Goddess Tour to the Black Madonna of France

Our Quest for the Eternal Feminine - the Soul of the World - brings us to the feet of the Black Virgin of France, whose magic is encoded in the Gothic Cathedrals and springs from the flow of terrestrial magma deep within the Earth. She is known to the Mythical Traveler as the compassionate one who will show us the way through the darkness into the light if we pay her homage. Deep in her eyes and mysterious smile you can catch a glimpse of the troubadours' ancient songs of courtly love and soul-making.

Our Sacred Journey will lead us from the Cathedral of Chartres to the Goddess Center of Vezelay, from the sacred grotto of St. Baume, where Mary Magdalene lived, to the feet of the Primordial Mother, the Black Virgin of Rocamadour. During this Pilgrimage I'll share with you the many teachings and information I have gathered and received during years of traveling to this region in search of the Grail Mythos, the Knights Templar, the Cathars, and how they are linked to Mary Magdalene and the Mystical Church of Christ.

ITINERARY

On September 19, we will meet at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, from where we will drive to the old town of Chartres. In the magnificent Cathedral of Chartres we will walk the sacred labyrinth, a path toward wholeness, and ask the Black Madonna for blessing and guidance on our journey. In Vezelay, one of the sacred Goddess sites of Europe and heart center of our pilgrimage, we will visit the Basilica of St. Madeleine, where the relics of Mary Magdalene are held and where she is honored as the "Holder of the Grail." From Vezelay we will drive to Arles, located in the heart of the Camarque, and loved by painters, like Van Gogh, whose work will forever be linked with the light-filled landscape of Provence and the brilliance of these southern skies. From Arles we will explore the grotto of St. Baume, where it is said that Mary Magdalene spent the last thirty years of her earthly existence in prayer and solitude.

Our next step on the Path of the Magdalene brings us to the Basilique of Saint-Maximim where her body was taken after her death and still today one can visit her tomb in the crypt of the Basilica. Legends tell us that after the crucifixion of Jesus, the Magdalene sailed to France from the Holy Land with a small group of Initiates, carrying with her the Grail. They landed in Maries-de-la-Mer, our next destination. She was accompanied by Sara, her black Egyptian servant. It was Sara who gave birth to the Cult of the Black Virgin in the tradition of alchemical Rites of Isis. Looking into her piercing eyes today, one is still shown the path of transmutation of body, soul and spirit. She is the prima materia of the Alchemists, the bringer of light into the darkness of matter. A beautiful drive through the countryside of the Provence will bring us into the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Black Madonna of Limoux. One of the secret teachings of the Mystery Traditions is encoded in the garden and church of Notre Dame de Marseilles, the meeting of the Earth and Sky Goddess.

From here we will drive to Rennes-le-Chateau, the center of the mysteries of the Holy Blood and Holy Grail, linked with the Knights Templars, Cathars and Merovingian Kings. It is here that the cult of Mary Magdalene has its center. Her secrets are encoded in the St. Magdalene Church and the landscape of La Val-Dieu ~ the Valley of the Gods. Driving through the magnificent Languedoc region will bring us next to the lovely old town of Rocamadour, one of the main centers on the Pilgrim route to Compostela. Following in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims throughout the ages, we will bring our prayers to the feet of the Primordial Mother, the Black Virgin of Rocamadour, famous for her healing powers and many cures. From Rocamadour we will drive back to Chartres, bringing our gratitude for this magical journey to the feet of the Black Madonna, before returning next morning to Paris for your return flight to the US or you can continue the journey on your own.

Our last year's FEE of $ 4,270 (double occupancy, excluding airfare) was based on an exchange rate of dollars to euro at the rate of 1.23 euro per $1.00. It is hard to predict what the exchange rate will be at the time of our journey and how much our hotels might increase their rates. Since the euro's strength is increasing, I can only HIGHLY recommend you to make your reservation and payments as soon as possible. I also must say that the fairly high fees are a reflection of the strong euro versus weak dollar.

Our prices include first-class accommodations or best available, all ground transportation by private coach and driver, entrance fees to all sites, and most meals.

Most important, I cannot garantee available in our carefully chosen hotels and inns without a $600 deposit. Space is limited and hotels fill up quickly since the "Dark Virgin" becomes more and more visible! Please contact our office for detailed information about payments, cancellation policy, registration, and any other question you might have.

For more information, please contact: Helena A. Shik 34 Purple Mountain Road Putney, Vermont 05346 Phone/Fax: 1-802-387-4753 or via e-mail at: hshik@wildblue.net

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GODDESS TOUR to the BLACK MADONNA of FRANCE

September 19 - 30, 2005

ITINERARY

GODDESS TOUR to
the BLACK MADONNA
of FRANCE