Sacred Scotland
September 21-27, 2024
Hosted by Denise Meinster
There are the raw places that beckon an unwinding, a stripping away, a journey to the core of oneself… Scotland’s islands are some of those places. For eons, the wind and sea have carved a landscape that invites the soul traveler to dive deep into the essence of themselves for the potential of renovation.
As one of the most untouched regions in the western world, Scotland has retained much of its mythical past. From Rosslyn Chapel to the magical island of Iona, it still feels “untouristed” and pure. On our 2024 journey to Sacred Scotland, you will be guided to this land’s most sacred ancient sites, as we follow in the footsteps of the Celtic initiates, those who entered the Fairy Realms, and many more legendary and historical figures.
The message from the Sidhe (fairy realm) is this: “We are the Shidhe… We protect the lands that you are desiring to visit. We go by many names and we wish to communicate with you who are called to visit.
Those ancient rocks have seen many tides and have had many visitors, but few who wish to truly commune with them and receive their wisdom. We do not wish for you to get carried away in fantasy about this connection – it is very real and simple. There is knowledge buried everywhere, not just in those islands. But because of the remoteness of those lands, the knowledge there is somewhat more available. We will unlock the powerful places for you if you will make every attempt to enrich that land with your loving hearts.
There may be mystical events that occur, but that remains to be seen. It would be wise to prepare as if you were moving to an altar and stripping yourself clean of all debris so you may enter each site cleanly. Think of this as a great cleansing journey and opportunity for the mighty winds that blow from the sea to wipe the spirit free of all debris, down to the essence of each one…”
Please consider joining Denise on this quest for pure gnosis, as we commune with the sweeping vistas and standing stones to receive their memories and wisdom. As oracles, we will offer transmissions and guidance as it arrives spontaneously, and we will encourage you to do the same!
Along the way we will have moments to reflect, relax and remember in some of the most iconic locations of the Scottish Isles and mainland.
Your Leaders on the Journey
Denise Meinster – Your Host
A message from Denise:
“I would be honored if you would join me in celebration of our friendship for an enlightening week of discovery gathering as a spirited circle of women who are willing to take a little journey of the soul and experience the magical mysteries of the Scotland highlands. I hope to encounter inspiration, love, truth, beauty, wisdom, and much laughter while enjoying all kinds of spirits, both natural and man-made!”
Jamie George – Your Expert Guide
Director of Gothic Image Tours, Jamie has been taking spiritual pilgrims on tours since the mid 1980s. “It’s been an honour to journey with so many interesting and inspiring people, helping them tune in to the history, mystery and magic of ancient sacred places, where every site has a story to tell. I imagine myself coming there for the first time, and if you put yourself in that position, all kinds of things can open up. For me, it’s a dance between memory and revelation. Some of the most memorable times are those when we’re just having fun. I look forward to warmly welcoming you to this magical land.”
Your Tour Includes:
- 6 nights accommodations in 4-star and quaint local hotels
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Daily breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- Guided sightseeing including entrance fees
- Coach & ferry transportation throughout Scotland
- Fully escorted throughout
SCOTLAND TOUR ITINERARY
A special day as we celebrate the Fall Equinox with a journey to Clava Cairns, the site of an exceptionally well-preserved group of prehistoric burial cairns that were built about 4,000 years ago. Here we hold a Druid ceremony to celebrate Mabon, the festival that ushers in the cycle of fall. In the afternoon we drive to Rosemarkie on the Black Isle where we follow a stream through an enchanted wooded glen with two beautiful waterfalls. The Fairy Glen was once the scene of a well-dressing ceremony, where the children of the village decorated a pool next to a spring with flowers. This was said to ensure that the fairies kept the water supply clean. We return to our Inverness hotel for dinner on our own.Day 3- Monday, September 23: To Oban (B/D)
We depart this morning for Oban, stopping along the way at Loch Ness, and Glencoe where parts of the ancient Caledonian Forest can be found. Here, according to legend, Merlin ran wild for 30 years after a battle where the last Pagan king of Britain and all of Merlin’s friends and relations were slaughtered. In the Druid tradition, Merlin is both Magician and Hermit, so here, in a ceremony, we will invoke these two aspects of ourselves. We travel through some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland to our overnight stay and dinner in Oban.
Early morning departure as we take the ferry to the island of Mull and then to the sacred island of Iona. Here is an island of dreams – a place that, as Fiona Macleod described, “None can understand who do not see it through its pagan light, its Christian light, its singular blending of paganism and romance and spiritual beauty.” Weather permitting, Jamie leads an optional walk to the ruins of a stone cell built by a devout hermit – a great place to sit for a while and ponder life’s mysteries. After checking into our hotel, and weather permitting, take an optional boat trip to the uninhabited island of Staffa with the famous Fingal’s Cave. After lunch on our own we can visit Iona’s famous abbey, the holy mountain of the druids – Dun I with its holy well – the ancient St Oran’s chapel and the 12th century nunnery. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Day 5 – Wednesday, September 25: To Edinburgh (B)
This morning transfer back to your ferry at the pier in Iona for a departure to Fionnphort which will take about 15 minutes. Then a 1½ hour ride back to Craignure on the Isle of Mull and the ferry back to Oban. Lunch and shopping in Oban, and from there it’s on to Edinburgh, where you have the balance of the day and evening to explore on your own. Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 6 – Thursday, September 26: In Edinburgh (B)
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, it’s off to magical Rosslyn Chapel, which has been featured in a number of books such as The Da Vinci Code. Lunch on our own in Rosslyn. In the afternoon, you’ll explore Edinburgh, making your way up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle. Return to our hotel about 4pm. For those who still have the energy, you can take a 20 minute walk to Holyrood Palace for an optional visit. Overnight in Edinburgh.
Hotels or similar:
- Inverness: The AC Marriott Hotel, 2 nights
- Oban: The Columba Hotel, 1 night
- Iona: St Columba Hotel, 1 night
- Edinburgh: Kimpton Charlotte Square, 2 nights
Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program.
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. These discounted prices are noted in red.
*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
Body Mind Spirit Journeys now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)
PRICING
9-10 Participants
Per Person Double Occupancy $3,899 by check, $4,099 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy $4,988 by check, $5,249 by credit card
6-8 Participants
Per Person Double Occupancy $3,999 by check, $4,199 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy $5,089 by check, $5,349 by credit card
Note: Invoicing will be processed on the 9-10 participants and if below that number, there will be a shortfall supplement for the difference
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
FIRST NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour)
Per Person: $750 by check or money order, $800 by credit card
FINAL PAYMENT
BALANCE for payments is due on or before July 21, 2024 as per your invoice.
There are a limited number of rooms and configurations available. If you are willing to share a room, please let us know and we will do our best to match you up with a roommate with advanced introductions.
After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit, debit card or PayPal.
If you have already registered online and require access to the PayPal 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 for U.S. residents, 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.
*No Payments + No Interest if paid in full in 6 months. Click here for details.
Photo credits:
Clava Cairns: Elliott Simpson / Clava Cairns – Bronze Age monuments
Rosslyn Chapel: אמפל, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
