 Join Phil Cousineau for an unforgettable sacred odyssey into the heart of ancient Greece. Journey through a land of myth and mysteries, discovering the legends of ancient gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines. Visit sacred ancient sites in honour of the Greek gods and goddesses, and take a step back in time to relive the ancient stories. Blessed with the bountiful gifts of the captivating islands, enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings, the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the delicious traditional cuisine, the lively and vibrant culture and the welcoming Greek people.
 Our journey will begin in Athens as we follow the Panathenaic Way, the ancient procession of the goddess, up to the Acropolis to explore this sacred site. At the Acropolis Museum we will discover the antique relics and findings from the site of the Acropolis, finally ending our day at the sacred centre of the Agora in the heart of the city. We continue on to the sacred site of Delphi and the Sanctuary of Eleusis to learn about the ancient secret rites and initiation ceremonies and discuss the role of the goddess in Greek mythology as well as the role of ritual in antiquity. We shall also wind our way up the ancient Sacred Way to the home of the Oracle at the Temple of Apollo, one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in all the world, and, in the spirit of the ancient pilgrims, we too shall ask a question. At Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games, we shall learn about the relationship between athletics and spirituality, and the sacred dimensions of sports in ancient times. Travelling on to the seaport town of Nafplion, we find cobblestone streets, Venetian balconies, picturesque cafés and fortresses. Continuing our journey, we stop in Mystra, Sparta, and Mycenae, eventually winding up our odyssey on the island of Santorini. With its dramatic caldera views and stunning sunsets, here we shall unravel mysteries of the ancient Minoan civilization that flourished in Akrotiri before a momentous volcanic eruption destroyed it in the 2nd century B.C.E. We will also discuss the Myth of Atlantis, which was born here, and has persisted for over two thousand years. Finally, we return to Athens and bid a fond farewell to this magical land.
 You may also continue your journey and join us on an optional extension to Crete, known as the “Island of the Gods”, according to Homer. Here we will visit Bronze Age sites and learn about the magnificent civilization that once inhabited this enchanting place. Phil will spin many ancient tales on this journey, including the legend of the Minotaur and his labyrinth at Knossos. We will also visit the Paliani Monastery to discover its associations with Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, and the Dikteon Andron, the spectacular cave which has long been considered the legendary secret birth site of Zeus.
We welcome you to join us on this mystical journey to connect with the power of the ancient gods and goddesses and be graced with all the magic and fascination this land has to offer.
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From our past journey with Phil in Ireland
The Sacred Earth Journeys tour, Ireland - Land of Myth and Mystery with Phil Cousineau was a spiritual journey that will continue to reverberate within my mind and my soul for some time. The tours, the daily conversations facilitated by Phil and the world-renowned musicians, writers and artists that he introduced us to helped to interpret the soul of Ireland and make the experience intensely personal but also joyful. The aspect of pilgrimage was reinforced through Phil's discussions that drew on his experience as a soulful traveller, writer and film maker. As a result, the journey was a literary and visual exploration of Ireland but also a mystical one. We had access to spiritual sites: holy wells, ancient tombs, hill forts and burial mounds, that came alive to us thanks to the wisdom and insight of people like Dara Molloy, an author and Celtic Christian spiritual leader, who helped us understand the Celtic view of the land as intimately connected to nature, and respectful of the sacred spirit in mountains, lakes and trees that is lost in our modern worldview. Our journey was also filled with beauty - as one of the pilgrims noted "every where you look is like a postcard" which is why we came away with a treasure of photos - we wanted to record every view, every moment, every image to mull over when we returned to our daily lives and remember the magic. We were also blessed with many serendipitous moments - such as the opportunity to attend a rare concert with Christy Moore and a performance by Sean Tyrell, both well-known Irish folk musicians. As Phil said, Ireland will make a poet and a mystic out of anyone who journeys there and we all came away feeling that we were touched with the gift of story and mystery. I would definitely recommend this tour and I hope that I can return to Ireland with the knowledge and insight I have gained through this pilgrimage.
Susan Birley, Regina, Saskatchewan (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)
Helen, I wanted to write you personally to thank you for organizing the Ireland pilgrimage. Phil was a gracious and knowledgeable host. He provided a container for the sacred and numinous to enter into the journey, and a meaningful community to grow. I will be processing my own experiences for some time ~ such were the daily riches. My fellow pilgrims were bright, creative, kind, and fun-loving spiritual seekers who I learned to treasure and hope to encounter along the road again.
Elaine McCracken, Santa Barbara, CA (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)
Phil Cousineau’s leadership shaped this journey into Ireland’s Land of Myth and Mystery so as to make it also a pilgrimage journey into the heart and soul, both at an individual level and also as a community. It was fun. It was a time of learning. It was authentic. It both stretched and reassured. It was culturally rich, spiritually inspiring, and historically multi-layered. Thank you Scared Earth Journeys for making this experience possible; for choosing such an awe-inspiring destination and itinerary; and for bringing along side such an able guide and anam cara!
Elaine Foulkes, Halfmoon Bay, B.C. (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)
The pilgrimage was truely special and enriched my life more than I had hoped. This was due, I think, to the mix of the land, Phil and the remarkable group ethos. I had articulated my objectives beforehand: to become more connected to the land, to the prehistoric sacred sites, the Celtic Christian and also the literary ones. All this happened and more. I feel I have gained a glimpse into the "terrible beauty" of Ireland through the carefully chosen (and unusual) itinerary, Phil's chats, the guest speakers and particularly the music. One thing that was very special was the ritual of walking in community but in silence to each of the sacred places. It enhanced the sacred significance of each place for me. Thank you Helen, for all the thought and work you did to make this such a great pilgrimage.
Stephanie Hutcheson, Etobicoke, Ontario (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)
Our trip to Ireland was well laid out and organized. We had a remarkable and wonderful experience. I'd highly recommend the trip to anyone who wants to explore the magic and beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Lynn Thalman, Santa Barbara, CA (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)
From the initial contact and making all the arrangements seamless, Sacred Earth Journeys was a joy. I rarely travel with a group, but I appreciate the philosophy of Sacred Earth Journeys and enjoyed my trip to Ireland more than I dreamed was possible. Tour leadership, accommodations, meals and itinerary were outstanding. This was no ordinary tour, but a pilgrimage for the soul and spirit.
Joan Ishibashi, Lakewood, OH (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)
A pilgrimage can be a profound experience, especially in a country with beauty that is both terrible and inspiring as that found in Ireland. Phil Cousineau is a pilgrim in his bones, and his storytelling, curiosity, charm, and love for literature make for a magical connection with a marvelous country and people.
Marianne Werner, Chico, CA (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)
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