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Day One |
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Day Two |
We enter Kilmartin Valley, one of the richest archaeological landscapes in Scotland, home to a spectacular array of stone circles, cairns, henges, and forts over 5000 yrs old. Here we will meet with traditional Highland Bardic storyteller, Scot AnSgeulaiche, a fascinating guide and keeper of the Old Ways, who will take us to Temple Woods, Auchnabreck, a hidden holy well and other little-known and very special sites of power. Then back to our peaceful hotel by the sea in the evening. |
Day Three |
Up the west coast to the colorful seaside town of Oban, where we'll take the ferry to the Holy Isle of Iona. Here we are staying at the famous Argyll Hotel for the first of four nights retreat on this magical island, whose Gaelic name - Innis nan Druidhneach - translates as 'Island of the Druids.' This afternoon we explore Iona Abbey, the focal point of the isle, with its fine carved Celtic crosses, 6th century chapel of St. Oran and royal burial mound of Scotland's kings. this evening, you will learn all about the sacred history of Iona and take part in a meditation that will take you back to Iona's past. |
Day Four |
This morning you will learn the fascinating lore of the Celtic goddess Brighid, who later in Scotland became Saint Bride of the Isles. We will enter into her Mysteries through the ritual gathering of the rushes and making of Brighid's Crosses, her ancient sun-symbol of protection and blessing. This afternoon, we will process up the hill of Dun I to bless the crosses in the waters of her sacred spring on its spectacular cliff-top setting, and invoke her presence through story, prayer and song. |
Day Five |
This morning we focus on the ancient and often hidden teachings of the Scottish faery race, or "People of Peace" as they were sometimes called, with particular reference to the work of Scottish mystic and faery seer, Fiona McLeod, who spent a great deal of time on Iona. We will walk to the Faery Hill for a ritual attunement with the "People of the Mound," followed by an optional ramble over the island to the beautiful Back of the Bay via heather-strewn moors and beautiful sandy beaches. |
Day Six |
We start with a free morning to experience the unspoilt and elemental beauty of Iona. You may wish to explore the island (which is only 3 miles long by 1 ½ miles wide) on foot or by bicycle, or visit the craft studios and bookshops in the village. After lunch, we take a short boat trip over to nearby Staffa Island, where, at this time of year, you are likely to see colonies of wild seabirds, including puffins. The extraordinary hexagonal rock formations and the cathedral-like Fingal's Cave have been known to open the higher spiritual centres within those open to its influences. |
Day Seven |
We leave Iona by ferry, stopping on the Isle of Mull for a visit to Duart Castle, home of the Clan MacLean, in its unique and spectacular setting on a cliff overlooking the Sound of Mull. Back in mainland Scotland, we journey through highland scenery to Glen Lyon, a remarkable area home to many sacred sites, both prehistoric and early Christian. Our home for the next three nights is Killin, one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lochs. Here we settle into our comfortable hotel on the banks of the River Lochay. |
Day Eight |
The morning begins with a stroll around Killin to visit its shops and museum, which features the healing stones of St Killin. Then we meet up with our guide, Jackie Queally, who will lead us on a walk through the magical sacred landscape of Glen Lyon, one of the traditional seats of Scotland's Mother Goddess, the Cailleach. Feminine energies are palpable here, especially at Croft Moraig (Mary's Field) and the stones known as the "Praying Hands of Mary." Following the route taken by the monks of Iona on their way to the monastery of Dull, we will attune to the numinous Earth Energies of this powerful place, which has hardly changed since the time of the Druids who venerated the many ancient trees here. |
Day Nine |
Today we explore the Fortingall area, one of the densest archaeological sites in Britain. We visit the ancient yew, at 5000 years old believed to be the oldest tree in Europe. Our journey will also lead us to unique early Celtic Christian settlements at Dull and Weem, associated with St Adomnan of |
Day Ten |
We travel south to Aberfoyle to visit Doon Hill and the Old Kirk, the centre of the extraordinary history of Robert Kirk, the 17th century Scottish minister who was also a faery seer. We will walk up the hill, also known as the Faery Knowe, to the sacred pine tree which, even today, is festooned with votive ribbons carrying messages for the faeries. This afternoon, we drive on to Roslin, near Edinburgh, where our pilgrimage culminates in a private and exclusive visit to Rosslyn Chapel, steeped in stories of the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. Here you will have plenty of time for individual attunement in the Chapel. Afterwards, we celebrate with a farewell dinner at the Roslin Glen Hotel. |
Day Eleven |
Our journey ends with the return to Edinburgh Airport, although we can also facilitate the transport and accommodation needs of anyone who would like to spend the weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, just twenty minutes away from Roslin. Jackie Queally, who knows Edinburgh's sacred sites intimately, will be available as your guide. |
