Tour Diary from Carol
This is my personal, spiritual account of a recent spiritual Tour which I took to the South of France this year.
Last year a friend and I were chatting about spiritual tours and how we would love to go on another one – to France! We had recently returned from a spiritual trip to Egypt and had ‘caught the bug’. She said to me “you could take it.” The idea resonated and felt right. The next few months then became a steep learning curve, directed by an experienced friend, on how to organize a tour. My computer skills even improved a little. I was supported by two amazing people – one who taught me the practicalities (with infinite patience) and another who supported me in the spiritual challenges of preparing to return into an old religious, persecuting energy and what this threw up for me on an almost daily basis. It was not easy. Both gave timely support without reservation for a year.
Why was I interested in a Tour based around Mary Magdalene and the Cathars? Both are a timely reminder of the virtue of tolerance for difference.
For those interested in past lives you may be aware that many of us have been involved in the energies of persecutions. Offender or victim – it is the same energy but different sides of the coin. You will probably have experienced both if you are in this energy. History books are filled with these events. Our present day life often reflects these energies from a light scapegoating to much more. Our auras, cells and consciousness may hold our spiritual history in this and for some, it may be the Divine Timing for the clearing of all or some of this.
The Tour began with a visit to the Grotto (Cave) of Mary Magdalene who was seen by many in Jerusalem to be a heretic with her Christian teachings. It is said that she was abandoned to sea and arrived in Provence. After the Grotto, we generally followed a route of Cathar settlement and travel in the South of France. Catharism is a Christian religion based on the New Testament, that came into the Languedoc, South of France, around the 1100’s which became more popular than Roman Catholicism in the 12th and 13th centuries. Pope Innocent 111 branded them ‘heretics’ and launched a Christian crusade against them, (the first ever against Christians) 1209-1229, called the Albighensian Crusade. He offered to give the land which belonged to the Cathars to those who would fight against them and further, remission for sins in heaven. The persecution continued actively for another 15 years. Eventually the French Crown became involved and Languedoc became part of France. Catharism was generally over. Their legacy is still visible today in their mountain fortresses in the Pyrenees e.g. Queribus and Peyrepertuse For those interested, the Cathar trail is documented on some tourist maps for those who wish to climb the challenging refugee trail from castle to castle. At present, our driver has just completed walking this route. It is not for the faint-hearted.
First stop Singapore
On May 21st, 2011 our small group of Kiwis left Harewood Airport, Christchurch, for our first stop, Singapore. How exciting and slightly scary this was. We were well prepared spiritually and energetically, and our anticipation to open ourselves to whatever was to come was high. A spiritual Tour is not quite a holiday, although there are aspects of this woven in. It is a modern day ‘pilgrimage’ to bring forth soul challenges and to experience deep soul clearings. This means we are not always going to feel comfortable as we confront our spiritual issues. Some spiritual issues may obligingly come forward and present in our relationships with each other on the Tour, or through events that may be occurring. To be aware of this means we can accept the opportunity to heal. The effects of a spiritual Tour can continue for months. Cellular memory can clear out.
In Singapore we were fortunate to have a hotel close to the Temple of Kuan Yin- a walk-in, noisy, beautiful temple- where people practiced their love and faith. Kuan Yin’s soft energy pervades the entire city.
Spain
After recuperating, two of us went on to Spain to collect our driver/manager, a former Kiwi. We were lucky not only to have a short stay with her in a pretty mountain village but to also visit Madrid, a beautiful, stately, grand city. What a privilege. Our driver was very familiar with driving in Europe. Interpreting signs and turnoffs quickly while driving on the left side of the road is best done from old habits rather than from a new experience. We travelled 3000K over a week, independently and comfortably, in a 9 seater van perfect for us and our luggage
Last year a friend and I were chatting about spiritual tours and how we would love to go on another one – to France! We had recently returned from a spiritual trip to Egypt and had ‘caught the bug’. She said to me “you could take it.” The idea resonated and felt right. The next few months then became a steep learning curve, directed by an experienced friend, on how to organize a tour. My computer skills even improved a little. I was supported by two amazing people – one who taught me the practicalities (with infinite patience) and another who supported me in the spiritual challenges of preparing to return into an old religious, persecuting energy and what this threw up for me on an almost daily basis. It was not easy. Both gave timely support without reservation for a year.
Why was I interested in a Tour based around Mary Magdalene and the Cathars? Both are a timely reminder of the virtue of tolerance for difference.
For those interested in past lives you may be aware that many of us have been involved in the energies of persecutions. Offender or victim – it is the same energy but different sides of the coin. You will probably have experienced both if you are in this energy. History books are filled with these events. Our present day life often reflects these energies from a light scapegoating to much more. Our auras, cells and consciousness may hold our spiritual history in this and for some, it may be the Divine Timing for the clearing of all or some of this.
The Tour began with a visit to the Grotto (Cave) of Mary Magdalene who was seen by many in Jerusalem to be a heretic with her Christian teachings. It is said that she was abandoned to sea and arrived in Provence. After the Grotto, we generally followed a route of Cathar settlement and travel in the South of France. Catharism is a Christian religion based on the New Testament, that came into the Languedoc, South of France, around the 1100’s which became more popular than Roman Catholicism in the 12th and 13th centuries. Pope Innocent 111 branded them ‘heretics’ and launched a Christian crusade against them, (the first ever against Christians) 1209-1229, called the Albighensian Crusade. He offered to give the land which belonged to the Cathars to those who would fight against them and further, remission for sins in heaven. The persecution continued actively for another 15 years. Eventually the French Crown became involved and Languedoc became part of France. Catharism was generally over. Their legacy is still visible today in their mountain fortresses in the Pyrenees e.g. Queribus and Peyrepertuse For those interested, the Cathar trail is documented on some tourist maps for those who wish to climb the challenging refugee trail from castle to castle. At present, our driver has just completed walking this route. It is not for the faint-hearted.
First stop Singapore
On May 21st, 2011 our small group of Kiwis left Harewood Airport, Christchurch, for our first stop, Singapore. How exciting and slightly scary this was. We were well prepared spiritually and energetically, and our anticipation to open ourselves to whatever was to come was high. A spiritual Tour is not quite a holiday, although there are aspects of this woven in. It is a modern day ‘pilgrimage’ to bring forth soul challenges and to experience deep soul clearings. This means we are not always going to feel comfortable as we confront our spiritual issues. Some spiritual issues may obligingly come forward and present in our relationships with each other on the Tour, or through events that may be occurring. To be aware of this means we can accept the opportunity to heal. The effects of a spiritual Tour can continue for months. Cellular memory can clear out.
In Singapore we were fortunate to have a hotel close to the Temple of Kuan Yin- a walk-in, noisy, beautiful temple- where people practiced their love and faith. Kuan Yin’s soft energy pervades the entire city.
Spain
After recuperating, two of us went on to Spain to collect our driver/manager, a former Kiwi. We were lucky not only to have a short stay with her in a pretty mountain village but to also visit Madrid, a beautiful, stately, grand city. What a privilege. Our driver was very familiar with driving in Europe. Interpreting signs and turnoffs quickly while driving on the left side of the road is best done from old habits rather than from a new experience. We travelled 3000K over a week, independently and comfortably, in a 9 seater van perfect for us and our luggage
Marseille and surrounds
Old Port Marseilles
A few days later we flew to Marseille for the ‘gathering together’ of our small group before starting our journey. The Old Port of Marseille is wonderful. The light is amazing. To see the Mediterranean sea for the first time is profound. It is a deep green blue. Bright sparkling lights bounce vigorously upon it. I felt inspired in some way I didn’t understand. The energy of this sea surprised me but later I came to appreciate that the rivers in the south of France all had their own unique energy characteristics. Stretching out in the distance was a line of clear grey rocks which looked very familiar. Notre Dame de la Gard, a statue of Our Lady with a very bright gold crown, stands high on a hill overlooking the harbor. Many energy cords of prayer, visible to the inner eye, run to her from the sea and houses, for those lost or feared lost at sea. She is the Guardian of Sailors. On shore, on the avenues or quiet streets, the comfortable relationship between pedestrians and cars, made me smile. Pedestrians occupy the streets, cars take second place. Dwellings built on rocks had me crossing my fingers and hoping that there would be no earthquakes!
The next morning we left for the Grotto (Cave) of Mary Magdalene in the valley of La St. Baume, close to the village of St. Maximim. Mary Magdalene is the Patron Saint of Provence. The valley is a rich swathe of greens, blues and purples. From the grotto, high on the cliff face, the valley must have been a beautiful view for her many years of contemplation. The cave is also said to be an old site of Isis energies.
On the dawn of the morning of our visit, I felt powerful blasts of red and silver energies from the grotto which were extended to our group from the Elohim to prepare us for the day. We had been told we would also receive Mary Magdalene’s Codes of Ascension from her when we visited. As there were no signs pointing us to the grotto (although everyone seemed to know where it was) we had some interesting stopovers in broken French with some tolerant locals. At the first glimpse of the grotto, VERY high on a vertical cliff face, I felt dismayed and thought it unlikely that I would be able to climb that high. (I hadn’t had time to become THAT fit before leaving). However, fortified by a delicious local lunch, our group set out on a picturesque path through a field and found an old path, well-trodden under a dappled green canopy of leaves and light. The old path helped us along with its horizontal tree roots, rocks and convenient stumps to sit on. The zig-zag pattern helped too. We all made it to the top along with dogs and children. As we puffed along, we were overtaken by a tall, slim, Dominican priest who walked and chatted easily to a companion as naturally as if he was walking on the flat. By now, many hundreds of years after the residence of Mary Magdalene, the site has been used by other contemplative orders and is currently in the care of the Dominican Order, who live beside it and go down the path to take services at the foot of the cliff.
Despite the strong male Catholic presence, the Magdalene energy is strong there for those who wish to make the connection or receive more. Mary Magdalene is a healing connection specially for the wounding of the sacred feminine. Women may feel an arousal and clearing of these energies on the visit to this site. I was surprised on my return home to notice a further opening of my connection to Isis.
The next morning we left for the Grotto (Cave) of Mary Magdalene in the valley of La St. Baume, close to the village of St. Maximim. Mary Magdalene is the Patron Saint of Provence. The valley is a rich swathe of greens, blues and purples. From the grotto, high on the cliff face, the valley must have been a beautiful view for her many years of contemplation. The cave is also said to be an old site of Isis energies.
On the dawn of the morning of our visit, I felt powerful blasts of red and silver energies from the grotto which were extended to our group from the Elohim to prepare us for the day. We had been told we would also receive Mary Magdalene’s Codes of Ascension from her when we visited. As there were no signs pointing us to the grotto (although everyone seemed to know where it was) we had some interesting stopovers in broken French with some tolerant locals. At the first glimpse of the grotto, VERY high on a vertical cliff face, I felt dismayed and thought it unlikely that I would be able to climb that high. (I hadn’t had time to become THAT fit before leaving). However, fortified by a delicious local lunch, our group set out on a picturesque path through a field and found an old path, well-trodden under a dappled green canopy of leaves and light. The old path helped us along with its horizontal tree roots, rocks and convenient stumps to sit on. The zig-zag pattern helped too. We all made it to the top along with dogs and children. As we puffed along, we were overtaken by a tall, slim, Dominican priest who walked and chatted easily to a companion as naturally as if he was walking on the flat. By now, many hundreds of years after the residence of Mary Magdalene, the site has been used by other contemplative orders and is currently in the care of the Dominican Order, who live beside it and go down the path to take services at the foot of the cliff.
Despite the strong male Catholic presence, the Magdalene energy is strong there for those who wish to make the connection or receive more. Mary Magdalene is a healing connection specially for the wounding of the sacred feminine. Women may feel an arousal and clearing of these energies on the visit to this site. I was surprised on my return home to notice a further opening of my connection to Isis.
Avignon and surrounds
Papal Palace
We left La St. Baume and drove on to Avignon, home of the Popes (1305-78) ‘enemies of the Cathars’. The old inner city is surrounded by ramparts and entrances are prudently narrow.( By now we were expert at driving through any narrow portal or street). Many battles have been fought here and beneath the energies of tourism it is easy to sense the energies of the old wars. The magnificent deep green waters of the Rhone run alongside the old City. The shopping here is very good for tourists, but regretfully for me, I was in an altered state most of the time and didn’t feel like shopping.
We visited the Papal Palace, a huge and awe-inspiring edifice now used for tourist and cultural activities. When our avenue suddenly opened out on the Palace and I experienced the energies radiating from this, I reeled with shock. Nothing had prepared me for this kind of spiritual power here, the force of it or the scale of this radiation which extended for kilometres. However, staying close together as Sekhmet had instructed, under the umbrella of her protection, we entered and explored the building. Here , on a balcony, my soul was given a huge releasing. I felt the deepest of gratitude that this was permitted and I honoured the skills that the Light had brought on my behalf for this complex releasing. It was a momentous occasion.
We visited the Papal Palace, a huge and awe-inspiring edifice now used for tourist and cultural activities. When our avenue suddenly opened out on the Palace and I experienced the energies radiating from this, I reeled with shock. Nothing had prepared me for this kind of spiritual power here, the force of it or the scale of this radiation which extended for kilometres. However, staying close together as Sekhmet had instructed, under the umbrella of her protection, we entered and explored the building. Here , on a balcony, my soul was given a huge releasing. I felt the deepest of gratitude that this was permitted and I honoured the skills that the Light had brought on my behalf for this complex releasing. It was a momentous occasion.
Carcassonne
Turrets of Carcassonne
I left there with mixed feelings and began the the drive to Carcassonne – a stunning , fortified medieval city. Walking into this feels like stepping into a living fairy tale. I was very surprised at the soft cloak of energy over this, still here from Raymond Trencavel, Viscount of Carcassonne, protector of Cathars in his city. I couldn’t help liking him as I felt his energies and smiled as I remembered that not only had he protected Cathars, but Jews and other minorities as well. He refused to persecute and was unpopular with other rulers of his time for this. The Lords and rulers of these southern territories were not keen for their political and religious freedoms to be over-ruled by any Pope or Kings. Later , there were bloody battles here and the Cathar presence was destroyed.
Minerve
Dove of Minerve
From Carcassonne, it is a half day trip to Minerve, an attractive village built of stony brick. This was an important place for us to visit as, regretfully, there had been mass burnings of Cathars here in 1210. We wanted to offer what we could. The Dove of Minerve, a carved outline of a dove in stone dedicated to the Cathars, showed us we were not alone in our sorrow.
Montsegur
Montsegur Castle
We made another half day trip to Montsegur from Carcassonne which was another important highlight for me. As was so often the case in our travels, we found ourselves approaching our goal in a circuitous and stalling manner which we guessed might have mirrored the Cathars approach to a site to gauge their safety. Leaving a site was always straightforward but the repetitive pattern of a circuitous approach was often remarked on.
That morning (at breakfast!) I received a supremely powerful download of frequencies in advance for this visit. My task with Sekhmet was to lift a karmic seal and to release trapped souls. Hence the power of the download. This kind of release has to happen very swiftly so the energies must be very strong.
Montsegur was a very important Cathar site influencing Catharism in the Languedoc for many years. In 1232, it became the seat of the Cathar Church and was therefore an obvious target. The Montsegur Castle where Cathars lived, was seated high on a rocky hill rising upright from the ground. The terrain approaching it was difficult. All supplies needed to be brought in. In 1244, after a long siege, over 200 Cathars came down from the Castle, refused to recant and were burnt at the foot of the hill. This was the end of the widespread practice of Catharism in the Languedoc.
We wished to take our own photos of Montsegur castle but clouds had covered this for the day . However, as we spoke our wish for this, miraculously the clouds parted twice, we took our photos and the clouds closed again.
That morning (at breakfast!) I received a supremely powerful download of frequencies in advance for this visit. My task with Sekhmet was to lift a karmic seal and to release trapped souls. Hence the power of the download. This kind of release has to happen very swiftly so the energies must be very strong.
Montsegur was a very important Cathar site influencing Catharism in the Languedoc for many years. In 1232, it became the seat of the Cathar Church and was therefore an obvious target. The Montsegur Castle where Cathars lived, was seated high on a rocky hill rising upright from the ground. The terrain approaching it was difficult. All supplies needed to be brought in. In 1244, after a long siege, over 200 Cathars came down from the Castle, refused to recant and were burnt at the foot of the hill. This was the end of the widespread practice of Catharism in the Languedoc.
We wished to take our own photos of Montsegur castle but clouds had covered this for the day . However, as we spoke our wish for this, miraculously the clouds parted twice, we took our photos and the clouds closed again.
Cathar Alter
Cathar Altar
We arrived in rain close to a small flat area just above the village . I knew it immediately. This was the place. I felt very charged with Sekhmet’s energies and very ready to perform this spiritual task. A muddy path led up to an altar dedicated to the Cathars and continued on. Perhaps it led to the castle. People had laid a few simple roses on the altar as they passed. This simple offering to people who died over 700 years ago spoke poignantly to me. The Cathars still touched people. People stopped coming along the path; Sekhmet and I moved up and stepped away to the right. The Seal was lifted and delivered swiftly and as expected, souls rose and spiralled up and out to a further realm. This felt wonderful to do and to witness. I felt the need to stay in surrender at the altar to the heavenly energies of the Elohim, Mother Mary and a composite of spiritual energies. The heavenliness of the energies was beyond expression as was the response from my own soul.
Albi
St Cecilia Cathedral
We drove on thoughtfully to Albi, to see the huge Cathedral of St. Cecilia which was built to celebrate the vanquishing of the Cathars. In a lesser way, but similar to the Papal Palace, the energies of the Cathedral radiate throughout the city. At each side of the altar is a mural depicting persecution of the Cathars. It stands as an enduring monument to religious persecution and to the pervading difficulties in the consciousness of these times.
Lourdes
Rosary Basilica
From Albi we travelled to Lourdes, a beautiful healing place to end the Tour. As we approached Lourdes, we could see the mystical almost ethereal Pyrennees mountains. People had suggested we might experience much sickness energy but this was not my experience. Lady Mary’s energies were stronger than any other energies here. People were happy, excited and friendly. The atmosphere was joyful. Energies were high and lifted with a vibrant expectancy of healing and connection to Mother Mary. The devotion, love and hope was almost palpable. This was a place of glimpsing into another’s soul open with it’s hopes and dreams. I saw small bands of devoted pilgrims triumphantly holding their banners high, their home country embroidered on this. Some pilgrims carried candles several feet long to continue burning long after they had returned to their home. Our hotel was close to the Sanctuaries and at night we could enjoy hymns such as Ave Maria coming over the loud speaker.
The healing at the Baths of Sacred Waters was very special. As the tour group passed through the doorways, I stayed outside anchoring energy for them and watching their healing activations begin. My own healing was different. As I waited outside, I felt an older consciousness of mine, a French Catholic Bishop come forward who then received several healings which went in very deeply. I could feel the depth of his love for his country, people and religion and his joy at this reconnection to these energies. Wonderful!
The Rosary Basilica, very beautiful inside is a spiritually powerful place. Outside there are also seats for the ill who may wish to meditate in front of an alcove of paintings. The Procession and Vigil to the Lady Mary in the evening was very moving. Hundreds of people lined the stairs and balconies of the Basilica with candles. A great avenue in front of the Basilica was filled with what seemed like thousands of pilgrims holding candles and responding to the Mass coming over the loud speakers. At the head of the Procession was a glowing and translucent statue of the Lady Mary. I felt my connection with her was strengthened through this and has continued since my return home.
The healing at the Baths of Sacred Waters was very special. As the tour group passed through the doorways, I stayed outside anchoring energy for them and watching their healing activations begin. My own healing was different. As I waited outside, I felt an older consciousness of mine, a French Catholic Bishop come forward who then received several healings which went in very deeply. I could feel the depth of his love for his country, people and religion and his joy at this reconnection to these energies. Wonderful!
The Rosary Basilica, very beautiful inside is a spiritually powerful place. Outside there are also seats for the ill who may wish to meditate in front of an alcove of paintings. The Procession and Vigil to the Lady Mary in the evening was very moving. Hundreds of people lined the stairs and balconies of the Basilica with candles. A great avenue in front of the Basilica was filled with what seemed like thousands of pilgrims holding candles and responding to the Mass coming over the loud speakers. At the head of the Procession was a glowing and translucent statue of the Lady Mary. I felt my connection with her was strengthened through this and has continued since my return home.
Final words
Was the journey worth it? Most definitely. A highlight of my life. In my opinion Sekhmet fully delivered. Healing and changes continue to come in and I expect this to continue for a long time. There is much to process and celebrate. Many souls also participated in the journey, who did not physically come, which is a joy for me. My deepest gratitude to you, Sekhmet, for your Mastery of this event, and to all Masters and all Light who assisted us.