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JOURNEYS NEWSLETTER - MAY 2009
Sacred Journeys|Yoga Tours and Retreats |Wisdom Teachings
Greetings!
As summer approaches my mind begins to drift off in slow, dreamy wonder. With the weather warming up, I begin to pull myself out of hibernation and escape out into nature to reconnect with Mother Earth. This is the time when I enjoy really slowing down. I’ve already done my spring detox and cleanse and can now refocus on the new things I want to bring into my life. Being surrounded by all of nature’s glory really helps me ground, clear, and centre myself for deep meditation and visualization practices.
The Maya, who were completely surrounded and enveloped by the splendours of Mother Nature, also included deep meditation and visualization exercises into their ceremonies and daily practice. One of their most important rituals was their bloodletting ritual which involved self-cutting or piercing and carried the ritualist into a trance-like state. As the the blood flowed it was collected in bowls containing paper or parchment which was later burned. While the smoke rose to the heavens, the sacrificed blood was transformed and carried as an offering to the gods. This sacrificial act symbolized the renewal of divine energy and the continuation of life and represented the act of the gods who had first given life to humankind by their own sacrifice.
The Vision Serpent, an important creature and religious symbol to the Maya, is attributed to these bloodletting rituals. The Vision Serpent lies at the center of the world, at its axis, and acts as the centre of communication between the spiritual and earthly plains. Through the ritual of bloodletting, Kings were able to manifest the Vision Serpent in order to commune with their ancestors and gods. This ritual was also preformed during coronation rites when Kings would seek wisdom from past rulers and guidance and blessings from the spirit world.
Lintels depicting the image of the Vision Serpent can be found at several Mayan sites with the most remarkable lintels found at Yaxchilan. Here on Lintel 15 we see a depiction of an ancestor emerging from the mouth of a Vision Serpent. Another notable image, which relates the Vision Serpent to the Mayan religion, can be found in Palenque on the sarcophagus lid of Lord Pakal Votan. The image illustrated here is of the death of Pakal and his descent into the underworld. The serpent bar, which lies horizontally at the centre of the World Tree, represents the channel between the living and the dead in the same way that the Vision Serpent acts as a medium between the two worlds.
On our Maya Sacred Path to 2012 journey, Awaken the Maya Spirit Within - December 3 - 12, 2009 we visit both the sites of Palenque and Yaxchilan to see these amazing illustrations and depictions first hand. Immersed in some of Mexico's most stunning natural environments we, as as the ancient Maya before us, will be led into ceremony and meditation to connect with our ancestors and the ancients. While we may not be performing the extreme bloodletting rituals of the Maya, we can assure you that the energy of the spirits and the ancients is truly palpable at these sites. Led by our Maya Wisdom Keeper, Miguel Angel Vergara Calleros, and Spiritual Teacher, Dr. Richard Jelusich, we will gather together to call in the Vision Serpent to help awaken the Maya Spirit within ourselves. We invite you to join us on this amazing journey and tap into the energies found at the sacred sites. Let the Vision Serpent allow you to connect with the divine, your ancestors and the ancients, and let it help you manifest your dreams. Our journey is already half full so if you would like to join us, don't delay and submit your registration form ASAP!
To see slide shows and videos from last year's Maya Sacred Path to 2012 journey, please click here.
Our journey to Peru - Heart of the Pachamama, is now a
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE, so be sure to book soon! This is a
rare and special opportunity to be with Puma in Peru in
such an intimate group setting.
We'd also like to remind you about the Maya Sacred Wisdom Workshop & Ceremony with Miguel Angel here in Vancouver on June 6 & 7. There are only a few spaces left, so if you are interested in attending this fascinating workshop, please contact us now. For more information about the workshop and dates, please click here.
Blessings
Helen Tomei & Daniela Masaro
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Sacred Journeys
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
England - Return to Avalon - The Magic of the Stones
August 7 - 17, 2009
 Journey with Spiritual Teacher, Karen Rae Wilson on a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of England to deepen the power of your intuition and inner knowing. Travel from the gentle embrace of Somerset, considered the legendary heart center of the world, to the wild and rugged beauty of Cornwall, known as the home of the ancient Britons. Awaken the energies of the Sacred Feminine and Sacred Masculine within yourself and restore the balance of this Divine Union. Participate in Sacred Ceremonies and Special Initiations, be led into Meditation amongst the great oaks, discover the Magic of the Stones and become acquainted with the "Stone People" at Avebury, Stonehenge, Madron and Bodmin Moor, and activate a vision of peace and harmony on Earth during our Private Entrance at Stonehenge.
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE - BOOK NOW!
Peru - Heart of the Pachamama - A Heart Opening Sacred Journey
September 16 - 23, 2009
 Join us in a heart-opening journey to celebrate the Spring Equinox at Machu Picchu and Mandor Falls with Andean Medicine Man, Healer and Wisdom Keeper, Puma Quispe Singona. Explore the mysteries of the majestic Andes and find enlightenment and inspiration in this warm and harmonic land. Stroll around the colourful town of Cusco, wander through the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas and travel back through time while rediscovering ancient Incan sites in Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Connect with Pachamama (Mother Earth), the Incan goddess of fertility and the harvest, and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for this great Earth. Open your heart as you listen to the whispers in the wind and let the Condors guide you to find your inner peace and balance.
 Our optional extension on September 23 - 27, 2009 to Lake Titicaca is an opportunity not to be missed. Explore the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca and the Uros Floating Islands. Assist in a Dream Pillow project with local under privileged children and help offer them magical dreams and a vision for a brighter future. Visit a local centre for women and children and give back to the people who have given you so much on this remarkable journey. You may also wish to take advantage of an optional Coca Leaf Reading with Puma who has an incredible gift with reading the coca leaves.
PRIVATE MEDITATION IN KING'S CHAMBER!
Egypt - Path of the Mystery School Initiate
October 19 - 31 , 2009
Journey to Egypt, the Sacred Land of Khem, with Spiritual Teacher, Antoinette Glynn, and Egyptologist, Hanan el Deeb. Elevate your consciousness and expand your awareness in preparation for the dawn of a new era on Earth known to the Ancients as the “Golden Age”. As we now move with increasing speed towards this shift in consciousness, it is integral for us to understand this ancient wisdom. In order to navigate these chaotic times and walk forward, fully empowered and enlightened, it is essential that we “wake up” and “remember” who we are and where we come from. As we journey through this ancient and sacred land, and follow the Path of the Mystery School Initiate, we will awaken our ancient memory, activate our light bodies and heal our mind, body and spirit so that we may enter the Golden Age full of wisdom and insight.
TOUR IS HALF FULL - DON'T MISS OUT!
Mexico - Maya Sacred Path to 2012 - Awaken the Maya Spirit Within
December 3 - 12 , 2009
 Journey with us and awaken the Maya Spirit within you on our 2009 Maya Sacred Path to 2012 program. This year we travel through the beautiful states of Tabasco and Chiapas, welcomed by the Maya Teachers of Light who invite us to awaken the Maya Spirit within. Immersing ourselves in Mother Nature’s grandeur, we connect with the Divine Mother who has called us to once again perform her Sacred Rituals in harmony. At the Maya’s sacred ceremonial centres, we help open the spiritual gateways to all those who wish to return to the Mayan consciousness of love and wisdom. Mayan prophecies foretell that at the end of the Mayan Calendar, all humankind will return to the land of the Maya to understand the Great Maya Spirit which lies within all of us. Together we will awaken the Serpent of Wisdom within, linking us to the knowledge of the stars and the blessing forces of our Divine Mother, Ixchel, so that we may see the beauty of life and the sacredness of every being in the universe. Combining our visits to the sacred sites with traditional Mayan ceremonies, we will be led by Miguel Angel Vergara Calleros who will share his informative teachings of the Maya Wisdom and Cosmology. We will also have three lectures with Dr. Richard Jelusich to help us understand our connection to the Maya: Past Life Connection and Future Vision, The Maya Cosmology of Evolution, Atlantis and Ancient Races, and Mayan Cosmology and the Energy Grid of the Galactic Centre-Solar System-Pleiadian Axis of Consciousness.
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Yoga Tours and Retreats
RECONNECT WITH YOURSELF AND THE UNIVERSE!
India - Spirit of India
February 13 - 28, 2010
 Join Michele Labelle on a spiritually captivating yoga journey of South India. With its vibrant colours, intoxicating scents, and animated culture, India welcomes you. Travel through a kaleidoscope of settings, from bustling cities to charming colonial towns, tranquil gardens to lush rainforests, wildlife sanctuaries to glorious sandy beaches. The Spirit of India journey is a wonderful way of exploring India’s magic in a group setting with like minded travellers ready to explore new adventures. Journey with us on this trip of a lifetime and let yourself be surprised and amazed by this magical and mysterious land. Come explore and immerse yourself in the Indian experience that will cause your soul to be touched, moved and inspired.
Wisdom Teachings
AWAKEN YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS!
Mexico - Maya Cosmic Institute
Multiple Dates
 The Maya Cosmic Institute is in Mérida, Mexico. Courses offered teach the Maya Cosmovision, the Maya connection
with Atlantis, the Mayan Calendars and Prophecies, the Sacred Ceremonies and Rituals of the ancient Maya, the Maya Goddesses and the rise of the Sacred Feminine, and more. Our mission is to share the sacred Maya teachings through the study of their science, art, philosophy, and religion, as it is found in the ceremonies, rituals, mantras, sacred books, pyramids, temples, stelae, pottery, paintings, sculptures and oral traditions that are available to us today. Each one is a unique masterpiece that helps us transcend from the physical/material level and rise to the level of the soul and spirit. In our programs we derive our information directly from the source to find the essence of the Maya knowledge once more. Our goal is to share the message of light from the Maya teachers who are guiding us to the sac-be of the stars, linking us with the sun and the moon. These teachings will help you to deepen your awareness and awaken your consciousness.
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For More Information and to Register for our Sacred Journeys please contact Helen Tomei at Sacred Earth Journeys - info@sacredearthjourneys.ca |
