Journey of the Radiant Heart 2008
12 Days into the West of Ireland 1st October — 13th October, 2008
Imagine living as part of a small community of like-minded individuals, drawn together by a common desire to explore the sense of mystery that shrouds our ancient past and seek the threads that connect us to our ancestors and their gifts. Imagine being in a time out of time where watches and phones are not important and the light of the sun, moon and stars guides your way.
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SENSE OF BELONGING
Wim and I welcome you to be part of such a community, to spend 12 rich days steeped in the mystery and magic of the west of Ireland this October. Our base will be the powerful and mysterious landscape of Connemara. Land of 200 lakes, rugged mountains and epic coastline, it is a stronghold of ancient tradition and a place of refuge for many native Irish in the past. A land of mystique, pirates and smugglers, fairy forts, prehistoric stone alignments and hollow hills, it beckons us. A place of deeply spiritual experience and spectacular natural beauty, it calls us. This land where we will celebrate, explore, rest, contemplate and dream. Where you will have the sacred space and time to work actively with your own Dreamtime.
Our accommodation is beside the magnificent Streamstown Bay, close to the Connemara National Park. The entire area abounds with ancient sites of pre history and has been described as the finest example of a Neolithic and Bronze age ritual landscape in the world. These 12 days will be a rich and intimate exploration that brings history, mythology and spirituality together. You will discover that the mystical land and culture where we stay and work carries a transformative power and wisdom that you will connect to during this very special time.
People have lived, loved, fought, prayed, mourned, celebrated and danced in this land for over 6,000 years. Their story is threaded throughout the landscape where we will spend our time, soaking up the mysteries, the beauty and the wisdom.
Something that has become increasingly apparent to me as I travel through my different communities, is the importance of a sense of belonging. So much stress and unhappiness results from a sense of disconnection we experience in the modern world. A feeling of being apart – from spirit, from nature, from each other – from community.
BEING PART OF SOMETHING GREATER
Too often we survive with little sense of being part of something greater. During our 12 days together we will enjoy support, new friendships, intimate conversation and exploration of both inner and outer realms.
“A great strength of Celtic spirituality is the deep and enduring power of community.” And the understanding that we are nature – not separate to it.
We will spend time in the local communities, immersed in the culture, traditional music, storytelling and ambience of the countryside. We’ll also visit holy wells for healing, enjoy walks and delicious picnics, experience mystical sites of pre-history, and have quality time for rest, contemplation and journal writing. Participants will have the opportunity to be involved in healing ceremonies, dream work, meditation, shamanic journeying and exploration of lesser-known sacred sites. Our accommodation is a homely, comfortable cottage that features a conservatory overlooking the bay, where we will share sumptuous vegetarian feasts prepared with local produce, accompanied by great conversation, stories and fun! Each morning begins with a healing circle and visionary meditation where we will set the intention for the day’s adventures.
EXPLORING THE MYSTERIOUS
Going into the west in Ireland is associated with going to the Otherworld. It is a land of untamed character, unpredictable weather and dramatic light. A grand landscape where the echoes of the heroic past can still be felt in the wind and rain, in the radiant light and the enigmatic ancient temple sites woven throughout the landscape. Amongst the wild beauty, the land where we will stay is covered with shrines, holy temples and forts. Potent places that defy the narrow boundaries of modern ideas. The landscape is marked at every turn by its stories and histories. Traditionally maritime pilgrimage linked many of the holy places along the west coast. We will visit a number of these sites in Connemara and Mayo, where you will experience the flow of energy and connection to earth. There are also many wonderful local sites of prehistory where we will spend time, share ceremony or perhaps simply take time out to be alone in the landscape. (see my entries, Streamstown Village and Little Hill of Women). We will experience the enigmatic white quartz standing stones unique to the area, and the swan dreaming of Caer, Goddess of the Dreamtime.
During our 2008 pilgrimage we will explore the magnificent mountains of Connemara, the Maumturks and the Twelve Bens and the holy sites that are hidden away in their deep and mysterious valleys. We will climb Diamond Mountain, following footsteps of the local people who climbed their sacred mountain for inspiration and to touch the Otherworld, glimpsed through the light of the setting sun over the north west Atlantic, and who hoped to find their own white quartz talisman.
SMUGGLERS COVES AND CAVES
We have planned unforgettable days out including exploring the nearby mystical Omey Island where we will walk the traditional Turas (pilgrimage). Can you imagine exploring hidden smugglers coves and caves, visiting lesser known sites of antiquity, enjoying delicious picnics and learning more of the local lore and history? And of course, there are many more surprises in store for you during our exceptional time together as you experience the spiritual pathways of the ancient people of Ireland and open to the soul of this land of the heart awakening ancient ancestral memories of your own.
We will visit old villages built on stone age sites where you will be captivated by the enigma of the ancient court cairns and local wedge tombs – powerful portals to the otherworld. The glorious and rugged scenery of Kylmore Valley is the backdrop as we explore the mysterious remains of Mweelin Village in the Connemara national park. Renvyle Peninsula also beckons our attention this year, stronghold of the wild O’Flaherty clan, sometimes allies of the fierce O’Malleys of Mayo, it is steeped in rich folklore. As we explore the coast of Connemara and Mayo, we will follow in the footsteps of the fierce and exceptional character of Granuaile O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of the west coast. We will visit her castle on Inishbofin, the Island of the White Cow, as part of a wonderful day out. Inishbofin holds a very special place in the creation story of ancient local lore, a tale we will share as part of our time on the island.
It is a time to open your heart and to access your own deep inner wealth of spiritual resources. Your inner work will be empowered and enriched by the mystical landscape where you will live, dream and embark on epic adventures of the soul.
Join us from the 1st – 13th October for an unforgettable experience!
Celtic cultures are the cornerstone of the western world. The Irish and Scottish traditions are still alive today. Explore the deep mysticism of these traditions as Michelle guides you through a deeply personal journey in the land of her ancestors.