Unmasking the Soul

Archetypes for the Mythic Journey

 

June 21 - July 2, 2010

 

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Tour Summary & Itinerary

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Our journey is laid out in the mythical style of a pilgrimage or quest for Self, with each stage along the journey correlating with our inner guides, or archetypes. As we traverse the wheel of life, we explore the gifts and lessons.

We lay the foundations for the journey, working with self-awareness and deep introspection as we awaken to the call of adventure.

As we face the unknown, we hear the messages from Spirit, and begin to travel on the Road of Trials. During this part of the journey we explore the archetypes of the Innocent, Orphan, Saboteur, Prostitute and Warrior as we begin to release all constraints and past issues. What traits do the gods Hestia, Artemis and Hephaistos have that will guide us through this awakening?

Arrive in Athens and take a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Our trip officially starts with a late afternoon meeting to orient to the themes for our explorations that will follow in the next 12 days. We will have a Group Welcome Dinner at a traditional Taverna in the “old town”, the Plaka, just below the Acropolis.
(Overnight in Athens at the Amalia Hotel)

After breakfast we meet for a brief morning session with a guided journey to experience our Ego archetypes and identify with the aspects that need growth. We will also listen to an explanation of the Gaia Matrix Wheel. This morning you receive the Bands of Protection Rites. We then meet our local guide and enjoy a tour that includes an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the remains of its glorious past. We visit the crowning beauty and glory that was Athens, the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its famous Porch of Maidens. We then visit the Acropolis Museum, which stands less than 1,000 feet southeast of the Parthenon, at the entrance of a network of pedestrian walkways that link the key archaeological sites and monuments of the Acropolis.

We break for lunch in one of the typical taverns in Acropolis and then continue with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum which holds a remarkable collection of Minoan, Mycenaean, and classical Greek materials.

Back at the hotel, before dinner, we’ll meet at the hotel rooftop for discussions and reflections on the substance of what we have seen. Dinner and evening on your own. Meander through the National Park across the street, shop in the Plaka district, and explore other Athenian delights.
(Overnight in Athens at the Amalia Hotel)

After breakfast we head north and drive through the fertile plain of Beotia headed towards Delphi, about 180 km northwest of Athens. As we enjoy the scenery, we’ll spend time exploring the Warrior and Orphan archetypes. Hera and Zeus reach out to us to teach us about facing the unknown.

As we continue towards Mt Parnassus and Delphi, we’ll stop by the beautiful River Karya where the water springs out. In ancient times, Karya was said to be the location of the Oracle of Trofonios Zeus, which included the Springs of Mnemosyne (Remembrance) and the Spring of Lethe (Oblivion). One visited this oracle first before visiting the oracle of Delphi. We’ll do a purification ritual at the water, and pay homage to the feminine spirits of the local mountains.

Near Mt Parnassus and Delphi, we stop at the picturesque mountain village of Arachova, built on the south slopes of Parnassus, well known for its attractive hand-woven carpets, Flokati rugs and quilts, as well as for its wine and cheese. Lunch on your own in Arachova.

We then spend the whole afternoon at Delphi, the center of the Ancient world - the “Ompfalos”, Navel of the Earth – the place where heaven and earth meet. Here on the slopes of Mount Parnassus lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. At the archaeological site, we explore Castalia Spring, visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaea, among others. We will consult our own oracles, and invoke the powerful figures of this magical place. Here you will receive the Harmony Rite and the Healers Rite. We then visit the Archaeological Museum containing masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. In the evening we enjoy a Group Dinner at a Taverna in Delphi.
(Overnight in Delphi at the Fedriades Hotel)

Today we travel by coach to Lefkada, the only island in Greece that is linked with the mainland by a floating bridge. Lefkada is the fourth largest island of an island complex in the Ionian Sea. It is a mountainous island, steep with stretches of beautiful sandy beaches. We settle into our villas at the Eden Retreat Center, and enjoy a casual lunch in our villas.

The afternoon will be filled with seminars exploring the Gaia Matrix Wheel more in depth, and the archetypal traits of Athena and Mercury. We partake in the Ceremony of Expanding Inner Light, and receive the Seer Rite. Later, we enjoy a group dinner at Eden. Spend the evening at your leisure for self-introspection and exploration.
(Overnight in Lefkada at the Eden Retreat Center)

The Eden Retreat Center on Lefkada will be our home base for the following 7 nights. Here we delve deeply into the archetypes of the Soul journey. We open to our deepest senses, igniting the fire within. Here, in the Valley of Death and Rebirth, we learn about letting go and falling apart, so that we may be transformed.

We meet the Seeker, Lover, and the two polarities of Creator and Destroyer so that we can access the higher power within us. During this phase we are called to meet our inner dragons. We look at the Little Self and the Higher Self, and how those lead us to appropriate Self-disclosure. With the view of the island Ithaka across from us, we explore what it means to embark on the journey of transformation. We call on Persephone, Inanna, Hermes and Poseidon to guide us through this part of the journey.

After breakfast we gather for a group seminar and activities for igniting the inner fire, and explore the Seeker and the Lover. Today you receive the Daykeeper Rite. The afternoon is free to visit the nearby towns of Vassiliki, Sivota, Evgiros or Marandochori, or choose to swim in the pool or the Sea of the Rising Sun. Group Dinner at Eden.

After breakfast we gather for a group seminar and activities working with the Creator and Destroyer, and gods and goddesses who embody these archetypes. Today you receive the Wisdom Keeper Rite. In the afternoon we experience more activities and ceremony and then spend the remaining time on your own for more exploration. Group Dinner at Eden.

Enjoy this morning independently; bask in the glorious sunshine, go for a swim, stroll along the beach, or take some time for individual self-introspection and exploration. In the afternoon we gather for a group seminar and activities, including exploring shadow aspects and integration. Today you receive the Earthkeeper Rite. Group Dinner at Eden.

After the Soul Journey, we complete the cycle by integrating the gifts and sharing the treasures we’ve acquired with the community. We explore the archetypes of the Alchemist, Ruler, Sage, and Trickster. Now at the end of the mythic journey, we know our purpose in life, and are clear about our mission to help others. We are open to grace, and master of our two worlds.

After breakfast we gather for a group seminar and activities. We explore all aspects beyond duality: reconciliation, self-fulfillment, and how we may open ourselves to Divine Grace. We will work with the Alchemist, Ruler and Sage archetypes, calling on Hecate, Aphrodite, Demeter and Apollo to guide us. Today you receive the Starkeeper Rite. The afternoon is yours to explore nearby towns, visit other beaches, or simply relax. Lunch and dinner on your own.

After breakfast we gather for a group seminar and activities working with the Magician and Trickster, and the shadow aspects. We then enjoy a group lunch together at the Eden retreat center. In the afternoon we gather once more for our Sacred Circle. Group Dinner at Eden.

After breakfast we gather for a group seminar and activities for integration of the Ego and the Soul. Today you receive the Co-Creator Rite. In the afternoon we come together for our Closing Ceremony and Give-Away. In the evening we enjoy a final Farewell Dinner exploring the themes of closure, completion, relevancy, and coming full circle. What lives within us? What is the calling? How do we take the Mythic journey home? How do we integrate the knowledge we’ve received at home?

Today we return to Athens. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we drive past many temples on the way back. The afternoon and evening are free for you to visit one last museum, snack on one more cheese pie, or take one last stroll around the Acropolis.
(Overnight in Athens at the Amalia Hotel)

Private transfer to the airport for your return home. Leave glorious Greece behind and take with you many wonderful memories, valuable lessons, and cherished new friendships.

Tour Includes:

• 11 nights accommodation: 4 nights hotel in Athens and Delphi, and 7 nights at the Eden Retreat Center in Lefkada
• 26 Meals in total: 10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, and 10 Dinners
• Arrival and Departure Transfers
• All land transportation within Greece
• Tours of the Acropolis, Athens Archeological Museum, Delphi

Added Features:

• Travel with Shamanic and Energy Practitioner, Dr. Liana Carbón, Ph.D and Licensed Massage Therapist and Shamanic Healer, Kim Adams
• Explore 12 archetypes of the mythic soul’s journey and find your gifts, values, purpose, and identity
• Visit Athens – home of the Gods and Goddesses (Acropolis, Parthenon, National Archeological Museum)
• Visit Delphi – Sanctuary of Athena, Temple of Apollo, Oracle of Delphi
• Stay at a private retreat center in Lefdaka
• Group Seminars and Activities
• Meditations, Ceremonies, Sacred Rites and Initiations
• Wisdom Sharing Circles
• Sacred Fire and Water Ceremonies
• Optional Healing Treatments
• Welcome and Farewell Dinners

Tour Does Not Include:

• Airfare to Athens, Greece
• Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if your are Canadian)
• Meals and drinks not specified
• Cost to obtain valid passport
• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final retreat itinerary.

Please note: This journey is open to a maximum of 16 participants