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“The scriptures say that the mountains contain the answers. Generations of seekers have gone into the wilderness……we must all go into the mountains to seek these answers……through walking in the vastness of this land, you can resolve the problems of your psyche and seek the treasures buried in your soul….” Deng Ming-Dao |
2008 DATES:
dates to be confirmed, please email for information
THE PRACTISE
of going alone into the wilderness to fast, to meet with the gods and wrestle with our demons, is an ancient, worldwide tradition. The Native American tradition is still alive today; Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert; Mohammed went to a high mountain cave to receive the holy words that became the Koran; Moses received the Ten Commandments; in Ireland, St Patrick retreated to a mountaintop to fast.
Removing yourself from your daily routines lets you hear the voice of your soul more clearly. Sitting alone, the ordinary events of nature begin to unfold magically, mirroring your personal hopes, fears and dreams. Archetypal symbols appear to guide you.
The early Celts knew nature as a vehicle of spiritual power and healing. They gathered in sacred groves to honour their sense of kinship with nature & to read the symbols and omens presented by the hills and lochs, the deer or the flight of the ravens. You can still enter this mythic, archetypal world in Scotland's wild places today.
You can discover the signs and symbols that point to your heart's deepest longing, your soul's true path, that show you the way to personal healing or how to create a Rite of Passage to consciously mark the transition to your next life phase.
It is a pilgrimage that allows you to return to your community with a fresh sense of purpose & clarity.
THE PROCESS:
The Quest uses contemporary processes and exercises, combined with ancient, traditional ceremonies.
First, the Severance phase, which takes place from a traditional cottage. Through guided imagery, solo walks and other practises you explore the things you need to let go of. You learn about safety, ‘leave-no-trace’ camping, and creating ceremony during the Threshold phase, the heart of your journey.
This is a retreat to a spot you discover in the landscape: your personal ‘power place’. It is your sacred time of solitary fasting, connecting with nature and searching for the deeper meaning of the hunger you are feeling.
You maintain contact with your former world via a daily trip to the ‘stone pile’, where you leave a sign that all is well. Your solo may end with an all-night vigil, before you return to base camp to begin the Reincorporation phase.
This starts at a nearby cottage but may well continue for the rest of your life.
Your experienced guides are there throughout, supporting and guiding. They help you to celebrate & begin to integrate your experience. They provide you with tools to help you to take the gifts of your solo home, and to keep your experience alive.
PREPARATION:
Once you have enrolled and paid your deposit, you will receive a detailed preparation pack with all you need to know and to do before your journey. The more preparations you make beforehand, the better equipped you will be for your time in the wilderness.
You do not need to be an experienced camper or hill walker, but you must be able to carry a 40-50lb pack on a hike of a mile or two up a moderate hillside.
COST:
£545 (approx); includes all preparation materials, meals & lodging, camping and guide fees, and follow-up afterwards.
Please enquire regarding concession/payment plans.
For more information or to book a place, contact us: earthnotes.scotland@googlemail.com