Call for details:
From USA: (free) 1 800 657 1520
From UK: 01239 858 830
Worldwide: (+44)1239 858 830
The Sacred Feminine in the West of Ireland: A Homecoming of the Soul
June 27th – July 4th, 2012
Itinerary and Programme:
Wednesday June 27th - You will be met at Dublin Airport where our private coach will drive westwards to the ancient province of Connacht and our comfortable lodgings at Ballaghboy Lodge Farm. After settling in, we will enjoy a welcome dinner, orientation and opening circle followed by a meditation and attunement to the land.
Thursday June 28th – On our first morning, we visit the legendary caves of Kesh Corann and the Neolithic cairns of Carrowkeel in the Bricklieve Mountains, in the company of our local guide, John Wilmott of Celtic Ways. Here we can physically enter into the womb of the ancient mother goddess. This afternoon we will be John’s guests at Carrowcrory Cottage, for lunch and an opportunity to integrate our experiences through walking the labyrinth. Our day ends with a magical harp performance by Claire Roche.
Friday June 29th - We explore the faery magic of the Sídhe, whose queen is one of the most important aspects of the sacred feminine in Ireland, through story, song, and meditation. Then we take a journey to the Waters and the Wild and visit some of the faery haunts in Sligo made famous by W.B. Yeats – places which still resonate with the spirit of the Sidhe. These will include Hazelwood, the setting for The Song of Wandering Aengus, Glencar Waterfall of The Stolen Child and of course, the Lake Isle of Innisfree. We will also spend time at the beautiful holy well of Tobernalt, tucked away in the rocky cliffs and woodlands of Lough Gill, the lake of the goddess Gealla.
Saturday June 30th - Today we journey to Rathchrogan, Co. Roscommon, an extraordinary ceremonial and spiritual capital of this region and the seat of royalty in Connacht for nearly 2000 years. Here the deities and heroes of Ireland are palpably present: We walk in the footsteps of Queen Maeve, see where the great bulls fought their epic battle in the Cattle Raid of Cooley, follow the Druid’s quest for knowledge to the sacred triple spring of healing, and approach the Cave of the Cats, an entrance to the Otherworld. Our guide will be Mike Croghan, one of the last of the Croghan family still living on his ancestral lands and the true living steward of this powerful place. On the way we will visit a hidden sheela-na-gig!
Sunday July 1st – After a talk on the healing goddesses of Ireland, including Brighid and Airmid, the Irish Mother of Herbal Healing, who is associated with this area, we will go to Carrowcrory Cottage to gather reeds for our own Brighid’s crosses. Then we pay a visit to some lovely holy wells where can be found megalithic “egg-stones,” to connect with this healing power through traditional rites. Lastly we meet with the river goddess, Shannon, at the mysterious pool known as the Shannon Pot: the source of her great river and a place steeped in legend and lore.
Monday July 2nd - This morning you will hear about the magical work of poet and storyteller, Ella Young, who, with her companions Maud Gonne, WB Yeats and others, performed ceremonies in a castle on an island on nearby Lough Key. Then there will be free time to wander through acres of woods and wildflowers of the lake shore, see the Celtic ring forts, Fairy Bridge and Wishing Chair, and take an optional boat trip out to one of the islands. This evening we will recreate a magical ceremony honouring the Tuatha dé Danann, (Children of the Goddess Dana) in the manner of these Celtic Twilight magicians.
Tuesday July 3rd - On our last full day in Connacht, we explore the extraordinary Neolithic complex of Carrowmore, home to one of the largest and oldest groups of ancient sites in Europe, which is overlooked by Knocknarea, the hill sacred to Maeve. Then we honour her with a walk to her cairn atop the hill in a ritual manner. Our journey to this elemental place will be contrasted with a meditative experience in the hushed stillness of the Fairy Glen down below. Our physical exertions will be rewarded by a visit to the famous Seaweed Baths on the beach at Strandhill for a relaxing soak, followed by a refreshing walk along the beautiful shore. Those wishing for a more urban experience may instead opt for a visit to the lively eclectic town of Sligo. Tonight we celebrate our journey together with a special farewell dinner.
Wednesday July 4th - We head eastwards to the Hill of Tara, the sacred centre of Ireland which embodies the presence of many aspects of the Sacred Feminine. We will say our farewells to the Goddesses of the Seven Directions at the Stone of Destiny and honour the deities of Water and Earth at the lovely Well of the White Cow where we hold our closing circle. Then on to Dublin Airport and flights home.