I’d seen and for the indelible connections I’d made. I felt grateful for moving beyond fear and trusting in the amazing possibilities that lie on the other side of it.
‘Know that if you choose this, everything else in your life will change.’
And it did.”
Extract from Diane Dunn in her book ‘CUSCO The Gateway to Inner Wisdom’ © 2006
The SHAMANS of South America and Peru
South America and more particularly Peru is a place for shamanistic experiences. There the tradition has never really disappeared and so it is a place of great and many opportunities to work with the other worlds and dimensions.
On my last visit to Peru in October, I had the joy of meeting up with Diane Dunn (the writer of the above extract) and also reading parts of her book. She is an American living in Peru having started a spiritual centre in a beautiful area of the Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu called Pisaq. Interestingly enough she also spent some time in South Africa during the early nineties when she worked for a charity.
When I read her book, I was very much struck by her account of taking a sacred medicine plant of the jungle in Peru, called the Ayahuaska.
And after my return to South Africa further synchronicities happened leading me to take part in one such ceremony - much to my own surprise! I had always known about the plant, but never felt drawn to it. I now know that this was mainly because of my deep seated fears of losing control and my body not being of a sufficiently high enough vibration for it to be a positive experience.
But when I asked for my higher guidance this time, the answer was clear- to trust my intuition and follow the synchronicities that had lead me so far.
And so it was with some trepidation that I sat in a circle readying myself for probably what has been one of the most profound experiences in my life.
I feel that Diane’s account above really does justice to what happened to me- I had a very similar experience and it felt that all my psychic senses had opened up simultaneously. It was quite incredible, because I was like an observer, conscious seeing how I was operating in the world of matter.
What I also feel was unique about it, was that unlike any meditation or spiritual experience I had ever had, this was ALSO happening in my physical body and so it integrated something in a way that I had never happen before.
The incredible feeling of freedom and release from fear held in my body was quite amazing and it literally felt as if I had been cast into gold after going through the cleansing of a sacred fire.
The essence of the plant is in my experience to balance whatever is in the body that is out of balance with my soul. And so I felt a lot of discomfort in the areas of my body where I am aware I still hold blocks. And the wonderful thing was that afterwards it felt that I had actually conquered them by allowing the medicine plant to assist me with its energies.
Many call the Ayahuaska a death experience and I can really relate to that. It is as if I was able to shed a skin and experience a death of that part of myself that was so held in fear that it needed to be shed and die.
When you google the word Ayahuaska you will find so many accounts of negative experiences. I consciously chose not to go into the experience with preconceived fear, but to know that if I set a positive intention and consciously choose to use it as a healing experience I would not resist the healing magic of the plant and so ensure that I have the most beneficial experience.
I also knew that the particular shaman that did the ceremony was holding so much of the potential of the experience and as I could see how he was working with the sacred energies of the plant, I was assured that he was working from the heart and that I could totally trust the experience.
What I also know is that the experience has changed me and my life completely for the better.
And so I have been guided to for the first time offer also the option of an ayahuaska ceremony as part of an extension to the journey. Being able to experience this in the land of the plant’s origin will offer the privilege of making it truly an unforgettable and amazing experience.
Visiting Sacred Sites, Beautiful Lands and Mystical Places
For Spiritual Evolution with the Earth and Greater Self-Awareness
THOUGHT FOR RETREATS (as per The Emerald Heart)
When you work from love in your heart, other forms of consciousness will open to you. For example, the nature spirit kingdoms or the Earth Mother herself. You cannot force the doors to other kingdoms, they will only open to you when the love in your heart is developed to a degree whereby those forms of consciousness feel safe to open in your presence, and when they know that you have developed to a point in your own evolution where you will not misuse the information given. If you can open yourself to a point where the light of heaven and earth can be seen in your heart, then all forms of consciousness can see the love within you and will open to you if it is appropriate to communicate.
PRINGLE BAY
SACRED EARTH RETREATS PRINGLE BAY 2009
9-11 JANUARY 2009
16-18 JANUARY 2009
26-28 JANUARY 2009 sun eclipse
13-15 FEBRUARY 2009
Pringle Bay is a small picturesque coastal village near Cape Town that has the privilege of being in the heart of a UNESCO World Nature Reserve, called the Kogelberg Biosphere. The reserve is renowned for its Indigenous Fynbos Flora and has more plant species per square meter than anywhere else in the world!
Set against the slopes of the magnificent Kogelberg Mountains and the famous Hangklip Mountain, Pringle Bay has a pristine white beach with stunning sunset views of Table Mountain and Cape Point across False Bay, reflecting its own unique spiritual essence of beauty and peace.
It is undisturbed by street lights and so an ideal place to observe the stars and the planets, experience the elements, and admire the beautiful colours of Mother Nature.
Here you can separate yourself from the everyday concerns of your world, rest and spend time experiencing inspiring heart, mind and soul activities such as heart meditations, walks on the beach and working with the Moon and the Elements:
- To create a new way of living that is more whole and connected to the Earth, and will help to bring back the spiritual flow of Love in your life.With more and more people starting to question the values of the world around us and to look for greater meaning and purpose in their day-to-day lives, THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL in Pringle Bay seeks to provide you with the chance to become more aware of yourself and so also grow closer to the Earth and her soul.
The retreats are kept small to ensure that you are able to get the maximum benefit from the time away and are facilitated by Elizabeth Bardin who is a naturally gifted psychic and channel with a deep love for the Earth.
She first worked for many years as a practising solicitor and in investment banking before her keen interest in personal self development and finding a greater personal awareness of the Earth eventually lead her to facilitating Sacred Earth Retreats.
She also has unusual skills and talents of working with the Moon and is the author of The Lady Morgaine Moon Oracle Cards and an experienced tarot teacher.
Many clients have found positive change in the way that they feel about their lives and also themselves through discovering new ways of creating a happier inner and outer life that is more in harmony with themselves, the World and all of Nature.
More information about what actually happens during the Retreats
“Basically a participant will have an opportunity to be in a place close to nature where they can get away from their normal routines and focus exclusively on themselves. During the weekend I do an individual reading that helps the person to clear some blocks in their akashic records and so help to create a more beautiful and fulfilling future. During the reading there are also some light activations and it is a bit like having an attunement. I work with many different guides including the ascended Master energies and also Pacha Mama/ Gaia/ Earth soul. During the weekend I teach participants a very simple but life changing heart meditation that they can use to help heal the Higher Heart and bring more hope and inspiration into their lives. They also have an opportunity to work with the Moon and Magic Mandalas.
I have studied, researched and experienced many different disciplines such as TAROT, EFT, NLP, Hypnotherapy, past life regression, Life Coaching, re-connection therapy, quantum touch, and am a Reiki Master for over 15 years although I don’t use any of these anymore as such and combine them all as part of my skills of working with energy and crystals. I also have much experience with sacred sites and clearing and activating leylines in theEarth.
The retreats are small with a maximum of 3 people and the accommodation is simple but very adequate. All meals are also included with an emphasis on healthy and once again simple and nurturing food.
It would be a wonderful privilege to work with you if that feels right for you to join in the retreats and please do let me know if you have any specific questions.”
COST: R1070 all inclusive (Friday night to Sunday afternoon with meals and accommodation included)
with blessings of Love
Elizabeth
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
PLEASE NOTE This magazine has a stated intent: to be for the highest good of all and to harm no one.
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
JANUARY 2009
© The Arthurian School
Note: This magazine is intended to share information, so please feel free to pass it on, or if you want to be removed from the circulation list, just send an email reply to info@arthurianschool.com with the word “unsubscribe” in the heading.
Hi everyone (with apologies for this rather late edition of the magazine)!
With the new year of 2009 upon us, it is like a clean new slate that we can write on. What will it be for this year?
Is this a year of financial hardship and lack, war, pain and devastation, or is this a year to celebrate? Is this a year where we are still slaves to our limited perception of who we are and what we can be, or a year where we are truly free?
It is a choice that is open to each one of us- we are the creators of our own reality and even though it seems to be outside of us- it is not- it is inside of us...
The new moon for this solar year has started in the sign of Capricorn- Saturn, the true task master of responsibility. This is where we are asked to look at our – “respond- ability”- how we choose and are able to respond to what is happening to us and the world around us. And how wonderful if we could respond to whatever negative is around us by choosing to value each day and to create, give and love!
Muse
Inspire me
Allow me to create a work of art
Reveal to me the depths of my soul
Let me discover a story long forgotten
Let me delve into the depths
To find the power of my courage
The intensity of my passion
The greatness of my love
Show me how strong I am
Reveal to me the secrets
Of my unlimited joy
And when I am revitalised by my forgotten gifts
Let beauty spring from within me
May the most magnificent work of art unfold
A story of the deepest love
The most profound beauty
May this be the story of an untamed spirit
Of a life where every moment is sacred
Because within it is contained
The potential for every experience in the universe
May this story be filled with imagination and magic
May it be a celebration of freedom
And the miracle of experience
May it be a tribute to the force of Creation
May I never forget what is wild within me
Oh God
Let me write my life in this way
As a celebration of beauty and a work of art
- MIA from Stellenbosch
With the full moon in Cancer we are also being asked to look at where we are not taking care of ourselves. That is the essence of responsibility- to be firstly responsible for our own well being and ourselves. Only then can we truly take care of the Earth and others.
This moon cycle is a great opportunity to lay a sound foundation for the rest of the year to come. Pay attention by taking the time to focus on what you want to create for this year and for your future, and also the future of this planet. 2012 is only 3 years away!
My prayer for you for this new year of 2009 can only be said in the beautiful words of Mother Theresa- one of the truest examples of nurturing and caring I know:
Saint Theresa's Prayer May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, Dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
(with thanks to Alette Ohnemus who passed this prayer on)
With blessings of Love
Elizabeth
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
THE MOON CYCLE OF JANUARY
called the Rowan Moon, the Quickening Moon, the Ice Moon in the Celtic tradition
The new moon started on the 28th December in the sign of Capricorn and the full moon will be on 10th January in the sign of Cancer.
The 12th January is known as a traditional day of return to work as the start of the English agricultural year and it sometimes celebrated with a plough being dragged through the village. 19th January is Martin Luther King Day in the USA and on the night before St Agnes day (21st January) it is said you are able to dream deeply and trul!
The lunar new year celebrated by the Chinese starts on 26th January and is celebrated with sumptuous vegetarian meals, fireworks, drums and cymbals from sunset on the evening. They spring-clean the house in advance, whitewash the walls and lacquer the doors red. On the door posts and inside the house, strips of red paper with messages of long life, health, wealth and happiness are hung and friends are visited with children being given small amounts of money wrapped in red paper. This particular new year is the year of the Earth Ox and so the focus is very much on the Earth. It can be said that the obstinacy and single mindedness of the ox might just help us to build a survivable and sustainable future!
What the planets are doing
You will have noticed the very bright evening star, Venus, as you can still see Jupiter and Mercury disappearing further and further into the sunset. On the evening of the 31st December, there was a lovely spectacle in the early evening sky. ON that night Mercury and Jupiter made their closest pass, with Mercury just over a degree south of its giant line of vision companion Jupiter. There is an annular eclipse of the sun at Dark Moon on 26th January which will be visible from the Cocos Islands and parts of Indonesia. The partial eclipse can be seen from parts of Southern Africa and South and East Asia and Australia.
MOON MEDITATION FOR THE BEGINNING OF 2009
Meditation
Allow yourself to relax and start to focus on your breath- in and out………….. in and out……………., in and out…………….. Allow yourself to let go any cares or worries or tension, and just allow the breath to take you deeper and deeper into the body. Feel yourself sinking deeper and deeper into a blissful state of nothingness. Just completely let go.
Feel that as you are sinking deeper and deeper, you are becoming more and more relaxed in your body. Focus on your third eye between the eyebrows and then start to relax your whole body even more, telling it that it is safe for you to completely let go.
Now imagine that you see a beautiful full moon in front of you. It is dark outside and there is a feeling of richness in the huge expansive and velvety night sky. See how the moon has a golden yellow colour as it appears and hangs in the night sky. Feel its vibration and how you are drawing it ever closer to you through your third eye.
Feel the unique connection you have with the moon and greet it in your mind- welcome it, because it has come to guide you gently into the new year.
Now see how behind the moon there is another, and then another, and then yet another full moon. As you count, there are 13 moons in total and they all are connected with a beautiful silver thread that is hanging in the sky. See how they all are working together to create a magnificent and illuminating time for the 13 moon months of the year we call 2009.
Now go even deeper and ask the moons to reveal themselves to you one by one. Just observe anything that you may see, or anything that may come into your mind. It is giving you some important conscious information about the year and the moon months to come that you need to know personally.
Stay with this for a while and when you are ready, imagine that you are welcoming and drawing all of the 13 moons into your Heart.
Now see yourself with the moons in your heart, standing somewhere that is beautiful on the Earth. Imagine that you are becoming aware of her Heart Beat. Feel how the two of you are also uniting on your journey forward in this year.
Now start to breath more slowly- in…, out…, in…, out…, in…, out…. Continue to do this for a while, and as you are doing it, feel how your body is being revitalised by the Earth. Feel her love and support for you and how she is nurturing your soul. Feel the peacefulness inside and a knowing that is beyond any conscious understanding.
When you are ready to return, you can open your eyes, bringing the gift of the meditation back with you and into your life and future. You may want to write down anything you received during the meditation, or simply rest. Drink some water once you feel more present and connected.
MOON PERSON OF THE MONTH
I would like to introduce you to a very special and interesting person called Dawn who I came to know while living in Cornwall UK. I have great admiration for her talents practised through Wicca which in my quite limited knowledge is very much about living in harmony with nature and the Earth. Paganism is not so well known in countries such as South Africa and there is also often much misunderstanding about it with the term “witch” almost being a scary name to use, but as she explains below, in ancient times it merely meant the wise woman of the village. I thought it will be interesting for her to tell us more about it herself (and you may also want to look at her website Herbmoon):
When asked to write a piece about myself and Pagan Witchcraft I thought Oh my Goddess where do I start paganism is such a vast subject to try and cover.
Who am I…just an ordinary person who loves Mother Nature and all that she gives us, I live in Cornwall and own an on-line metaphysical store.
I’m known to many as Herbmoon a traditional witch of several years that follows the Celtic tradition.
Many people, both young and old have asked me over the years how I became a witch. how did I know I was a Witch? and how they become one?
In matters of spirituality the answer to any question is within you, all you have to really do is look, listen and learn, many paths are open to you and I firmly believe there is no "One right path".
There is only, the path that is right for you.
The basis of being a pagan is a love of Nature, and a commitment to live in harmony with the Earth and Her creatures.
Druids believed as do I that all things have a spirit from the largest animal to the smallest insect, rivers, lakes, stream and mighty oceans, Trees & plants, stones & rocks all have a spirit, they are born from mother nature, her to us.
The term pagan houses many, it’s an umbrella name under which you will find many traditions, Wicca, Druidism, Shamanism, Neo-Paganism and Eclectic Paganism to name just a few. Some Pagans are Witches, some are not.
Many Pagan groups do not practice Witchcraft.
Wiccans are a type of Pagan Witch, there are also Dianic Witches, Green Witches, Solitary Witches, Hedge Witches, Eclectic Witch and the Traditional Witch…The Wise Women of the village.
As a pagan we try to live in harmony with the earth and her rhythms as each season changes into another celebrating the pagan festivals of the wheel of the year. The circles of sowing and reaping, the passage from winter to spring then to Summer and Autumn Paganism celebrate what is natural.
Birth Life and Death are a pattern of which all are a part.
We are just folk who have a different religion, a Nature Religion that teaches us to honour all life. Pagans honour their Goddesses and Gods with the same faith that non-pagans have in their own religions.
The first deities humans worshipped were Goddesses. A Goddess is the female creator and life giving forces of the Universe and much more.
Some Pagan faiths, like Hinduism and Eclectic Paganism have many Gods and Goddesses. Some Pagan Traditions like Taoism have no Gods or Goddesses. Some popular deities Artemis-Diana, Inanna, the Green Man, Isis, Brigid, Rhiannon, Apollo, Kore, and Demeter.
As a religion Pagans do a ritual which is anything that focuses your spiritual energy. A church service is a ritual, so is a wedding, or a funeral, or a Hopi Sun Dance. Humans have created rituals since the beginning of time. A Ritual is the way humans express their connection with divinity and each other.
There are many kinds of Pagan Ritual, personal rituals you do by yourself, full moon rituals which can be done by you or with a group. There are blessing rituals for a new home, or for children, or for healing, or cleansing. There are protection ritual, and banishing rituals, to name a few.
Your Grandmother may have placed a horseshoe over the door, this is a popular form of simple protection ritual that is rooted in Pagan tradition. Or throwing salt over your shoulder if it is spilled, so as not to attract bad luck.
Many Pagan Rituals begin by honouring the Earth and the 4 directions, as well as the elements the directions represent, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. A circle is cast and blessed with water, smoke, salt and light in honour of these elements. Rituals often include singing, chanting, dancing, drumming, poetry and hymns to the Goddess or Gods. Some Rituals are very complex and are almost like a play, other rituals are very simple and flow with the energy of the person/people taking part.
I have been a solitary witch for many years now and paganism to me isn’t just my religion it’s my way of life. The very word Witch is a powerful one it conjures up all sorts of images of weathered old hags with warts, boiling up brews and chanting spells and talking to the moon. Some fear her, some laugh saying there is no such thing.
Many moons ago your witch was simply the wise women of the village. She was an advisor, Healer, Midwife, she predicted future events, and village folk turned to her in times of trouble and need. She gained her knowledge from all that was around her, nature was her teacher, herbs, plants and tress were her source of healing.
Today’s witch does much the same and whereas other religions will go to a building such as a church the witch goes to the woods for nature is her church.
Today’s Witches are people who have made a positive choice to follow a path of individual spiritual growth that is in harmony with the Earth upon which we live. Most witches have become aware of a spiritual void in their lives, and have discovered, in Paganism, a religion of respect &, tolerance. which allows them to be themselves, it also encourages social and environmental responsibility which for the world we live in and the earth we walk upon isn’t a bad thing.
Of cause there is much more to paganism and being a Witch than what I have stated here, we still have to look at the moon and feel her pull of energy and power, there are spells to learn, spirits to guide us but for the time being I’ll leave you with this.
What is a Witch? She watches and sees never missing a thing, she doesn't just hear, she listens as well, She senses the feelings stirring within. She loves and she cares and wipes away the tears, She heals and nurtures, teaches and guides. Never belittling to those that know less. Her life she will give to continuous learning, never tiring at what our mother has to teach. She'll watch the year turning in wonder and awe, and feel the rhythm of the earth beneath her feet. Each living thing scared, she treats with respect. Her magic she weaves from her heart and soul, never taking without giving and used only for good. She reaps what she sows, a wonder to many, for she is patient and tolerant of those that don't know.
~Herbmoon~
UPCOMING SACRED EARTH RETREATS
SACRED EARTH JOURNEYS AND RETREATS OF THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL PRINGLE BAY
For the love of the Earth – Helping you, helping the Earth
PERU
2009 The year of Celebration
2-12 APRIL 2009 (THE STAR)
13-23 AUGUST 2009 (THE PRIESTESS)
There is much to see and do in the incredibly diverse land of Peru.
Whether it is to open your heart and unknown senses to the mystical wonders of Peru; or to explore its rich cultural heritages; to delight in its colourful and captivating craft and art markets; or to become more attuned to its people with their nature based life style - Peru has something to give to everyone.
Peru vibrates deep within the Soul, and irrespective of how you describe that in words, it is a place where you can experience an adventure that is an incredible privilege and unforgettable gift from the Earth.
The Earth in the Sacred Valley of the Andes Mountains with the great Urubamba River is filled with a quality that can only be described as paradise. Nowhere on Earth is there such a feeling of incredible Love that has not yet been disturbed by the turmoil of humanity with its pettiness, hate, greed and insatiable hunger.
When the Spanish invasion ruptured Peru, one place was saved by the Earth herself: Machu Picchu – completely covered and shielded by the jungle- it remained safe and unknown to the warring conquistadors.
Going to Peru is quite an unique experience- it is an inner and outer journey with many wonderful colours. No money can ever reflect the value you give to yourself when making this journey. It is something that will change you and your life forever. And you will awaken an even deeper connection to the Earth - touched by something that is beyond description: the ancient heritage of a place on this Earth that was loved beyond measure.
I sincerely hope that you will be able to join me on one of the two retreats to Peru planned for 2009!
Visiting Peru with the Arthurian School is guaranteed to help you open your heart, and lead you to the Authentic Spiritual, Traditional, Cultural and Mystical wonders of the Peruvian Andes.
I look forward to being with you.
Elizabeth Bardin
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
Come with us...Explore the World. Explore your Self. Love and respect
the Earth.
ITINERARY
Please note: The journeys have both been chosen because of the positions of the moon and the planets during those times to make them the most powerful and auspicious journeys for you to experience in Peru during 2009.
MAGICAL JOURNEY TO MACHU PICCHU
Ten-night program
The Arthurian School invites you to step out of yourself and enter a mystical journey to the ancient land of Peru. Each day after a relaxed buffet breakfast, you will visit a different ancient Inca site in the Sacred Valley. You will be invited to experience the ancient qualities of these sites (sometimes in silence) and time will also be set aside for your own personal exploration of the site and some hiking. In addition, you will be able to stay in rural Peruvians villages and observe the unique cultures of the local people of the Sacred Valley who still live very much in a traditional way with their colourful crafts and markets.
You will not have to worry about any logistics or the stress of being left to do much of the exploring and decisions of what you should see on your own. Instead you can simply relax, enjoy and use the time available to the fullest. Each hotel and hostel where we stay is, wherever possible, chosen for its special location, simplicity and atmosphere and is recommended for its ample hot water and cleanliness- not always a given in Peru! The Arthurian School has been leading Sacred Earth journeys to Peru for the last two years and believes that there is no other program like this at present being offered in terms of uniqueness, quality, diversity and value for money. Moreover, no other itinerary provides such a specialised hands on trip where you can have a non- commercialised tourist experience, but still have the benefits of being with an organised and stress free structured program itinerary.
It also offers an ideal opportunity to spend a sufficient period of time at the area of Machu Picchu and its beautiful environment in the cloud forest. Although doing the Inca Trail can be very rewarding, it is only accommodates camping and is relatively physically demanding with camps shared by many other participants on the trail. Usually only a few hours are reserved after the trail to spend at Machu Picchu which really should be the highlight of the trip! You also miss out on staying in some of the most interesting villages on the way to Machu Picchu.
And so the trip is structured to offer the best of both worlds: an opportunity to visit places where the descendents of the Inca still live in rural villages and also some proper time to really get in touch with the ancient heritage of the Machu Picchu area. And you will still have the opportunity to do some magnificent hiking in the area. It is in our experience one of the most flexible journeys available at this time, taking into account the needs of each individual group and also each person – participants are given freedom to experience the journey in whatever way suits them best - all that is required is a genuine love and respect for the Earth!
Elizabeth who leads the progam is an experienced travel facilitator and has worked with sacred earth sites for over 8 years. Every participant to these journeys has remained enthusiastic and genuinely thrilled with the unique opportunity of experiencing Peru in this way. Please contact the School if you would like to have more feedback from recent journeys that took place in February, July and October 2008.
The School guarantees that in this program there is something for everyone. You will be inspired by:
- Places of serenity, peace and exquisite beauty
- Authentic earth site meditations and healing ceremonies (optional)
- Magnificent Andean peaks and Sacred Valley scenery
- Mysterious ancient cities and temples including Machu Picchu
- Vibrant and colourful markets and Quechua people in their rural villages
- Andean culture and cosmology.
- Hiking at ancient sites
- Massages and healing hot water baths (optional)
- Interesting museums and other places of interest
Day One (Wednesday)
Departure from home country for Cusco City via Lima. Cusco is only a short flight over the mountains from Lima, the Peruvian capital situated on the Pacific coast.
Day Two (Thursday)
The program begins in Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Arthurian School will meet you in the morning at the airport in Cusco and take you to a comfortable hotel conveniently situated near the historic Plaza de Armas. Rest for a few hours and acclimatise to the 11,000 ft altitude before the program officially begins. At 1pm The Arthurian School invites you to a welcome lunch, followed by a group orientation meeting and introduction to this special program. Afternoon walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Cusco to see fascinating Inca stonework en route to the Plaza De Armas, the Cathedral and Koricancha Museum, the holiest site during Inca times. Explore the remarkable technological wonders of this remarkable culture. Supper at recommended restaurant café and early night to rest, or enjoy a walk through the San Blas artists’ district, a quaint area filled with artisan and art shops, or stop in at one of the lively restaurants or coffee shops. (Lunch included)
Day Three (Friday)
After a buffet breakfast in the hotel, early bus to the sacred site at Saksaywaman overlooking the city of Cusco. Impressive stonework and structures weighing hundreds of tons will leave you in awe. How did the ancestors build those structures without the use of the wheel and steel implements? Here we do a simple ceremony to honour and tap into the sacred energies of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Return to Cusco for lunch on your own and to do some further sightseeing and exploring of the museums or shops around the main square. Or if you still feel affected by the altitude, you may just wish to relax in one of the many cafes that line the streets of this fascinating Inca Captial. Group meets back at the hotel for late afternoon departure to the market town Pisaq in the Sacred Valley. We leave Cusco and travel over the mountains down into the Urubamba Valley. Orientation at hostel in Pisaq and dinner at recommended restaurant. (Breakfast included)
Day Four (Saturday)
After a buffet breakfast at the hostel, we visit the ruins overlooking Pisaq with impressive Inca terraces. After Machu Picchu these ruins are rated to be the most spectacular. You have the option to walk up about 2000 ft from the village to the ruins in the mountains above, or catch a taxi to the main ruins. We return in the afternoon for a rest and some free time to explore the village of Pisaq. After an early supper at a recommended restaurant you are invited to join in a traditional Quero meditation with the four elements guided by Diane Dunn who has lived in Peru for many years. (Breakfast included)
Day Five (Sunday)
After a relaxed buffet breakfast at the hostel, we have a very special opportunity to see and experience the traditional Sunday market of Pisaq. Known as the most authentic and colourful of all the Inca markets in the Sacred Valley, you will be able to see the traditionally-dressed mountain people coming to barter and sell their produce cultivated in the high mountains. Be prepared- this market offers the best opportunity to buy woven goods, jewellery, colourful wall hangings and hand-painted beadwork and also wonderful photographic opportunities! Watch the lively activities of the market and also take time to explore the countryside hiking, or simply being in nature. Others may wish to use the time to rest or write in their travel journals. Dinner at recommended restaurant. (Breakfast included)
Day Six (Monday)
One of the highlights of the trip. Special day with visit to Moray terraces and Salineras. After breakfast, your day will begin with a visit to the mysterious concentric terraces found near the small village of Moray. The Incas were well known for their effective government, the impressive architecture and, especially, their agricultural skills. Even today, the terraces used by the Incas can still be seen everywhere in Peru and experiments have shown that using the ancient agricultural techniques can be more effective than modern day agriculture. Apart from the peculiar shape of the terraces at Moray, another major sight is the beautiful landscape: the Earth has a special ochre tone here and the Andes provide a glorious view and backdrop for the fields. The theory most often heard is that the three circles at Moray were used as a sort of agricultural laboratory by the Incas, but there are also other explanations such as religious use. It definitely has a mystical quality, especially late afternoon, when shadows begin to fill the amphitheatre- like terraces. Few people make it here as it is not part of the normal tour programs and it is therefore a fantastic place to visit. Interesting flora.
Optional short trip to Salineras, 500 year old salt pans built by the Incas to gather salt. Hot water flows out of a spring in the side of the mountain and the mineral rich water is diverted through miles of little channels and to hundreds of pans created on the mountainside for evaporation. These pans are still used today to create salt licks for cows.
Return to hostel in Pisaq and after dinner, early night in preparation for journey the next day (Breakfast included).
Day Seven (Tuesday)
Early start after breakfast with a drive through the Sacred Valley to the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo. After settling in at our hostal, we have an opportunity to visit its ruins with wonderful stonework and sun temple. Preparation for Machu Picchu and time to relax or explore the village and its markets. Traditional menu dinner at well known Hearts Café. (Breakfast included)
Day Eight (Wednesday)
Spectacular train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the lively village situated below the nearby Machu Picchu ruins. Along the way there are stunning views of snow-capped Veronica peak (5860m) and the beautiful cloud forest full of orchids, ferns flowers and hanging moss. The scenery on the way will blow you away! After check into your hostal, you have the day free to wander through the colourful town of Aguas Calientes, visit the shaman shops and general market for gifts, clothes and crystals and to have lunch along the river. Soak up the energies of the cloud forest and the mighty Urubamba river before an early dinner and retiring for the night so as to prepare for an early start the next day to visit Machu Picchu! (Breakfast included)
Day Nine (Thursday)
Rising at 4.30 am, we catch the first bus to Machu Picchu to see the early morning sunrise, or if you feel energetic and would like to walk up to the ruins it will take you approximately two and half hours. We arrive at sunrise at Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun, where through a rectangular doorway we experience a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After taking a short path down, it is time for us to explore and discover the real secrets of the Incas and pre- Incas. Known as the historical Inca centre of spiritual and political power, you are invited to take part in sacred ceremony honouring the Earth. Later on in the morning there is time to do your own exploration of the ancient site as a pilgrim. You will also be assisted in deciding which areas you might wish to further explore or hike.
Meet back at the hostal at 6pm. Weather permitting, the group is invited to participate in an outdoor Earth healing ceremony with the Full Moon. After the ceremony, we have a celebratory delicious dinner in one of the finest restaurants in Aguas Calientes. (Breakfast included)
Day Ten (Friday)
A day of mindfulness. After Machu Picchu, participants are welcome to unwind and integrate their experiences. Massages are available to pamper the body and you are invited to join in a morning visit to the thermal hot springs of Aguas Calientes. The energetic and those not afraid of heights who want to climb Huayna Picchu, Young Mountain, that overlook the site and has a spectacular view of Machu Picchu, may leave on the 5.30 am bus (have ready approx $40 to re-enter the ruins and $12 for a return bus trip). The climb to the top takes up to two hours and care must be taken, especially if the steps are wet. Others can at their option take a hike to a nearby waterfall, or visit the local Machu Picchu museum (entrance approx. $15). Dinner at recommended restaurant (Breakfast included)
Day Eleven (Saturday)
After breakfast, train journey back from Machu Picchu and then on to Cusco where we spend overnight. Farewell dinner celebration at Sams Café in Cusco. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day Twelve (Sunday)
Program begins and ends in Cusco on Sunday morning with breakfast included.
Further alternatives after close of Sacred Earth Journey and Retreat on Sunday morning:
1. Early morning return flight from Cusco to Lima airport and connecting flight home. If you are planning to depart Lima today (Sunday), we suggest that you do not book to depart until at least after 2 pm (14h00 hrs). With some exceptions, most overseas flights out of Lima tend to leave in the evening.
2. Return flight from Cusco to Lima and stay in Lima for 2 days to explore its many interesting Gold and Archeological museums and then to take flight back to home country. (The School can recommend hotel to stay and day tours)
3. Two more days in Cusco to explore on your own and catch flight back to home country via Lima. (The School can make some recommendations).
4. Ayahuaska ceremony in the Sacred Valley (see APPENDIX below and ask School for more information on this sacred healing plant ceremony)
5. Amazon 3 day excursion (ask School for more information- cost approx. $330 for return flight Lima- Puerto Maldonado and approx $400 for excursion)
The order within the above itinerary may vary slightly to suit the needs of the group and is subject to change in extraordinary circumstances and when so guided. The weather in the Andes is unpredictable and may cause delays or cancellation of flights or activities. Changes in flights and train schedule are common in Peru. The School has only had slight adjustments to its activities due to local rail strikes and some minor weather conditions. However, it cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen events in Peru or elsewhere that may disrupt this program. It strongly suggests that all participants take out travel/health insurance to protect your travel investment.
PRICE:
$1 040 inclusive (approx R10 400 depending on exchange rate on date of payment)
add
internal flight to/from Cusco (approx) $300 return
add
international flight to/from Lima
Cost includes all programs and meals as indicated in this itinerary. All Peruvian quality accommodation, transport (taxi, bus, train), entrance tickets to sites, guided tours, meditations and ceremonies.
Not included:
International return flights to Cusco via Lima (international flight to/from Lima and then short internal flight to/from Cusco)
Airport departure taxes- each participant must keep aside a total of approx. $42 ($30 for one international departure from Lima and $6 each for two domestic departures to and from Cusco). Please note these are not included in your booked air tickets.
Individual airport transfers in Lima (if necessary)
Second day entrance/bus ticket into Machu Picchu to climb Huayna Picchu (approx $56)
Please allow for between $5 - $15 for lunches and dinners not included in the itinerary (note: because of the different requirements of participants in regard to meals, it is preferable to leave each participant free to chose their own lunch and dinner menus according to personal budget and therefore they are not included in the overall price).
Individual tipping- tipping is entirely up to the group’s discretion. A voluntary collection for a tipping kitty will be held at the beginning of the program, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the program.
Souvenir shopping
Flights
Please co-ordinate your flight times with the School.
Air Malaysia offers a convenient flight from Cape Town to Buenos Aires and then there are flights with LAN PERU or TACA airlines to Lima, the capital of Peru. It is often cheaper to book these flights separately on the internet. The Air Malaysia flight leaves Cape Town mid morning and arrives in Buenos Aires at about 3.30pm Argentinian time (about a 4 hour flight but gaining time) and the connecting flight to Lima is another 4/5 hours arriving in Lima late evening. So usually necessary to sleep over in Lima before catching an early morning flight to Cusco- unless you are happy to stay in the airport overnight!
If you are travelling from the Middle East, Europe or the UK, you may fly via Madrid or New York depending on your preference and best pricing.
There are many internal morning flights of LAN PERU or TACA between Lima and Cusco, but it is a popular route and so booking is recommended. The flight from Lima to Cusco can be relatively expensive if booked on the internet (normally it should be in the region of $150 each way and if you are unable to find this as a reasonable price, the School can assist you to make these reservations via a local Peruvian travel agent who will charge a small commission).
Additional information
Please check the requirements of your country for visas. No visas are required for Peru if you hold a South African passport, but you do need a yellow fever injection certificate to show on your return to South Africa (easy to have and painless!). There is no malaria in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu but if you plan to also do a trip to the Amazon it is recommended that you take homeopathic malaria tablets.
Additional detailed tour information, including suggested packing and reading lists will be made available to you on registration.
The School also invites you to help the children of Peru by bringing any books in Spanish that relate to their nature-based life style, quality art and school supplies and second hand clothing for children.
All costs are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change.
We require a 20% non-refundable deposit to secure all reservations with full payment due 30 days prior to departure. Please note that the group is kept relatively small and so early booking is recommended to reserve a place in this special program. There are discounts available for block bookings of 2 people or more.
It is the School’s commitment to do its very best to make this a journey of a lifetime!
APPENDIX Ayahuaska Sacred Ceremony Option
“I sat on my mat and waited for the unknown, consciously relaxing my senses and releasing my physical tension. Soon the jungle noises rang in my ears like wind chimes, tinkling bells. In my mind’s eye, flecks of colour and shapes danced to this strange music I was hearing. My hands began to tingle and my head to spin. I took a deep breath and reminded myself to surrender and trust. Immediately an inner dialogue started that lasted for the duration of my amazing journey.
The voices I heard were my own levels of consciousness as well as wisdom guides, messengers, and loudest of all, God Herself. All were communicating with me, simultaneously. I was disoriented in my body and all my senses, yet capable of discerning and understanding all the messages at once. Nothing was normal. Many voices were talking me through what was happening, so I wouldn’t be afraid. I didn’t like being physically out of control, but the voices were so reassuring that I moved beyond fear like falling from a shooting star, and fell right into the loving arms of God. I heard her voice so clearly and felt her presence so close as to be connected, with nothing separating us. Then I felt nauseous…..
The effects of the Ayahuasca were becoming milder. My senses were feeling more familiar. I knew that normalcy would return soon. The voices were quieting down. But I was also losing that crystal clear connection with God. She was still with me but the veil between us was becoming more opaque.
All the inner knowing I possessed in my place of origin was slipping away from me.
In its place was a profound love. Love so deep and wide, I simply floated in it. I felt so grateful. I felt grateful for love and life itself. I felt grateful for the insights I had been given, the visions I’d seen and for the indelible connections I’d made. I felt grateful for moving beyond fear and trusting in the amazing possibilities that lie on the other side of it.
‘Know that if you choose this, everything else in your life will change.’
And it did.”
Extract from Diane Dunn in her book ‘CUSCO The Gateway to Inner Wisdom’ © 2006
The SHAMANS of South America and Peru
South America and more particularly Peru is a place for shamanistic experiences. There the tradition has never really disappeared and so it is a place of great and many opportunities to work with the other worlds and dimensions.
On my last visit to Peru in October, I had the joy of meeting up with Diane Dunn (the writer of the above extract) and also reading parts of her book. She is an American living in Peru having started a spiritual centre in a beautiful area of the Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu called Pisaq. Interestingly enough she also spent some time in South Africa during the early nineties when she worked for a charity.
When I read her book, I was very much struck by her account of taking a sacred medicine plant of the jungle in Peru, called the Ayahuaska.
And after my return to South Africa further synchronicities happened leading me to take part in one such ceremony - much to my own surprise! I had always known about the plant, but never felt drawn to it. I now know that this was mainly because of my deep seated fears of losing control and my body not being of a sufficiently high enough vibration for it to be a positive experience.
But when I asked for my higher guidance this time, the answer was clear- to trust my intuition and follow the synchronicities that had lead me so far.
And so it was with some trepidation that I sat in a circle readying myself for probably what has been one of the most profound experiences in my life.
I feel that Diane’s account above really does justice to what happened to me- I had a very similar experience and it felt that all my psychic senses had opened up simultaneously. It was quite incredible, because I was like an observer, conscious seeing how I was operating in the world of matter.
What I also feel was unique about it, was that unlike any meditation or spiritual experience I had ever had, this was ALSO happening in my physical body and so it integrated something in a way that I had never happen before.
The incredible feeling of freedom and release from fear held in my body was quite amazing and it literally felt as if I had been cast into gold after going through the cleansing of a sacred fire.
The essence of the plant is in my experience to balance whatever is in the body that is out of balance with my soul. And so I felt a lot of discomfort in the areas of my body where I am aware I still hold blocks. And the wonderful thing was that afterwards it felt that I had actually conquered them by allowing the medicine plant to assist me with its energies.
Many call the Ayahuaska a death experience and I can really relate to that. It is as if I was able to shed a skin and experience a death of that part of myself that was so held in fear that it needed to be shed and die.
When you google the word Ayahuaska you will find so many accounts of negative experiences. I consciously chose not to go into the experience with preconceived fear, but to know that if I set a positive intention and consciously choose to use it as a healing experience I would not resist the healing magic of the plant and so ensure that I have the most beneficial experience.
I also knew that the particular shaman that did the ceremony was holding so much of the potential of the experience and as I could see how he was working with the sacred energies of the plant, I was assured that he was working from the heart and that I could totally trust the experience.
What I also know is that the experience has changed me and my life completely for the better.
And so I have been guided to for the first time offer also the option of an ayahuaska ceremony as part of an extension to the journey. Being able to experience this in the land of the plant’s origin will offer the privilege of making it truly an unforgettable and amazing experience.
Visiting Sacred Sites, Beautiful Lands and Mystical Places
For Spiritual Evolution with the Earth and Greater Self-Awareness
THOUGHT FOR RETREATS (as per The Emerald Heart)
When you work from love in your heart, other forms of consciousness will open to you. For example, the nature spirit kingdoms or the Earth Mother herself. You cannot force the doors to other kingdoms, they will only open to you when the love in your heart is developed to a degree whereby those forms of consciousness feel safe to open in your presence, and when they know that you have developed to a point in your own evolution where you will not misuse the information given. If you can open yourself to a point where the light of heaven and earth can be seen in your heart, then all forms of consciousness can see the love within you and will open to you if it is appropriate to communicate.
PRINGLE BAY
SACRED EARTH RETREATS PRINGLE BAY 2009
9-11 JANUARY 2009
16-18 JANUARY 2009
26-28 JANUARY 2009 sun eclipse
13-15 FEBRUARY 2009
Pringle Bay is a small picturesque coastal village near Cape Town that has the privilege of being in the heart of a UNESCO World Nature Reserve, called the Kogelberg Biosphere. The reserve is renowned for its Indigenous Fynbos Flora and has more plant species per square meter than anywhere else in the world!
Set against the slopes of the magnificent Kogelberg Mountains and the famous Hangklip Mountain, Pringle Bay has a pristine white beach with stunning sunset views of Table Mountain and Cape Point across False Bay, reflecting its own unique spiritual essence of beauty and peace.
It is undisturbed by street lights and so an ideal place to observe the stars and the planets, experience the elements, and admire the beautiful colours of Mother Nature.
Here you can separate yourself from the everyday concerns of your world, rest and spend time experiencing inspiring heart, mind and soul activities such as heart meditations, walks on the beach and working with the Moon and the Elements:
- To create a new way of living that is more whole and connected to the Earth, and will help to bring back the spiritual flow of Love in your life.With more and more people starting to question the values of the world around us and to look for greater meaning and purpose in their day-to-day lives, THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL in Pringle Bay seeks to provide you with the chance to become more aware of yourself and so also grow closer to the Earth and her soul.
The retreats are kept small to ensure that you are able to get the maximum benefit from the time away and are facilitated by Elizabeth Bardin who is a naturally gifted psychic and channel with a deep love for the Earth.
She first worked for many years as a practising solicitor and in investment banking before her keen interest in personal self development and finding a greater personal awareness of the Earth eventually lead her to facilitating Sacred Earth Retreats.
She also has unusual skills and talents of working with the Moon and is the author of The Lady Morgaine Moon Oracle Cards and an experienced tarot teacher.
Many clients have found positive change in the way that they feel about their lives and also themselves through discovering new ways of creating a happier inner and outer life that is more in harmony with themselves, the World and all of Nature.
More information about what actually happens during the Retreats
“Basically a participant will have an opportunity to be in a place close to nature where they can get away from their normal routines and focus exclusively on themselves. During the weekend I do an individual reading that helps the person to clear some blocks in their akashic records and so help to create a more beautiful and fulfilling future. During the reading there are also some light activations and it is a bit like having an attunement. I work with many different guides including the ascended Master energies and also Pacha Mama/ Gaia/ Earth soul. During the weekend I teach participants a very simple but life changing heart meditation that they can use to help heal the Higher Heart and bring more hope and inspiration into their lives. They also have an opportunity to work with the Moon and Magic Mandalas.
I have studied, researched and experienced many different disciplines such as TAROT, EFT, NLP, Hypnotherapy, past life regression, Life Coaching, re-connection therapy, quantum touch, and am a Reiki Master for over 15 years although I don’t use any of these anymore as such and combine them all as part of my skills of working with energy and crystals. I also have much experience with sacred sites and clearing and activating leylines in theEarth.
The retreats are small with a maximum of 3 people and the accommodation is simple but very adequate. All meals are also included with an emphasis on healthy and once again simple and nurturing food.
It would be a wonderful privilege to work with you if that feels right for you to join in the retreats and please do let me know if you have any specific questions.”
COST: R1070 all inclusive (Friday night to Sunday afternoon with meals and accommodation included)
with blessings of Love
Elizabeth
THE ARTHURIAN SCHOOL
PRINGLE BAY
www.arthurianschool.com
info@arthurianschool.com
telephone: (0027) 28 273 8277 international 028 273 8277 local
mobile: (0027) 783716343 international 0783716343 local
PLEASE NOTE This magazine has a stated intent: to be for the highest good of all and to harm no one.
“Revitalise and Enlighten your Life with the Moon”
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