Nancy Auspelmyer & Body Mind Spirit Journeys
Present
ROSE OF SOPHIA JOURNEY
Into the Heart of the Merkaba
in the South of France
Hosted by Nancy Auspelmyer
October 24 to November 4, 2017
Join Nancy on this all-important journey to the South of France on a quest for the Divine Feminine at the Heart of the Merkaba. Step into a land where truth is spoken in whispers and learn to see with the eyes of the heart on this pilgrimage deep into Cathar Country and the Magdalene mysteries. How does the Merkaba resonate in this part of the world, and what does it have to do with messages left behind by the Magdalene?
Our journey begins in the beautiful Langedoc region, exploring sacred sites and landscapes, rich with history but enshrouded in mystery and secrets that have been kept for hundreds of years. We will be visiting many sites where Mary Magdalene, the Knights Templar, and the Cathars walked before us, leaving clues for those with an open heart and willing spirit.
Our pilgrimage takes us in exploration of the myths, the mysteries, and the secrets encoded in places like Rennes-les-Chateau, Notre Dame de Marceille, Alet-les-Bains, Montsegur, Cite de Carcassonne, Puilaurens Castle, and the hermitage at Galamus.
Each step of the way, we will invoke the Divine Feminine to guide us so that we might explore the heart of the Divine and learn to become effective instruments of Peace and Harmony to restore much needed balance in our inner and outer worlds.
And along the way, don’t be surprised if some magic happens!
“What matters most on your journey is how deeply you see, how attentively you hear, how richly the encounters are felt in your heart and soul.” – Phil Cousineau
YOUR HOST: Nancy Auspelmyer
Nancy Auspelmyer is a writer, astrologer, teacher, and intuitive life journey guide, exploring Soul’s landscape in our quest for healing and wholeness. A life-long journeyer on the trail of truth, she leads group travel opportunities to sacred places, sharing stories and insight about the myths and ancient truths that lay submerged beneath the surface of contemporary awareness and their relevance in our lives today. Her unique and innovative approach to the relevance of the Merkaba in our individual and collective evolution is the subject of her most recent work.
TOUR INCLUDES
– 11-nights hotels accommodations in First Class hotels and Chateaux
– Hotel service charges and taxes
– Breakfast every day
– 5 lunches
– 8 Dinners
– Services of English-speaking local tour guides throughout
– Sightseeing as per itinerary
– Sightseeing entrance fees
– Plus: Inclusion in BMSJ’s $1,000,000 Per Person Errors & omission insurance protection
SPECIAL FEATURES
– Visit the local outdoor market in Esperaza
– Ice cream and an optional hike to Hermitage at Gorge de Galamus
– Visit the house where it’s believed Nostradamus lived
– Visit the Grotto in Arques
– Stop at the Fountain of Fontestorbes
– The Labyrinthe Vert de Nebias
– Visit the St Maximin Basilica
– Visit the cavern cathedral at Ste Baume
Featured Hotels or similar:
Carcassone – Hotel Le Donjon (1 night)
Couiza – Castle Hotel Le Chateau des Ducs de Joyeuse (5 nights)
Quillan – Hotel La Chaumiere (2 nights)
Arles – Hotel Musee (1 night)
Saint- Maximin-la-Sainte Baume – Hotel Couvent Royal (2 nights)
ITINERARY
Day 1, Tuesday, October 24: Arrival in Toulouse and onto Carcassonne (D)
Our adventure begins today in the Languedoc, the Cathar region in the South of France, as we meet up at the Toulouse airport for our transfer to our hotel in Carcassonne. Please arrive at the airport no later than 11am. At the hotel, we will gather briefly for a meet and greet before settling into our rooms for a rest or wandering the cobbled streets before gathering again for dinner.
Day 2, Wednesday, October 25: In Carcassonne, Limoux and onto Couiza (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and begin our exploration of the medieval city of Carcassonne together. We’ll have free time to roam, explore the ramparts, and do some medieval shopping before gathering for lunch for some medieval fare. In the afternoon, we make our way to the ancient 8th century fortified Abbey of Saint Hilaire, nestled midway between Limoux and Carcassonne. Here, we will have some free time to explore before heading to Limoux. In Limoux, we visit the unique energies of Notre-Dame-de Marceille, an easy walk just north of the town Centre. Philip Coppens’ book, The Secret Vault, explored the discovery of the underground network surrounding the church, once the haven of a Greco-Roman Oracle. The site was a place of worship for the Cathars as recently as the early 14th century and the entire church is full of mystery. Outside, we even find a healing well, purported to have special powers. At day’s end, we head back to our hotel for your overnight and dinner on our own.
Day 3, Thursday, October 26: In Couiza. Visit to Esperaza & Rennes-les-Bains (B)
Today we visit the town of Esperaza, where the local outdoor market takes over the village. It’s a fabulous tradition, and we will stroll the stalls in search of unique local goodies, souvenirs, and gifts. Then, we’re off to Rennes-les-Bains this afternoon to visit the hot springs among other interesting sites, including the waters of Benitier, the Baptismal Font. Rennes-les-Bains, a tiny town in a mountain cleft in the Corbières mountains of Languedoc, is not just another Rennes at the foot of the famous Rennes-le-Chateau. It is a town of mysteries, partially as a result of the friendship of the priest, Henri Boudet, with the priest of Rennes-le-Château, Bérenger Saunière, in the late 19th century. We will have dinner on our own tonight in Rennes-le-Chateau before heading back to our hotel.
Day 4, Friday, October 27: In Couiza. Excursion to Rennes-le-Chateau (B/L/D)
Our focus today is the mystery of Rennes-le-Château. This small village is at the origin of so many mysteries and books, including The DaVinci Code and The Expected One. Before we enter the domain of the mysterious priest of Rennes le Chateau, Berenger Saunière, wefirst explore the town to understand the perspective of the treasure hunters and what they were looking for, including the encoded church dedicated to Mary Magdalene. After lunch, we see the village from an entirely new perspective: this was a “doorway to heaven”, a magical place, a portal to a new world – and to personal and universal transformation. We will head back to the hotel, stopping for dinner along the way to discuss our thoughts and revelations so far.
Day 5, Sat, Oct. 28: In Couiza. To Alet-les-Bains & Le Hameau de St Salvayre (B/L/D)
This morning we are heading to the magical medieval village of Alet-les-Bains, known to the ancients as “The Chosen Place.” We will visit the encoded church with its mysterious Black Madonna and its gorgeous windows. On the edge of the town square we will see the house where it is believed Nostradamus once lived as a child. It was thought to have been a “safe house” for the wisdom keepers. We’ll walk to the Angel Gallery, a special and magical environment, exemplifying art and spirit. People are very moved by the energies here. On our return to our hotel, if we have time, we will make a brief stop In Le Hameau de Saint Salvayre, a tiny hamlet a short distance away, to see a pretty little chapel dating from the twelfth century. There is also a prehistoric standing stone here, referred to as a Druid stone. We will stop for dinner along the way.
Day 6, Sunday, October 29: In Couiza. To Campagne-les Bains & Quillan (B)
We’re heading to some places shrouded in mystery today. First, we will travel to Arques and the vestiges of a Cathar castle there before heading to the Grotto. This natural and important location is a perfect place for toning, and we will be exploring its relationship to the others we have already visited. Nearby, closer to Serres than Arques, we will visit Poussin’s Tomb, part of the mystery in the landscape that Berenger Sauniere hid. Nicholas Poussin’s famous painting points to a coverup, and is said to be central to the mystery of Rennes-le-Chateau. Could this be the resting place of Mary Magdalene or a marker pointing to it? In Serres, a Templar village, we’ll take a breather, have some lunch, and some free time to roam, before heading to our hotel and dinner on our own.
Day 7, Monday, October 30: To Campagne-les Bains & Quillan (B/D)
We check out of our hotel this morning as we begin another day of our adventure. We have a special day on tap for us beginning in Campagne-les-Bains, a mineral rich spring, flowing with healing waters. From here, a beautiful drive leads us to the idyllic castle of Puilaurens, one of the Cathar Castles found throughout the Languedoc. A rather steep hike takes us to the ruins of the castle. We are then off to Gorges de Galamus, and a special visit to the hermitage there. They each hold secrets and mysteries for us to explore. If we have time, we will drive to Bugarach for a visit to Bugarach Church on our way to our new hotel in Quillan where we will have dinner together before enjoying the rest of the evening on our own.
Day 8, Tuesday, October 31: In Quillan (B/D)
We are headed to Montsegur this morning, legendary home to the last of the Cathars, but first, on our way, we will stop at the intermittent spring called the Fountain of Fontestorbes, a natural wonder, attributed with magical or divine powers. Then, it’s on to Montségur, the eternal symbol of Catharism. Though Montségur’s ascent might seem difficult, it is a pilgrimage worth attempting, a crowning achievement. After our time on the Holy Mountain, we will descend to the village of Montsegur for lunch and briefly visit the two Black Madonnas, which reside in the very special village church there before heading to Nebias, where more mystery awaits us. Hidden in the small village of Nebias, we find the Labyrinthe Vert de Nebias, a mysterious maze of limestone, roots, and moss, and the source of many local legends. Along the path, we enter the land of legends, with natural wonders like “the squid oak,” “the harp fir tree,” “the fairy’s den,” “the witch’s rock,” and “the ringed rock”. By day’s end, we head back to our hotel to enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening on our own.
Day 9, Wednesday, November 1: To Arles (B/L)
Today we have an early start, checking out of our hotel to begin our journey away from the Languedoc toward Provence to discover more about Mary Magdalene, from her arrival in France through the end of her life. Our first stop today will be in Tarascon, where Martha, Mary Magdalene’s sister, lived and preached. The name of the village comes from the legendary monster, The Tarasque that lived in the Rhone River and terrorized the local community – until Martha tamed it with love and prayer. After lunch, we view the Good King René d’Anjou’s castle, across the street from the cathedral. The castle is not only beautiful, but it also highlights how this king was solemnly devoted to the cult of the Magdalene. He played a central role in her worship in medieval times and was the force behind the excavations at Saintes Maries de la Mer. After lunch, we visit Good King René d’Anjou’s castle, across the street from the cathedral. The castle is not only beautiful, but it also highlights how this king was solemnly devoted to the cult of the Magdalene. He played a central role in her worship in medieval times and was the force behind the excavations at Saintes Maries de la Mer.
Day 10, Thurs, Nov. 2: To Stes-Maries-de-le-Mer & Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte Baume (B/D)
This morning, checking out of our hotel, we head first to Ste. Maries-de-la-Mer, the place on the Mediterranean Sea where Mary Magdalene came ashore with some of her family, friends and servants. The town is named after “the Marys” who accompanied Mary Magdalene: Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome. There is a first century stone alter on display in the church here which may be the first Christian alter in the world –used entirely by female disciples.
We visit the St. Maximin Basilica which holds some of her bones and where her skull is enshrined and on display in the crypt in a golden reliquary. This evening we will have dinner together. Overnight in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.
Day 11, Friday, November 3: In Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte Baume (B/D)
After breakfast we are off to Ste Baume to visit the cavern cathedral carved into the top of a mountain. Local legends claim that Mary Magdalene lived here after she came to France and for 30 years until her death. Note the walk is only slightly challenging. Once we reach a certain point, we will continue the climb in silence, making it a reverent walking meditation. We often come away from this mystical encounter with thoughts and insights different from what we might have imagined or expected. We will want to be sure to capture them all! We return to our hotel in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume where we will have our farewell dinner.
Day 12, Saturday, November 4: To Marseilles (B) – Tour ends after breakfast
Breakfast at your leisure as you depart Marseilles airport on your own and your flights home.
Note: Coach will be leaving for the airport at 9 am, so please make your air reservations for flights after 12 noon. If you are departing before 12 noon, information about transportation to the airport will be given with your Registration Confirmation.
Please read the Terms and Conditions of this tour.
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.
Special NO INTEREST Payment Plan Now Available!* Body Mind Spirit Journeys now offers a “BILL ME LATER” Plan with PayPal — No Payments + No Interest if paid in full in 6 months. (Click here for details)
PRICING
Tour – Land Only Costs Per Person, double occupancy:
$3,099 payments via check or money order
$3,269 payments via credit card
Tour – Land Only Costs Per Person, single room occupancy:
$3,999 payments via check or money order
$4,199 payments via credit card
Pre-Paid Gratuities:
$75 ($79 by credit card)
NOTE: The Single Room Supplement applies for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the tour.
ROOMMATES: We will be happy to try to find a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone and would like to share a room. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until four weeks before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If, by that date, we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this process.
Deposit Schedule:
Initial Deposit – due on or before June 1 in order to ensure a place on the tour.
Per Person Double or Single accommodations: $500 by check or money order, $525 by credit card.
Non-Refundable 2nd Payment – due on or before July 11, 2017.
Per Person Double or Single accommodations: $500 by check or money order, $525 by credit card.
Final Payment (final installment due on or before August 22, 2017.
After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or secure online credit or debit card payment.
If you have already registered online and require access to the payment page, click here.
Travel Insurance
As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.
We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.
You should protect your trip investment and yourself in regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.
BMSJ will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
For Flight Assistance and Ticketing
email horstkitzig@peoplepc.com in our air department
*No Payments + No Interest if paid in full in 6 months. Click here for details.