In the Footsteps of Mary Magdalene
Six days, five nights in La Baume, France with Kayleen Asbo
September 5- 10, 2015
Join an intimate circle of seekers on a sacred journey in the footsteps of Mary Magdalene as we embark on a once in a lifetime experience that weaves together the outer radiant beauty of Provence with the deep call to the contemplative life. Through myth, history, art, music, ritual, nature, prayer, personal reflection, community building and sharing in the intimate company of fellow pilgrims, the Mythica Foundation invites you to step into an adventure of awakening, transformation and wonder.
Day 1: Arriving
We begin our pilgrimage in Marseille, where French legend holds that Mary Magdalene arrive in 41 AD.Upon arrival you will be transferred by comfortable coach to a beautiful Relais et Chateaux hotel, an oasis of calm and tranquility nestled at the foot of the majestic Massif of Sainte-Baume. We will then gather in the salon for a ritual of our intentions for the week and to create together a contemplative Vespers service of poetry, silent meditation and music. This evening will be our first taste of the cuisine of Provence (created by renowned chef Emmanuel Mercadier) as we dine in the candlelit courtyard with the sounds of doves and a water fountain nearby.
Day 2: Awakening the Ear of the Heart
In the beautiful summer light, we will gather for a morning service to welcome the day, interweaving Medieval chant, silent meditation and poetry.
After a bountiful breakfast, we will gather for a day of lecture, art and journaling. A slideshow of 333 images will reveal how Mary Magdalene carries the archetype of Everywoman, representing our full humanity in both grief and joy, with images representing every age, race and emotion. We'll explore Mary Magdalene as the courageous disciple of early Christianity and the wisdom of her teaching in the Gospel of Mary. We'll trace how Magdalene's image shifted in the 6th century as the myth of the penitent prostitute was adopted and spread by Pope Gregory the Great, and we'll compare that with the early Provencal legends of Magdalene as a contemplative teacher who preached throughout France.
The afternoon is free for a nourishing nap, invigorating swim in the luxurious pool or a relaxing massage.
Day Three: Ascending The Holy Mountain
Today, we will focus on how Mary Magdalene calls us to the inner life. We will travel by mini-bus for our trip to La Sainte-Baume, the legendary last home of Mary Magdalene. After attending a contemplative service in the pilgrim hostel at the base of the mountain, we will silently hike up the mountain – a journey that takes about an hour of fairly strenuous walking. We will pass through the lush forest dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis for 700 years before ascending the steep pathway trod by centuries of seekers in search of Magdalene’s grace-filled spirit. Inside the grotto, time seems to stop. Here, we will be encouraged to journal to discover the still small voice within.
Upon our return to Domaine de Chateauneuf, we will gather to create pages in our memory books. Our day will come to a gentle close as we settle into the soothing rhythms of Vespers and another delicious meal.
Day 4: Savoring the Sweetness and Beauty of Life
This morning, we will explore the sensual wonders of the farmer's market in the small French village of Cotignac: the wafting fragrance of roses, lavender and lilies, the colorful trays of exotic spices, stalls of beautiful handmade soap, scarves and jewelry. If weather permits, we will take a gentle hike to a scenic waterfall.
In the afternoon, we will visit Thoronet Abbey, established as a Cistercian monastery by Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, We'll learn about liturgical life and the balanced rhythm of study, work and prayer that developed following the Rule of Saint Benedict. We will marvel at the beauty of the extraordinary architecture based on sacred geometry and hear the stories of how the mystical devotion to the sacred feminine emerged in the 12th and 13th centuries. After chanting in the acoustically perfect chapel, we will return to another splendid meal, eaten in the courtyard garden of our lovely hotel.
Day 5: Celebrating All Creation
Today is a focus on the French Orthodox tradition of Mary Magdalene. We will visit St. Michel du Var, a contemporary monastery with joyous Byzantine-style frescoes that depict the life, legacy and teachings of Mary Magdalene. We will see relics believed to be her hair and bones, and learn more about the "Boat of Bethany" that brought Magdalene, Lazarus and Martha to Provence.
In the early afternoon, we will gather together for the Dance of Three, a heart-opening ritual of compassionate witnessing pioneered by Depth Psychologist Marion Woodman, then have our culminating banquet.
Day 6: Honoring the Garden of New Beginnings
On our last morning together, we will gather together in the garden of Domaine de Chateauneuf to watch the sun rise. As the rosy light spreads across the landscape, we will bless one another on our journeys and offer a ritual of gratitude to this extraordinary site that has held us so magnificently as we have come into our fullness. After one last delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to either the Marseille Airport or the Aix en Provence Train Station, carrying with you the gifts of this pilgrimage to share with those you love.
Dates: Saturday, September 5- Thursday, September 10
Costs: $4500 (double) or $5200 (single)
Reservations:
Early reservations are recommended since group size is limited to 12 pilgrims. To reserve a space, please submit the form below. A $2,500 deposit is required to reserve your place within one week of registration, with the remainder of the funds is due by June 1, 2015.
What is included:
All lectures, classes and services with Kayleen Asbo and entry fees for all field trips; either a beautiful shared twin bedded room or a smaller single room in a gracious 18th century estate equipped with gardens and a swimming pool located near La Baume; group arrival and departure airport/train transfers; gourmet dinners for 5 nights; a sumptuous buffet breakfast each day; one picnic lunch; comfortable transportation throughout the trip to all pilgrim sites.
Not included:
Airfare, airport departure taxes; passport and visa fees; excess baggage charges; laundry; telephone calls or other personal items; alcoholic beverages; meals not specified in the itinerary; medical, hospital or evacuation costs. Lunches are not included, except for one picnic lunch the day of our journey to La Sainte-Baume.
To learn more about this pilgrimage, contact Mythica's Pilgrimage Director Kathy Lazzaretti at kathrynlazzaretti@gmail.com
Download registration application here:
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Or register and submit deposit by clicking below:
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