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MALTA....
ancient land of many wonders! From the oldest stone monuments in the world
to the stunning splendor of the Grand Masters Palace of the Knights
of St. John, Malta enchants us today. Malta and Gozo's ancient Neolithic
goddess temples, Black Madonnas, sites of the courageous Knights
of St. John, and much more, still resonate with us. Join us to explore
these amazing 'mysteries of history'... experience the energy of
these powerful places. A special meditation and flute blessing at
an ancient temple site will take place and other moments for walking/
hiking or quiet meditation time will be provided, as we explore
& acknowledge a special 'Grail' -- Malta's magnificence. What will
your Quest reveal?
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MALTA – LAND OF ANCIENT WONDERS
Located at the very heart of the Mediterranean just south of Sicily, Malta
and Gozo with their crystal blue waters are small islands filled
with the footprints of powerful, ancient energies. Ranging from
Neolithic goddess sites to the splendor of the 16th century Grand
Masters Palace of the Knights of St. John, the islands contain many
ruins. Believed by experts to be the oldest stone monuments in the
world—built at least 5,000 years ago---they stand today as a tribute
to the ancient power of the Divine Feminine and to the mysteries
of the Cosmos.
YOUR MYSTIC PILGRIMAGE
Included in your program are visits to the powerful Neolithic sites of Malta including
the world famous underground 'Hypogeum' temple, the Ggantija temple
('The Giantess'), the Tarxien temples, known for their spiral designs
similar to those found at Knossos, Crete and Newgrange, Ireland; the
oldest temple on Malta—the Hagar Qim, and the Mnajdra temples, which
are oriented to the spring equinox. |
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LEGACY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN
Learn about the extraordinary Knights of St. John and the Knights Templar. Experience the famed Knights of St. John's Cathedral---an ancient & Christian "Mystery School" to some--and learn more about the unique symbols carved in the walls, ceiling and etched on the marble floors. Housing some of Europe's greatest art works, here also lies the founder of Valletta -- and 49th Grand Master of the Knights of St. John – Jean Parisot de la Vallette. Stroll over to the 16th century Grand Masters Palace....with its grand rooms of awesome splendor, now Malta's Presidential Office and Parliament House.....Time as well to shop today in the bustling streets of charming Valletta, Malta's capital.
YOUR MYTHIC ODYSSEY
Travel by boat to Gozo, Malta's neighboring island. Gozo is home to a Black
Madonna, Our Lady of Loreto in Ghajnsielem Cathedral, just off Mgarr
harbor. It is also the island of the legendary Calpyso, whose mythical
roots can be traced to Homer's 'Odyssey'. One can visit the cliffside
cave where the siren Calypso was said to have enticed Odysseus to
linger there
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November
8-17, 2005
Optional Pre-Malta Extension:
Italy (incl. Florence & Siena)
join Dr. Karen Ralls in the birthplace of the
Renaissance |
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"Be inspired!"....Join us to see and experience the power and elegant sites of the Italian Renaissance....a 15th century time of exciting inspiration and innovation which grew out of the late Middle Ages. If you enjoyed reading the novel "The Da Vinci Code", you'll love actually seeing these sites! See paintings and sculptures by such greats as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli.....view some of the western world's most extraordinary architecture.....enjoy the food, wine and hospitality......witness the art, culture and history of two of Italy's most romantic cities.....Florence and Siena. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity for all of us to Re-Connect.....Re-Experience.....and Rejuvenate our lives.
- Journey to nearby Florence-- birthplace of the Renaissance, a period of exciting inspiration and innovation---and to Siena, home of the spectacular Duomo cathedral, built in full Gothic style with its special symbolism.....and much more!
- Experience Michelangelo's famous statue 'David', be inspired by Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus', 'Primavera' and his other magnificent works that, to this day, still emanate the energy from the Renaissance of transformation and rejuvenation.
- Absorb the potent energy present in the architecture, the beauty, the history and the splendor of these romantic cities.....Florence and Siena are guaranteed to be highlights of your visit to Italy.
- You will stay at a spa resort built around a spectacular 19th century villa, nestled in the hillside.
- Explore charming Siena, one of Europes most famous medieval towns.
- Plus Much More!
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Your Facilitator
KAREN RALLS, PhD, FSA Scot., medieval
historian and Celtic scholar, was Postdoctoral Fellow at the
University of Edinburgh and Deputy Curator of the Rosslyn Chapel
Museum exhibition for six years prior to moving to Oxford in
2001 to continue with specialized research. Dr Ralls is also
currently involved with a Medieval & Renaissance Art History
course at the V&A Museum (London). She lectures worldwide, leads
international travel programs to Templar, Celtic and ancient
sites, speaks at conferences and has appeared on TV documentaries,
including the Discovery Channel. Originally from the USA, her
books include 'The Quest for the Celtic Key', 'Music and the
Celtic Otherworld', 'Indigenous Religious Music' & her latest,
most popular, release, 'The Templars and the Grail'.
"On the Templars Dr. Ralls' unique interdisciplinary approach makes for an informative and enlightening read about a historical era shrouded in legend, mystery and international intrigue."
Shelli Wright Johnson from Valparaiso
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