Going on a pilgrimage has always conjured a deep sense of mystery and adventure for me. And in so many ways, that also sums up my view of my spiritual pathway and Wild Wisdom. Pilgrimage, in its essence, is both an outer and inner journey—one that invites us to step into the unknown, to walk the edges of certainty and uncertainty, and to encounter situations and questions that invigorate, inspire, or challenge us, heightening our awareness and deepening our inner knowing.
Paulo Coelho reframes the journey of a pilgrimage as the journey into the mysterious question, “Who am I?” This question is both vital and nourishing for our evolution in today’s age.
Undertaking a Pilgrimage
The act of pilgrimage strips away the noise and clutter of daily life, leaving space for the kind of self-discovery that can only arise when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to the unknown.
A pilgrimage is a journey of the soul as well as the body and mind and leaves one changed forever. It is the opportunity to discover or rediscover aspects of ourselves that have not been accessible or that have wandered away from our everyday lives. (Mara Freeman)
The Modern Pilgrimage
Traditionally, pilgrimages have been about specific sacred sites, religious traditions, and seeking healing. These days, they are broader and more deeply personal.
Today’s pilgrim might walk the Camino de Santiago, traverse the Highlands of Scotland, or even journey into the wilderness of their own backyard with intention. It is the mindset—the willingness to open oneself to mystery, to bridge between the outer journey and the inner—that transforms a walk into a pilgrimage.
The outer landscapes we journey through hold clues and resonance to the landscapes within us.
The Power of Intention and Mystery
What makes pilgrimage powerful is its grounding in intention. To set out on a pilgrimage is to declare to yourself and to the universe that you are seeking something—perhaps clarity, healing, connection, or simply to meet yourself anew.
Mystery plays a central role here, as the journey is never entirely predictable. The unexpected detours, the challenges you inevitably encounter, the people you meet, the shit that happens, and the quiet revelations along the way—these are the adventures of the soul. They lift us up, make us question, help us see things through fresh eyes, shift our perspectives, and open the door to real transformation.
The “Who Am I?” Question
At its heart, the question “Who am I?” beckons us to shed our labels and roles, to go beyond the stories we tell about ourselves. On pilgrimage, there is a freedom to let go of these ideas, stories, masks, and old ways of being.
This freedom often arises through intense challenges—physical, emotional, and psychological. Free of the usual markers of identity, such as job titles or societal roles, we become more present to the essence of our being. Each step, each breath, becomes an exploration of that essence—a chance to reconnect with the soul’s quiet truth.
A Call to Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is not confined to the physical journey; it is an approach to life. Each day offers an opportunity to embark on a micro-pilgrimage—to walk with intention, to approach the unknown with curiosity, and to open to the wisdom that arises from simply being present.
In embracing pilgrimage, we embrace the mystery of life itself. We walk not to find all the answers but to deepen into the questions, trusting that the journey will bring us closer to the heart of who we are.
As Wild Wisdom practices remind us, the path is alive, and so are we—each step an invitation to adventure, each breath a reminder of the sacred mystery we live in.
Pilgrimage as a Sacred Experience
Pilgrimage awakens within us a sense of wonder, gratitude, and appreciation for the beauty and mystery of existence.
It reminds us that the journey itself is what is important—that every step holds potential for transformation or renewal. It is an opportunity to commune with mystery and the Divine, to slow down, and to confront what is not congruent in our lives.
In essence, pilgrimages are a time out of time. A time to listen to the voice of your heart, to be comfortable with—perhaps even excited by—the unknown. To access your deeper wisdom and understanding of self.
We are always stepping into the unknown, but when big change is upon us, it can be daunting. The more comfortable we become with the unknown, the more we can steady ourselves and move forward with trust and a sense of clarity—clarity that comes from knowing ourselves and understanding our way of being.
Bringing the Mystical into Everyday Life
Pilgrimage is not just about walking a sacred path—it is about carrying the spirit of pilgrimage into daily life.
In the modern day, this is often why we undertake a pilgrimage—to bring our own magic, dreams, desires, and a deepening relationship with the Divine into our everyday life.
From this perspective, each morning is the dawning of a new day, an opportunity for new experiences, new choices, new ways of being. Each day is a mini-pilgrimage—an unfolding journey where we remain open to discovering something meaningful that enlarges our lives.
Pilgrimage helps us see the sacred in ourselves. It's not just about the place; it's about finding the holy in our own hearts.
Wild Wisdom Pilgrimages: A Journey Home
As a teacher, I have always been drawn to mystery, the unknown, dreams, and desires—realms where I feel strangely at home, and where I love to guide others. These are places where things transpire, where we touch our beauty and holiness, where we confront deep fears and find the strength to overcome them.
I made numerous pilgrimages of my own, in my own way, and it wasn’t long before I conceived the idea of taking others on pilgrimages with me. It is natural to do this in the wild places where I am most at home.
I began in the land of my ancestors, in West Ireland—a place that, for me, has been a high adventure of the soul, a storied landscape filled with the dreams of those who came before me.
The echoes of their voices are still present. If we listen carefully, we hear their prayers sent forward—their songs and stories like lifelines, carried on the wind, “reminders of who we are and where we came from...
When I listen, I feel their strength moving through me… urging me to remember, to reclaim, to carry forward what was never meant to be lost.” (Gene Braverock)
I remember when the inspiration came to me—a thunderbolt out of the blue.
I’m going to take people on pilgrimages to Ireland!
It was a revelation that would change my life—as they do when you trust and follow the magical signs and the voice of your heart.
Join the Journey
Wild Wisdom Pilgrimages take place in Connemara and Australia—wild places where I dream, create, and walk the land with love and reverence.
Together, we journey into landscapes rich with story and spirit, uncovering the magic that unfolds when we step into the unknown with intention.
Each pilgrimage is an invitation to explore the sacred question “Who am I?” and to embrace life itself as a pilgrimage.
Are you ready to step into the unknown? Let the journey shape you.
Comments